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The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has called on teenage boys and girls, parents, educators and communities to intensify efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancies. The department says teen pregnancies continue to undermine health and education for young people in South Africa. Statistics show the number of teenagers falling pregnant is increasing. This is confirmed by the increasing number of teenage mothers who gave birth on Christmas Day. The department's Spokesperson, Cassius Selala says teenage girls must be empowered with knowledge, self confidence and support, in order for them to make informed decisions about their bodies in future. Elvis Presslin spoke to Minister in the department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga
Episode: 2548 INFORMS and the mathematics of problem solving. Today, strange bedfellows.
Merry Christmas from The Crushing Debt Podcast !! How much "stuff" does the average American home have? How many people utilize off-site storage for their stuff? Are you able to park your car in your garage? How long do you take searching for "missing" items? How much does the average American family spend on non-essential goods. This week, Shawn & George talk to Beth Ruck with Conquering Clutter (www.ConqueringClutter.net) about Statistics regarding the average amount of possessions of U.S. households Mindset regarding shopping and managing your possessions Paper management and how it can save you money How de-cluttering can help you conquer your debt. You can contact Beth at BethRuck7@gmail.com. At a young age, Beth learned from her mother that you can accomplish a lot in just 15 minutes. She has applied this idea in her roles as a homemaker, wife, and mother of two grown children. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. She has worked as a bank teller, staff accountant for a commercial real estate firm, bookkeeper for three different non-profits, a substitute teacher, and a sales associate in a Christian book/gift store. She enjoys meeting new people, taking walks with her husband and dog, singing, knitting, reading and spending time with her granddaughter. In 2015, Conquering Clutter was established. Over the past 10 years Beth has enjoyed working with clients and hearing their stories. Her motto is: Helping people simplify their spaces so they have more time for what they love and who they love. Let us know if you enjoy this episode and, if so, please share it with your friends! Or, you can support the show by visiting our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/crushingDebt To contact George Curbelo, you can email him at GCFinancialCoach21@gmail.com or follow his Tiktok channel - https://www.tiktok.com/@curbelofinancialcoach To contact Shawn Yesner, you can email him at Shawn@Yesnerlaw.com or visit www.YesnerLaw.com. And please consider a donation to Pancreatic Cancer research and education by joining Shawn's team at MY Legacy Striders: http://support.pancan.org/goto/MyLegacy2026
China's efforts to scale up effective investment, with a particular focus on encouraging private sector participation and increasing investment in human capital, will play a key role in boosting domestic demand next year, officials and experts said.政府工作人员和专家表示,中国扩大有效投资的举措,特别是鼓励民营企业参与和增加人力资本投资,将在明年提振内需方面发挥关键作用。The annual Central Economic Work Conference, held earlier this month, emphasized the need to "halt the decline in investment and promote its recovery" amid a complex external environment.本月早些时候召开的年度中央经济工作会议强调,在复杂的外部环境下,必须“遏制投资下滑趋势,促进投资回升”。The government needs to effectively drive investment by making good use of funding sources such as central government budget investments, ultra-long-term special treasury bonds and local government special bonds, Xinhua News Agency quoted an official of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs as saying.新华社援引中央财经委员会办公室一位政府工作人员的话称,政府需要有效利用中央财政预算投资、超长期国债和地方政府专项债券等资金来源,有效引导投资。"