Podcasts about Starbucks

#1. SpaceX's Olympics#2. Starbucks' Library#3. OpenAI's company townTo kick off 2026, we whipped up our 7th annual “3 big business wishes” for the coming year. These ain't *just* predictions — they're wild wishes that if you think about it, make a ton of sense. Predictions sprinkled with razzle dazzle & sprinkle dinkle.Hit us up @tboypod to let us know what you think of these predictions… and to let us know yours.——————————————Buy tickets to The IPO Tour (our In-Person Offering) TODAYAustin, TX (2/25): https://tickets.austintheatre.org/13274/13275 Arlington, VA (3/11): https://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/shows/341317 New York, NY (4/8): https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0000637AE43ED0C2Los Angeles, CA (6/3): https://www.squadup.com/events/the-best-one-yet-liveGet your TBOY Yeti Doll gift here: https://tboypod.com/shop/product/economic-support-yeti-doll NEWSLETTER:https://tboypod.com/newsletter OUR 2ND SHOW:Want more business storytelling from us? Check our weekly deepdive show, The Best Idea Yet: The untold origin story of the products you're obsessed with. Listen for free to The Best Idea Yet: https://wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/NEW LISTENERSFill out our 2 minute survey: https://qualtricsxm88y5r986q.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dp1FDYiJgt6lHy6GET ON THE POD: Submit a shoutout or fact: https://tboypod.com/shoutouts SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tboypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tboypodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tboypod Linkedin (Nick): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-martell/Linkedin (Jack): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-crivici-kramer/Anything else: https://tboypod.com/ About Us: The daily pop-biz news show making today's top stories your business. Formerly known as Robinhood Snacks, The Best One Yet is hosted by Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark is joined by acclaimed trial lawyer Nicholas Rowley, who sits in as guest co-host. The two dig into a major Starbucks burn verdict, revisit the misunderstood McDonald's hot coffee case, and break down how corporate narratives distort public views of civil justice. The conversation also explores Rowley's successful fight to raise California's medical malpractice damages cap, his latest battle against Uber-backed liability limits, and why jury selection, honesty, and integrity remain the true backbone of the justice system.Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Reasonable Doubt video content on YouTube exclusively at YouTube.com/ReasonableDoubtPodcast and subscribe while you're thereSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textNew Year energy, winter grit, and a community that refuses to thin out—this one hits all three. We open with holiday contrasts that say everything about the ride right now: one of us hiking on ice with crampons and a Starbucks in hand, the other stepping out in shorts on a 70-degree Christmas. That contrast becomes a theme as we talk candidly about a slow job search, the quiet power of listener support, and why a team-first approach makes Big BRAG 2026 more rewarding for new riders and veterans alike.We zoom out to the bigger picture too. A shrunken Bicycling Magazine issue in the mailbox sparks a look at how print is adapting—smaller formats, leaner shipping, tighter layouts—and how that mirrors the shift from paper to pixels across cycling media. The conversation veers from aero bikes and marginal gains to what actually moves most riders: comfort, consistency, and a reason to roll. We share stories from old-school route planning in real estate photography, where efficiency beat mileage, and connect that mindset to how we plan tours, choose gear, and build habits that last.There's plenty of community fuel. We recap warm welcomes from international listeners, share gratitude for supporters who keep the show humming, and invite everyone to join our Cycling Men and Women of Leisure teams for Big BRAG 2026. We also announce our Podfest 2026 plans, thanks to Buzzsprout's support, and talk honestly about what conventions offer—useful ideas, people who push your craft, and a reminder that courses don't replace clarity. The Listener Spotlight returns with crisp clues—ten flags, great transit, book lovers, and an American cookout classic—so bring your best guess and jump in.Ride along for a thoughtful start to Season Five: real life, real laughs, and a clear focus on what matters—good roads, good people, and stories worth sharing. If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Support Support the showAdam and Michael's friendship has grown through years of shared miles, challenges, and laughter on the bike. Their passion for cycling has carried them through life's twists and turns, creating a bond full of stories, jokes, and unforgettable rides. In their podcast, they bring that same spirit to the mic—sharing adventures, trading banter, and welcoming listeners into their cycling community. Whether tackling steep climbs or cruising open roads, their conversations capture the fun, friendship, and freedom that cycling brings. Tune in for stories that celebrate the ride and the camaraderie that makes it unforgettable. and Remember,It's a Great Day for a Bike Ride!https://www.facebook.com/cyclingmenofleisurehttps://cyclingmenofleisure.com/https://www.cyclingmenofleisurepodcast.com

In this episode of the Dividend Talk Podcast, we review our 2025 dividend portfolio performance, break down dividend income growth, and reflect on what worked (and what didn't) for long-term dividend growth investors in Europe.We cover:2025 portfolio returns & dividend income growthCurrency impact (USD vs EUR) on dividends Biggest wins, mistakes & lessons learnedDividend reinvestment & compounding in actionTax questions, spin-offs & dividend growth trackingListener Q&A on stocks like Starbucks, Alphabet, HPQ & moreWhat we'll do differently as dividend investors in 2026Join our premium dividend newsletter for in-depth European stock deep dives, dividend safety analysis, and long-term portfolio thinking. -> Pricing - Dividend TalkConnect with other dividend investors on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord⁠⁠ to share ideas, ask questions, and stay motivated.Subscribe & followNew episodes every week on dividend investing, portfolio strategy, and building long-term wealth with dividends.See you on the Inside!

Mr. Beast Biography Flash a weekly Biography.Jimmy Donaldson, the unstoppable force known as MrBeast, has been lighting up the entertainment world with blockbuster announcements just days ago. Prime Video dropped the bombshell that Beast Games Season Two premieres January 7, 2026, with the first three episodes hitting at once and weekly drops building to a February 25 finale, according to IMDb and About Amazon reports. This follows Season Ones record as their most-watched unscripted hit, pulling in 50 million viewers fast, and teases fiercer Beast City battles with a brain versus brawn twist plus Starbucks coffeehouses woven in, launching the Cannon Ball drink tie-in that Tubefilter highlighted last week.Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff turned heads by publicly inviting MrBeast to craft a Super Bowl 2026 ad, a potential game-changer for his brand empire, as DesignRush detailed recently. No fresh public appearances or social media flares in the last 48 hours, but whispers of his upcoming Dubai spotlight at the 1 Billion Followers Summit from January 9 to 11 loom large, where hell reveal top collaborators for the 1 Billion Acts of Kindness campaign he launched with the Varkey Foundation back in November, per Global Teacher Prize news. Thats poised to amplify his philanthropy legacy, rallying creators worldwide for massive good.Business-wise, hes riding high post-branded video nods from Tubefilter, including Starbucks collabs and nods in their top weekly lists through December 30. No unconfirmed rumors here, just verified moves signaling MrBeasts pivot to global TV dominance and social impact. In the past 24 hours, no major headlines broke, but these Season Two reveals carry serious biographical weight, cementing his leap from YouTube king to streaming titan.Thanks for tuning into this Biography Flash episode on MrBeast. Subscribe now to never miss an update, and search Biography Flash for more great biographies.And that is it for today. Make sure you hit the subscribe button and never miss an update on Mr. Beast. Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production."Get the best deals https://amzn.to/4mMClBvThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

01-02-26 - BR - MIX - Starbucks Apron Color Facts - All Oct 2022 - BOSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

01-02-26 - BR - MIX - Starbucks Apron Color Facts - All Oct 2022 - BOSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Seattle's office vacancy hits 26.6%—second worst in America—and incoming socialist Mayor Katie Wilson thinks the solution is… taxing empty buildings and boycotting Starbucks? You can't make this up. While businesses flee across the lake to Bellevue, Seattle doubles down on payroll taxes, millionaire taxes, and vacancy fines. Meanwhile, a 75-year-old woman gets her eye gouged out by a "regular" attacker downtown, and Ross Dress for Less finally abandons what might be the worst retail location in North America. Amazon's already moved 10,000+ employees out of Seattle, but sure, let's slap on a statewide payroll tax—what could go wrong? As Katie Wilson prepares to take office calling for Starbucks boycotts, one question looms: How many more businesses need to evacuate before Seattle realizes you can't tax your way to prosperity? Is this economic suicide or just standard Democrat playbook? Will downtown Seattle become a ghost town of empty towers? Drop your predictions below, hit that subscribe button, and let's watch this trainwreck unfold together.

Happy New Year! We're bringing back one of our favorite guest episodes with Kay & Tay, the internet's favorite duo. We talk about how their content blew up, their backgrounds, marriage and family life, and the behind-the-scenes reality of creating online every day. Light, wholesome, and the perfect easy listen to start the year. We scored some great deals with a few of our favorite brands for our listeners: Own your health for $365 a year. That's a dollar a day. Learn more and join using our/my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/DANI or use gift code DAN/25 for a $25 credit towards your membership. Don't let financial opportunity slip through the cracks. Use code DANI at monarchmoney.com in your browser for half off your first year. Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives and make sure you're checking tags to ensure it's the fabric of your life too. Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com Visit containerstore.com and use code DANI at checkout for a discount on your purchase. If you're ready to take the next step in your life, whether that is merch, your own hair care line, or something in between, go to shopify.com/dani and make it happen. It doesn't matter where you're at in your entrepreneur journey, Shopify is there to make your life and selling journey easier. Learn more at Starbucks.com/partners Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Make sure you're subscribed to our official channel on YouTube, @deinfluencedpodcast, and follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your De-Influenced fix! Stay connected with us on Instagram and TikTok @deinfluencedpodcast, and as always thank you for being a part of this journey. Produced by Dear Media

Happy January 1st—and happy Day 1 of Dry January (if you're doing it). I love that this episode drops on the very first day of 2026 because if you've been thinking, “I can't do another year like last year…” this is your sign. In today's episode, I'm joined by two of my favorite humans (and two of my best sober friends): Gill Tietz from the Sober Powered Podcast and Suzanne Wayre from The Sober Mom Life Podcast. The three of us have been “text buddies” for over five years (yes, it's basically a full-time job), and we wanted to get together to help you make this Dry January different—especially if you've tried before and found yourself back in the drinking cycle by Day 4… or Day 14… or the infamous second Friday in January (aka “Quitter's Day”). We're talking about what actually helps you keep going when motivation fades, real life hits, and your usual reasons for drinking show up (stress, boredom, parenting, work, relationships, feelings… and yes, even IKEA furniture). If you want 2026 to feel better, calmer, clearer, and more like you—this episode is for you. For the full show notes, kindly go to this podcast episode link: https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/dry-january-2026-sobriety/ 4 Ways I Can Support You In Drinking Less + Living More Join The Sobriety Starter Kit, the only sober coaching course designed specifically for busy women. My proven, step-by-step sober coaching program will teach you exactly how to stop drinking  — and how to make it the best decision of your life. Save your seat in my FREE MASTERCLASS, 5 Secrets To Successfully Take a Break From Drinking  Grab the Free 30-Day Guide To Quitting Drinking, 30 Tips For Your First Month Alcohol-Free. Connect with me for free sober coaching tips, updates + videos on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and TikTok @hellosomedaysober. Love The Podcast and Want To Say Thanks? ☕ Buy me a coffee! In the true spirit of Seattle, coffee is my love language. So if you want to support the hours that go into creating this show each week, click this link to buy me a coffee and I'll run to the nearest Starbucks + lift a Venti Almond Milk Latte and toast to you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hellosomeday 

Welcome back to The Viall Files: Going Deeper edition.     In a Viall Files New Years EXCLUSIVE, Jared Osmond is here for a one on one to clear his name. And joining him later? The one and only queen of stage and screen, Britani Bateman. Are Britani and Jared together today? Will they be together after this interview? Is Britani's snowflake confirmed? Why isn't Jared following in his family footsteps of music stardom? There's only one way to find out… Pop a bottle of champagne at midnight and tune in to start your year off right!  "I say things that make me famous for all the wrong reasons." Listen to Humble Brag with Cynthia Bailey and Crystal Kung Minkoff! Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humble-brag-with-crystal-and-cynthia/id1774286896 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humblebragpod Listen To Disrespectfully now! Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disrespectfully/id1516710301 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCh8MqSsiGkfJcWhkan0D0w Start your 7 Day Free Trial of Viall Files + here: https://viallfiles.supportingcast.fm/  To Order Nick's Book Go To: http://www.viallfiles.com  Are you struggling with any sort of dating, relationship, or life dilemma? Do you want all the answers? Email asknick@theviallfiles.com with your question in the subject line to express interest in appearing on the show!  To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles   Thank You to Our Sponsors: Better Wild - Right now, Betterwild is offering our listeners up to 40% off your order at https://betterwild.com/viall  Starbucks - Together is the best place to be. Connect over your holiday favorites at Starbucks. Episode Socials: @viallfiles @nickviall @nnataliejjoy @britanibateman

92%ers, welcome to another episode of New Heights brought to you by Nike! On today's episode, we are welcoming back to the show WNBA Superstar, Caitlin Clark! Caitlin and the guys get her thoughts on what went into creating her new Nike commercial, what she's planning for her first signature shoe, her reaction to Jason dunking, how she's feeling getting back on the court, the fantasy football punishment she's glad to avoid, her Super Bowl picks, and we find out if Caitlin knows ball. Later we recap the Chiefs Christmas day game, Travis give his thoughts on playing with a backup QB, Jason has a spin zone for an absurd Eagles stat after their nail biter over the BIlls, we debate when to go for two, look ahead to some of the biggest Week 18 games, and answer your not dumb questions about waxing and we FINALLY talk a little birding. What you've all been waiting for. Watch and listen to new episodes of New Heights every Wednesday during the NFL season and follow us on Social Media for all the best moments from the show: https://lnk.to/newheightshowYou can also listen to new episodes ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. ...Download the full podcast here:Wondery: https://wondery.app.link/s9hHTgtXpMbApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-heights/id1643745036Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1y3SUbFMUSESC1N43tBleK?si=LsuQ4a5MRN6wGMcfVcuynwSend something to the New Heights Mailbox. Don't be weird though. C/O New Heights Productions135 E OLIVE AVE, BURBANK, CA 91502Support the show: NIKE: Watch Nike's new Caitlin Clark spot: From Anywhere. https://youtu.be/p813N-7rGUw?si=Zzv3z1sJFXo5s08mXFINITY: Imagine the most reliable WiFi at one price for five years. Guaranteed. Xfinity. Imagine That. Restrictions apply. Most reliable WiFi based on Opensignal Awards–USA: Fixed Broadband Experience Report May 2025. Xfinity Internet is powered by fiber and connected to the premises by coaxial cableNHL ON TNT: Watch the New York Rangers face off against the Florida Panthers in Miami for the Discover NHL Winter Classic, January 2nd at 7pm Eastern on TNT, TruTV and HBO Max.STARBUCKS: Try Starbucks new lineup of high protein beverages or customize to create your own! Head to https://Starbucks.comAUDIBLE: See the 2025 Best of the Year at http://audible.com/bestof2025HILL'S PET: Because you're only human, there's Hill's. Find the right food at http://HillsPet.com/ScienceDoesMoreSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It's New Year's Eve, and Todd and Julie Chrisley are ringing it in the only way they know how... with opinions, gratitude, and just enough chaos to keep things honest.In this special end of year episode of Chrisley Confessions 2.0, Todd and Julie look back on a year they never expected and talk candidly about what it means to be home, together, and starting over with a little more perspective and a lot more peace. From Sunday pajamas turning into a full blown fashion movement, to early morning Starbucks runs, to real conversations about growth, patience, faith, and family, this episode feels like sitting at the kitchen table with them as the year winds down.They reflect on hard seasons, unexpected blessings, and how going through the fire changed the way they see life, marriage, and each other. There's laughter, a few unfiltered Todd moments, some gentle roasting, and meaningful talk about New Year's resolutions that might actually stick. Or at least last longer than three weeks.As 2026 approaches, Todd and Julie share why this New Year hits different, what they're hopeful for, and why they believe there's always more ahead, no matter how dark things once felt.FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS:Todd Chrisley:Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/toddchrisley)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/toddchrisley)Julie Chrisley:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/juliechrisley)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/JulieChrisley)Chrisley Confessions 2.0:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/chrisleyconfessions2.0)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisleyconfessions2.0)YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisleyConfessions)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a thought leader on all things social media, Maren Hamilton has consistently driven community engagement for brands like The North Face, Starbucks and most recently Popfly. She holds a master's degree in Digital Media from the University of Washington and is a public speaker on social media strategy, creator marketing, and digital trends. When she's not on TikTok, you can find her on the trail or paddling the river with her pups.

