Podcasts about southeast

Photo: Kenai Silver Salmon Derby participants weigh fish during the 2023 derby in Kenai, Alaska. (Courtesy Kenai Silver Salmon Derby) Kenai, Alaska's annual Silver Salmon Derby will not return this year in response to poor silver salmon runs in the Kenai River. The Kenai Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, which hosts the competition each year, announced the decision Thursday, as Ashlyn O’Hara reports. This year's derby was scheduled to happen the second week of September. The annual event is billed as the world's most responsible fishing tournament. That is because it awards prizes based on a fish weight that is closest to a random number instead of awarding the biggest fish caught, which organizers say can incentivize harmful catch-and-release strategies. In the chamber's announcement, executive director Samantha Springer said the decision to cancel the derby was difficult, but aligns with the competition's commitment to responsible fishing. The announcement came the same day the Alaska Department of Fish and Game extended limits on the Kenai River silver salmon sport fishery. Traditionally, the fishery bag limit increases from two large fish to three large fish on September 1. The department is keeping the limit to two fish through the end of November. Like the derby, the department says its decision is due to a below-average silver run. The state says that indicates weak returns to Cook Inlet. Patrick Fowler is a fisheries management coordinator for the state. He says the department does not count the Kenai River's coho run the same way it counts other salmon species, like king and sockeye. Instead, Fowler says they use several data points to determine when a run may be lower than usual. Fowler says the combination of data points suggest this year's silver salmon run is stronger than in 2024, but weaker than last year. In the press release, the chamber says it will consider hosting the 2027 derby earlier in the year. Thursday's announcement comes on the heels of a lackluster sockeye season in the Kenai River, and as the river's king fishery remains closed outright due to poor runs. On August 10, the last day the state counted fish for Kenai River late-run sockeye, a little over a million fish had been counted. That is lower than the cumulative counts for each of the last four years, and about a quarter of how many were counted during last year's record season. Courtesy NCAI The National Congress of American Indians is bringing Tribal leaders together to identify priorities for an upcoming federal consultation on violence against women. NCAI's Violence Against Women Task Force will host two pre-consultation meetings for Tribal leaders and organizations. The meetings will help participants develop talking points and strategies ahead of the U.S. Department of Justice's annual government-to-government consultation with Tribal Nations. That consultation is led by the Office on Violence Against Women and provides Tribal leaders an opportunity to raise concerns and priorities directly with federal officials. NCAI will hold one of its preparatory meetings virtually and another in person at the Tulalip Resort in Washington state. The organization says both will focus on issues Tribal leaders want addressed during the federal consultation. Franklin Masonic Hall where President Andrew Jackson met with Chickasaw delegation in 1830, left, and map of Chickasaw land in Mississippi at the time of the treaty negotiations. (Photo: Skye Marthaler / Wikimedia) And on this day in 1830, Chickasaw leaders signed the Treaty of Franklin with the United States in Tennessee. The agreement called for the Chickasaw Nation to give up its remaining homelands east of the Mississippi River in exchange for suitable territory west of Arkansas, but the agreement allowed Chickasaw representatives to inspect the proposed western lands before relocation. They ultimately determined the land was unsuitable. The treaty was never ratified and became void, but negotiations over Chickasaw lands continued as the United States pursued its policy of removing Native nations from the Southeast. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Monday, August 31, 2026 — Menu: Increasing hurdles and uncertainty put strains on Native beef producers and farmers

We've hit the August doldrums, so Tim is taking the daily pod on a little excursion. The Bulwark community delivered some epic mailbag questions, one of which prompted Sam to make one of the nerdiest confessions ever. Also, Tim and Sam adjust their Cabinet member rankings: Marco is an utter catastrophe, RFK Jr. is failing on all fronts, and Kelly Loeffler is proof that aliens exist. Plus, DeSantis is doing some seemingly dirty dealing down in Florida, ICE arrests are soaring—and here's hoping that Trump's super PAC spends millions on ads for the midterms extolling what a great job he's doing as president.Sam Stein joins Tim Miller.show notes: NYT on the surge in ICE arrests Vanity Fair piece on Lutnick that Tim referenced The Atlantic on Trump's midterms ad campaign Tim's latest 'Take' on Trump's immigration policy Sam's 'Take' from May on the DeSantis Medicaid scandal  Alien Kelly Loeffler video Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets are on sale NOW. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets.

Jesse Malinowski sits down with Annette Stilwell, founder of Stillwell Casting, who has been casting commercials and film in the Southeast since 1980 — and she does not hold back on what actors are getting wrong. From the commercial booking process (hint: five different people have to say yes before you get the job) to what first refusal actually means legally, this episode is the business-side education most actors never get. Find more actor resources and training at Get Scene Studios.Join Our Newsletter:https://getscenestudios.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7660af20fdb3c04d6b6516591&id=eecb804958Join our Patreon!⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/GetScenePod⁠Get Your Ticket For Our Virtual Summit!https://www.getscenestudios.com/virtual-actors-summit

Here's a question I want you to think about before you hit play. When was the last time you felt like the work you were doing actually mattered? Not mattered as in the numbers went up or the boss was happy. Mattered in that way where you finished a day and felt genuinely full rather than just done. Most of us have forgotten what that feels like. Or maybe we never had it to begin with. This conversation goes deep on that. My guest Joe Fusco and I got into what actually makes a company great, why people don't fit in a spreadsheet no matter how hard we try to make them, and what it really means to lead in a way that brings out the best in the people around you. We talked about AI coming for the people business, why capitalism is at an inflection point, and an analogy involving Newtonian versus quantum physics that completely reframed the way I think about connection and networking. And then we got into retirement, which in Joe's world looks nothing like what most people picture. It's less about slowing down and more about finally having the freedom to point everything you've built toward something that actually matters to you. This one's a slow burn in the best possible way. Stay with it. More About the Guest For 28 years until his retirement in 2022, Joe Fusco was a senior executive with a publicly-traded mid-cap company, where he served as an advisor to the chairman and CEO. Joe has spoken frequently to companies and organizations on leadership, organizational culture, business and cultural trends, and business strategy and sustainability. He's been engaged as a speaker by groups and companies such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Credit Union National Association, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Telecommunications Association of the Southeast. He is currently the co-host of "Retirement Unscripted," a regular series of conversations exploring the design of that next stage of life through a lens of freedom, creativity, wisdom, and identity. Joe is on the board of Internality, a non-profit corporation dedicated to engaging an expanding coalition of business leaders, academics, and other key stakeholders in catalyzing a systemic rework of how business is conducted and how the economy works. He is also an advisor and teacher in the University of Vermont's top-ranked Sustainable Innovation MBA program, and advises senior executives on leadership, culture, and strategy in an array of industries from hospitality to clean energy. Joe lives in Chittenden, Vermont with his wife, Renae. They are the parents of five grown children. Ripple with Joe Fusco LinkedIn Tune in to Retirement Unscripted Catch Joe Fusco's Graduation Ripple sessions in The Pond community. More About the Host Steve Harper is the founder of Ripple Central and host of The Ripple Effect Podcast, where he explores what it really takes to build authentic, meaningful relationships. He also owns Owner Insite, a construction project management software company. Steve runs The Pond, a community built around intentional connection and 8-Minute Ripple events. Ripple with Steve Harper: Instagram Facebook X

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Canada flat-out rejected Trump's terms in trade talks, so now it looks like we are going to have a trade war with our friends in the Great White North. Sorry, Maine. Sorry, bourbon industry. And in MAGA farm country, ranchers are furious that POTUS is increasing beef imports free of tariffs. Even Tom Cotton has dared to question Trump's move. And on the other side of the aisle, Democrats should maximize their attacks on ICE, the midterms are looking wave-ish, and Hakeem should explain why he would have a conversation with Kushner that did not involve a subpoena. Plus: the Iran war has been a strategic loss for the U.S., Trump's summer 250 celebrations were a bust, Lindsey's sister is an empty vessel, and hater Enes Kanter's campaign against the WNBA is gross and disgusting.Bill Kristol joins Tim Miller.show notes: Lauren's piece on Roy Cooper Tim's latest crazy, stupid Republicans ‘Take.' This time: Andy Biggs Bob Kagan on “Iran Unleashed” Katie Britt's contact page for Venezuelan detainees Freddys Revilla and Edgarianny Gervis Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets are on sale NOW. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets. Head to https://forkfulmeals.com/thebulwark for 50% off your first order today!

In this episode of the Financial Survival Network, host Kerry Lutz sits down with wealth advisor Ted Thatcher to analyze the latest macroeconomic data and its direct impact on monetary policy. With recent inflation prints showing a year-over-year CPI of 3.4% and core inflation rising slightly due to spikes in healthcare and transportation costs, the duo unpacks why the Federal Reserve is likely off the path of future rate hikes. Despite minor softening in labor market participation and public sector job shifts, Thatcher argues that strong Q2 corporate earnings and high profit margins paint an overall bullish picture for equity investors while keeping central bank expectations firmly grounded. Beyond standard market metrics, the conversation dives into unique economic indicators, geopolitical dynamics, and regional market shifts. Host Kerry Lutz introduces his tongue-in-cheek "Palm Beach Trophy Wife Index" as a gauge for high-net-worth consumer sentiment, contrasting main street trends with luxury spending and labor supply. The discussion also touches on global energy markets, US crude production economics, and undertracked geopolitical catalysts like energy infrastructure bypasses in the Middle East and the economic implications of ongoing developments in Cuba for Florida and the broader Southeast logistics corridor. Find Ted here: https://www.brightlakewealth.com Find Kerry here:  https://khlfsn.substack.com and here: https://inflation.cafe    All Kerry's books are available here:  Amazon Bookstore  

In this episode, we kick things off at the Texas border, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers uncovered a massive narcotics smuggling operation hiding in plain sight. On August eleventh at the Roma International Bridge, CBP officers directed a tractor-trailer arriving from Mexico to secondary inspection after it declared a routine commercial detergent shipment. Using nonintrusive inspection equipment and a canine team, authorities discovered over 1,000 pounds of suspected methamphetamine concealed within the detergent load, with a staggering street value exceeding $9.57 million. Port Director Andres Guerra credited advanced technology and frontline vigilance with identifying the contraband in what appeared to be routine freight. Next, we explore the intermodal sector, where RoadOne IntermodaLogistics is aggressively expanding its Port of Charleston footprint through strategic acquisition. The Randolph, Massachusetts-based provider announced it has acquired Higgins Transport Service, a Charleston-based drayage and intermodal provider, adding fifteen drivers and critical capacity to serve the Southeastern market. RoadOne recently opened a massive 384,000-square-foot facility in Summerville, South Carolina, and plans to add another 279,700-square-foot warehouse on the 100-acre property next year to support its growing Southeast global trade corridor operations. Finally, we break down major leadership upheaval rocking the trucking industry's most prominent trade organization as Chris Spear departs as president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, effective immediately. Spear had recently observed his ten-year anniversary in the role and was just beginning an extension of his contract—a five-year deal signed in 2021 was extended in 2024 until 2029. ATA chairman Greg Hodgen said a search has begun to identify the organization's next leader, while assuring members that ATA remains strong, focused, and fully engaged in delivering results. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melania had to come out of hiding and practice her English after days of embarrassing coverage of Trump aide Natalie Harp. And now Harp's newly released gushing notes to POTUS show unparalleled devotion to him. But they also hint at an abusive relationship built around trying to manage his easily-wounded ego with fantasy-grade good news stories. Meanwhile, Michael Cohen reminded everyone that he is a pathetic little lapdog. Plus: Trump is running the country like a socialist, he's driving up the debt to dangerous levels, he seems determined to muck with the midterms—and the ‘orange man bad' resistance has been right all along.George Conway joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.show notes: Two of Natalie's love notes to Trump JVL on the 'human printer' Tim's interview with Julia Curlee Tim's interview with David Wallace-Wells  Katie Britt's contact page for Venezuelan detainees Freddys Revilla and Edgarianny Gervis Tim's playlistBulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets are on sale NOW. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets.

Two chefs. Two friends. One of them is getting ready to leave Florida and begin a new chapter. Chefs David Reyes and Nelly Buleje join Walk-In Talk for a conversation about something that goes far beyond what happens on the plate: mental health in the kitchen, camaraderie, and what it really means to show up for the people beside you. With Nelly preparing to move to North Carolina, the two friends look back at how their relationship developed through the industry, the pressures chefs often carry without talking about them, and why having people who recognize when you're not okay can matter as much as anything you learn in a kitchen. Of course, we still cook. Both chefs put their own spin on Crab Island Seafood Dip. David creates fried taquitos featuring Mexican Street Corn Crab Dip and shrimp, with salsa falsa, mole amarillo, salsa macha, charred corn, pickled onion and cilantro. Nelly brings his culinary perspective to a Causa à la Limeña featuring Crab Rangoon Dip, crab, avocado, pickled onion, quail egg, ají ricoto and olives. It's part farewell, part celebration and a conversation about the friendships this industry creates—and how those relationships can continue long after two chefs stop sharing the same kitchen or the same city. The Companies Helping Shape Hospitality Metro Foodservice Solutions - Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems that help professional kitchens operate efficiently. RAK Porcelain USA - Professional tableware built for performance, durability, and presentation at the highest level. TriMark USA - North America's largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider, helping operators build smarter, more efficient kitchens. Testo North America - Precision measurement and food safety solutions designed for professional hospitality operations. Crab Island Seafood - Florida-based manufacturer of premium seafood dips and spreads inspired by coastal flavors. Citrus America - Commercial juicing solutions delivering consistency, speed, and quality to foodservice operators. Cahaba Club – Growing exceptional herbs, edible flowers, and specialty produce that bring fresh flavor and vibrant presentation to our studio kitchen. Shogun Farms - produces premium Florida wild boar through ethical sourcing, humane raising, and a natural feeding program that delivers exceptional flavor from farm to table. Walk-In Talk Media proudly supports organizations making a measurable impact on hospitality professionals and communities across North America and beyond. Operation BBQ Relief - Disaster response through hot meals served by culinary volunteers across the country. Sustainable Supperclub - Community driven dining experiences focused on sustainability, food access, and social impact. The Burnt Chef Project North America – Supporting mental health awareness and wellbeing throughout the hospitality industry.   Industry Events & Media Partnerships Florida Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner delivering on-site coverage of operators, suppliers, chefs, and hospitality innovation throughout the Southeast.  New York Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner highlighting the people, products, and stories shaping hospitality across the Northeast.  California Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner covering West Coast hospitality innovation, culinary trends, and foodservice leadership.  Pizza Tomorrow Summit - Official Media Partner covering the latest innovations, leadership, and growth in the pizza industry.  U.S. Culinary Open -Official Media Partner documenting one of America's premier live culinary competitions and the chefs competing at the highest level.  Creative Loafing Tampa Bay - Regional media partner sharing stories from the people, restaurants, and events shaping Tampa Bay's hospitality community. About Walk-In Talk Media Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.  Through cinematic video, photography, podcasting, documentaries, and live event coverage, Walk-In Talk Media highlights the chefs, operators, brands, and organizations shaping the future of hospitality.  From Michelin-starred chefs and independent restaurants to manufacturers, distributors, and industry associations, Walk-In Talk Media exists to tell the stories moving hospitality forward.      

Amy.Painter@mymilkbank.org | Website: MyMilkBank.org Key TakeawaysDonor human milk is medicine, not merely nutrition—it clinically reduces serious complications in preterm infants and serves as a critical bridge when mothers' own milk is unavailable or delayed.Financial barriers should never prevent access to donor milk; organizations must implement sliding-scale fees and seek philanthropic support to ensure equitable access across all socioeconomic levels.Donor screening and collection processes must prioritize convenience and flexibility—offering seven-day availability and flexible scheduling increases participation and expands the milk supply available to vulnerable infants.Milk banking requires rigorous safety protocols including health verification, lab work, pasteurization, and third-party bacteriological screening to ensure a safe, regulated product for vulnerable populations.Strategic partnerships with healthcare facilities, community organizations, and philanthropic donors are essential to sustain and expand milk banking services across regional and multi-state networks.Quotable Moments"For premature and medically vulnerable infants, donor milk is more than just nutrition, it's medicine.""Up to 60% of moms that have babies in the NICU do not have enough milk to provide to their baby. And so that's where donor milk plays such a key part in providing a bridge and a safe bridge as a viable source of nutrition.""We never want, as I said, for families to not be able to access milk because of financial situations.""Having donor human milk in well-baby nurseries promotes breastfeeding. It has been shown to improve breastfeeding rates moms are able to breastfeed longer because they're able to establish their supply.""Everyone's familiar with blood banking and understands its impact, but very few people understand what milk banking is about and our impact."No content or comments made in any TIPQC Healthy Mom Healthy Baby Podcast is intended to be comprehensive or medical advice. Neither healthcare providers nor patients should rely on TIPQC's Podcasts in determining the best practices for any particular patient. Additionally, standards and practices in medicine change as new information and data become available and the individual medical professional should consult a variety of sources in making clinical decisions for individual patients. TIPQC undertakes no duty to update or revise any particular Podcast. It is the responsibility of the treating physician or health care professional, relying on independent experience and knowledge of the patient, to determine appropriate treatment.

Mark the summer of 2026 as the moment when an unlikely supermajority of Americans came together on one issue: their opposition to data centers. This new, big, messy coalition spans the political spectrum and is rooted in a fear that the sociopaths of Silicon Valley will determine the future of our lives, our communities, and our economic prospects. And (most) politicians have noticed which way the wind is blowing. Plus: Carbon emissions are getting better but the planet is still getting warmer, the coming El Niño may be the strongest ever, and ICE arrests are dramatically up because Stephen Miller is siccing agents on immigrants who are following the rules.The New York Times' David Wallace-Wells joins Tim Miller.show notes: David's recent newsletter on keeping the world safe from AI David on Trump's deportation machine ramping up Derek Thompson's recent "Plain English" pod on AI that Tim referenced Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Bulwark+ members get early access via our presale NOW. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets.

On the night of Sept. 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene dropped a historic wall of rain on the southern Appalachian mountains.Some 31 inches of water fell in three days. The Swannanoa River rose 27 feet. Roads, bridges, and entire communities – very little was left in the storm's aftermath.  More than 250 people died across the Southeast. More than a hundred of them in North Carolina alone. It was the deadliest hurricane to hit the continental United States since Katrina.We check in on how much western North Carolina has rebuilt in the nearly two years since the storm. And how far it still has to go. Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Andrew Weissmann joins Sarah Longwell to discuss the Trump administration's move to erase corporate ownership records, the latest developments in the Fauci investigation, how a bizarre election controversy in Alaska led to a DOJ investigation, and what Democrats still need to learn about persuasion in the Trump era.Ready to reach your weight-loss goals? Visit https://www.forhers.com/illegalnews to get personalized, affordable care that gets you.Upgrade your everyday with Quince and get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns at https://www.quince.com/IILEGALNEWS.Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order with code ILLEGALNEWS at https://laundrysauce.com/ILLEGALNEWS #laundrysaucepod #adBulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Paid members of the Bulwark members get early access via our presale NOW. Head to https://www.thebulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets.

Join an active community of RE investors here: https://linktr.ee/gabepetersen

When Trump came back into power, his administration leaned heavily on former CIA analyst Julia Curlee to help safeguard our national security. The first CIA officer to transition openly, Curlee had worked at the highest levels in the White House for years. But once her gender identity became public through a witch hunt, she was hounded out. Curlee talks with Tim about the chaos of Trump's slash-and-burn firings, the administration's demonizing of trans people, and how Mike Pence treated her with dignity and respect when she was his personal briefer. Plus: The 19th's Errin Haines joins to discuss the Florida primaries, the Dems' prospects in the South, the real backlash against the Callais decision, and AOC's Woke 1 comments. And Tim asks The Bulwark community to help Venezuelan detainees Freddys Revilla and Edgarianny Gervis.Julia Curlee and Errin Haines join Tim Miller.show notes: Katie Britt's office: 202-224-5744 Britt's chief of staff: Sean_Ross@britt.senate.gov and her subcommittee clerk  Dave Roth at at 202-224-4319 Britt's Twitter: @SenKatieBritt Where Tim shared the letter and drawing that were sent to Britt Curlee's Atlantic piece, "The Wrong Kind of American" Mona's podcast, where Curlee will also be a guest later this week Errin's newsletter, "The Amendment" Tim's 'Take' on the detained Venezuelan family Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Bulwark+ members get early access via our presale NOW. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets.

Trump is flailing so badly on Iran. He dispatched Jared Kushner to negotiate with the regime but then denies that any talks are happening at all. He also threatened to bomb one ally and hammered another for not helping him fight his war. And somehow, in all of this, Kushner—a private businessman and a consultant for the Saudis—is meeting with Hamas officials and Netanyahu while also looking out for his own financial interests. Plus: a primer on why we keep troops in South Korea, Hegseth may be mulling a presidential run, and Gen Alpha may save us all.Tom Nichols joins Tim Miller.show notes: "The Next Level" podcast—out later on Tuesday Tim on another family being held at the Dilley detention facility The Gen Alpha TikTok video Tim mentioned Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Bulwark+ members get early access via our presale starting August 18. Watch your inbox for details. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comTim, JVL, and Andrew Egger discuss:-(Yet another) story of a former Trump voter seeing a loved one run into the immigration policies he voted for.-The faux outrage from MAGA-world at Sen. Jon Ossoff pointing out that Donald Trump and Natalie Harp travel together a lot.-Karoline Leavitt leaving the White House, and who might come next.-The Florida primary, and how Florida could become competitive in the fall.-Pete Hegseth traveling to Iowa. Is HE running?Plus:-Andrew breaks down the latest weird trend on right wing twitter: Postpartum Depression truthers.-Tim welcomes Nancy Mace to the YouTube content game.Bulwark LIVE: The Good Fight Tour is heading to the Southeast in October. Join Sarah, Tim, JVL and more for a night of politics among friends Oct 16-20.Presale links by location:* Get tickets for Columbia, South Carolina stop on October 16* Get tickets for Charlotte, North Carolina stop on October 18* Get tickets for Atlanta, Georgia stop on October 20To snag your seats today—upgrade now and then head to TheBulwark.com/Events to access the presale.Get your tickets to Sarah's How to Eat an Elephant book tour in September! Her Chicago stop with Axe is on sale now.Watch, listen, and leave a comment.This ad-free video version of The Next Level is exclusively for Bulwark+ members.

In this episode the hosts analyze a four-unit quick service restaurant franchise portfolio and debate whether buying an underperforming chicken/Mexican franchise platform is a smart acquisition or an expensive operational headache.Business Listing – https://go.franzy.com/resale/qsr-4-unit-southeast-01Welcome to Acquisitions Anonymous – the #1 podcast for small business M&A. Every week, we break down businesses for sale and talk about buying, operating, and growing them.Looking to build a professional website in minutes? Try Wix: https://wix.pxf.io/c/6898629/3115214/25616?trafcat=templateHubSpot is the backbone for how businesses scale without chaos. Try them out here: https://go.try-hubspot.com/OeG9VrSubscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@AcquisitionsAnonymousPodcast?sub_confirmation=1Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.acquanon.com/newsletterSponsors:Quiet Light BrokerageThinking about selling your e-commerce or SaaS business? Quiet Light Brokerage specializes in helping founders maximize value with experienced former operators—not just brokers—and offers a free, no-obligation business valuation. Learn more at: https://quietlight.comBedrock Quality of EarningsBefore buying a business, make sure the numbers are real. Bedrock provides buyer-focused Quality of Earnings reports using experienced financial professionals and AI-powered analysis to help uncover surprises before closing. Learn more at: https://bedrockqoe.comWhat happens when you find a franchise portfolio that's growing—but still underperforming its own brand averages? In this episode, the hosts evaluate a live four-unit quick service restaurant (QSR) portfolio consisting of chicken and Mexican food franchises in the Southeast.The business generates approximately $4.2M in trailing twelve-month revenue and $676K in adjusted EBITDA, but the opportunity isn't as straightforward as it appears. The hosts dig into franchise economics, average unit volumes (AUVs), dual-brand restaurant conversions, SBA financing, franchise transfer restrictions, and whether operational improvements can realistically unlock significant upside.The discussion goes well beyond valuation. The panel debates whether these restaurants are simply poorly operated, located in weak markets, or attached to an aging franchise brand that may never reach system averages. Along the way they explore AI drive-thru ordering, franchise legal structures, pricing flexibility, restaurant labor, and why experienced multi-unit operators may view this acquisition very differently than first-time buyers.Key Highlights:- Four-unit QSR portfolio with $4.2M revenue and $676K adjusted EBITDA- One dual-brand chicken/Mexican location could potentially be converted into a standalone Mexican concept with franchisor incentives- Discussion of AUV (Average Unit Volume), franchise due diligence, and identifying operational versus location issues- SBA financing considerations, including funding acquisition costs, working capital, and restaurant conversion expenses- Deep dive into AI ordering, pricing strategy, franchise economics, and why experienced operators often outperform first-time ownersSubscribe to  weekly our Newsletter and get curated deals in your inboxAdvertise with us by clicking hereDo you love Acquanon and want to see our smiling faces? Subscribe to our Youtube channel.Do you enjoy our content? Rate our show!Follow us on Twitter @acquanon Learnings about small business acquisitions and operations.For inquiries or suggestions, email us at contact@acquanon.com

Thanks to a shrewdly-timed Jon Ossoff campaign event, a lot more people are suddenly learning about young and blonde Trump confidante Natalie Harp AKA ‘the human printer'—and one of only three aides who accompanied POTUS on his catering truck-secret flight escape. Meanwhile, Trump is lending a hand to white-collar criminals and expanding his extortion and bribery options with his crypto firm. Plus: the flat-out lies about Fauci and miscarriages, Andrew loves the Great Lakes, the tariffs have done so much damage that even Sherrod Brown is against them, and Tim has some choice words about the primary challenge against Jared Moskowitz in Florida.Andrew Egger joins Tim Miller.show notes: Catherine's piece on Trump trying to destroy the shell company registry  Tim on crazy, stupid Republicans running in the midterms. First up: Mike Collins Andrew's critique of Politico's piece on Trump's tariffs in "Morning Shots"  Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Bulwark+ members get early access via our presale starting August 18. Watch your inbox for details. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets.

The Inland Northwest Musicians have been performing across nine counties in northeast Oregon and southeast Washington for nearly three decades.    The group formed in 1999 to bring classical music to communities that may otherwise not have access to it. It consists of three ensembles: the Inland Northwest Orchestra, the Inland Northwest Chorale and the Willow Creek Symphony, a preparatory ensemble for new musicians of all ages.    Lee Friese is the music director and conductor for all three ensembles. Alice Massey is a founding member of the group and serves as concert master of the orchestra. Payton Baxter has performed with the Willow Creek Symphony since she was 12 years old and now manages the group.   They all join us to talk more about bringing classical music to remote corners of the state.  

Today from SDPB — Southeast Tech breaks ground on a new facility aiming to fill the state's manufacturing education needs, and Sen. John Thune talks about his "evolving" relationship with President Trump and his hopes for Republicans in the midterm elections.

About 75% of the world's flowering plants and about 30% of crops rely on pollinators. Things like habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and invasive species are all threats to pollinator populations, which are truly essential for both ecological balance and food security. On August 22-23 Floridians can do their part as citizen scientists to help researchers keep tabs on the health of pollinator populations by participating in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census. To participate, during those two days you simply pick one or more plants in your yard that attract pollinators and watch them closely for 15 minutes and count each time an insect lands on the plant, and then upload that information into a database.