Welcome back to The Viall Files: Reality Recap!    Hope everyone had a great holiday!!!! To celebrate the return to the studio and the last recap of the year, we're joined by Tyler Cameron and Tate Madden to get into all the Christmas family lore. Plus, we get into some Taylor Frankie Paul and Mormon Wives headlines and the most recent episode of RHOP! You won't want to miss it.    "I don't know what giddy means, but I do get excited sometimes"    Buy Our Merch: https://shop.viallfiles.com/    Are you interested in being a part of a dating docuseries, with the opportunity of meeting your one? Fill out our casting call! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8_echsNPYsFZZ1tIpyY_aMD75tB3kZwKWCfgVZuYeS-xJQg/viewform   Subscribe to The ENVY Media Newsletter Today: https://www.viallfiles.com/newsletter    Listen to Humble Brag with Cynthia Bailey and Crystal Kung Minkoff. Available wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humblebragpod https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humble-brag-with-crystal-and-cynthia/id1774286896   Start your 7 Day Free Trial of Viall Files + here: https://viallfiles.supportingcast.fm/    We've partnered with Mint Mobile to open a hot takes hotline to hear your scorching hot opinions! Give us your hot takes, thoughts and theories and we'll read and react to the best ones on an upcoming Reality Recap episode! All you have to do is call 1-855-MINT-TLK or, if you prefer the numbers, that's 1-855-646-8855 and leave us a message. Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and as always send in your relationship questions to asknick@theviallfiles.com to be a part of our Monday episodes.   Follow us on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheViallFiles   Listen To Disrespectfully now! Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disrespectfully/id1516710301 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0J6DW1KeDX6SpoVEuQpl7z?si=c35995a56b8d4038 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCh8MqSsiGkfJcWhkan0D0w   To Order Nick's Book Go To: http://www.viallfiles.com    If you would like to get some texting advice on Office Hours send an email to asknick@theviallfiles.com with "Texting Office Hours" in the subject line! To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles     THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Legendz - Go to https://legendz.com and use promo code VIALL.  Grammarly - Sign up for FREE and experience how Grammarly can elevate your professional writing from start to finish. Visit https://grammarly.com/podcast  Starbucks - Together is the best place to be. Connect over your holiday favorites at Starbucks. Thrive Market - Head to https://thrivemarket.com/viall to explore better snacks and pantry options and get 30% off your first order and a free $60 gift   Timestamps: 00:00 - Holiday Talk 27:09 - Household Headlines 50:16 - RHOP Episode Socials: @viallfiles @nickviall @nnataliejjoy @tylerjcameron @tada_itstate @ciaracrobinson @justinkaphillips @leahgsilberstein @the_mare_bare

‼️Blown up in Baghdad. Saved by Archangel Michael. Reinserted w/a Mission from GOD‼️ The Super Soldier programs. Healing Miracles. Stories of SEAL Team 6 missions. And now…unleashing our GOD Code discussion + LifeWave's Star-Trek inspired Nikola Tesla-like healing tech which drives healing miracles for him, our host Brad Wozny and people across the planet. .

(December 30,2025) Starbucks doesn’t want to be on every corner in NY and LA anymore. What is says about you if you hate the New Year. Why you should probably skip Dry January. Analyzing TV hits and bombs w/ Heather Brooker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. Beast Biography Flash a weekly Biography.Jimmy Donaldson, the YouTube titan known as MrBeast, has been making waves with bold pivots that could redefine his empire just days into the new year. In a fresh interview with creator Jon Youshaei posted Monday, Business Insider reports Donaldson revealing plans for a dedicated YouTube channel on financial literacy, teaching fans about investing, Roth IRAs, and smart money moves. Its a natural evolution from his cash-stuffed stunts, like the 10 million dollar giveaway on Beast Games first season, and ties into his teased MrBeast Financial services business, with CEO Jeffrey Housenbold confirming expansion into loans and insurance via investor decks.At The New York Times DealBook Summit earlier this month, Donaldson dished on shifting his main channel strategy as fans tire of spectacle, per Business Insider. Hes doubling down on emotional storytelling, longer 25 minute videos, animation, and micro dramas, while cutting costs after losing millions on extravagant productions. Housenbold hinted at a potential IPO, eyeing ways to let his 1.4 billion global viewers own stakes in Beast Industries, now valued at five billion dollars, as TechCrunch details amid lawsuits over Beast Games set conditions and MrBeast Burger woes.Business buzzed with Starbucks partnering for Beast Games season two, debuting January seventh on Prime Video, fueling contestants with 24/7 coffee in Beast City and a limited Cannon Ball Drink from January 14th, Marketing Dive confirms. On December 26th, Associated Press covered Donaldson advising parents of aspiring kid influencers to prioritize education over fame. His December 20th 30 Days in the Sky YouTube challenge featured a Starbucks drop for a contestant vying for a 50 thousand dollar gift card.No major headlines in the past 24 hours, but these moves signal long term bets on education, finance, and efficiency, potentially cementing his biographical leap from stunt king to mogul.Thanks for tuning into this MrBeast episode of Biography Flash. Subscribe to never miss an update on MrBeast and search Biography Flash for more great biographies.And that is it for today. Make sure you hit the subscribe button and never miss an update on Mr. Beast. Thanks for listening. This has been a Quiet Please production."Get the best deals https://amzn.to/4mMClBvThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