The battle lines of the next Republican primary are being drawn in Florida's Republican primary for governor. There's a 'MAGA Establishment' frontrunner running with Donald Trump's endorsement (but who a lot of Republicans aren't that excited about), there's a flamboyantly racist groyper with a wild personal life, and a more Ron DeSantis-aligned candidate struggling to catch on. False Flag author Will Sommer joins Sarah to talk about: The Florida governor's race The future of the 'America First' faction that Tucker Carlson is leading The growing dissatisfaction among rank-and-file Trump voters Bulwark LIVE: The GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Bulwark+ members get early access via our presale starting August 18. Watch your inbox for details. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets.There are more tickets to see Sarah and JVL on September 8 in NYC! We are about to sell out the orchestra section—but we want to sell out the balcony, too. It's a point of pride. Come hang with us. Tickets are here.

When Graham Platner's campaign was imploding, Republicans made sure to hang him around every Democrat's neck. Now, Democrats need to make Republicans own Rep. Max Miller, the alleged violent domestic abuser. That definitely includes Neverland Ranch fan Mike Lawler. Plus: Tim reads from the mailbag, more and more focus group voters are seeing that Trump only cares about his vanity projects, Joe Rogan does not seem to be following the news, Woke 1 got some things wrong but not "Abolish ICE," Sarah is sounding kind of left on healthcare, and Bill K is mayor of The Bulwark. Sarah Longwell joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.show notes: Pre-order Sarah's book here More details on Sarah's book tour Latest episode of "The Secret Podcast" GoFundMe for Maryam Tahmasebi and her family  Tim's playlist  Bulwark LIVE: GOOD FIGHT TOUR with Tim, Sarah, Sam and JVL is coming to the Southeast in October. Tickets go on sale August 21. Bulwark+ members get early access via our presale starting August 18. Watch your inbox for details. Head to TheBulwark.com/Events for details and to get your tickets.

Content Advisory: This episode contains a candid conversation about childhood abuse, domestic violence, trauma, and a past suicide attempt. Some listeners may find portions of this discussion difficult. Listener discretion is advised. For the first time publicly, Chef Anthony Santos tells the story behind the man and chef he has become. Anthony grew up in a home marked by years of physical and emotional abuse. As a child, he stepped between his stepfather and his mother and younger siblings, often becoming the target himself. The violence eventually escalated to an attack with a machete. At 15, Anthony left home, at one point sleeping outside in the rain with nowhere safe to go. Food became an unexpected way forward. After seeing the joy his uncle's cooking brought to his mother, Anthony began to understand food as something more than a meal—it could bring comfort, connection and, even briefly, a sense of safety. That realization eventually led a teenage Anthony, soaked from walking through the rain, through the doors of a Chinese restaurant looking for work. In this deeply personal conversation, Anthony talks about surviving abuse, leaving home, mental health, therapy, faith, the lasting effects of trauma and the relentless drive that helped shape his career. He also shares what he would tell a young person living through abuse today and why he believes what happened to him can be part of his story without becoming his identity. From the WITM kitchen: Anthony prepared a charred Spanish octopus inspired by his Portuguese roots, followed by a Wagyu ribeye with Japanese purple sweet potato, charred broccolini and a red wine truffle sauce finished with 24-karat gold. The sweet potato incorporated butter, black garlic, fresh garlic and Maldon smoked sea salt, creating layers of sweet, savory, smoky and umami flavor. Today, Anthony Santos is a private chef, entrepreneur, mentor and culinary competitor. But this isn't simply a story about becoming a chef. It's a story about survival, purpose, faith and what one person chose to build from what he endured. Takeaways Survival is part of Anthony's story—not his identity. He speaks openly about nine years of abuse and the long process of separating who he is today from what happened to him as a child. At 15, he chose to get out. Anthony worked multiple jobs, stayed with friends and began building a life outside the home he had grown up in. Food represented something violence couldn't. Watching his uncle cook and seeing his mother smile gave Anthony an early realization that food could create joy, comfort and connection. As he says, cooking looked like a "superpower." The trauma didn't disappear when the abuse ended. Anthony discusses therapy, triggers, relationships, anger, fight-or-flight and the years it took to understand how childhood trauma continued affecting his adult life. His drive and his trauma are connected. When asked how much of the ambition people see in him comes from what he survived, Anthony's answer is striking: "all of it." Faith wasn't a straight line. Anthony speaks candidly about being angry with God as a child, losing his faith and eventually returning to it with a very different understanding of what he survived. His definition of success has changed. After cooking for celebrities, millionaires and billionaires and building a successful career, Anthony says his real pursuit isn't money or possessions—it's a peaceful, purposeful and happy life. He's turning experience into mentorship. Anthony now mentors other chefs, including helping private chefs build sustainable careers, giving him another avenue to pour into people in ways he didn't experience growing up. He speaks directly to young people experiencing abuse. One of the episode's most important moments is Anthony explaining what he wishes he had known as a teenager: tell someone capable of actually helping, seek professional support, prepare for independence and understand that abuse does not determine what your life can become. The chef eventually emerges from the survivor. His charred Spanish octopus and Wagyu ribeye with Japanese purple sweet potato show the artistic, highly visual approach to food that Anthony has developed throughout his career. The Companies Helping Shape Hospitality Metro Foodservice Solutions - Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems that help professional kitchens operate efficiently. RAK Porcelain USA - Professional tableware built for performance, durability, and presentation at the highest level. UNOX - Intelligent commercial cooking technology designed to improve consistency, efficiency, and kitchen performance. TriMark USA - North America's largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider, helping operators build smarter, more efficient kitchens. Testo North America - Precision measurement and food safety solutions designed for professional hospitality operations. Crab Island Seafood - Florida-based manufacturer of premium seafood dips and spreads inspired by coastal flavors. Citrus America - Commercial juicing solutions delivering consistency, speed, and quality to foodservice operators. Cahaba Club – Growing exceptional herbs, edible flowers, and specialty produce that bring fresh flavor and vibrant presentation to our studio kitchen. Shogun Farms - produces premium Florida wild boar through ethical sourcing, humane raising, and a natural feeding program that delivers exceptional flavor from farm to table. Walk-In Talk Media proudly supports organizations making a measurable impact on hospitality professionals and communities across North America and beyond. Operation BBQ Relief - Disaster response through hot meals served by culinary volunteers across the country. Sustainable Supperclub - Community driven dining experiences focused on sustainability, food access, and social impact. The Burnt Chef Project North America – Supporting mental health awareness and wellbeing throughout the hospitality industry.   Industry Events & Media Partnerships Florida Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner delivering on-site coverage of operators, suppliers, chefs, and hospitality innovation throughout the Southeast.  New York Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner highlighting the people, products, and stories shaping hospitality across the Northeast.  California Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner covering West Coast hospitality innovation, culinary trends, and foodservice leadership.  Pizza Tomorrow Summit - Official Media Partner covering the latest innovations, leadership, and growth in the pizza industry.  U.S. Culinary Open -Official Media Partner documenting one of America's premier live culinary competitions and the chefs competing at the highest level.  Creative Loafing Tampa Bay - Regional media partner sharing stories from the people, restaurants, and events shaping Tampa Bay's hospitality community. About Walk-In Talk Media Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.  Through cinematic video, photography, podcasting, documentaries, and live event coverage, Walk-In Talk Media highlights the chefs, operators, brands, and organizations shaping the future of hospitality.  From Michelin-starred chefs and independent restaurants to manufacturers, distributors, and industry associations, Walk-In Talk Media exists to tell the stories moving hospitality forward.

August 13, 2026 Building Something Worth Staying For w/ Jim Rhodes  (DT 469) Jim Rhodes is the Senior Vice President at Wayne Brothers Companies, a 750-person civil construction firm operating across the Southeast, the Chairman of ReGroup Carolinas, an Industry Advisory Board Member at UNC Charlotte. He reveals why the industry's workforce problem is a leadership problem disguised as a labor shortage, and why the companies willing to share ownership aren't just retaining people — they're building something worth staying for. Follow Jim on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-rhodes-8a032367/ Learn more about Wayne Brothers at: https://waynebrothers.com/ Want to better develop your civil construction workforce and leaders? Check out BuildWitt Improve! https://buildwitt.com Questions or feedback? Email us at dirttalk@buildwitt.com! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailDave is a former navy SEAL and classically trained actor. He is currently Acting and modeling in NYC, LA and the Southeast.-Podcast Chapters:00:00 Importance of grit in life05:40 Military service and personal growth07:26 Authenticity and self-discovery in acting-More about David MeadowsIMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3690667/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialdavidbmeadows/?hl=enWebsite: http://www.davidbmeadows.com/-Podcast Summary:Passing The Torch – David MeadowsIn this red carpet edition of Passing The Torch, host Martin Foster interviews Navy SEAL and actor David Meadows at the Military and Veteran Entertainment Awards held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The conversation centers on David Meadows's role in the film "Hollywood Grit," which is nominated in multiple categories at the event, including Best Supporting Actor for himself.Key Discussion TopicsTeamwork and Recognition: David Meadows emphasizes his pride in the "Hollywood Grit" team, highlighting that the production involved over 220 people, including 70+ veterans, and expresses deep gratitude for the recognition from the MV Awards 00:46.The Meaning of Grit: Explaining what grit means personally, David Meadows connects it to perseverance through setbacks, adaptability, and continuous growth, noting that these qualities are vital in both military and entertainment fields 01:46.Authenticity and Respect: The discussion explores the challenges of earning respect in both the SEAL Teams and Hollywood. David Meadows identifies authenticity, honor, doing what you say, and treating others well as universal drivers of respect 02:43.Acting Challenges: Reflecting on the roles that pushed him most, David Meadows describes acting as a journey inward, finding and sharing authentic parts of oneself—even those that are vulnerable or unappealing. He shares that his "Hollywood Grit" character, Logan Cowboy, is a particularly close-to-home and demanding portrayal 03:25.Identity and Military Service: David Meadows credits his military service—particularly his time in Special Operations—with fostering personal growth, self-discovery, grit, and authenticity, lessons that prepared him to navigate Hollywood's pressures 05:40.Staying Grounded: On avoiding getting labeled or losing oneself in either the military or entertainment industry, David Meadows stresses the importance of self-awareness, studying oneself, and striving to be an authentic first-rate version of oneself rather than a second-rate imitation of someone else 07:26.The episode closes with mutual appreciation between the host and guest, reinforcing the importance of honoring veterans' contributions to both their country and the entertainment industry.Support the showConnect with Passing The Torch: Facebook and IG: @torchmartinMore Amazing Stories:Episode 41: Lee Ellis – Freeing You From Bond That Make You InsecureEpisode 81: Kurt Warner – Perseverance, Humility, and Lighting the Way Episode 90: Michelle 'MACE' Curran – How to Turn Fear into Fuel------------© 2026 TORCH LEAP®, LLC. All rights reserved.

#FenceFam... I told you this is the next big thing!!! Regional based fence suppliers are NOW a thing! Chris Steele, a long time friend of the show jumps on and talks about how Coastal Fence Supply is now serving up and taking over the Southeast!!!  Cheers! Remember to like, share, comment and REVIEW! The Fence Industry Podcast Links: IG @TheFenceIndustryPodcast FB @TheFenceIndustryPodcastWithDanWheeler TikTok @TheFenceIndustryPodcast YouTube @TheFenceIndustryPodcastWithDanWheeler Visit TheFenceIndustryPodcast.com Email TheFenceIndustryPodcast@gmail.com Central Fence Supply:  Visit centralfencesupply.com Gopherwood & Expert Stain and Seal IG @stainandsealexperts  FB @ExpertProfessionalWoodCare YouTube @Stain&SealExperts  FB Group Stain and Seal Expert's Staining University  Visit RealGoodStain.com Visit Gopherwood.us Log Cabin Fence IG @Log_Cabin_Fence FB @LogCabinFence Visit LogCabinFence.com Elite Technique Visit https://www.getelitetechnique.com/ Greenwood Fence Visit https://greenwoodfence.com/ Ozark Fence & Supply promo code: TFIP15 for 15% off! Visit https://www.ozfence.com/ Benji with Clever Fox for all your FENCE website, SEO & marketing needs! Visit https://www.cleverfox.online/ Stockade Staple Guns Visit https://www.stockade.com/us/ mySalesman Visit mySalesman.com Orlando Hinge Company Visit swanhinge.com   The Fence Industry Podcast is Produced by CleverFox.Online https://www.cleverfox.online/  

Apartment rents grew 1.5% over the past 90 days, the fastest pace since late 2022. RealPage Chief Economist Carl Whitaker joins Michael Bull, CCIM, to break down where the multifamily market stands at mid-year 2026. Carl walks through second quarter actuals and third quarter forecasts, and explains why the national average matters less than it ever has. Class A properties are posting growth rates on par with 2018 and 2019, Class B is finding its footing, and Class C has been left behind by a K-shaped economy. In Raleigh, Class C rents have now declined for 15 straight quarters. The conversation covers the supply pullback versus resilient demand, how the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act paused the build to rent pipeline and why new market rate starts are already returning in markets like Raleigh Durham, and why build to rent complements conventional apartments instead of competing with them. Michael and Carl also dig into submarket dispersion, with Midtown, Buckhead, and Northeast Atlanta Class A rents up 2% to 3% year over year while the Atlanta metro average shows rents down 1.5% to 2%. They cover the cost side of the business, where taxes and insurance are finally cooling while marketing costs climb, and the effect of AI on rents and underwriting, with median rent to income now at its lowest level since 2020. Carl closes on the barbell shape of today's investment sales market and where he sees opportunity in second tier Southeast markets including Greenville Spartanburg, western North Carolina, and Chattanooga. Connect with Carl Whitaker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlwhitaker15/ RealPage Website: https://www.realpage.com Connect with Michael Bull & The Show: Michael Bull, CCIM Bull Realty, Inc https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbull/   Read More Here: https://www.bullrealty.com/intel/blog-posts/view/the-return-of-rent-growth-why-the-multifamily-recovery-is-splitting-by-class-and-submarket For more commercial real estate market data, sector forecasts, and video episodes, visit CREshow.com. America's Commercial Real Estate Show is brought to you by our proud sponsors. TCN Worldwide: Commercial real estate property management, leasing, and sales solutions across the US and globally. Learn more: https://www.tcnworldwide.com Build Out: The ultimate product suite for commercial real estate brokerage firms looking to streamline their business. Learn more: https://www.buildout.com Bull Realty: Regional commercial real estate brokerage services headquartered in Atlanta, delivering market intel and strategies. Learn more: https://www.bullrealty.com Commercial Agent Success Strategies: Twenty-one cloud accessed commercial broker training videos with slide deck action notes. Learn more at https://www.commercialagentsuccess.com/ #Multifamily #MultifamilyInvesting #ApartmentInvesting #CommercialRealEstate #RentGrowth #BuildToRent #RealEstateInvesting #ApartmentMarket #CapRates #RealPage #CREShow #MichaelBull

The freight market is loosening as summer winds down, but the question is how long that relief will last. This week on the Transfix Take Podcast, Jenni Ruiz and NFI Industries market expert Justin Maze break down falling tender rejections, easing linehaul rates, and the regional shifts shaping the market ahead of Labor Day. While much of the country is seeing softer conditions, pockets of tightening in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest show why location and lane direction still matter. In this episode: * Tender rejections fall to just above 12% after reaching 18% in mid-July * National linehaul rates drop roughly 2% week over week to $2.24 per mile * Why rates could fall another 3–3.5% before Labor Day * Continued softening across the Southeast and South as produce season fades * Why the Northeast remains tighter, particularly on freight heading south * Wildfires and late-summer produce putting pressure on Pacific Northwest capacity * What declining spot freight volumes could mean for routing guides and upcoming RFP season * Why carrier capacity reductions and tighter safety standards could have a much bigger impact on rates heading into 2027 * An update on federal rulemaking around English-language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers The market may be quieter than it was a few weeks ago, but beneath the surface, capacity is still shifting. And what happens between now and the holiday season could tell us a lot about where freight rates are headed next year. -- Disclaimer: All views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Transfix, Inc. or any parent companies or affiliates or the companies with which the participants are affiliated, and may have been previously disseminated by them. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are based upon information considered reliable, but neither Transfix, Inc. nor its affiliates, nor the companies with which such participants are affiliated, warrant its completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such. All such views and opinions are subject to change.

Audio surf report and surf forecast on August 12 for Central Florida and the Southeast. Your host will also enlighten you on current events in the surfing industry and talk about events and entertainment happenings in the local and regional area. Surf Guru is also sure to dig up some new music that will get your feet groovin'. Stay tuned for more ...

School districts on Prince of Wales join forces to revive the island's career and technical education programming. Plus, sport fishermen in Southeast can catch more king salmon following an emergency order, and a group of Petersburg teens are performing a production of “Dracula” at the largest theater festival in the world.

Privilege Talent's newest agent, Antonyo Myers, joins host Jesse Malinowski at Get Scene Studios to explain what actually happens on the agency side: a roster of 81 clients, why he stopped signing an entire physical type once the slots filled up, and the email habit that costs actors auditions before casting ever sees them. He also breaks down the difference between collaborating with your agent and outsourcing your career to them, plus the lesson from Jacob and Corey that changed how he talks to anxious clients during slow seasons. Get Scene Unscripted is the Southeast's #1 actor podcast, featuring casting directors, talent agents, and working actors.Join Our Newsletter:https://getscenestudios.us7.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7660af20fdb3c04d6b6516591&id=eecb804958Join our Patreon!⁠https://www.patreon.com/cw/GetScenePod⁠Get Your Ticket For Our Virtual Summit!https://www.getscenestudios.com/virtual-actors-summit

Growing up on a family farm in rural Georgia, John LaHood never imagined he'd one day help shape both senior living communities and state policy. As CEO of Fellowship Family and a Georgia State Representative, John brings a unique perspective on what it takes to build exceptional communities while advocating for the future of senior housing.John shares the remarkable story of how his grandparents founded their first community, how three generations have expanded the business into one of the Southeast's growing operators, and why new development remains critical despite today's challenging market conditions. The conversation explores innovative community design, workforce development, legislative advocacy, and the importance of creating environments where older adults remain connected to the broader community.Key Ideas:The origins of Fellowship Family and a three-generation legacyGrowing from one community to a multi-state operatorWhy new development still matters despite acquisition opportunitiesDesigning communities that feel connected—not isolatedIntegrating public amenities into senior living campusesThe value of legislative advocacy for operatorsHow policy decisions impact senior living operationsRecruiting and retaining exceptional team membersCareer growth opportunities within senior livingThe demographic opportunities ahead for the industryMeet the Hosts:Lucas McCurdy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucasmccurdyseniorlivingfan/ Cameron Bell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-bell-322143147/ Connect with Our GuestJohn LaHood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-lahood-3532a152/ Learn More about The Fellowship Familyhttps://thefellowshipfamily.com/ Produced by Grit and Gravel Marketing.Become a sponsor of Bridge the Gap.

Hosts Steve and Adam Van Wie dive into a surprisingly strong week on Wall Street, unpacking why markets are hitting all-time highs despite mixed economic headlines. They spar playfully over jobs reports, inflation jitters, baby boomers working longer, and even new legislation aimed at helping young athletes invest their NIL money. Callers from around the Southeast jump in with guesses on a trivia question about older workers, share why they're still on the job in their 70s, and swap thoughts on how much cash to keep on the sidelines in today's market.

Audio surf report and surf forecast on August 10 for Central Florida and the Southeast. Your host will also enlighten you on current events in the surfing industry and talk about events and entertainment happenings in the local and regional area. Surf Guru is also sure to dig up some new music that will get your feet groovin'. Stay tuned for more ...

The best value add plan is not always the one you start right away. Chris Lento explains why waiting for the market can produce better long term results. Description Chris Lento, Managing Partner of EM Capital, joins Dave Dubeau to discuss how multifamily investing has changed over the past few years. Instead of relying on rapid rent growth or market appreciation, Chris explains why today's environment rewards strong operations, careful expense control, and disciplined decision making. The conversation covers how EM Capital manages nearly 1,200 apartment units across the Southeast, how they motivate onsite teams with owner funded incentives, why investor communication matters during difficult markets, and how they are exploring AI to improve capital raising, acquisitions, and operations. Key Topics Building systems for better asset management Waiting for market support before renovating units Managing investor expectations during longer hold periods Finding off market opportunities through broker relationships Using AI to improve operations and decision making Guest Information Chris Lento Managing Partner, EM Capital Website: www.emcapitalgroup.com LinkedIn: Available through the EM Capital website. Call to Action Learn more about Chris Lento and EM Capital by visiting www.emcapitalgroup.com. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn through the website.

From Apple News In Conversation: Peak tick season is here — and the fastest-growing tick-borne illness in the country is alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that causes an often-severe allergy to red meat and other animal products. It’s primarily spread by lone-star ticks, once confined to the Southeast but now found as far north as Maine and Michigan. The syndrome can trigger a range of reactions — from hives to anaphylaxis — and at least one death has been attributed to it. New Yorker staff writer Burkhard Bilger, who has reported on the syndrome’s rise, joins Apple News In Conversation guest host David Greene to explain how it was discovered, why it can take years to diagnose, and how it’s reshaping the way people eat, work, and spend time outdoors.

Now out in paperback, Flesh is a poignant examination of one teenage boy's brush with trauma that continues to haunt him far into adulthood. David joins us to talk about Hungary, agency, free will, physicality, realism and more with cohost Chris Gillespie. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Chris Gillespie and mixed by Harry Liang.                     New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app.   Featured Books: Flesh by David Szalay All That Man Is by David Szalay Turbulence by David Szalay London and the South-East by David Szalay

What does it take to cross a 100% blocked artery and open the door to treatment when others may think there are no options? On this episode of The Heart of Innovation, I'm joined by my co-host Dr. John Phillips as we talk with Dr. Brett Bennett, an Interventional Cardiologist and CTO expert, about the challenging world of chronic total occlusions, also known as CTOs. A CTO is a completely blocked artery, and crossing it requires skill, strategy, tools, and experience. Dr. Bennett shares what makes these cases so complex, how physicians approach them, what patients should understand, and why expertise matters when dealing with advanced coronary artery disease. Dr. Bennett has a special focus on chronic total occlusion intervention and complex coronary intervention, and his work has helped his program become one of the top CTO centers in the Southeast. He is also actively involved in research related to coronary artery disease, novel coronary stents, congestive heart failure, arrhythmia, antiplatelet therapy, and artificial intelligence in heart disease diagnosis. If you or someone you love has been told they have a blocked artery, this is an important conversation. Please watch, subscribe, and share so more patients and families can find this information. Call to Action: Subscribe: @TheWayToMyHeart Call the Leg Saver Hotline: 1-833-PAD-LEGS Visit: TheWayToMyHeart.org Join: TheGreatCirculationChallenge.org for our PAD Awareness Month walking challenge Comment below with your questions about CTOs, coronary artery disease, or artery blockages Share this episode with someone who needs hope, answers, or another perspective Hosted by: Kym McNicholas and Dr. John Phillips #HeartOfInnovation #CTO #ChronicTotalOcclusion #BlockedArtery #CoronaryArteryDisease #InterventionalCardiology #DrBrettBennett #HeartDisease #Cardiology #PatientAdvocacy #KymMcNicholas #DrJohnPhillips

Chef Felicia Lacalle's story is about much more than food. The Tampa chef and partner at Quiote Tequilaria sits down with Walk-In Talk Podcast for an unfiltered conversation about addiction, divorce, single motherhood, failed partnerships, financial hardship, faith, and the long road back to herself. Felicia began cooking at a young age, inspired by her mother, her Mexican and Cuban heritage, and even childhood afternoons watching Julia Child. She went on to graduate from Johnson & Wales, spend more than a decade at Roy's, and eventually earn national recognition at Hemingway's—including a first-place win at the 2018 International Cuban Sandwich Festival. But behind the accolades were years of setbacks and painful choices. Felicia opens up about substance abuse, losing businesses, destructive relationships, rebuilding as a single mother, returning to faith, and learning how to recognize the patterns that nearly derailed her life. Today, she is entering a new chapter as a partner at Quiote Tequilaria, where her Mexican roots, Cuban influence, and decades of kitchen experience come together in food that is deeply personal. The episode also features two dishes prepared in the Walk-In Talk Media studio: duck enmoladas with Oaxacan cheese and a wild boar pork belly dish with boniato mash, charred baby leeks, and pickled mustard seeds. This is a conversation about resilience, accountability, faith, mental health, restaurant life, and what it takes to rebuild when the life you imagined falls apart. Featured Dishes During her Walk-In Talk Media studio session, Chef Felicia prepared two deeply personal dishes that reflect both sides of her culinary heritage. The first was Duck Enmoladas—house-made corn tortillas filled with duck confit, topped with pistachio mole, Oaxacan cheese from Salerno Dairy, crema, and chile de árbol pickled onions. Her second dish showcased Shogun Farms wild boar pork belly, slowly braised with sour orange, garlic and spices, served over brown butter boniato purée with charred baby leeks and pickled mustard seeds—a modern interpretation inspired by her Cuban roots. Special thanks to our newest studio partner, Shogun Farms, for supplying the premium wild boar pork belly featured in this episode. Their commitment to responsible farming and exceptional specialty proteins helped bring this remarkable dish to life. Key Takeaways Success isn't about avoiding failure—it's about refusing to let failure define who you become. Faith became the foundation that helped Felicia rebuild her life after addiction, divorce, financial hardship, and personal loss. The restaurant industry can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also magnify mental health struggles, addiction, burnout, and unhealthy lifestyles. Self-reflection, accountability, and therapy were essential in breaking destructive personal and generational patterns. Every setback—from failed partnerships to losing businesses—became preparation for the opportunity she has today. Roy's shaped Felicia's discipline, leadership, and respect for kitchen culture, providing the foundation for her career. Great food is deeply personal. Life experiences, heritage, and emotional growth ultimately influence what ends up on the plate. Leadership begins with culture. Felicia believes respect, accountability, and creating a healthy kitchen environment are just as important as culinary skill. Building something meaningful often requires walking away from situations—even successful ones—that no longer align with your purpose. Quiote Tequilaria represents more than a restaurant; it represents a lifetime of perseverance, healing, and finally feeling at home in her craft. Breaking generational cycles requires intentional choices, discipline, and the courage to confront your own mistakes. Hospitality professionals don't have to face their struggles alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The Companies Helping Shape Hospitality Metro Foodservice Solutions - Commercial-grade storage, transport, and workflow systems that help professional kitchens operate efficiently. RAK Porcelain USA - Professional tableware built for performance, durability, and presentation at the highest level. UNOX - Intelligent commercial cooking technology designed to improve consistency, efficiency, and kitchen performance. TriMark USA - North America's largest foodservice design, equipment, and supplies provider, helping operators build smarter, more efficient kitchens. Testo North America - Precision measurement and food safety solutions designed for professional hospitality operations. Crab Island Seafood - Florida-based manufacturer of premium seafood dips and spreads inspired by coastal flavors. Citrus America - Commercial juicing solutions delivering consistency, speed, and quality to foodservice operators. Cahaba Club – Growing exceptional herbs, edible flowers, and specialty produce that bring fresh flavor and vibrant presentation to our studio kitchen. Shogun Farms - produces premium Florida wild boar through ethical sourcing, humane raising, and a natural feeding program that delivers exceptional flavor from farm to table. Walk-In Talk Media proudly supports organizations making a measurable impact on hospitality professionals and communities across North America and beyond. Operation BBQ Relief - Disaster response through hot meals served by culinary volunteers across the country. Sustainable Supperclub - Community driven dining experiences focused on sustainability, food access, and social impact. The Burnt Chef Project North America – Supporting mental health awareness and wellbeing throughout the hospitality industry.   Industry Events & Media Partnerships Florida Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner delivering on-site coverage of operators, suppliers, chefs, and hospitality innovation throughout the Southeast.  New York Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner highlighting the people, products, and stories shaping hospitality across the Northeast.  California Restaurant Show - Official Media Partner covering West Coast hospitality innovation, culinary trends, and foodservice leadership.  Pizza Tomorrow Summit - Official Media Partner covering the latest innovations, leadership, and growth in the pizza industry.  U.S. Culinary Open -Official Media Partner documenting one of America's premier live culinary competitions and the chefs competing at the highest level.  Creative Loafing Tampa Bay - Regional media partner sharing stories from the people, restaurants, and events shaping Tampa Bay's hospitality community. About Walk-In Talk Media Walk-In Talk Media is an industry-recognized B2B food and hospitality media company focused on chef-driven storytelling and real conversations inside the business of food.  Through cinematic video, photography, podcasting, documentaries, and live event coverage, Walk-In Talk Media highlights the chefs, operators, brands, and organizations shaping the future of hospitality.  From Michelin-starred chefs and independent restaurants to manufacturers, distributors, and industry associations, Walk-In Talk Media exists to tell the stories moving hospitality forward.