400 Starbucks stores are closing across the nation. Kristin Bentz and Ian Schwartz talk about why its happening.

Quaranteam - Dave In Dallas: Part 9 A talk with a detective leads to a decision. Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Jan visibly relaxed as she followed Dave out. Olivia was checking in with Shawna and Mel. Dave waited until it looked like Liv had reached a stopping point in her conversation, then signaled for her to come back up. "Dave, how long until the cops get here?" Shawna asked. "Patrol isn't coming. Said since we aren't in immediate danger, they'll focus on 'higher priority calls and get to us when they can'. Which means they aren't coming. A detective will come out to investigate, but that will take time." "How much?" "Dunno. I have a plan though. I'll talk it over with the others and hash out the details. I'll come back out and fill you two in shortly." "Okay." Mel replied. "I'll call Mitchell. See if he can cover for me. He already has morning shift. Between him and April, they can manage for a day." "You sure?" "He's ready to work without a net for one day at least. Probably longer, but I don't want to fry his nerves unnecessarily." "You're a good boss, babe." Dave gave her a quick kiss, then charged back up the stairs to Esme's room where Lupie, Nessa and Olivia waited, with Esme and Roscoe of course. Currently, Esme had her face buried in the big dog's neck, giggling. As Dave took and held each ladies' hand briefly, he heard Jan come in with Becca and Reena in trail. "Okay, here's what we're going to do. We'll take pictures to document the damage and the bodies. Then we'll make repairs. We've got four people with weapons skills. Until the breaches are sealed, at least two of us are armed, on sentry duty downstairs. Once we've got the holes patched, at night at least, we'll go to one person on guard." He paused a minute so everyone could absorb what he'd said. "Does anyone have a good digital camera? We should use something other than cellphones if we can." "Depends on the camera and the user," Mel said. "Unless someone's had classes in photography, they're probably better off using a high-end phone camera." "Does anyone have a high-end phone camera?" Dave asked. "I know mine is decent, but not great." "Mine's pretty good, Liv's too." The other just shrugged. "I have a couple of good digital cameras at my office." Nessa replied. "Listings without photos don't do so good. The cameras are the best available last year, so they should show all the needed detail. I took classes at the El Centro to learn how to make the most of them. Well, the classes were three years ago when we different cameras. We got new, better ones last year." Dave nodded, then thought for a moment. "Okay, I'll escort Nessa to her office for the camera. We'll document everything. Then we'll assess the damage and figure out what we need for repairs. Liv, you and Mel will go to the hardware store for the supplies. Watch your; " his eyes flitted to Esme, "butts. If anything looks sketchy, get back here, supplies or no." Olivia nodded. "Just keep the same in mind yourself." Lupie gazed at him like she wanted to burn Liv's words into Dave's mind. She was not alone. "Vee, we should get going as soon as you're dressed. I don't think you want to go out in the cold drizzle in silk peejays." Vanessa smirked, rising to go change. "I'll be in shortly to grab a coat." As Nessa walked out, Dave sat down beside Lupie. Neither said a word, he just folded his arms around her as she leaned into him. Her shoulder pressed against his chest. Her head settled into the crook of his neck. Dave stroked her other arm, from the top of her shoulder, all the way down to her elbow, slowly, gently, hoping to give her the reassurance that no words would convey. He looked up to see the imploring look in Jan's eyes. With a flick of his own eyes, he signaled for her to sit on his other side, which she promptly did, leaning against him. Lupie reached out to softly grasp Jan's hand. The two sat on either side of Dave, just feeling his presence. While the other two snuggled against him, Dave made eye contact, individually, with Olivia, Becca, and Reena. Liv, while still working through some understandable nerves, seemed otherwise okay. Rebecca looked worried but trusting. Kareena looked like she was on the verge of losing it. Dave waved her over. Reena rose from where she was sitting on the opposite side of the room and streaked over to sit in Dave's lap. Lupie and Jan both made space for the younger girl to sit. The hands that they clasped together, rejoined, encircling Reena. Meanwhile, Reena buried her face in the crook of Dave's neck. Dave's eyes fell on Becca and Liv, the only two of his partners in the room not already huddled with him. Becca looked worried, but trying not to intrude. Not surprising for her, but not an accurate assessment of how Dave or the others would feel about her joining in. Quite the opposite of course. Beginning to understand Becca's feelings of inadequacy, was, however, shining an uncomfortable light on Dave's own lingering personal demons. Then there was Livy. The one that stood by him, protecting the others as the barbarians stormed their gates. He could see the conflicting emotions bounding across her face. She needed this comfort as much as he did. Today was the first time either of them had fired a shot at another human being. Dave waved them both over. "Let's make some space for Liv to sit here. She's got to be pretty spent too." Lupie looked at him plaintively. Like she knew the rightness of what he suggested, but some selfish part of her, that was losing, did not want to move. She did. Then she wrapped her arms around Olivia. "If it weren't for you, he would have been all alone down there, Liv. Thank you." Lupie hugged the younger woman closely. Olivia leaned back into her, while staring at Dave. That's when she started shaking. Dave tried leaning into Liv, But he still had Reena on his lap, and Jan on his other side. Becca, not yet in the cuddle pile, knelt in front of Liv, stroking her thighs soothingly, not erotically. "If you start singing soft kitty, Becca, I swear I'll drop you from the roof." Though Olivia's voice was unsteady, her essential snark came shining through, evoking the laughter she was seeking. None laughed harder than Becca, who threw her head back, snorting hard, with a wide grin that suggested Liv might have been prescient. "Okay, okay ladies," Dave said as the laughter subsided, "I need to go tell Shawna and Mel what's going on, get a coat, and escort Vanessa to get that camera." He patted Reena's leg. She immediately rose halfway up and slipped over to sit beside Liv, sandwiching the brunette between herself and Lupie. Dave addressed the room. "On security issues, Liv's in charge." He fixed his eyes on Olivia. "You know the drill; two on duty, one off, staggered relief. No one downstairs except guards for now. Well, people will start getting hungry once the nerves wear off, so let Lupie and a helper in the kitchen to make something." "And two more helpers at the end to carry everything else up." "Yeah." "And have the third in the kitchen on guard during cooking time." "Yup. and the guard is not doing anything but guarding. Just do your best to keep the guards rested and alert. Hopefully it won't take more than an hour or two to get the camera, but we'll maintain the watch while we document and repair." Liv nodded, as did Lupie and Jan. Nessa opened the door just then, smartly dressed for the weather in jeans and a stylish but sturdy jacket, and Dave's coat in hand. "Thanks, hun." Dave said as he approached her. "Let's go tell Shawna and Mel what's going on, and then head out. We'll take Liv's S U V." The brunette gave a thumbs up from the midst of the loose cuddle the family sat in. Esme and Roscoe had joined them. "Oh, and make sure Lupie and anyone else that cross the living room knows to steer clear of the broken glass, both to preserve evidence until we document it, and spare their feet." Passing Shawna, Dave motioned her to follow him part way down the stairs, then signaled Mel to come up and meet them. The looks on their faces as Dave spoke morphed from incredulous at the dispatcher's comments, to mild worry and trust when Dave explained his plans. Shawna stood up as Dave did, hugging him tightly. In his ear she said, "You be careful. I just got you, baby. I need you, and not just because of the serum." She punctuated her statement with a kiss on the lips that clearly wanted to linger, but self-control did not permit. "Escorting Nessa, armed, is just a precaution. I really don't expect any more trouble. We just need to be smart about this; be ready if something does happen." The first part was to allay their fears, the second to bolster their vigilance. Two steps down, Mel gave Dave a hug as well. "Just come back. You hear me? Come back to us. I don't want to change families anymore." Dave picked up on the allusion to the constant moves while in foster care. He hugged her tightly. "I promise, Red." Then he adopted a bad Austrian accent. "I'll be back." Mel giggled and smacked his shoulder with a wry smile. She followed Dave and Nessa down the stairs until she reached her station. The other two continued through the house and out through the garage. Liv's vehicle was in the driveway and it would have been much shorter to just go through the front door, but Dave was trying not to pass through any portion of the crime scene until after they'd documented it. Nessa drove. For one thing, it was her office, and Dave didn't know the way. For another, in the passenger seat, Dave could scan all around the vehicle, keeping a constant watch. He meant what he said earlier, the risk was likely zero now. Still, caution would be far better than getting caught unawares. Again. The streets were empty of course. While that should have lowered Dave's anxiety levels, the current risk factor was not the only thing that could gnaw at him. Dave had nearly a hundred hours of practice at shoot / no-shoot ranges, hundreds of hours of raw target practice, and had successful hunts every year he'd gotten a license. And no, despite all the bullshit coming out of those idiots at PETA, shooting a deer was not the same as shooting a person. Not even close. What they only knew as a pseudo-intellectual exercise Dave now had logged as real life experience. He didn't regret it. They were attacking his home. They broke in, in the middle of the night, carrying arms. Their intent was unknown, but there were no innocent reasons fitting those facts. But they were dead, at Dave's hands. And Livy's. He needed to find a way to console her, help her through this mental minefield even as he tried to navigate it himself. The look on her face as he left hovered in his mind. What had he led her through? Maybe he should have taken the low position on the stairs, and had Liv wait at the top of the stairs as backup? Then maybe she wouldn't have to have fired a shot? Maybe he could have fired quickly enough to hold off the attackers on his own. Then Liv wouldn't have to carry the burden she now had. "Babe?" Vanessa called out. Seeing no change in Dave's face, she tried again. "David? Honey, can you hear me?" "Huh? What?" "You're spiralling. I'm no expert, but that look. I've seen it before. A couple of our younger realtors are vets." "Not the same. This was a single incident that only lasted a few minutes. Those guys lived in hell for months." "Only one has chosen to open up to me, but it seems it's only a few minutes that the mind can't let go of." Dave kept his face stony and doubled down on his scanning. What could he have missed while his brain was wasting time with obsessions? "David, please don't run away on me, on us. We need you. You've been a good man for us every step of the way." Her voice got shaky as she continued. "We needed you this morning, and you stepped up. I've never been one to consign manliness exclusively to feats of strength or military prowess, but those are included. What you did this morning was another way to show your love. You stood between us and harm. You took the risk, and I am grateful for that. I know the others are too." Dave didn't reply, but did take a deep breath. The rest of the ride passed in silence. It took forty-five minutes to reach the realty office. Since most were working remotely; or dead; the place was empty. Dave followed Nessa in as she went straight to the cabinet and extracted a camera and a fresh memory card. Then they headed right back out. As she was locking the outer door, her stomach rumbled. Dave chuckled. "Maybe we should swing through a drive-thru for some breakfast. Any preferences?" "I'd really like a coffee. I think I saw an open Starbucks three blocks back. I don't know if they're working in bubbles; like a fixed group for each shift; or maybe they got dosed already, but they're lit up. A big coffee and a pastry and I'd be fine." The lobby doors had large "Closed, Use Drive-Thru Please" signs. Nessa pulled in and placed her order, then looked over at Dave. "Almond croissant, bacon gouda sandwich, and; a trenta pink drink. Easy ice." The look on Nessa face was priceless. She managed not to laugh, or say anything, just turned to the speaker to relay the request. While they were waiting their turn in line, she reached her hand under Dave's chin. She pulled him toward her, even as she leaned in, giving him a long, slow, loving kiss. "The man that can hold off armed assailants in the middle of the night, with no warning, doesn't need to be embarrassed about what he drinks with his breakfast, baby. You've certified your manliness in so many ways, even before this morning." Tears rimmed the bottom of her eyes. Dave was just brushing away her tears, trying to think of something to say when the car behind them honked. The car ahead was now two car lengths away. Both settled back into their seats. "Thank you," Dave said huskily as she edged forward. They passed the remainder of the return trip in silence, though a few meaningful glances were exchanged. Shawna and Mel left their stations and met them in the middle of the living room as soon as the two heard Dave and Nessa coming in through the garage. Dave had also texted as they turned on to the right block. "Upstairs, now mister." Shawna's voice was stern, uncompromising. "What?" "I didn't think about it before you left, but these guys might be carriers of Duo. We're vaxxed directly, but you're only safe through us. The briefing we got was clear; if the man we're bonded to is exposed, or even potentially exposed, renew his immunity with sex. Lots of it. Nessa and I will start documenting. Liv and Mel will stand guard." Footsteps on the stairs announced Olivia's descent. "Go on. Becca and Reena are in the spare bedroom waiting. Others will rotate in. You don't have to finish in us for your immunity. Once we gush, with or without you, switch to the next girl." "But y'all won't get your dose that way." "That's not the concern right now. Your immunity is. Go on." Dave recognized that tone, plus the looks in every eye present. He was sure the looks of those not present would match. Sure enough, when Dave opened the door to the bedroom, he saw his two youngest partners already waiting. Becca, her blonde hair cascading past her shoulders, small, pert tits standing out proudly as she kneeled on the bed wearing nothing but a smile. Reena was identically attired, her warm brown skin and large tits the most notable contrast with her friend. Dave began stripping off his gear and clothing, double checking that his pistol and smg were on safe, even though they had been for a few hours now. He set his weapons away from the bed, but further from the door than the bed. Coos and sexy comments from the girls had him half-chubbed by the time he pulled off his boxers. "Oh, yeah baby. That's what I'm looking for." Reena purred. She pulled Dave's face down to hers and locked his lips in a passionate kiss. Dave immediately began stroking her sides, then moved to caress her lush tits. As his hands contacted her big soft mammaries, Reena hummed. Dave pushed her back onto the bed. Whether this or his fingers grasping her nipples caused her to gasp is anyone's guess. Dave settled himself between her thighs. He felt a hand grasp his cock and notch it in Reena's entrance. Then a small hand delivered a soft slap on his ass. He felt Reena's hand reach around his back, but never saw the thumbs up she gave to Becca. That hand immediately switched from signaling to grasping as Dave's cock surged into her wet and waiting pussy. "Oh, fuck yes. Fuck me, David. Fuck me with that magic fucking cock." She started nibbling on his earlobe as he drove in and out of her slippery passage. It was one of his 'drive me wild' spots. His thrusting rapidly accelerated in speed and power. He raised up, taking his ear out of her reach, but her lascivious smile and her bouncing tits provided incredible visual stimuli. Reena managed a few encouraging erotic words, but quickly devolved into grunts and moans as his animalistic attack on her eager vagina brought both of them to the edge of ecstasy. She got there first. Barely. Her rippling inner muscles touched off his eruption, in turning kicking her into a second orgasm just as the first was reaching its maximum. The power of the doubled orgasm drove the air from her lungs and all thought from her mind. She clutched Dave fiercely with her arms and legs, claiming him as an anchor as pleasure wracked her body. She finally relaxed, flopping back to the bed, panting. "That; was; Awesome!" Dave sat up, his ass on his heels. Then Becca grabbed his shoulders, forcing him to half-turn so she could kiss him. He could feel a turmoil of emotions in that kiss. He brought his hands up to grasp her shoulders while his tongue tangled with hers. Dave barely felt the washcloth Becca slipped under his cock as he slid out of Reena's ravaged little hole. Reena grabbed it to capture any leakage. Meanwhile, Becca pushed Dave flat on his back and straddled him. She leaned down to kiss him again. Then Dave felt an extra hand on his mostly hard shaft. It was elevating him to Becca's hot, moist, little pussy. Reena was returning the favor. Becca sat back slowly at first, until Dave was seated in her entrance. The stimulus of the kiss, the hand on his cock, and Becca's small tits and tiny nipples rubbing his chest had him nearly full hard again. The young blonde's eyes fluttered slightly as she eased her way onto Dave's rod. Probably leftover semen on me setting off a serum reaction , Dave thought. Becca grasped his shoulders with her hands as the ripples passed through her. The effects of the brief exposure ran their course quickly. She sat up, bracing herself on his shoulders as she slowly began to ride him. Her eyes locked on his. Her hips bounced and rotated and snaked, all while Dave's cock stayed buried within her. Dave reached up, grazing her torso with his palms until he cupped her petite and alluring tits. He began massaging the lovely mounds with his palms. His fingers rubbed, rolled, and lightly pinched her nipples. Dave felt the bed shift, and then heard the door click shut. Reena must have slipped out of the room. He returned his attention to Becca, fixing his eyes on hers. So much life was there, waiting, yearning, to become. Her face bore worry; understandably; but something more. It was the something that gave him peace with their relationship, despite his natural doubts about their age difference or himself. He curled up to kiss her lips, which she returned before he lay back down. Her sleek body hammered up and down on his cock, the motions getting increasingly rapid. Her breathing grew ragged and punctuated by moans. She slammed herself down one last time, fully seating Dave inside her as pleasure shot through her body. Dave lowered the exhausted girl to his chest and held her while she caught her breath. Her fluids saturated his cock and leaked slowly out around their joining. A discrete knock preceded the door opening quietly, and closing almost as quickly. Almost imperceptible footsteps approached the bed. The silence of a librarian. "Becca, time to switch." Said Jan in her usual soft voice. "Try to understand, he's a magic man." Her voice was slightly muffled as her head was slightly mushed against Dave's chest still. Both adults chuckled. Then Dave said, "Been watching seventies music on MTV?" Becca nodded. "Mostly concerts since they didn't make many videos back then. People wore weird shit back then." "Hey, I was a kid in the seventies. Those people were my parents, aunts, and uncles." "No more stalling." Jan said in her firm voice. Becca slid up, so that Dave slipped out of her, then clambered off the bed. She immediately grabbed a washcloth, from a stack the ladies must have staged there. House Belsus had no shortage of women that could plan ahead, in detail. As Becca cleaned herself, Jan cleaned up Dave. Then she climbed over Dave to lie between him and the wall. Dave looked at the light tan blouse and mid-thigh, navy blue cloth skirt she wore. "Overdressed aren't we?" Jan's eyes twinkled as she took Dave's hand and placed it high on her thigh, under her skirt. Taking the hint, he slid his hand up her leg, finding her happy place bare and wet. The next hour became a blur as Dave's lovers each took turns 'topping off' his immunity. Well, except Niki. She'd only arrived last night, and was still in her imprinting sleep. When Dave and Shawna; who had been the last in line; had finished cuddling afterwards, they dressed, grinning at each other like a couple of teens that had the house to themselves. A quick kiss and they left the room. As they stepped out, Shawna leaned back in and gave a sniff. "We're gonna need to light a candle in there. Several candles. And lay down some carpet deodorizer." "That's a later problem. Right now I want to check in on Niki, then see how things are going downstairs." As they walked, Shawna spoke. "Well, Nessa and I photographed everything in excruciating detail. Multiple frames, multiple angles. Both breaches, and each corpse, along with the blood trails. She even took close up photos of each man's fingertips and captured decent images of the fingerprints." "Good enough for id purposes?" Dave asked as he opened the door to the master bedroom. "Dunno. Hopefully. We'll see what the police say." "They'll have the bodies to print the old fashion way." "Yeah, couldn't hurt though. Besides, we copied all the images on a second memory card. We're keeping that and handing over the original. Mel swears there's no difference in file integrity." Dave stood by the side of the bed, reaching out to place the back of his hand against the cheek of Niki as she slumbered. She was warm, but not feverish. He pulled back the blankets to examine her legs, remembering their discussion the night before about her injury. There were lots of flaked off skin in the bed surrounding Niki's legs, and some kind of residue along her legs as well. "Best to wait until she wakes to clean her up David. We don't want to disturb her during imprinting sleep." "But we can't wake her during it, no matter what we do." "Still, whatever's going on could be a delicate process. Let's err on the side of caution hun. Let her heal, then we'll help her cleanup later." Dave nodded his agreement and neatly pulled the covers back over Niki's sleeping form. As he adjusted the bedding, Shawna spoke. "Let's go see if Lupie's managed to get the glass out of the carpet to her satisfaction." A wry grin grew on Dave's face. "Is anything ever clean to Lupie's satisfaction?" he asked as they hit the top of the stairs. "When it comes to glass shards in carpet, I'm a fan of Lupie's exactitude." "Fair point. Hey, has Roscoe gotten out yet?" "Oh yeah. We took him out through the garage after you and Nessa left. Esme and Liv walked him around in Lupie's yard 'til he settled down and did his business. Then they played for awhile. Mostly Esme played with him while Liv kept watch." "Bet he loved that." "Yeah, those two are like peas in a pod now." Shawna said as they reached the floor of the living room. Dave walked over to Lupie, who leaned back onto her heels from her work looking for glass shards. The overhead lights were off. She had a flashlight in one hand, using the glint from the shards to locate them. She tilted her head up and Dave gave her an appreciative kiss. "I think he likes her more than me at this point," Liv groused from her position against one wall of the living room. "Aw, he's not replacing you. He just has a new buddy to have fun with." "Yeah, yeah. I'm still getting replaced by a younger model." Shawna rolled her eyes and snickered. "Oh, yeah, you're such an old hag, Liv." Olivia's only answer was a smirking scowl. Dave motioned Liv over to a quiet corner of the room. "How are you holding up?" "I'm okay," she said in an uncharacteristically small voice. "The others kinda dogpiled me for awhile. It's just; it's not like I thought it would be." Both were silent for a minute. "Dad did stuff like that for years." Her voice started to crack. "How? I mean shit, now I get why he was so strict on some things, or why he would get distant. How the fuck wasn't he a bigger asshole?" As she started to shake with sobs, Dave wrapped his arms around her, tears streaming down his own face. Lupie noticed and came over, with other members of the house following to join a group hug. It wasn't even noon yet, and already a very long day. Chapter 11; A Nudge. October 28, 2020 9:15am After Livy's entirely understandable emotional outburst, Dave suggested she remain at the house while he escorted Mel to the hardware store. Liv stomped that idea down, hard. "I will not leave my duties for someone else to perform. I thank all of you for your support. I'm okay. My dad didn't raise me to leave people hanging." The facial expressions several of them shared indicated a mutual desire to object to that particular characterization, and a mutual recognition of the futility of any words they could say in that cause. Liv was calm and collected when she and Mel left, both of them armed and masked up. Each wore full-length pants, long sleeves and gloves as well, to maintain the appearance of quarantine protocols. The NDA's they'd signed were still in effect, so they couldn't give anyone a reason to wonder why they were not concerned about the virus. All the gear they wore managed to dwarf Melanie's medium frame and curves, but nothing could hide Liv's large bust. That and the contrast of Liv's milk chocolate brown hair with Mel's auburn locks allowed the others to distinguish the two as they walked out. A few texts from Mel to Lupie kept the family reassured they were both fine while they were out. Liv drove, using the argument that she'd had combat driving training with her dad. He'd slipped her in when one of his security teams were going through annual training. Still, getting the lumber and fasteners to make temporary fixes for the broken window and sliding door took the better part of an hour in-store. The drive itself was short. While Liv and Mel were gone, Dave gathered a couple of sawhorses and tools from the garage and set up on the back deck. Even though they'd photographed everything, Dave didn't want to disturb the two bodies lying on the deck. Arranging the tables had a new dimension to consider. A creepy one that should have bothered him more than it did. He pulled out a plastic table from a hall closet to serve as a tool stand and laid out the cordless drill and everything else. The saw he placed on the table and immediately connected the extension cord to it, leaving the other end disconnected from, but near, the outside outlet. Finished, Dave settled into a patio chair. The chair was made of stretched grey fabric on a black metal frame, one of four on his low back deck. Given the size of his household, he needed to pick up some more. Or better yet get some nice wooden deck chairs. With the combined incomes in the house, they could afford to splurge a little. Except, they're supposed to move. How soon he didn't know, but why buy new furniture when they'd just have to move it; and might not have a deck or patio to put it on? Dave's gaze wandered across his yard. The greenhouse drew his attention. With the lower temperatures, the potted bay tree had been moved in there. Would they get to move the plants? Restarting his entire food base would suck. His practice platform would have to be carefully dismantled, assuming they had enough warning time. The platform was well worn and smooth. He'd even practice barefoot sometimes to get a feel for it. No splinters. That smooth. Starting over again; on so many things. Seems like that was the new refrain in life; starting over. Dave shook himself out of that downward spiral. Nothing good lay down that line of thinking. His eyes landed on the body on his deck, and the red stain beneath it. Once the body was removed and the detritus cleared and scrubbed, he'd need to sand it and re-stain it. Well, maybe not. Depends on how long until they moved. Dave realized he needed to talk with Vanessa about the timeline on this thing. But what the hell did it mean? Why would they cut the nuts off their own dead? What was going on? None of this made sense. Nothing had made sense for months. Why not pile on one more inanity? "David?" Jan's soft voice, loaded with concern, snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts. He turned his head to face her. Her slender frame easily fit within the break in the glass door. "David, it's freezing and wet out here. Wouldn't you rather be inside?" She looked about the deck and all of his preparations. She crossed from the door to his chair and slowly knelt beside his knee. Her soft brown eyes pleaded even more than the words from her mouth. "It's not good for you to be out here like this, David. Please, come inside." Dave stood, reaching her position at the door in three quick steps. Kissing her softly on the lips, he pulled back with a cheeky grin. "Yes, dear." Her bemused smile was just what he needed. He let her guide him to a spot on the couch. It was only slightly warmer, but a lot drier. Plus, Jan snuggled in close. After a few minutes, she got up to pull a blanket off the back of the other couch. She rejoined Dave, wrapping the blanket around the two of them. They said very little. Jan's calm, quiet presence prevented any further worrisome mental tangents. When Liv got back with the supplies, his first order of business was to check that they'd had no problems and hadn't been followed. In that, they were clear. With weapons slung, the three of them unloaded the lumber and such from the truck and into the backyard via the side fence gate. They were careful to avoid the corpses, giving them a wide berth. Where the fuck were the cops? "Okay, Liv, can you make one last verification on the window measurements while I get the plywood on the sawhorse?" "Sure. You wanna screw it straight to the wood frame, right?" Liv asked. "Yup." Dave replied. "Hmm, you could just screw it straight to my frame, Dave." Mel purred and waggled her eyebrows. Liv was out of earshot by the time she'd spoken. Dave sagged for a moment. Mel was one of the several he hadn't ejaculated in earlier, so she would still need dosing in the next four days. Mel immediately felt bad, as expressed on her face. "Sorry, Dave, I'm just messing with you." "Yeah, I get that. And I like the quick jab jokes most of the time. I'd rather a sharp mind that occasionally nicks my fingertip than a dull one that needs every non-literal comment described and outlined for her." Melanie snickered appreciatively. "Still, I'm responsible for all of you, and your needs. I take that seriously; as much fun as any one of you are to be with, it's also a job that I gotta get right or someone gets hurt." It took Mel about half a second to close the distance and press her body against Dave. Her arms latched around him. "Hey, you do a great job taking care of us, each of us. This morning was one of the more obvious proofs. You're really good at the less obvious stuff too." Dave gave her ass a light pinch that made Mel yelp. "Thanks, kitten. I really am getting in a better head space with your help and others. Sometimes my instincts are from the old days, though." Liv stepped back out onto the deck just then. Mel's wicked grin reappeared. "Well, in the old days, you didn't have me to fuck; or your big tiddy daughter slut." Liv backhanded Mel. "I'm not his daughter, dammit! Don't say shit like that. I won't get laid for a week if that's in his head!" "Damn, that was my tit! That fucking hurt!" Olivia looked completely unapologetic. Mel's face switched back to lascivious. "That's okay, I know what could get him revved and ready to fuck." She sauntered over to Liv and took her friend's face in her hands, softly. Then she kissed her, long slow, and deep. Liv's response was surprise at the sudden switch, but not unaccustomed to the familiarity. Melanie broke the kiss, then turned to look at Dave with hooded eyes, her cheek pressed against Olivia's. "What do you think David? You up for nailing a couple of kinky bi-sexual college babes?" Dave drew in a breath and was about to reply when she continued. "Even if one of them is your big tiddy mfm--" Liv's hand sealed over Mel's mouth to block a repeat of the undesired phrase. "With dead bodies lying right here in view? Not so much." Dave hoisted a sheet of plywood and settled it on the sawhorses. Liv released Mel, who spoke only with her wicked grin and gleaming eyes before heading back inside. Liv called off the measurements, which matched what she and Dave measured earlier. A few minutes with the measuring tape and pencil and they had two panels marked off, one each from two different corners of the sheet. Liv held the plywood while Dave cut one panel, then they switched roles for the second panel. After securing the saw, Dave grabbed the drill and screws while Liv snagged the cut sections. They passed back through the broken glass door and proceeded to the entryway to patch the broken window. Nice thing about drywall screws; they're very good for more than just drywall. The frame of the window was wide, and solid wood. Dave held the one section in place on the inside as Liv used the cordless drill to run two pilot holes each on both sides of the frame. She quickly changed to a driver bit and put drywall screws into the holes. The pilots were large enough for the shaft of the screw, but not the threads, that way the screws had a good, firm, bite in the wood without cracking it. Once Liv had four good screws in the plywood panel, Dave stepped back, making room for her to run a few more pilot holes and screws; two more on each side and three each across the top and bottom. Liv was a little annoyed having to use the step ladder for the top screw on each side as well as the three across the top. "Don't worry about it. Hell, I'm gonna use it when I do the outside. Yeah, if I really had to, I can reach and do it. But, with less strain, I can be sure to get the screws level." Liv looked slightly mollified at Dave's admission. To further assuage her injured ego he delivered a gentle, lips only, kiss after she descended. She rolled her eyes and smiled before leaving to find the hand vacuum to get the sawdust. Dave started shuffling the equipment through the never-breached security door around to the outside of the window. He was just running the extension cord back to the outlet near the door when Liv came out. This time, she held the panel in place while he drove pilot holes, quick changed to a driver bit and put screws in place. Liv backed off so he had room to run the rest of the pilot holes. Dave was just driving the last screw holding the panel in place when he heard an engine coming down the street. Two engines. "Get inside, use the door as cover," he ordered. Dropping the drill in the grass under the windowsill, he hoofed it around the corner of the house. The brick would give him some small measure of protection if it was needed. He pulled the SMG around on its sling, from against his back to the ready position. Almost the moment he was in position with weap. As the S U V came to a stop, Dave registered the markings and got a mental jarring. Black background, two blue stripes, with white letters spelling out 'Police' and 'Garland'. Garland was three towns away, on the other fucking side of the lake! The officer stepped out of her vehicle, standing between the body and her driver's door. Typical for an on-duty officer, her hair was hidden up under her hat. More importantly, her right hand was low, hidden by the vehicle's body, likely on her pistol. In fact, given what Carter had taught him about procedures, she'd likely already removed the safety strap, her thumb hooked around the grip. She was exposed enough that Dave could see her badge. She was too far away to identify the authenticity of said emblem, but everything was falling into place as legit. "Sir, please place your weapon on the ground. My name is Officer Korman of the Garland Police Department. We are here in response to multiple 911 calls from this address." Dave held both hands, empty, out to his sides. "Yes officer, we called several times in the early morning while we were under attack, and after. I'm going to disarm myself, and hand my weapons inside to my family." The officer's eyes flicked to the door. Clearly, she'd been distracted enough by Dave that she hadn't noticed Olivia. Or Olivia's gun. Even at a distance, she flinched visibly, realizing she'd committed a fatal error. "We have no beef with law enforcement, officer. We've been a bit on guard since the incident. My partner will secure my weapons inside and close the door." Dave used his left hand to reach slowly across his body at shoulder height. He hooked his thumb under the strap and slid it off his shoulder and across his arm. Leaving it to twist, dangling from his thumb, he held his arm straight out, full length, as he slowly walked to the door and handed the weapon off to Liv. Keeping his right hand still up and visible, he then unstrapped his thigh holster and handed that inside as well. Liv had a wary look as Dave pulled the front door closed between them. Dave turned back to the officer. "Ma'am, as you can see, I am now unarmed, everyone else is inside. We were just repairing the damage from the attack, and staying vigilant." "You altered the crime scene?" The voice should have been annoyed, but was too monotone to convey any meaning beyond the words themselves. "We took extensive pictures of the bodies and both breaches. We haven't sealed the rear breach yet. We'd just finished the front when you arrived." The policewoman stepped around her door, closing it. On alert, she came around the front of her patrol vehicle and approached Dave. "Sir, the young woman that entered the house, is that your daughter?" Does she know about the vaccine? Best to play it cagey . "She's my best friend's daughter. I've known her since she was punching her mother's belly from the inside." The officer approached a few more steps as he spoke. At this range, Dave could see the drained appearance behind the weak smile his jest evoked. "You say you took pictures?" "Yes ma'am. We have it saved on a memory card for you." Dave shivered involuntarily. The drizzle had let up and the temperature had risen slightly with the sun. Not that the Sun's presence was particularly notable today. Working on the patch had kept him moving and focused so he didn't register the chill. Now he had the luxury of discomfort. "We carefully took photos of the bodies, the area they fell, and the path in between. We didn't move them ourselves, their buddies did that. Then they, well, take a look." Still wary, the cop walked over to the corpse still splayed out on the driveway. "And you didn't do this?" "No ma'am. We haven't touched the bodies at all. Shot 'em when they were inside the house. Their pals drug them back out here and did this. There's three more on the back deck. We shot two of them in the house. The third was shot by one of his friends, out on the deck." "I'm going to have our mortuary contractor collect the bodies for the Me. Please bring me the memory card with the original images." She beckoned towards the van as Dave moved to the house. Mel once again assured Dave the copies she made were full copies, indistinguishable from originals. Dave took the copied memory card and walked back out. The two figures in hazmat gear carrying the encased body between them were approaching the back of the van when he stepped out into the dreary day once again. "Here's the memory card officer." "Thanks. Two more in the back you say?" "Three. Two that we shot and one shot by his buddies." "Right." "There's a side gate so we can go around the house." "The shooting occurred inside?" "Yes ma'am." "I'm going to need to examine the area myself, and take some notes. There should be a detective along later. I'll make a note in the file that I've collected the pictures you took. She can get them from the station house." "Do you know the detective that's coming?" "No clue." "Then how do you know it'll be a woman?" "Probability, sir." Dave's heart sank. While the officer sounded drained for most of their conversation, those last two words were absolutely desiccated, the depleted echoes of a mind that had seen everything torn asunder, replaced with a nightmare even Wes Craven would run away from. Once the body movers returned, Dave led the three of them through the side gate into the backyard and pointed out the corpses on the back deck. He stayed in the grass to give them plenty of room for their work. The officer scribbled notes as the two body collectors packaged up one corpse and carried it off. She kept a distance from Dave the entire time, with her weapon hip carefully away from him; and the broken glass door. When the collectors came for the second body, she remained at a distance from the scene as they worked. For the third body, she followed them out. She fixed Dave's eyes with her own as she walked off. "I'll be back in a moment to examine the interior." Dave passed into the house through the breach. Lupie was busy in the kitchen with a couple of helpers. Shawna and Liv were in the living room. The younger woman was more obviously on alert, and maybe on edge. An attentive eye could discern Shawna was similarly watchful, but more calm. Liv picked up Dave's SMG to hand it to him. "No, hold on to it. Actually, put the SMG's away. Let's keep the pistols for now though. The policewoman is coming inside shortly. Let's keep the weapons out of sight. She's not a threat, how 'bout the two of you skedaddle up stairs while she's here?" "Sure," Liv replied. "You know the code?" Shawna asked. "Yup. Mom & Dad's wedding year." A sharp rap at the door announced the officer's arrival. Dave was a few steps away from the door, so he strode quickly in that direction after checking that Liv was already inputting the entry code for the gun closet. If he could keep the officer examining the parlor space first, and long enough, Liv and Shawna could get clear before the officer came into the living room. No point in agitating the woman. Dave noticed she was wearing a face mask and gloves when he opened the door. His plan to stall worked. Hell, he didn't even have to try that hard. The Lady asked enough questions about the attempted breach of the door and the eventual entry through the window that Dave heard his two partners ascending the stairs well before he and the officer moved towards the living room. "So this is where the shooting actually occurred?" "Yes ma'am. Liv stood over there at the landing, and I was initially braced against that corner where the hallway meets the room." "Initially?" "Once they broke through the window, I was concerned Liv would be exposed from that direction. They didn't seem interested in coming through the glass door anymore, so I crept forward behind that couch so that I could hit anyone that might try to get an angle on her. I don't think the guy I shot saw her before I shot him." She scribbled furiously in her notebook for a few minutes. Then she asked to speak with Liv. His partner descended; Dave was relieved to see she'd left her firearm upstairs. Lupie, Jan, and Reena passed upstairs after Liv cleared the stairs. The dishes they carried smelled great. If Dave hadn't heard the officer's stomach grumbling, he might have felt sorry for himself. She must have seen the look on his face though. "No, thank you. That would still be inappropriate," she said. "I will need to speak with ;” "Olivia." "; Olivia, alone please." Dave nodded and headed upstairs. Carefully, he lowered himself to a crouching position in the hallway beside the head of the stairs. He couldn't hear the words, but by tracking tone he would be alerted to impending trouble. There was none. It took several minutes, but then he heard Olivia walking the officer to the door. Dave was at the bottom of the stairs before Liv made it back from securing the front door. "All good?" he asked. "Yup," said the brunette. "She look exhausted to you?" "Very." "She say anything about who did this?" "She only asked questions, no answers. I tried a few while the body boys were away from us. No dice." "Boys?" "Dunno, I actually wasn't paying attention." "With the residency of this house, you're having trouble identifying male from female?" Liv said with a wink. Dave's only reply was a bemused glare. Liv's bounteous bust bounced with her laughter. "I love hearing that sound." Shawna's rich tones rolled into the living room as she reached the landing. Dave turned to face her. "Speaking of sounds I love to hear ;” Shawna came closer and kissed him. The feel of her magnificent bust pressed to his chest and the smell of his lover's skin gave Dave thoughts he couldn't address just yet. "I'd tell you that you have me already and don't have to win me over, but I love hearing those sweet nothings." She wrapped her arms around his waist and rubbed her nose on his. "Melanie and I ate already. We'll stand guard down here. You two eat and finish the repairs." Dave kissed her once more, then headed upstairs. Melanie passed him at the foot of the stairs. Liv followed immediately behind him. Dave had to 'endure' a lot of hugs, and a few kisses, within a few feet of entering the spare bedroom Lupie had set up lunch in. Homemade chicken soup with all the rich, deep flavors from multiple ingredients missing from the canned stuff. Plus fresh rolls. He was getting used to being spoiled like this, but damn, it was so good to have a woman around the house. Having nine women around the house sounded like a recipe for disaster, but it hadn't been an issue at all. Which reminded him. "Anyone keeping an eye on Nicole?" "I just came from the master bedroom before you came up," said Jan. "She's still solidly out. As long as it's been, she must be experiencing a regeneration. There's no telling how long she will be unconscious." Dave stopped before her for a lingering kiss and a minute or so of gazing into her eyes before getting a second bowl of soup and two more rolls. Liv lingered over her first bowl, then spent some time talking with Lupie while Dave finished up. "You ready?" Liv asked as he added his bowl to the dirty stack. "Yep. Now for the tough part." He paused in thought. "Did you pick up the glass handling gloves?" "Yeah, bag's on the couch. I don't want either one of us losing a finger." They grabbed the gloves on their way through the living room to the deck. Then things got tricky. First, they removed the fasteners holding the two frame pieces together. The glass was sandwiched between them. Then, with Dave holding high on the large pane, well away from the shattered area, Liv carefully pried the inner frame piece away. Dave had to step over it as she moved it out of the way. The most delicate part came next. Liv ran a flathead screwdriver around the edge of the glass to ensure it came away cleanly. Very gingerly, they pulled the top edge away from the frame, then slowed its descent as its own weight rotated it the rest of the way out. They laid it in the grass. "I really expected the edge by the break to fall apart." "Guess we got lucky." "Damn lucky. Let's get that plywood in place, then we can break that thing into large pieces and dump 'em in the trashcan." With Becca, Esme, and Lupie living in Dave's house, the large rolling trashcans for Lupie's property were empty. One of those had plenty of space for the glass pane. The plywood took some trimming to fit vertically. But there was open space horizontally, so a second piece of plywood was needed to fit the gap. With the frame back in place and secured, Dave and Liv ran a few 2x1's across the seam. A bit of caulk squeezed into the crack would prevent any air leak; or whistling. Breaking and stashing the glass in the spare bin and cleaning the deck area took another forty minutes. By the time they got inside, Jan had already vacuumed the last of the sawdust and glass bits from the carpet adjacent to the sliding door. Dave and Olivia washed up. Liv joined Mel in their room, watching a streaming show on the latter's laptop. Dave went down to the living room, finding most of his family present. "Hey, babe." He slid onto the couch beside Lupie. She immediately nestled into his shoulder. She placed one hand on his chest, the other on his thigh closest to her. "I appreciate everything you've done to keep things working smoothly here while Liv and I dealt with what happened. That helped keep everybody's nerves; manageable." Her hand on his chest gripped tighter, like she was trying to palm him. "You're the one that stood in the line of fire and faced down armed men coming to kill us. Or worse. Making food and cleaning up is not the same." "The value of one act does not negate the value of the other. Cleaning up is the first step in returning some normalcy after the disruption. A hearty meal helps soothe the soul. What you've done matters." Dave barely heard her next utterance. "Just don't leave me David. I need you. Please be careful." He pulled her in tight. "I will." A knock at the door interrupted anything else he might have said. The late afternoon gloom and the chilly air seemed perfect for the woman standing on Dave's doorstep. Not overly short for a woman, she sported jet black hair pulled into a loose ponytail at the base of her neck, and pale skin on an oval face. Her cloth mask covered her mouth. Dave half wondered if the darkness around her eyes was makeup or weariness. Oh good, Detective Wednesday Addams is here . "Hello, sir. I'm Detective Carmen Verratti. I'm here to investigate the break-in and deaths that occurred earlier." The mask she wore muffled her words slightly. An emotion detector would not have registered the tiniest blip as she spoke. One for weariness would have pegged. "Would you like to start with the outside or inside?" Dave queried. "Let's get the outside done before the temperature drops." She took a sip from her insulated beverage bottle. Dave picked up a vague whiff of coffee as he followed her out to the driveway. "I'm not sure what woke me up in the first place. We have a dog, but he was upstairs and deaf. He didn't start barking until after the shooting began. There's chickens in the next yard over. I suppose they might have made a noise, but not once I was awake. I armed myself and left my bedroom. I encountered; one of my housemates on the stairs." Dave continued, walking through each step of the encounter. Once they were past the part where the guys coming in the front broke through the window, they walked around to the back deck. As with the blotch in the driveway, the detective seemed transfixed by the stain on the deck for several seconds. When she was finished with her visual examination of the deck and backyard, she motioned for Dave to lead her inside. Waving to the plywood she asked, "This is the second breach?" "This was the first place they got through. By the sounds of things, they were trying to breach the sliding glass door and the front door at the same time. They just weren't ready for a security door. The guys in the front came through the window, but by that time we'd already taken out two guys coming through the back." "And that's when you heard two men arguing about someone's sister?" "Only one voice got loud enough to pick out words." Liv supplied. "He seemed pretty pissed, so whatever the quieter voice mentioned must not have been pleasant." "So could one of these men be the brother or brothers of one of your partners?" the detective queried. Dave shared uneasy looks with Liv, Shawna, and Lupie. Four brains looked stuck in feedback loops trying to figure out how to respond without breaking the NDA's they'd all signed. "I'm aware of the vaccine and its effects. I was finally informed this morning, though I haven't been partnered yet. It explains some of the changes I've seen around the station." All four visibly relaxed. "That certainly makes this easier. So, I think a few of us have fathers still hunkered down and alive, but no brothers." Shawna supplied. "Well, Niki mentioned she has a brother hiding out in his college dorm somewhere out of state," Lupie mentioned. "Out of state? Not likely to be involved, but can you ask her to come down so I can speak with her?" "She just joined us last night. She's still out as of an hour ago when I last looked in on her." "Please check again. If she's still out, then I may have to come back to follow up with her." Lupie moved like swift water off the couch and up the stairs. She came back down shortly, shaking her head once the detective's attention was on her. While Lupie was away, the detective began asking questions directly of Liv and Shawna. Liv said she'd heard some sort of thumping sound in the back yard, like maybe someone had fallen coming over the fence. It explained her wakefulness, but not mine, given the master bedroom was over the front of the house. Maybe the guys approaching the front made a noise. Maybe my sleeping brain sensed a disturbance in the force. Sometimes you just fucking wake up at an opportune time. Detective Verratti asked the others as well. Shawna hadn't awakened until I was exiting the room, and didn't get out of bed until the glass door was broken. The others didn't wake until the first gunshot. Lupie slipped upstairs to invite the rest of the family to come down, a few at a time, to share their observations. Since most had been upstairs the whole time, they had little to share, and the questions wore out quickly. Dave watched as she spoke with the others. The detective was mildly more relaxed once she admitted to knowing about the serum. Those that had been out of the room for the revelation were informed as they came down, so all of House Belsus seemed mostly comfortable. It was still an interrogation. But Det. Verratti seemed; uncomfortable. She was scratching in her notebook, having just asked one last question of Esme (while she sat on Lupie's lap) when her phone buzzed in her pocket. Lupie looked at her expectantly as Verratti checked her phone. "That's all I needed, thank you. You can head upstairs little miss." She said with a smile. The smile faded once Esme's back was turned. "I have to make a call. I'll step out front, but I have a few more things I want to wrap up with you Mr. Belsus." She grabbed her heavy coat as she headed out. The temperature had been cold all day, and was beginning to drop now that the sun had gone down. "Yes ma'am, I'll be waiting." "I'll make some more coffee." Shawna rose and headed to the kitchen. Liv got up and sat beside Dave, laying her head on his shoulder and wrapping her hands around his bicep. Dave was at one end of the couch, leaving her room to draw her feet up behind her. She killed two men. She's going to be coping for a long time. I never should have let her into that mess. I should have left her at the top of the stairs holding a second line of defense. Then again, with only one target for them, would I have succeeded? What if they had killed me, got to the stairs and then Liv gunned them down? She'd still have these feelings, but I'd be dead. She and all the others would be in deep shit because I'm not around to pump out cum anymore. So I did the right thing right? Maybe. Fuck, if Carter was still here, I could; what did he call it? Do an After Action Review! That's the phrase he used. Tell him what the fuck happened and let him pick it apart, or back me up. Probably a little of both. Fuck, if Carter were still alive, I'm not telling him I'm fucking his daughter! A knock at the door announced the detective's return. Shawna opened the door and led her into the living room. The detective was stony face as she entered. She was also carrying a valise. As she reached the chair she'd used earlier, she took a sniff. Taking the hint, Shawna informed her, "Coffee will be ready in another minute or two. I put on a fresh pot when you stepped out." "Thank you." The detective's face actually showed signs of life. "Professor Belsus, could we speak privately? Somewhere with some table space if you please." "Sure, we can use the dining room. Nice big table in there." The coffee machine chimed just as Verratti placed her valise on the table. She looked expectantly back towards the living room. Lupie and Shawna were already on their way in. "We'll be quick. How do you take yours?" "Black, one spoon of sugar, please." Lupie nodded and kept moving. "Now that I think about it, the library is more isolated, but it doesn't have a large surface like this." Dave confessed. "This will do. I'll wait until they've passed back out to start anything sensitive." She paused briefly. "Well, it's been years, so I don't know if you remember me, but I took your astronomy class about twelve years ago. We ran into each other again on the shoot / no shoot range about five years ago too." "Right. I remember that." To be continued in part 10, Based on a post by RonanJWilkerson, in 12 parts, for Literotica.