America's biggest banks are opening more local branches. Our Head of U.S. Large Cap and Mid Cap Banks Research Manan Gosalia looks at the merits of physical locations.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Manan Gosalia: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Manan Gosalia, Morgan Stanley's Head of US Large Cap and Mid Cap Banks Research. Today: why the bank branch you pass on your commute may matter more than you think. It's Thursday, August 6th at 10am in New York. When was the last time you went to your bank? You probably do most of your daily banking online and maybe go to the local branch for occasional transactions, like getting a certified check or talking to a financial advisor. So, you might think that bank branches are fading into the background. But America's biggest banks are actually accelerating their investments in physical locations. That shift could reshape the competition for your deposits. In our research, we looked at where 12 large U.S. banks are expanding their footprints, and we identified 57 target markets. 34 of those markets are being pursued by multiple banks, and nine of those markets are being pursued by five or more banks.Since mid 2025, about 80 percent of these banks' new branches have opened in those markets. Most of the expansion is happening in the Southeast and Texas, with additional activity in the Midwest and several major metropolitan areas. 95 percent of the target markets have either above median projected population growth or they have ranked in the top 10 percent for deposit growth. That helps explain why Nashville and Atlanta are each targeted by seven of the banks, while Miami, Dallas, and Denver are targeted by six. These are places where households and businesses are growing and where banks see an opportunity to build relationships that could last for decades. The central question is whether physical branches still attract deposits. The evidence suggests that they do. From 2022 to 2025, 90 percent of the time when a large bank increased their branch share in the market, their deposit share also increased. But to become a real contender, a few scattered branches are not enough. Banks generally need at least a mid-single-digit share of local branches to compete effectively. At 10 percent or more branch share, deposit share exceeds branch share by a median 3.5 percentage points. So, density, not just presence, is what matters. Most large banks that we looked at have not reached that level. 60 percent of their positions in expansion markets remain below 5 percent market share. And so, this build-out looks like the beginning of a long competitive cycle. Even then, the pressure is already visible in what banks are paying for deposits now. The highest offered retail certificate of deposit rates are higher in the South compared to the Northeast. Higher rates do make deposits more expensive for banks to fund. In fact, evidence from the recent earnings reports suggest that this may already be happening. And we expect higher funding and branch costs to pressure bank margins and lift expenses into 2027. This means the cost of gathering core deposits could move structurally higher. And the lesson is surprisingly old school. You can do almost everything on an app, but a branch on the corner still carries weight. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.

Send us Fan MailRobert started in mud trucks around 1998 with coworkers in South Florida. Progressed through multiple vehicles: K10 Stepside on 38-inch Groundhogs, a Jimmy, and eventually a YJ and square-body GMC truck. Attended his first Ultimate Adventure in 2015 (the last pay-to-play year) and was accepted to subsequent trips. Discovered passion for genuine rock crawling rather than mud bogging.Adventure Wheelers East After feeling disconnected from the Florida Adventure Rigs group, Keller partnered with Jack Sloan to merge their communities into AWE – Adventure Wheelers East, combining adventure seekers from multiple off-road networks. The group runs annual week-long wheeling trips throughout the Southeast, attracting both media legends and newcomers. Keller emphasizes accessibility: "It might not be the hardest wheeling you've ever done, but it's going to be fun."Support the show