Our first caller is debating a life-changing move to South Africa for her fiancé. Our second caller's best friend keeps choosing a man over her. And our third caller is questioning her relationship because her boyfriend didn't want kids until her.   "It feels like she doesn't need you as much, and that hurts."   Listen to Humble Brag with Cynthia Bailey and Crystal Kung Minkoff every Monday. Available wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humblebragpod  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humble-brag-with-crystal-and-cynthia/id1774286896 https://open.spotify.com/show/4NWA8LBk15l2u5tNQqDcOO?si=c03a23d537f94735   Start your 7 Day Free Trial of Viall Files + here: https://viallfiles.supportingcast.fm/  Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and as always send in your relationship questions to asknick@theviallfiles.com to be a part of our Monday episodes.  We've partnered with Mint Mobile to open a hot takes hotline to hear your scorching hot opinions! Give us your hot takes, thoughts and theories and we'll read and react to the best ones on an upcoming Reality Recap episode! All you have to do is call 1-855-MINT-TLK or, if you prefer the numbers, that's 855-646-8855 and leave us a message. To Order Nick's Book Go To: https://www.viallfiles.com  If you would like to get some texting advice, send an email to asknick@theviallfiles.com with "Texting Office Hours" in the subject line!  To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles    THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Athletic Greens - If you head to https://drinkag1.com/viall for $126 in free gifts for new subscribers. Wayfair - Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Starbucks - Together is the best place to be. Connect over your holiday favorites at Starbucks.   Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (00:40) - Caller One (32:13) - Caller Two (01:17:38) - Caller Three   Episode Socials: @viallfiles @nickviall @justinkaphillips @the_mare_bare @dereklanerussell

It’s the last week of 2025 and so much happened! Our summer was defined by a rogue rat mosaic in Cal Anderson Park. Starbucks closed its fanciest store in Seattle: the Capitol Hill Roastery. Seattle’s nude beach Denny Blaine now has a fence between the clothed and unclothed. And Seattle elected its youngest mayor ever while pushing out its more moderate incumbents. There’s a lot to reflect on, and thankfully our friends over at Week in Review took the time to look back on the year for their Year in Review event. Bill Radke hosted the panel of Libby Denkmann, Phyllis Fletcher, and Sandeep Kaushik. Mayor elect Katie Wilson and Attorney General Nick Brown were there too. We're bringing you an excerpt from the evening. We can only make Seattle Now because listeners support us. Tap here to make a gift and keep Seattle Now in your feed. Got questions about local news or story ideas to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at seattlenow@kuow.org, leave us a voicemail at (206) 616-6746 or leave us feedback online.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(December 29,2025 New CA traffic laws for 2026: From e-bikes to self-driving cars. Why are people so obsessed with Japanese convenience stores? Starbucks doesn’t want to be on every corner in NY and LA anymore. America’s affordability crisis is putting Aldi in the spotlight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snaxshot, the curatorial and slightly mercurial grocery newsletter and community, has grown into an industry force, read by consumer packaged goods executives and members of the food media on a near-religious level. (We are among these readers.) Andrea Hernández returns to the show to go over the big headlines from the year at the grocery store and in the CPG trenches. We talk about shorting protein, Stiller's Soda, and Starbucks's stumbles, and we play a fun game of “WTF is up with…”... It's a fun conversation about the year in food and grocery. Also on the show we have a great conversation with Winston Alfieri, co-founder of upstart pasta sauce company Sauz. We talk about pay-to-play, scaling up as the “hot kids on the block”, and how to differentiate in the crowded pasta sauce category.    Have a future guest request? A restaurant we should visit? Take the ⁠⁠⁠⁠This Is TASTE listener survey⁠⁠⁠⁠. We really appreciate the feedback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've pulled together 4 of the most powerful, no-BS moments from past Body Bangin' episodes, the kind of insights that shift how you think, lead, and grow.Here's what's inside:#97 — Stars vs. Hamsters (with Robert Snook) → Are you working on "Context" or just "Content"? Robert breaks down the difference between the "Stars" who grow and the "Hamsters" stuck on the revenue wheel. Plus, the "So What?" test: why meeting standard expectations gets you zero loyalty .#96 — Be Extraordinary (with Mike Anderson) → "Nobody notices normal." Mike Anderson shares a game-changing story about a Lexus dealership that knew a customer's Starbucks order before he walked in the door. The lesson? Know the person before you know the car .#85 — Grow Your Own Technicians (with Ron Reichen & Barry Dorn) → Stop looking for "plug and play" staff. Ron and Barry explain why the best shops are growing their own talent, creating career paths beyond the bay, and the vital importance of "Internal Marketing" to keep the team you have .#66 — What Are You Willing to Tolerate? (with Andrew Batenhorst) → Mediocrity spreads like a virus. Andrew delivers a mic-drop moment on leadership: If you let people show up late or do poor work, you are setting the standard that it's okay. You have to hold the line, even when it's hard .Whether you're a shop owner, estimator, or marketer, these moments cut through the noise.

If you are just starting out on your healing and manifestation journey, OR you are seeking something that will hold you accountable and keep you consistent month after month, The Love Her Wild Membership costs less than two trips to Starbucks, and will give you access to everything you need. Ready to dive into that deep end? Go check out my programs and see which one fits where you are at right now!Interested in a 1:1 mentorship call with me? Lets chat. Want to finally start your journaling practice? Check out my manifestation and healing journals here!For all my favorite healing books, manifestation resources, and spiritual tools check out my amazon storefront here! ____________________________________________________________________________ Coupon Codes:For all my Itty Bitty Titty Comitee ladies out there (like me) Get 10% off your order at Pepper Bras using coupon code HAPPILY10 : Shop HEREProtect your home from EMF...

In hour 1 of The Annie Frey Show with Ryan Wrecker, he begins by discussing his Christmas mishaps and Ethan's Christmas traditions. Ryan Schmelz, Fox News Capitol Hill and White House Correspondent, joins the show to discuss the Russia and Ukraine War, and when we can expect the peace deal to be reached. Is Ryan Schmelz a certified line dancing instructor? Hour 2 of The Annie Frey Show with Ryan Wrecker, he discusses the continued fraud that has been going on with Minnesota daycares over the last several years. Several of these daycares are completely empty during the day, which begs the question of what is really going on there. Why are so many college students and college graduates choose the Democratic Party? What is so appealing about it? In hour 3 with Ryan Wrecker, we start by discussing some shocking news involving the Starbucks coffee chain. What happens when AI and robots hold the power to make decisions? Ryan uses AI to help him come up with broadcast phrases for Ethan to use when he is calling games.

In hour 3 with Ryan Wrecker, we start by discussing some shocking news involving the Starbucks coffee chain. What happens when AI and robots hold the power to make decisions? Ryan uses AI to help him come up with broadcast phrases for Ethan to use when he is calling games.

Send us a textIn this episode of Brewstilled, I'm recapping week 17 for the 2025 NFL season. For week 17, we're one week away from the end of the regular season with the playoffs coming. The Detroit Lions lost to the Vikings as Detroit has now been eliminated from playoff contention. The Cowboys, despite being eliminated from playoff contention, defeated the Washington Commanders on Christmas Day. Yet, the Cowboys are now facing what could be a soap opera-style offseason. The Ravens won against the Packers, but their playoff chances are still slim. Will the Ravens trade Lamar Jackson? The Jaguars won against the Colts as they look to secure the AFC South. Tampa Bay lost again as they now face a winner takes all game against the Panthers set to take place in week 18. I'll be recapping it here on Brewstilled with a Christmas style coffee from Starbucks as the coffee pairing. 

Today we have the pleasure of sharing an episode from one of our favorite podcasts, the Lit Ladies Podcast. Here is more about their show: We are three writers and moms exploring how to live out our faith in our literary lives. We span the country—from the coasts to the Midwest—and with different stages of life, careers, and favorite genres, we are sure to cover the literary landscape. In every episode, we'll discuss books we love, reading life, and writing craft, using the Bible as our guide for beauty, goodness, and truth. New episodes drop every other Friday! Historical Fiction, War Stories, and What We Sip While We Read This Lit Ladies Podcast crossover with the Historical Bookworm team covers why historical fiction matters, how war settings shape stories, and what everyone is reading right now. Key takeaways Historical fiction makes history personal, which helps you see how everyday people lived. Accuracy matters most when it grounds the characters and the social pressures of the era. War settings work best when the focus stays on human cost, resilience, and the ripple effects on families. Reading older books can mean meeting older blind spots, which calls for discernment instead of reflexive dismissal. Lesser-known conflicts can add fresh perspective, especially when anchored in solid research. Welcome to the crossover Karissa: Hello and welcome to the Lit Ladies Podcast. Today we’re doing a special crossover episode with our friends KyLee Woodley and Darcy Fornier and their historical fiction podcast. We’re so excited to have you here today. Darcy: So excited to be here. We have so much fun hanging out with you guys. KyLee: Thanks for the invite. Glad to be here. Karissa: KyLee Woodley is a podcaster and author of the Outlaw Hearts series, adventure romances set in the American Wild West. Darcy Fornier is a podcaster and author of The Crown and the Axe, and they are both the hosts of the Historical Bookworm podcast, which is in its fifth season. It’s for lovers of inspirational historical fiction, and the show features author interviews, bookish and historical segments, and a wide variety of guests, from Christy Award-winners to high-quality indie authors. Favorite reading beverages Karissa: Before we jump in today, I want to know what is everyone’s favorite reading beverage of choice? Christie: I usually drink water, or else I don’t really drink anything because I’m too busy speed reading. But today for the podcast, since we’re doing it in the morning, I get to drink coffee. Darcy: Usually coffee. If I said anything else, my sisters would say I was lying. But I also enjoy hot chocolate or tea. Anything hot. I’m not going to be drinking lemonade even in the summer. KyLee: The nice thing about being in the South is that the AC is always blasting. So it’s hot cocoa, coffee, soup, any time of the day. My current favorite beverage to go with my reading, which I seldom read, but audiobooks, big on audiobooks these days, is the Iced Pecan Crunch Oat Milk Latte. I don’t usually go to Starbucks. I find their coffee very bitter, but this is a blonde espresso. I get it without the foam. It’s too sweet and it takes up too much in my cup. Karissa: I like to drink herbal tea. That’s my main comfort drink. Why historical fiction Karissa: What draws you to historical fiction? KyLee: For me, I like the nostalgia. I grew up very sheltered. We didn’t have a TV until I was 12. My mom would just drop us off at the library, then go shopping, then pick us up whenever. We always had audiobooks or books on tape. When we did get a TV, it was black and white. We watched a lot of black and white shows. For me, I remember those good times with old classic films and literature. There’s also this idea of, “What was.” Historical and fantasy are best friends because there’s that sense of wonder. But historical is like, this really did happen. This was really true. I like to dig into history and see who someone was, and go back to where they were if that’s possible. I love to research the way people lived and thought, the things they invented, and how resourceful they were. Darcy: Mine is similar. It’s about the people that came before, and how their stories influenced our lives today. You can go to historical sites and almost touch the lives that they had there. We tend to study history as the big overview. This person was king, these wars happened, all this stuff. Historical fiction lets you dive into what it was like for the day-to-day person. Even if you’re writing about a king, you’re asking what motivated him and what it felt like. People are people as long as they’ve lived. Karissa: That’s my favorite part too. How did people actually live, what challenges did they face, and what did they wear? KyLee: I also like when an author challenges what we accept as historical norms. Bring out something different that we wouldn’t expect. Like a female rancher who ran a ranch with hundreds of cowboys. I heard on a podcast that there was an African-American college in Waco in the 1860s. I had never heard of that. I want to learn the things that go against what people believe as a whole. I want to see the people who were counterculture in their time. Christie: Whoever wins writes the history book. There’s so much that was lived and done that you don’t know about because it was shut down, or the history books made it seem nice and clean. Favorite eras and the appeal of time travel Karissa: Christie, do you have a favorite era to read or write about? Christie: I haven’t read much historical in a while. I used to read a lot of Jen Turano because her voice is funny, witty, and sharp. For an era, late 1800s to 1940s. If there’s too much work to live, it pulls me out. I’m modern. I don’t want to learn about churning butter. Darcy: A few modern conveniences is okay. Christie: I would do a castle, like medieval, every now and then. KyLee: That’s what’s fun about time travel or slip time. You get the comparison. Especially time travel, when someone modern comes into the past and you see how they react to everything. Karissa: I just discovered Gabrielle Meyer. It’s sort of time travel. KyLee: In those books, the women exist in two timelines until a certain age. Then they have to choose which timeline they’ll live in. What’s fun is that she explores different eras. You get contrast between two past timelines, like the Civil War and the 1920s. Christie: I’d choose the ’20s, not the war. Karissa: I love the Victorian era and the Regency era. I also love reading classics written in the period. You get the perspective of someone who lived in that era and took so much for granted. Darcy: If you read Jane Austen, she doesn’t explain everything because her readers would understand it. Then you read a Regency novel by a modern author, and they explain everything. It’s cool to do both. Karissa: Darcy and KyLee, do you have favorite time periods? Darcy: Medieval is my favorite to read in and write in. Then the Regency era, then the American West. I probably read mostly Westerns. Some people say cowboys are the truest heirs to medieval knights. There are similarities in how unlawful it could feel. There was law in both places, but it only extended so far. Christie: I watch black and white westerns with my mom. The body count is wild. They’re just shooting people in the street and it’s cool. I would never want to live back then. KyLee: I overanalyze it too. It’s set in the 1800s, but it was made in the ’40s or ’50s. So I’m thinking about their worldview and ideologies, and how that shaped what they presented. Christie: They’re pretty racist. Sometimes I’m like, how is this still on TV? Darcy: Everything we write is a product of our time. It’s just more glaring the further back you go. KyLee: I started Gone with the Wind. It’s too long for my taste. Some language made me pause. Karissa: We never see the sins of our own era. Our descendants will look back and see the sins of today. Darcy: Grace Livingstone Hill wrote in the late 1800s and early 1900s. You see elements of racism and classism, and ideas like bloodline influencing character. Looking through modern eyes, it’s horrible. She’s still one of my favorites because her stories are sweet and encouraging in faith, but you see how even a good person is a product of their time. KyLee: That’s why it’s important to be kind. I’m not going to stop reading her because I can see flaws. Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Karissa: That comes up in English teaching too. How do you teach classics responsibly without canceling them completely? War settings in historical fiction Karissa: I wanted to talk about books set during wars. We see a lot set with the backdrop of World War II. Do you have a favorite war setting to read about, and any favorite books? KyLee: I’ve always been drawn to the Civil War. When I was growing up, there were quite a few Civil War movies and books in the Christian genre. The brother against brother aspect pulls me in. As an adult, I look at the events that led up to it and grimace, hoping history doesn’t repeat itself. More recently, the Franco-Prussian War, partly because some of my ancestors' sisters came over during that time. It only lasted about a year. France declared it, and France lost. Their people suffered. Germany demanded huge remunerations in gold. By today’s standards, I did the math before we started, it was about 84 to 95 billion dollars. (FACT CHECK – In today’s purchasing power, estimates for that 5 billion francs generally range between $80 billion and $100 billion USD.) France had promised not to tax people during the war, but afterward they charged back taxes. There was a civil uprising in Paris, and a week-long massacre called the Bloody Week. That history comes into book one of the Outlaw Heart series. It’s lesser known French history. My people were German, and my characters are French, but I was fascinated by it. You don’t hear about that war as much. Darcy: That’s obscure for Americans because it didn’t affect us directly, so it doesn’t make it into our history books. But it made a huge difference in Europe. KyLee: My dad’s side always wrote Prussia on census records, not Germany. That led me to dig into where Prussia was and how that history unfolded. Writing trauma and war without being gratuitous Karissa: What challenges did you find writing about something so difficult in a way that worked for your story? KyLee: The main character in book one, Lorraine, lived through the Bloody Week. She’s in America now. I looked at where she is as an immigrant and how she tries to settle when there is nothing left for her in France. People were rounded up, imprisoned, and shipped off to New Caledonia, a penal colony near Australia, I believe. No trial. Later, there were pardons, but many people were still imprisoned because they were never tried, and their names were never even taken down. Lorraine is haunted by the past and has post-traumatic stress disorder. She refuses to speak English even though she understands it. She holds tightly to French roots, clothing, and food, and stays close to other French people. Jesse challenges her to put down roots in a country where she feels like an alien. That Bible phrase kept coming up to me, be kind to the immigrant, the alien, the foreigner. Remember when you were in Egypt and you were a stranger in a strange land. For research, I relied on as many documents as I could find, plus academic papers written about the Bloody Week and why it happened. I want to respect history and the people who lived it. Karissa: I love how you included the war because we feel the weight she carries without putting everything on the page in an overly graphic way. Christie: The Bandit’s Redemption is the first in the series. It has such a pretty cover too. Darcy: It’s such a good one. Darcy's pick: World War II Karissa: Darcy, do you have a favorite war setting? Darcy: Probably World War II, because it’s so vast. You have the European theater and the Pacific theater, plus the home front in America and Britain. Every time I pick up a World War II book, it’s like, “I did not know that.” The Civil War is hard for me. I grew up in Georgia, and in some places it feels like it happened this century. It was my country. World War II lets me detach a bit more. I did read one Civil War book by Rosanna M. White that was fabulous, Dreams of Savannah. It handled the loyalty conflict very gracefully. Karissa: What makes a good war book? Christie: Accuracy doesn’t matter much to me because I’m not going to catch mistakes. I want characters and their journeys, battles and close calls, romance, and a happy ending. Darcy: I appreciate historical facts because I want to be grounded in the setting. But if I’m reading fiction, I’m there for story and characters. I want to see what the war is doing to them, to their society, to their family, and how it changes their lives. KyLee: I want it at the character level too. I also like seeing people on both sides. I want everyday heroes, and small choices that mattered. I also love surprising historical technology I didn’t know about. Karissa: Accuracy matters to me, but not at the expense of story. I just want what happens to feel believable for the era. In Regency romances, for example, two people being alone in a room can be a big deal. A kiss behind a barn could ruin lives. Darcy: Historical characters in books sometimes have a modern disregard for societal pressure, which is inaccurate. We all feel societal pressure today too. It’s just different pressures. When classics meet modern retellings Christie: Karissa, you like reading the Brontës because they wrote in that time. Do they have stolen kisses, or is it different because they were writing then? Karissa: If it’s Emily and Wuthering Heights, it’s more dramatic and Gothic. With Jane Eyre, I think it’s more bound by the era. Darcy: If someone did a modern retelling, I think they’d put stolen kisses in. KyLee: It depends on the character and how they were raised. There were orphanages and homes for widows who were pregnant, and women who had gotten pregnant outside marriage. There are records showing pregnancies starting before marriage dates in some places in the 1700s. On the whole, the societal expectation mattered. So you need to look at your character. If she’s proper and ladylike, she probably won’t have modern levels of physical intimacy. Karissa has proofread my stuff and told me, this would never happen. She was right. It pushes you to be creative. Make the little things special too. Karissa: What might seem small to us might be very steamy to someone in the Regency era. Like touching a hand without a glove. Darcy: He’ll be proposing within the week. War book recommendations and lesser-known conflicts Christie: I read The Ice Swan by J'nell Ciesielski. That was during the Russian Revolution in 1917. I remember really liking that one. Darcy: Rosemary Sutcliff does this well in her books about Britain after Rome officially withdrew. It spans generations. The first is The Eagle of the Ninth. It’s technically YA and she wrote in the 1950s or ’60s. Sword at Sunset is an adult book with some adult content. She personalizes the conflict and shows conflicting loyalties, and friendships across cultures. It’s history, not fantasy. Karissa: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. Not to be confused with anything else. It’s YA historical set during World War II, but it focuses on Stalin’s reign and deportations to Siberia. It takes place in Lithuania and the Baltic states, where there were multiple occupations. It’s about a girl whose family is sent to a prison camp. I studied abroad in Lithuania, so that history sticks with me. Ruta Sepetys researches a lot and her books are well done. Kelly mentioned The Women by Kristin Hannah, set during the Vietnam War. Darcy: I had someone tell me she read The Women three times because it was so good. It's on my list. My sister highly recommends Kristin Hannah. She read The Nightingale and said it was worth the pain. Christie: I need happy ones. I can only do one super tearjerker a year. What everyone is currently reading KyLee: I borrowed The Dark of the Moon by Fiona Valpy. I’ve read The Dressmaker’s Gift and The Beekeeper’s Promise by her. They're World War II, like French resistance. Melanie Dobson does this well too, like The Curator’s Daughter, a time slip about a woman married to a Nazi soldier. I like books that feel sobering, like they changed my life. I also borrowed Angel from the East by Barbara A. Curtis. I borrowed The Winter Rose by Melanie Dobson, a World War II story about a lady who helps rescue Jewish children. Darcy: I just finished The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender by KyLee Woodley. I had never read it cover to cover. I helped brainstorm, and apparently the villain is my fault. I enjoyed it so much. I’m also reading a contemporary by Becky Wade, Turn to Me, in her Misty River romance series set in Northeast Georgia. I know exactly what she’s describing. Christie: I’m reading The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena. Karissa: I'm listening to the audiobook of Long Bright River by Liz Moore. It’s about a police officer in Philadelphia. Her sister struggles with addiction, then goes missing. There are flashbacks and a modern timeline, plus mysterious murders. I can't stop listening. Where to find Historical Bookworm and Lit Ladies KyLee: You can connect with us at HistoricalBookworm.com. You can find me at KyLeeWoodley.com and Darcy at DarcyFornier.com Darcy: I’m most active on Instagram, DarcyFornierWriter Karissa: Thank you for joining us today on our literary journey. If you love the podcast, share it with a friend and rate and review. And don’t forget to follow us on social media at Lit Ladies Pod. Our quote today is from Barbara Tuchman: “Books are the carriers of civilization. Without books, history is silent, literature dumb, science crippled. Thought and speculation are at a standstill.”