Welcome back to another episode of the unSeminary podcast. Today we're joined by Spence Shelton, Lead Pastor of Mercy Church, a rapidly growing multisite church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Since launching in 2015, Mercy has expanded to multiple campuses while maintaining a relentless focus on reaching people, developing leaders, and sending them into ministry. In this conversation, Spence shares how churches can intentionally build a culture of multiplication by developing leaders from within, creating healthy sending pathways, and stewarding opportunities for church revitalization. Stop “plucking” leaders. Start growing them. // One of Spence’s biggest challenges to church leaders is resisting the temptation to solve leadership shortages by hiring talent from elsewhere. Just as churches prioritize reaching lost people rather than simply attracting Christians from other churches, they should approach leadership development the same way. Instead of constantly recruiting experienced leaders, churches should intentionally identify, disciple, and develop people already sitting in their congregations. This approach takes longer, but it creates leaders deeply shaped by the church’s culture and mission. The power of the shoulder tap. // Many future ministry leaders never consider vocational ministry simply because no one asks them. Spence encourages pastors to intentionally “tap people on the shoulder” when they observe leadership potential. Some of Mercy’s key leaders—including executive pastors and campus pastors—came directly from marketplace careers like banking, manufacturing, and physical therapy. Rather than waiting for seminary graduates to apply, Mercy helps people connect their existing gifts and experiences to ministry opportunities. Create a clear leadership profile. // To make leadership development intentional, Mercy created a “Lead Pastor Profile” built around three categories: character, competency, and calling. While designed for future church planters, the framework serves as a roadmap for developing leaders throughout the church. By clearly defining what healthy leadership looks like, staff members know exactly what qualities to identify, cultivate, and reproduce in others. Character matters before charisma. // Within the character category, Spence believes self-awareness is one of the most overlooked leadership traits. Effective leaders understand both their strengths and limitations and are secure enough in their identity in Christ to build teams around areas where they are weaker. Without self-awareness, talented leaders can make excellent first impressions while creating long-term organizational damage. Character requires observation over time and not just impressive interviews. Multipliers build movements. // When evaluating leadership competency, the ability to multiply is critical. Can this person develop other leaders? Have they demonstrated the ability to move beyond accomplishing ministry personally and instead equip others to lead? Churches often unintentionally hire capable “doers” rather than leader-builders, limiting long-term growth. Multipliers create healthy ministries because they reproduce leadership instead of accumulating responsibility. Alignment creates unity. // Calling isn’t simply about theological agreement, but also includes ministry philosophy. Spence stresses the importance of ensuring leaders share the church’s convictions about how ministry is carried out. When someone consistently wants to reshape the church into something fundamentally different, the healthiest response may be helping them pursue the ministry God is calling them toward elsewhere. Clear alignment creates healthier teams and stronger long-term partnerships. Let people discover their gifts by leading. // Churches shouldn’t expect to know someone’s leadership potential before giving them opportunities to serve. Mercy intentionally creates pathways where people can lead community groups, coach leaders, and gradually assume greater responsibility. Some will flourish as long-term small group leaders. Others will demonstrate broader leadership gifting and eventually plant churches. The key is creating a culture where trying, learning, and growing are celebrated rather than feared. Revitalization begins with humility. // Spence also shares lessons from Mercy’s experience helping revitalize struggling churches. Successful partnerships require patient relationships, deep humility, and genuine respect for the legacy of existing congregations. Rather than viewing church buildings as opportunities to expand Mercy’s influence, the team approaches every conversation as the stewardship of Kingdom resources. By honoring the faithfulness of previous generations, Mercy has seen older congregations joyfully become part of new seasons of ministry fruitfulness. Faithfulness compounds over time. // Spence closes with an encouragement for church leaders: don’t underestimate what God can do through long-term faithfulness. Leaders often overestimate what can happen in five years while dramatically underestimating what God can accomplish over twenty. Healthy multiplication isn’t built through shortcuts. It grows steadily through consistent obedience, patient leadership development, and a commitment to stay the course. To learn more about Mercy Church, visit mercycharlotte.com or follow Spence Shelton or the church on social media for additional leadership resources and updates. 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 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 have decided to tune in. You know, this week is a great conversation and was recommended by one of my favorite church leaders in the country. And so you’re going to love this conversation. It’s going to be super helpful. And I do think it’s going to challenge you and provide you some steps forward. Rich Birch — Excited to have Spence Shelton with us. He is from Mercy Church, a multi-site church with three locations, if I’m counting correctly, in Charlotte, plus Church Online. God is leading Mercy Church into a season of a bunch of expansion and investment in ministry facilities and outreach over a two-year discipleship initiative called All to Him. They have a goal to launch the Mercy Family of Churches in in late 2025, which I think is maybe launched, or we’ll see where that goes, and is aiming to form their own collective within the next five years. Super excited to have you on the show today, Spence.Spence Shelton — Man, such an honor to be with you, Rich. Man, this is, I’m a big, going to say it, I’m a big fan of yours, man… Rich Birch — That’s kind of you to say. Spence Shelton — …because you have produced so much helpful content for me as a leader to lean into and grow little by little. And I can only hope that I can contribute a little bit more to the great work you’ve been doing, man.Rich Birch — Come on, that’s amazing. Honored to have you with us and to learn from you today, Spence. And mutual friend in Andrew Hopper…Spence Shelton — That’s right.Rich Birch — …who I love, fantastic leader. And so shout out to Hopper. Thankful for what God’s doing in his church as well. So Mercy Church started in 2015. Give us a picture of kind of where things are at today. If we were to come to the church, what would we experience? Kind of talk us through the last season, kind of the last couple of years. What’s that look like?Spence Shelton — Yeah, man. So if you came to Mercy today, what you’d find is a church, you might be surprised to learn how big it actually is because the church is, you know, a couple thousand people, but it’s across seven services and three campuses. And there’s some of some of that’s intentional. Some of that is, hey, we’re just kind of following the Lord where he’s led in this. And we didn’t really plan for it, you know, so. Spence Shelton — Our average service size is not that big, but we’ve the Lord’s been really gracious. If you came what you’d find is especially at our broadcast campus you’d find an old church building that you’d be thinking: wait are all these people how are they you know filling in here, you know. Rich Birch — Right. Spence Shelton — And you’d see cars parked uh all through a neighborhood and everything else and you’d see a retrofitted old church building, and that’s just the story of God’s grace on us – a building that was given to us and a church family that decided, hey we want to join you guys and they gave us their building. Really cool moment that like a legacy moment of faith in our church. And a couple other spots where we’re seeing similar sorts of things and it’s just it’s awesome, man. Spence Shelton — So we feel blessed. We feel like we are um doing what God has called us to do because we’re seeing that kind of momentum in the ministry that we’re doing. But none of our facilities are going to wow you, I promise. I actually love training church planters because, you know, so many times they come in and they’re like, Oh, ah we can do this. Rich Birch — Right. Spence Shelton — I’m like, yeah, you can do it. You know? Rich Birch — That’s normal like us.Spence Shelton — So we are praying and asking the Lord for better wins. Yeah. But you can do it, man. If you can do it here, you can do it anywhere kind of thing. So Lord’s been really gracious to us. And it’s a, it’s been a real joy these past 10 years.Rich Birch — It’s so cool. It seems like you guys are in a bit of a pivotal season or an inflection point season where you’ve got a bunch of things on the horizon, launching Mercy Family of Churches… Spence Shelton — That’s right. Rich Birch — …the 50 Missionary Goal by 2030, a collective. Talk me through those. What is the future look like? What’s driving the urgency? Help us understand kind of what the future looks like.Spence Shelton — Yeah, man, I think this happens for any church, both leader and in just the life of a church. You come to those milestone moments. We hit it last year with 10 years, and it was not only a milestone in terms of age. There was some just real growth that had been happening to the church that was forcing some good conversations around long-term you know expansion so that we can continue to facilitate what we believe God, actually, I should say we could steward what God is doing in our church.Spence Shelton — And so we launched an initiative that we called All to Him. I was teaching through the book of Romans all year last year. And so it comes out of Romans 12:1 and 2, because Christ gave his all for us, we give our all to him. That is our living sacrifice that we do. Spence Shelton — And so we said, we got some goals as a church, man. We want to see our church, we got some reaching goals. We got some training up goals. We got some sending out goals. Because when I planted Mercy Church, one of the things that was on my heart: if we’re going to come to Charlotte, North Carolina, we were going to be a sending church. Which means we’re going to build a sending hub here where this thing’s going be like an aircraft carrier that just sends out missionaries all over the place into the battles that the Lord has for us across the world.Spence Shelton — That was just on my heart. Instead of going to, you know, a place that might be, might have a, I don’t know, like a north Pacific Northwest or Northeast, something like that. If we’re coming to the Southeast to the Bible Belt, we’re doing so intentionally. Very intentional.Spence Shelton — So that’s been on our heart um ever since day one and this All to Him initiative. You know, we were hoping that by 2030, we double the size of our church. That’s because Charlotte is growing by 150 people a day.Spence Shelton — So like, we’ve got to, you know, this isn’t like it’s just because it’s something we want to do. It’s a calling, a good stewardship of the moment that we’re in. And we want to we’re launching a seminary certificate program for our members of our church because we want to train them up. Right.Spence Shelton — And we got a goal to see 50 missionaries go on the mission field by 2030. We just planted a couple of weeks before the recording of this, we planted our next church here in Charlotte, and we’ve got plans for several more.Spence Shelton — We are a large family of churches about to become a collaborative. We’re, we’re ah you know, 2028, 2029, somewhere around there, we’ll officially form that collaborative if the Lord continues to do what he’s doing. All because, man, we are convinced that God has brought us here to reach people, train them up, send them out, which I hope does not sound novel to any church leader listening to this.Spence Shelton — I hope it just sounds like, yeah, man, that makes sense.Rich Birch — Right.Spence Shelton — It’s like, well, then what’s the the magic or what’s the the secret sauce? It’s just putting your hand to the plow. And now here we are 10, 11 years in, and we’ve been steadily doing that same work. And I think the Lord is, um you know, our buddy Andrew would use the flywheel. That’s his favorite version of that illustration. But you keep putting your hand to the same thing and eventually the Lord starts to bear fruit. And that’s what we’re seeing now.Rich Birch — Yeah, so good. And yeah, you know that and you’re a kind leader, you know that for some leaders, the reason why we’re talking to you today is unfortunately, that is more novel than it should be. And so we want to dig into that a little bit.Spence Shelton — Sure..Rich Birch — Particularly, let’s maybe start with that middle section, this training goals, you’re working on trying to train people up. When you’re thinking about the kind of leadership vision you have as a church, you’re thinking about, hey, we’re going to raise up leaders both you know here to and then also sending.Rich Birch — I think we we can fall into this dichotomy around, okay, so do we find these leaders from other places and attract them to come here? Or, do we grow them up internally?Rich Birch — Do we find a way to develop them internally? So it’s this idea of plucking talent rather than developing it. Talk to me through why is training so hard in so many churches? Why do we struggle with that? And we seem to default towards, let’s just find somebody from over there and have them come and help us here.Spence Shelton — Yeah, man, I think that mentality starts all the way down to the idea of reaching people that don’t know Christ versus just sheep swapping from one church to the other church. Right.Spence Shelton — So you can grow your church by transfer growth. Um, which I actually am one who, Hey man, if somebody on the sideline in one church and then they plug into your church, I I’m all for it And if the same thing happens with Mercy, all for it. Spence Shelton — But our aim, what we all know as pastors and ministry leaders is our aim is man, let’s reach lost people and then disciple them. Right. Rich Birch — Yes.Spence Shelton — The same thing I think should be true with leadership development. For some reason, when it comes into developing leaders, we tend to go a different direction and think, well, let’s just go find where some leaders are and get them to to plug in.Spence Shelton — It’s like, we don’t do that even with discipleship. Why are we switching our mindset? And so I want to just kind of, I have to, I was convicted and wanted to call our church and I would call others to the same mindset that you have with discipleship. Let that carry over into your leadership and your leadership development as well.Spence Shelton — And I think that’s how we’re going to grow, just as how we’re going to grow the kingdom by reaching lost people, how we’re going to grow the leaders in the kingdom, the number of leaders we have, it’s going to be developing them in our church. And I just… I don’t know that we’re even thinking that way and asking the question, is the guy who’s a 27-year-old physical therapist in my church, has anybody ever bothered to tap him on the shoulder and ask, hey, man, could God be calling you into ministry?Rich Birch — That’s good.Spence Shelton — Because I watch you and no we’re not doing the shoulder tap, man. And so um right now, I just I love it. Just a little bit of the story of our church… Rich Birch — Yeah. Spence Shelton — …our executive both of our executive pastors and two of our three campus pastors were all in the marketplace. One of our executive pastors was in banking. Another was a plant manager. We have two campus pastors who were both, I use physical therapists because they’re both former physical therapists. And you know, we’re sitting there having these conversations.Spence Shelton — You know what makes a great pastor is someone who has sat with person after person told them, hey, you should do this to feel better. And then they come back to you later and say, hey, I don’t feel better. And you say, did you do the thing I told you to do? And they say, no. And you say, well, you should have done that.Rich Birch — Right.Spence Shelton — And a patient, long suffering physical therapist turns out to be a great pastor, but somebody’s got to tap him on the shoulder and say, hey, man, I think God might be calling you into this. And so my my encouragement to anybody who’s a in ministry right now, kind of in that leadership development role, and you’re like, I don’t know, we’re gonna have to go outside to find some talent.Spence Shelton — I promise it’s going to take longer the way I’m talking about. But if you will seek the Lord, ask the Lord, and then start shoulder tapping and giving some opportunities for guys to lead, for men and women to lead there in your ministry and whatever the leadership roles might be, I think there might be more people in there than you realize. Because I believe that God provides for the church that he’s growing, that he’s called you to lead. Rich Birch — Yeah, I love that. Spence Shelton — And so I think the same thing is true with leaders as well.Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s so good. I love that. And I you know I love the even the vision for, hey, maybe there are some people within your church. We see this statistically, like even if you’re thinking about campus pastors, 9 out of 10 campus pastors are coming from within, which means we’ve got which means we’ve got to get good at this. Spence Shelton — Yeah.Rich Birch — And yeah, if your church has any kind of unique slant on the world, you’ve got to find people who have come up through that culture to ah to ultimately push that culture forward.Spence Shelton — Yes.Rich Birch — I love this this marketplace to ministry transition. How do we help people do that? That’s a real key transition. I would imagine on your end, you’ve got to help connect the dots for somebody. I love that there, how you even with the physical therapist, we’re able to connect the dots between, hey, here’s what you’re doing. Let me talk to you about the kind of role that we’re thinking about. How do you make that transition? Have you developed anything to try to help make that, you know could you know, connect those dots for people as you’re having those conversations?Spence Shelton — Yeah, I would say we don’t I don’t have a conversational map that I’m doing.Rich Birch — Sure.Spence Shelton — I don’t have that yet, though I think that’s just like many things, trial and error, and I’m still in the still cooking to formulate that map.Spence Shelton — But what I do have that we’ve worked through with our staff is something we call, it’s interesting, we actually call it the lead pastor profile.Rich Birch — Okay.Spence Shelton — The reason we call the lead pastor profile is because everything we’re doing, we’re building towards, developing towards planting more churches. And you’ve got to have a lead pastor to go and plant those churches. Rich Birch — Yeah. Spence Shelton — Now, the thing is actually when you when you look at it, it’s actually just a ministry leader profile, you know? Rich Birch — Right. Spence Shelton — Everything on there, but there may be a couple of things that are nuanced specifically to lead pastors, but it’s kind of like when you go into Timothy and you see what are the characteristics of an elder? Well, every single one of them is just a good Christian, except then you got this thing able to teach. You know what mean? Rich Birch — Right, right.Spence Shelton — So it’s a similar thing is like most of our profile, nine points on it and divided into three buckets, it’s mostly just what makes a good ministry leader. Well, then what I’m doing is what we are doing is we’re taking that and we’re training our whole staff through it and saying, Hey, here’s what we are looking for. Here’s what we’re trying to develop. And then here’s everything. So I do a training monthly with our staff on these points. Rich Birch — Right.Spence Shelton — And then I do it and I say, yeah, I have to verbally say it, never underestimate or never overestimate, I guess just that it’s going to happen without you saying it, always say what you want them to do, you know, just good old preaching point there. But man, Hey, I want you guys to take what I’m teaching you and go teach your volunteers. Rich Birch — That’s good. Spence Shelton — And go teach those that. And I want you to teach your leaders. And then I want your leaders to be able to teach them. And if it doesn’t work, I want you to come back and tell me so that we can get better at making this a multiplying thing. Right. Spence Shelton — So we just got to have a lot of checks and balances along the way. So we’re hopefully training. And it took a while to pull this together in a way that it makes sense to all of us. And now that we’re kind of running it, we can see the value in it of, hey, this is what we’re looking for. And now you can go shoulder tap and say, I know what I’m looking…So the the kids director can go, I know what I’m looking for.Spence Shelton — Now I can go and start shoulder tapping because I know what, you know what i mean? Now that know what I’m looking for, it’s…Rich Birch — Totally.Spence Shelton — Those are probably the the beginnings of a conversational map to to walk somebody through, but at least you know what you’re looking for. You can start to have those conversations. And if you have the relational equity, those conversations can really go somewhere.Rich Birch — Love it. I’d love to double click on that. I love this lead pastor profile idea. I think working to get the clarity I think is in is a great, you know, a great task for all of us to wrestle through.Rich Birch — We think, well, we want to develop our leaders, but then we don’t have any definition of what do we mean by a leader, like at its more most basic level.Spence Shelton — Yes.Rich Birch — So we don’t need to get into all nine, but are there a couple of them that are either counterintuitive or maybe we miss, or you find yourself coming back to time and again, that are like real dividing points or like ones that kind of stick out to you in the in the framework?Spence Shelton — Yeah. All right. So obviously all nine matter to me or I wouldn’t have had them all. So I’ll do my best.Rich Birch — Yes, exactly.Spence Shelton — I’ll do my best.Spence Shelton — So we divide him into three buckets, character, competency, and calling. So each one of those has three points under it. And I’ll click on one of them, maybe in each, and you can tell me if you want to go further.Rich Birch — Sure. That’s great. Yeah.Spence Shelton — But in character, the one that I find to be the most overlooked is self-awareness.Rich Birch — So true.Spence Shelton — I find that to be the most overlooked characteristic of a good leader is one who is aware of their strengths and aware of their weaknesses and is settled in their identity in Christ so that their weaknesses don’t crush them.Rich Birch — That’s good.Spence Shelton — You know, they can instead build a team around them, you know. Because the classic thing with a lead pastor is to say, well, I’m good at vision and bad at details. It’s like, OK, man, maybe we need to do something a little more thoughtful than that, because that resonates with me for sure… Rich Birch — Right. Right. Spence Shelton — …that you ask the guys around me for sure. But what what? what about are you better at vision casting or vision creating? And what are the evidences of that in your ministry? You know, so for me, I’m better at vision casting than I am vision creating. That’s probably my my 9 to 10 is actually sharing it.Spence Shelton — But I got to have some help and and love having help in the other side of that. And so there are plenty of other things like that. But when we have someone who’s not aware of their strengths and weaknesses, usually that’s that’s like a stop point for us.Spence Shelton — And so if we’ve got someone we think, oh, man, they they come across because here’s the thing. Unless you have these points, somebody will can make a great first impression and a lot of long term damage in your ministry. Rich Birch — That’s good. Spence Shelton — Not because they have bad intent, but because they’re not aware of what they’re… And you give them a lot of responsibility and maybe they’re not actually, they don’t have the eyes of Jethro in Exodus 18 to know how to build out a ministry.Rich Birch — Right. Right. Spence Shelton — You just thought they did because they gave off a good first impression.Rich Birch — Right. Spence Shelton — So that’s my biggest biggest one in that character, or not biggest one, but that’s a key one, I think, in the character is…Rich Birch — Right. A key one that sticks out.Spence Shelton — …man, are you self-aware? And so whatever we use, we love different, whether it’s the personality assessments, leadership assessments, but we also, and we just, we wanna develop from within because that gives us the ability to see.Rich Birch — Right.Spence Shelton — We can see what their strengths and weaknesses are. Rich Birch — Yes. Spence Shelton — Because we’ve had people eyes on them for months and years and you can’t really trade that out.Rich Birch — Yeah, and character takes a long time of up-close observation to really get a sense of where where people are at.Spence Shelton — Yes.Rich Birch — Because, and you know we know this is, this is you know we don’t have to think long. There are lots of examples of leaders who—and all look great—but there’s like a 2% you know, problem in their character that ended up showing itself in the most kind of ugly of ways.Spence Shelton — That’s right.Rich Birch — So I know all nine are super important. I get that. appreciate that. But we can’t be here for three hours. So competency, what was what’s one in there that that that tends to say we’re just trying to whet people’s appetite to kind of help them think through it a little bit.Spence Shelton — Yeah, man. For competency, the one that I would, the the one that, yeah, that spend a lot of time on when it comes to competency, what I would say is the multiplier. Rich Birch — That’s good.Spence Shelton — I want someone who is a proven multiplier before I move them into an increased um level of leadership and responsibility. I want to see it, man. And if we, otherwise, again, what I’m trying to weed out is someone that talks a good game or someone that just has a, there may be someone I think a lot of leaders that might actually be really strong in the gift of hospitality have found themselves in the arena of administration simply because they are, like generous, kind, easy to talk to people. And they’re great. You want to be around them. They’re probably encouragers, that kind of thing. Spence Shelton — And it’s like, wait a minute, have they multiplied? Do they actually understand what it takes…Rich Birch — That’s good.Spence Shelton — …to take someone from leading self, to use the old Ramsharan leadership pipeline, from leading self to leading others, have they actually, do they understand what it takes? Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s good.Spence Shelton — And do they understand what it takes to go from leading others to leading leaders? And have they, let’s let’s just look behind them. If you wanna go the the Bible route, you just take 2 Timothy 2:2…are they able to train up faithful teachers who can then teach others also? That to me is, especially when we get into who’s going to go out and plant a church…Rich Birch — Right.Spence Shelton — …and I’m not sending somebody out that’s not a builder. Another way to say multiplier would be builder, but I say multiplier because I’m specifically thinking around leadership and leading those who will lead others. Rich Birch — Yeah. Spence Shelton — If we want to build a movement of churches for the sake of the glory of God, and we want these churches to go and continue to build, there’s got to be multipliers leading this. Rich Birch — Yes. Yes.Spence Shelton — You know, gotta be. So when it comes to competency, that’s like a a deal breaker for me for who we’re going to send out the plant. And so I want to develop it starting in our student ministry, you know, and working our way through or starting in our college ministry, working our way through.Spence Shelton — I don’t want to wait until we just try to, otherwise we’ve got to go pluck out from the, you know, ether, somebody that we hope is a multiplier. And I don’t want to do that. I’d rather raise them up.Rich Birch — Well, and we see this temptation in churches when they get to, say, 1,000, and then they’re they’re growing you know they’re they’re eyeing 2,000 beyond. There’s a there’s a dangerous temptation that can come in, particularly for our staff teams. I know we’re talking broader than just staff teams, but particularly for our staff teams, we can ah we can forget the Ephesians 4 call to equip others to to ministry.Spence Shelton — That’s right.Rich Birch — And we just become doers. We hire doers rather than multipliers… Spence Shelton —Yes. Rich Birch — …because they get stuff done. And we’re like, oh man, they’re solving problems for us. But that is can then erode a church long-term very quickly. I’ve seen that so many times where they end up with, you know they slow down.Spence Shelton — That’s right.Rich Birch — They’re like, why are we slowing down? It’s well, because you’ve stopped multiplying. You’ve stopped doing what we’re called to do. I love that. Rich Birch — So then the third category calling anything in there that would, that steps that kind of is similar. Again, I know all nine are are really important, but, but any of those that that kind of jumped to the, to the front.Spence Shelton — Maybe I’ll give you one that has we’ve learned through some some painful trial and error, Rich Birch — Okay. Sure. Spence Shelton — And that is, we call it alignment. And what we mean by that is: as you develop a leader, when it comes to their long-term place in your church and leading maybe even beyond your, so in our case, beyond our church to going in and leading ah a church that’s going be a part of the family of our churches, it’s really important that not only are they theologically aligned, but they are philosophically aligned in terms of how we do church.Spence Shelton — So no shade on any other way of doing church. What I’m saying is so that we can continue to be united in one voice internally, so at Mercy Church with how we do discipleship, and then so that we can be united in how we can help and train one another as a family of churches, we got to be aligned not just around our theological convictions, but on our ministry convictions, how we do it.Spence Shelton — I would say to those of you out there who have a promising young leader, but it seems like they just don’t want to do, they want to change your church into their, a different kind of church.Rich Birch — Right.Spence Shelton — The best thing you can do is set them free. Rich Birch — Yes. Spence Shelton — And I don’t mean like, that’s not like code for firing, by the way, that genuinely that genuinely is like, help them find a way, an off ramp to whatever it is they sense God calling them to. If they’re not, you know, they might be just, they need more season of development. That might be all it is. But when it comes to appointing people towards and, and, setting people into key leadership. So take an elder role at Mercy Church, community group coaching, shepherding, that kind of thing where you’re in now, you are shaping, not just participating. You’re really shaping the DNA of our church. Spence Shelton — We’ve got to be aligned with what we’re doing. It also makes for a much more enjoyable experience. I’m not saying we’re not thinking. We’re always thinking over here about how to do it better and trying to be faithful and everything else.Rich Birch — Yes.Spence Shelton — Of course. But I’m saying, man, you want to feel like you’re locked arm and arm going together. And when conviction comes that goes a separate way, it’s like best to separate. So we’ve we’ve learned that the kind of the hard way. I think a lot of lessons are hard.Rich Birch — Sure.Spence Shelton — And so I offer this as our missions pastor likes to say, we have paid some dumb tax. Rich Birch — True. Spence Shelton — And so wherever we can save another person from paying it, we’d love to do that for you.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s so good. I love that. and And yeah, I think alignment’s a massive deal and and calling it out. And I would think being in a church that is um so focused on sending, you’re you’re hoping that that’s a big part of what’s kind of the outcome of the church. Spence Shelton — That’s right.Rich Birch — That, you know, having an an outlet for that sending in a way that makes the most sense. Hey, here’s a leader who seems to have the skills and, you know, and and and then you can celebrate, hey, they seem to have some unique ideas that they want to go and see happen somewhere else.Spence Shelton — Yes. Yes.Rich Birch — That’s fantastic. Rather than having to like fight that. I think that’s cool. That’s really good. Rich Birch — So, you know, help me ah pick this apart a little bit. So one of the interesting things I find in this whole kind of leadership pathway, leadership pipeline conversation is there are, so I think we all can be influential. I think in one way we are all called to be leaders, but not necessarily everyone that we’re discipling is necessarily going to be a lead pastor. They’re not all necessarily going to. Rich Birch — Now I understand we’re kind of discipling towards that, but help me understand what are you doing internally with folks that you’re like, I just, they’re just not going to make that jump eventually. How do you have that conversation? I know that’s a hard conversation. What does that look like?Spence Shelton — Right.Rich Birch — Or am I just looking at this wrong? Which could be the case too. Happy to be wrong. Help help me think through that.Spence Shelton — Well, we’ve got to have some freedom that comes from distinctive categories. This will help us a great deal. Helps me in pastoring a great deal. First, we got to have the category of spiritual gift. The Lord has given everyone a spiritual gift… Rich Birch — Yep. Spence Shelton — …and we got to celebrate that. Rich Birch — Right. Spence Shelton — And we got to be careful not to turn the leadership pipeline into, or that concept of leader development, turn that into a a grading of gifts. Like you’ve got a, you know, you’re, you need to graduate from one gift. Maybe that’s a better way to say it. Graduate from one gift to the other, to the other. It’s like, no, no, no. Rich Birch — That’s good. Spence Shelton — What we’re not talking about is graduating out of your gift set. God has given you that. And the best thing for you and for his church is to get really good at how he’s given you or how he’s gifted you. Rich Birch — That’s good. Spence Shelton — And when we when we conflate those, when we only talk about just you know getting better, it’s like, man, we got to watch out. Instead, let’s say, how can we get better at the giftings God has given us so that we can steward it really well?Spence Shelton — And then we find ourselves able to say, and when it comes to leadership, and here we are as church leaders, we’re now inside of a category. We’re inside of a category of leadership. And how can we develop leaders who are gifted by God as leaders? Well, the good news is maybe take some pressure off everybody, you’re not really going to know if someone’s gifted in leadership until you let them try to lead. Rich Birch — True, yes. Spence Shelton — So you got to let them try to lead, man. And then as they lead and you give them a couple of swings, two, three, four, whatever, and you coach them along the way, hey, here’s what we’re looking for in a leader. Here’s how you can grow from leading self leading others. Take the pressure off. Spence Shelton — This might be how God has gifted you, we don’t know. But the best way to see, based on what we’ve seen so far, is to let you try. So here’s a community group, and here are the things you’re gonna need to be a good community group leader, and we’re gonna coach you and support you.Spence Shelton — Let’s go. And let’s see what the next six months brings, right? Rich Birch — Yep, that’s great.Spence Shelton — Hey, this went really well. We wanna take you out of this community group leader seat and put you in as a coach. Now there’s a different set of skills you’re gonna need to be a coach, but man, it seems like your people responded to your leadership. What do we think about you as a coach? Spence Shelton — Each set of the way, man, do I have the, the way I always say it to our staff—they’re sick of me saying this, so it’s great to talk to you because…Rich Birch — I’m not sick of it. Yeah.Spence Shelton — …[inaudible] fresh person to say this too—is that clarity in expectations creates confidence in execution. The clearer you are with what you are asking someone to do, the more confident they will be in doing it. Another way to say it.Rich Birch — That’s good.Spence Shelton — So that’s just my my big thing there on on this. Let’s get over now that we’re, and what we’re going to find is some people are going to lead a community group faithfully for 20, 30 years at our church. Rich Birch — Right, right.Spence Shelton — Praise the Lord. What we can’t see is that we can’t see that a failure. Rich Birch — No. Spence Shelton — Others are going to lead for six months to two years. And we’re going to man, this, this person’s a leader and, and we’re seeing it. They already, they’re planting. Spence Shelton — I had someone come up to me the other day at church and tell me, Hey man, I just wanted to tell you, we’re so excited. You challenged me about five years ago to lead a community group. And we just planted our fifth group. And I went, like I went, I was, my mind went so far. I didn’t even have time to be, to be celebrating. Rich Birch — Right. Spence Shelton — Cause I was like, does anybody know that there’s a guy out here… Rich Birch — Right. Yes. Who’s just cranking out groups. Spence Shelton — …with the with an apostolic gift just planting groups every year what’s going so so. Rich Birch — Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That’s great. Spence Shelton — I was like hey, but so that that was a a great moment the Lord gave me just of, hey this is this is going really well and there will be some that will lead a group and things won’t go well and they won’t go well and you’ll keep trying different efforts. So to my community group leader friends, hey once someone tries and tries and tries, would you maybe tap their shoulder and say hey can we try something else. You know. Rich Birch — Good. Spence Shelton — Like you are not a failure. We just got to find the gift that God has given you. Rich Birch — Right. Spence Shelton — And the more that’s in the conversation of your church, that’s in the atmosphere of your church—We’re just looking for the way God’s gifted you. And we’re going to try and make you the best you can be at how he’s gifted you.—The easier the conversation is going to be of, I don’t think it’s community group leadership. I don’t think it’s this. I don’t think it’s that. Because we have a culture of, Hey, trial and error, you know?Rich Birch — Right. That’s good. That’s so good. I love that. And I love this has been a great kind of look under the hood of this whole multiplication issue. I think a lot of church leaders out there have the desire. They have the like, oh, we, man, I would love to be a church that has that kind of vision. But then what are the mechanics underneath of that? How do we actually do that?Spence Shelton — Yeah. Yeah.Rich Birch — Super helpful. Pivoting in this totally, well, it’s a related but different direction. Your church has been involved in a number of revitalizations. You talked about on the you know top end, you had a you know facility given to you. And I this is like a super inappropriate, with just a few minutes left, curveball to throw in there. What’s your shorthand thing for us to learn about that? Rich Birch — You know that we’ve seen, particularly from a multisite point of view, this area has grown hugely in the last 10 years. It was 10 years ago, 5% of new campuses came about because multiple revitalization. The most recent study showed showed it was 40%. Spence Shelton — Wow.Rich Birch — I suspect Warren’s out talking right now. I suspect the number is even going to be higher. What are the few things that you’ve learned about, you know, those kinds of conversations and relationships that have allowed it to work for you? And it’s been helpful. It’s been a joy giving part of the story at Mercy. Talk us through that.Spence Shelton — I’m going to do so using another point in my lead pastor profile just to have some fun here.Rich Birch — Love it.Spence Shelton — So one of the things we look for in a leader is confident humility. Rich Birch — That’s good. Spence Shelton — Confident in terms of, man, they believe God has called them to something. You know there’s a there’s a settled confidence there. But the humility to be patient and wait on the Lord and see what he has and to consider others, Philippians, to consider others more important than yourself. Right? This matters a great deal when it comes to this area of revitalization.Spence Shelton — What a leader needs to know that there’s this temptation, and I had it, of why would you not give us your church building? Rich Birch — Right.Spence Shelton — Things are going well for us and struggling for you. Why would you not do that?Rich Birch — Yes.Spence Shelton — Well, it’s that there’s an unintentional, I’m call it a holy ambition that may be a little bit creating some blinders. Okay, let’s use the positive side of that. The the negative side would be there’s some arrogance there. Rich Birch — Right. Yeah.Spence Shelton — But the positive would be holy ambition. But what you gotta know is, man, often these facilities that are housing these churches, the ones that are remaining, a lot of the times that there are people that have been there for decades and for a generation or two, and they put blood, sweat, tears and money into where they are. Spence Shelton — And we had to take the the approach of slow by my standards, still fast by theirs… Rich Birch — Yes. Spence Shelton — …slow by my standards. Conversation after conversation that began with , in both of these cases, began with the church that needed revitalizing coming to us. We didn’t go to them. Spence Shelton — They came to us and said, hey, we’re trying to figure out what’s next. We hear you might be able to help. How can you help?Spence Shelton — And we had to present them. We had to consider that a stewardship process. of a kingdom resource, not a how do we advance the name of Mercy Church.Spence Shelton — And so it’s happened two different ways for us right now. One is a campus of our church. You know, we it took months and months, but they wound up voting to hand us the keys, join our congregation, and we held their hand the whole way through. And it was a really beautiful thing. And it’s where our broadcast campus meets today. Spence Shelton — There’s another one that happened where we decided the best thing was for that to be a, because of the neighborhood it’s in in East Charlotte, to be a church planting incubator where we could plant a church every 18 months to two years. Rich Birch — Love it. Yeah.Spence Shelton — And so that’s what we’re doing right now. And there’s a church plant in there. And that was the best stewardship of that building. And after the conversation with their people, but we kind of, we basically put that with them and say, I had a lot of lunches and dinners that I just I’m going to tell you, if you want to get into this game and you want to do it in a way that’s going to honor the Lord, you got to be ready for the patient handholding that I would say is honoring a legacy of faith these folks are are taking.Spence Shelton — In many ways, the greatest step of faith taken in our church has been a couple of other churches handing us keys…Rich Birch — Yeah, 100%.Spence Shelton — …to something that the Lord was an outpost for the gospel at one point. And now in both of those cases for us and in the others that we’re starting to see that are still too soon for me to talk about, it’s just, man, now there’s an outpouring happening in both of those places. And you got like, man, there’s a couple of folks that are from the original congregation of what is now our, where our broadcast campus now is. And they, they, they’re greeters. They have tears more mornings than they don’t on Sunday mornings.Rich Birch — Yeah, yeah, for sure.Spence Shelton — It’s beautiful, man. Rich Birch — Yeah, it is.Spence Shelton — I mean, they’re all in. They are way bigger fans of Mercy Church than I am. And I’m the lead pastor of the church. Rich Birch — Yes, right. Spence Shelton — You know what I mean? And they just, they are like, they love, because what they actually are is they, they took a step of faith, a huge step of faith, trusting the Lord. And the Lord has blessed them and renewed a a vigor in their ministry. Spence Shelton — I saw a couple of them, mid 80s, and it was about 11 a.m. weekday and they were leaving the church building. I was pulling up. I just put windows down. Hey, what are you doing? It’s like, well, we just finished prayer walk in the neighborhood a couple of times…Rich Birch — Wow.Spence Shelton — …and it’s getting too hot now. We’re going inside. And I’m like, these are the people I want, man. Rich Birch — Yes.Spence Shelton — Like just they’re retired and they have chosen they’re going their day prayer walking. It’s like, well, you told us to pray. And I’m like, yeah. Yeah. Rich Birch — That’s amazing. Yeah, that’s incredible.Spence Shelton — Thank you for leading the way you have the time and this is what you do with it. So, man, there are if if all we see is just, Oh a facility to advance my cause. And we miss what has actually been the sweetest thing for our church has been our very young church got some grandparents.Rich Birch — Yes. Spence Shelton — It’s beautiful, man. Beautiful. Rich Birch — Yeah. Yeah. That’s so good. Spence Shelton — So that’s just a little bit I learned from that ah from those couple of runs we’ve had. Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s amazing. And yeah, that underlines, so it’s definitely the majority—I think it’s three quarters, if I remember the most recent statistics on these sort of revitalizations—are coming about because the joining church is coming to the lead church, not the other way around.Spence Shelton — That’s right. That’s right.Rich Birch — And so you have to position yourself in a way that that confident humility is a great kind of benchmark to be thinking about, friends. How do we you know hold ourselves in a way that we’re here to serve other people, we’re here to care for them in a way. And I say to church leaders when we talk about these things, I’m like, you have to handle these relationships well enough so that then they’ll tell other people, hey, wow, we loved working with Mercy Hill.Rich Birch — Man, there we love working with Mercy Church. Well, we love working with mercy Mercy Hill too. Spence Shelton — Sure. That’s right.Rich Birch — We love working with Mercy Hill, Mercy Church, too many Mercies. Wow, what a great you know interaction that was been. And wow, that’s a life-giving thing.Spence Shelton — That’s right.Rich Birch — And I loved that. That is what ultimately we’ll see more of these happen long-term. Not because you did some, you know, so too many people have these like, You know, like they use merger and takeover and like this kind of aggressive language, which just doesn’t help in the conversation at all.Spence Shelton — No, it doesn’t help at all. Yeah, that’s exactly right. You got to have that humility. And if somebody’s sitting there wondering, okay, man, well, how do I how do I wait on that without, I want to go get it. I want to get started. I’d say two or three things to do if you’re looking and you believe your church might be a good church candidate for helping another church revitalize, whether that’s being a campus of yours or or something to that effect. Spence Shelton — I’d say first start praying and asking the Lord. And that if you’re not fasting, then you’re not praying yet. Rich Birch — Yeah. Love it.Spence Shelton — So I don’t want to hear that you’re praying if you’re not fasting on this. Secondly, man, this is why networks matter. So I would say whatever your denomination or stream is, whatever, however you’re kind of tied to other churches in your community. If you have no relationships with other churches in your community, and then you want to go and be the revitalizer, that’s going to come, that’s probably going to come across a certain way.Spence Shelton — So There are a number of—years and years and years—of meetings that I’ve gone to, conversations I’ve sat in, in order to genuinely try to say, how can we help? How can we help?Rich Birch — Yeah.Spence Shelton — Whether that’s sending a worship leader to go serve at a church one Sunday morning or helping one church with a a building fundy kind of like thing they got to upfit or something, you know.Spence Shelton — Basically, I’m trying to be a team player in the Kingdom here in our little corner of the world in Charlotte. And then that’s going to earn the respect and the trust for when those conversations can happen in the relational network, those conversations can happen. Spence Shelton — So I am one who just in my nature, I do not like meetings. I don’t like them. Rich Birch — Sure.Spence Shelton — They feel like necessary evils. Rich Birch — Love it.Spence Shelton — And I’m trying to get better about that. But they are actually what I do love and value is trust and relationships. And again, confident humility. I have to be more about the Kingdom than I do about my own church. And a rising tide lifts all boats, you know.Rich Birch — Yeah, it’s so good. Well, this been a great conversation today, Spence. I really appreciate that. And thanks for going with me there with that little you know detour at the end.Spence Shelton — Of course, the joy.Rich Birch — That was fantastic. But anything you’d love to share just as we wrap up today’s conversation?Spence Shelton — I would say too—I don’t know what’s spurring this, but something that has helped me so much in my ministry to the leader out there, especially the young leader, but maybe to all of them—you will always overestimate what you can do in five years and you will drastically underestimate what you can do in 20. Rich Birch — That’s so true.Spence Shelton — And there maybe a way to say it is you will overestimate what God will do and underestimate what God will do. So this is a little plug of me saying, stay the course, stay the course where you’re at. The Lord is going to do a work in honor of your faithfulness to the work. Stay in it, man. Stay in it.Rich Birch — Yeah, that’s so good. Just to add to that, I’m doing some research on working on a book on churches that break the 2000 barrier. And one of the interesting telltale signs are senior leaders and senior leadership teams that have been in the same church or the same community for 20 plus years. Spence Shelton — There you go. Rich Birch — So going into their third decade, it just takes time. Spence Shelton — There it is. Rich Birch — You know, it’s not it’s it’s not you know’s not overnight. Rich Birch — Well, I really appreciate this. This has been a great a great conversation. Spence, if people want to track with you or with the church, where do we want to send them online? Spence Shelton — Yeah, man, you can go to probably social media is the the day and age that we live in. So @SpenceShelton is my social media handle. It’s Instagram and and those kind of things. Our church is just @MercyCharlotte. And you can go on our website, mercycharlotte.com. Find everything you need there. Spence Shelton — We’re launching a podcast. Praise God, let’s go. You can find all of it, though, just through our Instagram handles, which is usually a good first landing point for folks. And however we can help, man, feel free to reach out. Nothing super shiny about what we got going on over here, but we love being in the game for the Kingdom. However we can help.Rich Birch — All the best as you serve in Charlotte. Thanks so much, man.Spence Shelton — Thank you, brother.