It’s another installment of Charlie’s best debates, with a twist. While most Prove Me Wrongs brought out left-wing students in droves, this episode compiles friendly exchanges with students from TPUSA’s Student Action Summit in July of 2025. They discuss Charlie’s Starbucks order, the best Star Wars film, immigration, and more. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com! Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 3 of the Day After Christmas Best Of Conway mixes heart, humor, and classic Conway confusion. Tim starts with a jaw-dropping story about an elderly couple hit with an $8,000 water bill, sparking disbelief and outrage.Things turn sentimental and funny as Tim remembers a beloved radio bit with his dad, playing his father’s echo — a true Conway family classic. The chaos returns when Tim recounts his early-morning misadventures at CVS and Starbucks, proving nothing good happens before sunrise.The hour wraps with a perfect Conway mishap: Tim tells the story of buying the wrong tickets and ending up at My Fair Lady instead of Wicked.Unexpected bills, legendary radio memories, everyday disasters, and Broadway confusion — the perfect way to wrap the Best Of.

It’s another installment of Charlie’s best debates, with a twist. While most Prove Me Wrongs brought out left-wing students in droves, this episode compiles friendly exchanges with students from TPUSA’s Student Action Summit in July of 2025. They discuss Charlie’s Starbucks order, the best Star Wars film, immigration, and more. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com! Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Play along at home with the lyrics:[Verse 1]When I wake up, well, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who wakes up next to youWhen I go out, yeah, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who goes along with youIf I get drunk, well, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who gets drunk next to youAnd if I haver, yeah, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who's haverin' to you[Chorus]But I would walk five hundred milesAnd I would walk five hundred moreJust to be the man who walked a thousandMiles to fall down at your door[Verse 2]When I'm workin', yes, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who's workin' hard for youAnd when the money comes in for the work I doI'll pass almost every penny on to youWhen I come home (When I come home), oh, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who comes back home to youAnd if I grow old, well, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who's growin' old with you[Chorus]But I would walk five hundred milesAnd I would walk five hundred moreJust to be the man who walked a thousandMiles to fall down at your door[Post-Chorus]Da-da da da (Da-da da da)Da-da da da (Da-da da da)Da-da dum diddy dum diddy dum diddy da da daDa-da da da (Da-da da da)Da-da da da (Da-da da da)Da-da dum diddy dum diddy dum diddy da da da[Verse 3]When I'm lonely, well, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who's lonely without youAnd when I'm dreamin', well, I know I'm gonna dreamI'm gonna dream about the time when I'm with youWhen I go out (When I go out), well, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who goes along with youAnd when I come home (when I come home), yes, I know I'm gonna beI'm gonna be the man who comes back home with youI'm gonna be the man who's comin' home with you[Chorus]But I would walk five hundred milesAnd I would walk five hundred moreJust to be the man who walked a thousandMiles to fall down at your door Jump to section:(00:11) Introduction but no waffling like you get on some podcasts. You know the ones.(01:02) Song title, writers' title vs fan title. Starbucks, David Tennant, terrible Christmas cracker jokes(09:22) Metric vs imperial vs Minecraft measurements. Gauging your audience and imposing your unconscious body upon them. Meaningless promises, proclamations, Meatloaf(14:40) Distances within the UK. Virtue-signalers, Fulfilments, Commitments, Pretenders, Dave unplugged and Australian spiders(19:28) Proclaimers: The horror/thriller(21:17) Dave and distances, fat-reserves and calories(24:40) Hidden messages about murder?(26:31) Confidence and one-way commitments. (31:10) The music video(32:28) Theories from the internet (42:14) Misheard Lyrics(45:37) Notable Trivia. "Havering" defined. The challenging Proclaimers video game: https://andymetoo.itch.io/the-ultimate-proclaimers-experience(48:40) Proclaimers charity and were they gay or homophobic?(50:01) Farewells and ⁠⁠⁠give us money⁠⁠⁠Would you like to appear (well, vocally) on the show? Do you have a pop song or ear-worm from the SMOOTH FM genre that's infested your mind and needs to be investigated? Visit this page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://speakpipe.com/lyrics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to record us your own voicemail hot-take on your specific smooth song of suckiness. You could be on a future episode! (you can always email sound files or text your thoughts to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠poidadavis@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if that's easier). Cheers!Find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc @LyricsPodast ... and we're on all your favourite podcasting platforms.Sound clips are included for educational reference, criticism, satire and parody in fair use. Clips remain the property of the respective rights holder and no endorsement is implied. All information and opinion is performed and expressed in-character and does not reflect reality or genuine commentary on any persons (living or dead), bands or other organisations, or their works, and is not recommended listening for anyone, anywhere.

Hour 3 of the Christmas Day Best Of Conway takes a wild and wonderful turn. Tim starts off fantasizing about buying a grill just to make his own sausage, because store-bought clearly isn’t cutting it anymore. Then things get legendary as Tim sits down with Marty Krofft, the iconic TV creator behind H.R. Pufnstuf, Land of the Lost, and Sigmund and the Sea Monsters, sharing stories from a lifetime of wildly imaginative television.The laughs continue when Tim recounts a very unexpected offer from a stranger during a routine Starbucks run, proving even coffee can lead to chaos. The hour wraps with Tim and Mark tackling the “Doomsday Glacier,” discussing the looming consequences of melting ice and what it could mean for the future.Holiday laughs, pop culture history, random encounters, and a little existential dread — classic Conway, Christmas style.

Happy holidays! We're bringing back one of our favorite guest conversations with Jefferson Bethke, bestselling author and longtime creator. We talk fatherhood and building a stronger family team, why “mission” matters at home, and how to think about faith and culture without getting weird about it. It's practical, thoughtful, and still a fun listen for a slower holiday week. We scored some great deals with a few of our favorite brands for our listeners: Own your health for $365 a year. That's a dollar a day. Learn more and join using our/my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/DANI or use gift code DAN/25 for a $25 credit towards your membership. Cotton is The Fabric of Our Lives and make sure you're checking tags to ensure it's the fabric of your life too. Learn more at TheFabricOfOurLives.com If you're ready to take the next step in your life, whether that is merch, your own hair care line, or something in between, go to shopify.com/dani and make it happen. It doesn't matter where you're at in your entrepreneur journey, Shopify is there to make your life and selling journey easier. Learn more at Starbucks.com/partners Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to Quince.com/dani for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Make sure you're subscribed to our official channel on YouTube, @deinfluencedpodcast, and follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your De-Influenced fix! Stay connected with us on Instagram and TikTok @deinfluencedpodcast, and as always thank you for being a part of this journey. Produced by Dear Media

If you've been feeling that little tug inside — the whisper that says, “I want more than this… I deserve more than this…” — this episode is your New Year wake-up call. Because here's the truth: So many high-achieving women spend years building a good life… and then wake up wondering why they don't actually feel good in their lives. Work, kids, marriage, mental overload, never-ending to-do lists, stress eating, doom scrolling, and wine o'clock creeping earlier and earlier — it's a lot. And if you're sober curious or trying to quit drinking, that “Is this it?” feeling often gets louder. In this episode, I'm sharing the real, practical tools I used to stop settling, quit drinking, and start creating a life that actually felt good on the inside — not just one that looked good from the outside. For the full show notes, kindly go to this podcast episode link: https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/your-new-year-wake-up-call-you-deserve-more/ 4 Ways I Can Support You In Drinking Less + Living More Join The Sobriety Starter Kit, the only sober coaching course designed specifically for busy women. My proven, step-by-step sober coaching program will teach you exactly how to stop drinking  — and how to make it the best decision of your life. Save your seat in my FREE MASTERCLASS, 5 Secrets To Successfully Take a Break From Drinking  Grab the Free 30-Day Guide To Quitting Drinking, 30 Tips For Your First Month Alcohol-Free. Connect with me for free sober coaching tips, updates + videos on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and TikTok @hellosomedaysober. Love The Podcast and Want To Say Thanks? ☕ Buy me a coffee! In the true spirit of Seattle, coffee is my love language. So if you want to support the hours that go into creating this show each week, click this link to buy me a coffee and I'll run to the nearest Starbucks + lift a Venti Almond Milk Latte and toast to you! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hellosomeday 

Red cup season just met its match with these homemade cranberry bliss bars!    We're teaching you THE copycat starbucks cranberry bliss bars recipe that'll save you serious cash. ☕✨   This budget-friendly dessert for a crowd features tangy cream cheese frosting and white chocolate.   AND…   Guess what? These are not only better than starbucks bliss bars, they're probably the best cranberry bliss bars and festive holiday dessert you can make right now!    Your kitchen needs this! Let's keep the kitchen talk going!   SOCIAL

Kick back and get ready to dive into a juicy conversation about the wild world of hiring contractors, with Eric G and John Dudley leading the charge. These two seasoned pros dish out everything you need to know about navigating the often murky waters of contractor hiring. Think of it as your personal guide to avoiding all the potential pitfalls—like hiring that one guy who thinks he can fix your leaky roof with duct tape and a prayer. We'll cover the essentials: how to find a contractor who doesn't vanish like a magician, the red flags to watch out for, and the magical world of contracts that might as well be written in ancient hieroglyphics. Spoiler alert: it's not just about price; it's about finding someone who you can trust to not turn your home into a construction site version of a horror movie. Eric and John's banter will keep you entertained while they drop some serious knowledge. Stick around, because the second half of the show takes a sharp turn into the realm of radon with expert Dallas Jones. We're talking about that sneaky little gas that you can't see or smell but could be lurking in your home like an unwanted guest. Dallas breaks down the science behind radon, why it's suddenly the hot topic in home safety, and what you can actually do about it. You'll leave with a clearer picture of why testing is crucial, how mitigation systems work, and why ignoring radon could be the biggest mistake you make this year. So grab your headphones and get ready to transform your home improvement knowledge from zero to hero!Takeaways:Hiring contractors can be a wild rollercoaster ride, so buckle up and be prepared for some unexpected twists and turns in the process.Don't just assume your radon mitigation system is working forever; regular checks are like checking if your ex is still stalking you – necessary and potentially life-saving!If you're in the trades, you're probably earning more than your college-educated friends who are still trying to figure out what they want to do with their lives.Having a solid understanding of radon and its implications can save lives, so don't wait for your home inspector to remind you – take charge of your family's safety today!Schools are failing to prep kids for the trades, leaving them to drown in student debt while Starbucks is hiring; it's time to rethink the education system's priorities.The conversation about radon is crucial, not just for homeowners but for everyone, so let's stop sweeping it under the rug like that one pile of laundry we all pretend doesn't exist.Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:Paramount PlusHGTVMTVEagle Hardware and GardenThanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at

This is the All Local afternoon update for December 24, 2025

Welcome back to The Viall Files: Reality Recap!  Merry everything from our household to yours! Our holiday gift to you? Miguel Luciano. Iconic Housewife impressions, unfiltered hot takes, and laughs we did not recover from. Later, we break down Southern Charm and Craig's backyard bachelor era, RHOBH, and more. Consider this required holiday listening. "I'm normally PC, but we're on the Viall Files, we're here to fuck around!" Buy Our Merch: https://shop.viallfiles.com/  Are you interested in being a part of a dating docuseries, with the opportunity of meeting your one? Fill out our casting call! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8_echsNPYsFZZ1tIpyY_aMD75tB3kZwKWCfgVZuYeS-xJQg/viewform Subscribe to The ENVY Media Newsletter Today: https://www.viallfiles.com/newsletter  Listen to Humble Brag with Cynthia Bailey and Crystal Kung Minkoff. Available wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@humblebragpod https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humble-brag-with-crystal-and-cynthia/id1774286896 Start your 7 Day Free Trial of Viall Files + here: https://viallfiles.supportingcast.fm/  We've partnered with Mint Mobile to open a hot takes hotline to hear your scorching hot opinions! Give us your hot takes, thoughts and theories and we'll read and react to the best ones on an upcoming Reality Recap episode! All you have to do is call 1-855-MINT-TLK or, if you prefer the numbers, that's 1-855-646-8855 and leave us a message. Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and as always send in your relationship questions to asknick@theviallfiles.com to be a part of our Monday episodes. Follow us on X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheViallFiles Listen To Disrespectfully now! Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disrespectfully/id1516710301 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0J6DW1KeDX6SpoVEuQpl7z?si=c35995a56b8d4038 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCh8MqSsiGkfJcWhkan0D0w To Order Nick's Book Go To: http://www.viallfiles.com  If you would like to get some texting advice on Office Hours send an email to asknick@theviallfiles.com with "Texting Office Hours" in the subject line! To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles   THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Amazon - Visit https://Amazon.com where holiday gifting can be both affordable and stress-free. Cymbiotika - Go to https://Cymbiotika.com/Viall to get 20% off plus free shipping.  Bilt - Join the loyalty program for renters at https://joinbilt.com/VIALL  Helix Sleep - Go to https://helixsleep.com/viall for 27% off sitewide for their end of year sale. Starbucks - Together is the best place to be. Connect over your holiday favorites at Starbucks. Legendz - Just go to https://legendz.com/viall  Upwork - Right now, when you spend $1,000 on Upwork Business Plus, you'll get $500 in credit. Go to https:/upwork.com/save now and claim the offer before 12/31/2025. Wayfair – Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro 19:20 - Southern Charm 37:14 - Miguel Joins Episode Socials:  @viallfiles @nickviall @nnataliejjoy @themiguelluciano @ciaracrobinson @justinkaphillips @leahgsilberstein @dereklanerussell @the_mare_bare  

In this episode of Read the Damn Book, host Michelle Glogovac sits down with author Julie Doar to discuss her debut cozy mystery novel, The Gallagher Place. Julie shares the inspiration behind the book, exploring themes of family drama, hidden secrets, and small-town intrigue. She opens up about her unconventional path to publication—from working as a Starbucks barista to becoming a published author—and how her experience as a middle school teacher influences her writing and character development. The conversation dives into the cozy mystery genre, Julie's writing process, and the realities of writing and publishing a first novel. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring writers, cozy mystery fans, and readers curious about the journey from idea to bookshelf.What We're Talking About...Author Julie Doar drew inspiration for The Gallagher Place from her childhood growing up in New York's Hudson Valley.The Gallagher Place blends family drama with a compelling cozy mystery at its core.Julie discusses how discipline and consistency in writing—shaped by her career as a middle school teacher—are essential to finishing a novel.Characters often evolve organically during the writing process, revealing depth as the story unfolds.The novel explores powerful themes of family secrets, personal trauma, and emotional healing.Julie's teaching experience directly influences her writing style, structure, and character development.She shares her unexpected yet fulfilling journey from Starbucks barista to published author.Readers connect deeply with the book's realistic family dynamics and relationships.Julie hopes to inspire her students and aspiring writers to pursue their creative goals.Future projects from Julie Doar will continue to explore mystery, relationships, and complex family dynamics.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Julie Doar and Her Debut Novel02:51 The Setting and Inspiration Behind The Gallagher Place06:05 Exploring Themes of Family Drama and Mystery08:48 Julie Doar's Journey as a Teacher and Writer11:42 The Writing Process: From Idea to Publication14:52 Crafting Plot Twists and Character Development17:51 Life Experiences: From Barista to Author20:48 Character Inspirations and Family Dynamics23:40 Upcoming Projects and Future WorksLinks MentionedJulie Doar's website: http://juliedoarwriter.com

It's our last regular episode of 2025 and we've got a ton of labor news for you all. We start with headlines from Starbucks, Amazon, New Seasons Grocery, Sysco, the WNBA, the University of Maine, and the nations of Portugal, Bolivia, Mexico, and Brazil. Resident doctors in the UK have gone on strike again, this time with a Labour government in power that refuses to pay them. A recent Workday Magazine piece exposes Disney as a user of prison labor in Minnesota. New York City officials are actually standing up against corporate giants Amazon and UPS for once, following recent worker movements. Finally, we discuss the implications of the possible super merger between either Netflix or Paramount and Warner Brothers Discovery for workers in the entertainment industry. Join the discord: discord.gg/tDvmNzX  Follow the pod at instagram.com/workstoppage, @WorkStoppagePod on Twitter,  John @facebookvillain, and Lina @solidaritybee

Our first caller is dating a dad with baggage for the first time and needs guidance. Our second caller thinks she might be cursed by the three-month dating rule. And our third caller is dealing with a best friend who won't have her back. "Selfish people don't realize they're selfish." Listen to Humble Brag with Cynthia Bailey and Crystal Kung Minkoff every Monday. Available wherever you get your podcasts and YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@humblebragpod  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/humble-brag-with-crystal-and-cynthia/id1774286896 https://open.spotify.com/show/4NWA8LBk15l2u5tNQqDcOO?si=c03a23d537f94735 Start your 7 Day Free Trial of Viall Files + here: https://viallfiles.supportingcast.fm/  Please make sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and as always send in your relationship questions to asknick@theviallfiles.com to be a part of our Monday episodes.  We've partnered with Mint Mobile to open a hot takes hotline to hear your scorching hot opinions! Give us your hot takes, thoughts and theories and we'll read and react to the best ones on an upcoming Reality Recap episode! All you have to do is call 1-855-MINT-TLK or, if you prefer the numbers, that's 855-646-8855 and leave us a message. To Order Nick's Book Go To: https://www.viallfiles.com  If you would like to get some texting advice, send an email to asknick@theviallfiles.com with "Texting Office Hours" in the subject line!  To advertise on this podcast please email: ad-sales@libsyn.com or go to: https://advertising.libsyn.com/theviallfiles THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Mint Mobile - Turn your expensive wireless present into a huge wireless savings future by switching to Mint. Shop Mint Unlimited Plans at https://mintmobile.com/viall Wayfair - Get last-minute hosting essentials, gifts for all your loved ones, and decor to celebrate the holidays for WAY less. Head to https://Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Bubs Naturals - Live Better Longer! For a limited time only, our listeners are getting 20% OFF at BUBS Naturals by using code VIALL at checkout. Just head to https://bubsnaturals.com American Home Shield - Visit https://ahs.com/viallfiles for 20% off any plan today and see promo details. That's ahs.com/viallfiles for 20% off. See https://ahs.com/contracts for coverage details, including service fees, limitations, and exclusions. Starbucks - Together is the best place to be. Connect over your holiday favorites at Starbucks. The Real Real - And now, get $25 off your first purchase when you go to https://therealreal.com/files  Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (01:54) - Caller One (30:08) - Caller Two (01:30:40) - Caller Three Episode Socials:  @viallfiles @nickviall @justinkaphillips @the_mare_bare @dereklanerussell

Luis Mota breaks down how he and his partner consistently close 100+ wholesale deals per year in California's Central Valley — and why wholesaling is only the starting point. In this conversation, Luis walks through his exact lead sources, average assignment fees, how they cherry-pick rentals, and how that steady deal flow funds much bigger plays, including $80M commercial developments like gas stations, truck stops, and Starbucks. He also shares how he hires acquisitions talent, raises millions without pitching investors, and thinks about scaling from single-family deals to large commercial assets. KEY TALKING POINTS:0:00 - Intro1:12 - An Overview Of Luis Mota's Business3:09 - How He Decides Which Properties To Keep5:24 - Senate Bill 9 & The Numbers In His Market8:01 - How He Decides Which Lists To Market To8:49 - Their Team & Hiring/Training The Acquisitions Role11:54 - His Goals With Real Estate13:16 - DealMachine Quick Tip14:08 - How He Got Into Gas Stations And Truck Stops17:56 - Building A Dutch Bros19:35 - How To Do What Luis Is Doing21:04 - Closing Advice & How To Get In Touch23:00 - Outro LINKS:Instagram: Luis Motahttps://www.instagram.com/c21realluis/ Website: Home Helpers Grouphttps://www.homehelpersgroup.com/ Instagram: David Leckohttps://www.instagram.com/dlecko Website: DealMachinehttps://www.dealmachine.com/pod Instagram: Ryan Haywoodhttps://www.instagram.com/heritage_home_investments Website: Heritage Home Investmentshttps://www.heritagehomeinvestments.com/

This week on Yo Quiero Dinero, Jannese is joined by the brilliant and unfiltered Eduek Brooks, a Canadian financial educator and founder of Two Sides of a Dime. Sis does not play when it comes to money — and in this episode, she gets real about how she paid off $47,000 of debt in just 20 months, turned her financial rock bottom into a thriving business, and created the Surplus Method — a roadmap that's helping women all over reclaim their money power.If you've ever felt like traditional personal finance advice wasn't built with you in mind, this episode is your antidote. Eduek throws out the cookie-cutter advice and breaks down why building wealth as a woman of color requires a whole new approach — one rooted in mindset, community, and actual surplus (aka: MONEY LEFT OVER after your bills are paid!). What We Cover:The exact moment Eduek decided she was DONE being brokeWhy she still invested while paying off debt (and how it paid off big)Her no-fluff guide to building a plan you can actually stick toCelebrating small wins & avoiding burnout on your debt-free journeyThe truth about high earners still living paycheck to paycheckA breakdown of the Surplus Method (S.U.R.P.L.U.S.) and how to use itHow Eduek knew it was time to quit her 9-5 and go full-time in her bizCanadian investment accounts 101 (hello, tax-free savings!)Why mini-retirements are part of her wealth strategyQuote:“Your income builds wealth, but your surplus is what gets you to your goals.”

We're bringing you some of our favorite episodes of 2025 while we get a holiday break -- and prepare for our big America250 series. See you in 2026!It's April 3rd. In 2015, Starbucks announces that it is bringing its "Race Together" initiative to a close, after it was relentlessly mocked and critced online and in stores.Jody, Niki, and Kellie look back at the very-Obama-era effort by the coffee chain to spark conversations about racial inequality by having their baristas write #racetogether on customer's cups. Customers were not feeling it.Sign up for our newsletter! Find out more at thisdaypod.comThis Day In Esoteric Political History is a proud member of Radiotopia from PRX.Your support helps foster independent, artist-owned podcasts and award-winning stories.If you want to support the show directly, you can do so on our website: ThisDayPod.comGet in touch if you have any ideas for future topics, want to buy some merch, or just want to say hello. Our website is thisdaypod.com Follow us on social @thisdaypodOur team: Jacob Feldman, Researcher/Producer; Brittani Brown, Producer; Khawla Nakua, Transcripts; music by Teen Daze and Blue Dot Sessions; Audrey Mardavich, Executive Producer at Radiotopia Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

1.6% of the US economy is Gift Cards… And 1 outta 7 of you will get a Starbucks one.The White House launched Tech Force... $200K/yr sabbatical to make the DMV run like Airbnb.Zillow's getting zucked by Google, so we have an idea to save Zillow… Name Your Price.Plus, SNL did a skit about a fake Uber Eats Wrapped… but then it really happened.$Z $GOOG $SBUXBuy tickets to The IPO Tour (our In-Person Offering) TODAYAustin, TX (2/25): https://tickets.austintheatre.org/13274/13275 Arlington, VA (3/11): https://www.arlingtondrafthouse.com/shows/341317 New York, NY (4/8): https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0000637AE43ED0C2Los Angeles, CA (6/3): https://www.squadup.com/events/the-best-one-yet-liveGet your TBOY Yeti Doll gift here: https://tboypod.com/shop/product/economic-support-yeti-doll NEWSLETTER:https://tboypod.com/newsletter OUR 2ND SHOW:Want more business storytelling from us? Check our weekly deepdive show, The Best Idea Yet: The untold origin story of the products you're obsessed with. Listen for free to The Best Idea Yet: https://wondery.com/links/the-best-idea-yet/NEW LISTENERSFill out our 2 minute survey: https://qualtricsxm88y5r986q.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dp1FDYiJgt6lHy6GET ON THE POD: Submit a shoutout or fact: https://tboypod.com/shoutouts SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tboypod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tboypodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tboypod Linkedin (Nick): https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolas-martell/Linkedin (Jack): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-crivici-kramer/Anything else: https://tboypod.com/ About Us: The daily pop-biz news show making today's top stories your business. Formerly known as Robinhood Snacks, The Best One Yet is hosted by Jack Crivici-Kramer & Nick Martell.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.