Today is the first in a four part mini-series on Industrial Real Estate across the US. The folks at Marcus & Millichap recently published 36 submarket reports across the US focusing on Industrial Real Estate. Today we are concentrating on six markets in the Southeast. --------------**Real Estate Espresso Podcast:** Spotify: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://open.spotify.com/show/3GvtwRmTq4r3es8cbw8jW0?si=c75ea506a6694ef1)   iTunes: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-real-estate-espresso-podcast/id1340482613)   Website: [www.victorjm.com](http://www.victorjm.com)   LinkedIn: [Victor Menasce](http://www.linkedin.com/in/vmenasce)   YouTube: [The Real Estate Espresso Podcast](http://www.youtube.com/@victorjmenasce6734)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/realestateespresso](http://www.facebook.com/realestateespresso)   Email: [podcast@victorjm.com](mailto:podcast@victorjm.com)  **Y Street Capital:** Website: [www.ystreetcapital.com](http://www.ystreetcapital.com)   Facebook: [www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital](https://www.facebook.com/YStreetCapital)   Instagram: [@ystreetcapital](http://www.instagram.com/ystreetcapital)  

Andrew Cushman shares his journey from engineering graduate to real estate powerhouse, highlighting the critical lessons learned from acquiring over 3,000 units across the Southeast. He dives into what's really happening on the ground right now, including the surprising resilience of operations in Sun Belt markets, the true impact of rising interest rates, and the risks lurking in distressed lower-end properties. You'll discover why many deals are stalling due to lenders extending and pretending, and how private debt is both a risk and an opportunity. Andrew Cushman Founder & Principal of Vantage Point Acquisitions Based in: Los Angeles Metropolitan Area Where to find them: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewcushmanvpa https://www.vpacq.com/ Book your free demo today at bill.com/bestever and get a $100 Amazon gift card. Visit https://malabarhillcapital.com/ for more info. Podcast production done by⁠ ⁠Outlier Audio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had an issue with several interviews last week where the audio is terrible and I am not sure why. While I work on it, I am loading one of my favorite episodes 729. A listener writes "My brother in-law and I have hunted all over Oklahoma. Grady County, in Central Oklahoma, Near Clayton in the South East, but in this one piece of property in Nowata, smack in the middle between the Verdigris River and Ooligha Lake, we had a very Terrifying encounter, …….with something. I'm 53 years old and hunted, with my dad, in Nowata, before I was old enough to drive. Not many people know how wooded this area is. My father and I hunted only 8 miles away from this property, I'm going to tell you about, and there are caves in the area. My dad and I use to hunt from the mouth of one on rainy days. I think, I could hide from populated areas, easily myself, so I'm pretty sure an elusive animal could too. It all started on our father in-law's land. It was about 40 acres, but we had permission to hunt another 40 on the back side of it. I always felt uneasy on this property. Like I was being watched, but I just rationalized it away. I would hear someone else walking the property, in the dark, keeping pace with me, as I walked to my hunting spot. I would swallow my fear and tell myself it's just another armadillo or racoon, and keep going. Once I borrow a knife from my dad, just in case I got a deer. The last thing he said to me was, " I don't care if you leave everything ease, just bring my knife back" . This knife was hand made, razor sharp, and entirely metal. I knew he meant it, so I was not going to leave it. That hunt I struck out, but my brother in-law, got a small buck. I was in my early 30s then, but he was in his 20s and had never gutted a deer before, so I was going to gut it for him. I slit open the abdomen and began pulling out the insides, in a bloody mess. He laughed at how bloody I was getting, calling me doctor Dave. I was trying to show him but he just laughed and teased me all the more. Frustrated I cleaned the knife on my camo and stuck it in the dirt. It was later in the day, so we gathered our haul and started back to camp. We walked, maybe 1/8th of a mile when, you guessed it. I forgot that knife. We were already sweating despite the cold, so my brother in-law wasn't happy about turning around. After less than 10 minutes, we got back to the spot, I picked up the knife, and wiped the dirt off on my pants. I looked up and said, let's go, but my friend didn't move. He turned and said slowly, " you don't see anything wrong here." The entire gut pile was gone. Even the blood. There was just one leaf with one drop of blood. No drag marks, no sign anything had been there, except for one large area of disturbed grass where the carcass had been, one small spot of crushed grass and of course my knife. Now I think there was a track there, but I didn't see it as that. This was Oklahoma and Bigfoot was not in my vocabulary. We walked back to camp in silence with guns loaded. What ever took that 30 pounds of slimy deer guts, had to be watching us while we opened the deer, was big enough to carry it off, and was probably still close. We had other things happen over the years, but one night stands frozen in my memory. In a later season, we were late getting to the property. We left too late to get there in the daylight. I was perturbed to have to set up the tent in the dark. It was darker than dark that night. It was nearly 2200, when we got it up. I was ready to start a fire, my brother in-law, and friend, Zack, said OK, let's go set up my tree stand. I replied, are you kidding, it's dark, I'm tired, and we haven't been here for an entire year. It was no use objecting, he was going on his own if I didn't go with him, so away we went. Trampling through the woods. The flash lights we had weren't great either. As we navigated off the ridge down into the bottom, of the hollow, I remember hearing something behind and to the right keeping pace with us in the woods. Fear hit me like it had never before. I tried to push it down, telling myself, it was nothing, but I struggled to stay upright on the dimly lit trail, carrying my pack. Finally, he found the tree he remembered from last year. I pulled screw in foot pegs out, and successfully got the stand in place 12 or 15 foot up. It took a long time and it was unusually warm. I set it up, so Zack wanted to make sure he liked it, so climbed up as I shined my, dim, flashlight on the pegs. While, he was climbing into the tree, that uneasy, fear, hit me again. I was hearing something moving behind me, and was having a hard time keeping that light shining on the tree. I would swing the light around and immediately heard my brother in-law yell, hey, give me some light, and WHAT ARE YOU DOING? I can't see. He finally get up there and bounces on the platform. Shining a flip phone around saying, "yeah, this'll work." I didn't care, I had my back to the tree, trying to see what was spooking me so bad. I was normally like that. I use to walk by moonlight to my hunting spot, but I could hear something moving around us in the dark. We were loud and it didn't seem to care. Finally, FINALLY, he got down and we made our way to camp. I started a fire and was feeling pretty comfortable on my sleeping bag. The fire comforted me as I cooled off, when Zack said, we gotta go back. I left my phone in the tree. I said , " it'll be there in the morning!!!!" He said, I'm going back. But I had enough. I was not leaving the fire. I told him your going on your own if you do. He took his rifle, and a flashlight and disappeared into the dark. I was just dosing off, when BOOM, and another BOOM. HE WAS SHOOTING. I bounced up pulling on my pants. As I fumbled with my boots Zack came running full sprint and stopped standing over me. I was mad at him. I didn't give him a chance to explain saying, you can't shoot at night! It's not legal to shoot a deer after dark, and everything is scared away now for half a mile. I feel bad now, he was pale, and just kept saying, " I saw something. I heard something." IT WAS NEARLY 10 YEARS LATER HE TOLD ME WHAT Happened. He said, something on 2 legs followed me in the woods. I paced me just out of sight. I yelled, thinking it was you messing with me. DAVID, cut it out. When he got to the tree. He yelled again, DAVID CUT IT OUT. then something mocked him out of the darkness. DAAVVIDD. He said something inside him told him to get up that tree. He shimmied up the tree like a squirrel. He cocked his gun and said DAVID, if that's you, you better cut it out. I'm going to shoot. Then he sees a huge black shape, and it mocked his frightened words, saying, DAAVIDD, HEA HEA HEA. Almost laughing. He thought it was a demon. So he shot, it ran, and he shot again. Seei g his chance, he scurried down and ran back to camp. There was no way we were going to sleep so I roasted hotdogs on the fire. And we had visitors. I heard coyotes yelp earlier, so I rationalized that's what it was. We where being harassed and circled by something on all fours. There was no eye shine, and they took care to not be caught in a flashlight. For nearly 2 hours they ran back and forth around us. The truck was close, but the gate was locked, and neither of us where going to fiddle with a lock, in the dark. We had guns but they were bolt action with a scope. These things were fast. We yelled but unless they came into the light, forget it. We threw out a weiner with antifreeze, in desporation. I heard something get up, run on 2 legs now and race to the weiner. In shock, we listened as this thing, started coughing and hacking. I thought to myself, that sound like a person. Then Zack said, what I thought. That sounds like a man. That sounds like a man. I said it can't be. Running in the woods with no light. He said, we just killed someone. I said, as the coughing continued, anyone who runs around hunter, at night, and picks up a hot dog, off the forest floor deserves to die. He laughed. Then I laughed. We bother laughed nervously, as this thing walked away coughing. We could hear it 100 yards away coughing. It was morning before we fell asleep. We didn't hunt that day. The treestand was ripped off the tree, broken at the welds. Chain still attached"