The government will support private firms' participation in major projects in sectors such as railways and nuclear power, and guide private investment toward new fields such as high-tech industries and the service sector," the official said.该工作人员表示:“政府将支持民营企业参与铁路、核电等领域的大型项目,引导民营资本投向高新技术产业、服务业等新兴领域。”The official added that major projects set for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period could be front-loaded where conditions permit.该工作人员补充说道,在条件允许的情况下,原定于第十五个五年计划(2026-2030年)期间实施的重大项目可提前启动。China's fixed-asset investment fell 2.6 percent year-on-year in the first 11 months of the year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.国家统计局数据显示,今年前11个月,中国固定资产投资同比下降2.6%。China has rolled out a series of targeted policies over the past year, including an 800 billion yuan ($113.8 billion) list of key projects to implement major national strategies and strengthen security capacity in key areas, and 500 billion yuan in new policy-based financial tools to supplement project capital.过去一年,中国推出了一系列定向政策,包括8000亿元(1138亿美元)重点项目清单,以落实重大国家战略、强化重点领域安全保障能力,以及5000亿元新增政策性金融工具,用于补充项目资本金。The economic agenda-setting meeting also called for greater investment in physical assets and human capital.经济议程设定会议还呼吁加大对实物资产和人力资本的投资力度。From the country's sprawling highway networks and bullet trains to its forest of urban high-rises, investment in physical assets played a crucial role in its economic growth over the past decades, said Yu Chunhai, executive dean of Renmin University of China's School of Economics.中国人民大学经济学院执行院长于春海指出,从遍布全国的高速公路网络和高铁系统,到城市摩天大楼林立的景象,过去数十年来,实物资产投资在推动中国经济增长方面发挥了关键作用。However, Yu noted that the country'sincremental capital output ratio, which indicates the amount of capital required for every 1 yuan increase in GDP, increased from 2.84 in 2008 to 9.44 in 2023.然而,于春海指出,中国的边际资本产出比(即每增加1元GDP所需投入的资本量)从2008年的2.84上升至2023年的9.44。Meanwhile, facing diminishing returns from the old growth model and a global shift toward talent-centric competition, China is placing a strategic bet on investing in people, analysts said.与此同时,面对传统增长模式回报递减以及全球向人才竞争格局转变的趋势,中国正将战略重心转向人才投资,分析师指出。Investment in human capital refers to inputs that develop people's capabilities and unlock their potential at all stages of life, including childcare, elderly care, health, education and skills training.人力资本投资指在人生各个阶段提升个人能力、释放潜能的投入,包括儿童保育、老年护理、健康保障、教育培养及技能培训。An aging population and rising labor costs are eroding the traditional demographic advantage. By prioritizing investment in human capital, China seeks to build long-term economic competitiveness for innovation-driven, demand-led growth, said Chen Wenling, former chief economist at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.中国国际经济交流中心前首席经济学家陈文玲指出,老龄化人口和不断上升的劳动力成本正在侵蚀传统的人口红利优势。通过优先投资人力资本,中国致力于构建长期经济竞争力,推动创新驱动、需求引领的增长模式。"A healthier, better-educated and more secure workforce is the most critical infrastructure for the next stage of China's development," Chen said. "Sustained investment in people's capabilities, health and career development doesn't just improve well-being—it directly fuels economic upgrading."陈文玲表示:“更健康、受教育程度更高、更有保障的劳动力队伍,是中国下一阶段发展最关键的基础设施。持续投资于人民的能力、健康和职业发展,不仅能提升福祉,更能直接推动经济升级。”Meanwhile, analysts believe that investing in people could also help unlock the spending power of China's massive population, creating a virtuous cycle in which social investment fuels consumption resilience.与此同时,分析人士认为,投资于人力资本也有助于释放中国庞大人口的消费潜力,从而形成良性循环,社会投资推动消费韧性增强。The enhanced investments in pensions, childcare and healthcare are designed to alleviate theprecautionary savings burdens that constrain household spending, said Luo Zhiheng, chief economist and head of the research institute at Yuekai Securities.粤开证券首席经济学家兼研究院院长罗志恒表示,加大养老、育儿和医疗领域的投资力度,旨在缓解制约家庭支出的预防性储蓄负担。"This approach transforms social spending into a powerful economic driver. A more secure population is likely to spend more freely," Luo said. "The direction aligns with China's broader economic objectives of rebalancing growth toward high-quality domestic demand."罗志恒表示:“这种做法将社会支出转化为强有力的经济驱动力。生活更有保障的人群往往更愿意消费。该方向与中国更广泛的经济目标相契合,即推动经济增长向高质量的内需转型。”incrementaladj./ˌɪŋ.krəˈmen.t̬əl/递增的precautionaryadj./prɪˈkɑː.ʃən.er.i/预防性的
Welcome to Charlie's Weekly Music Roundup to hold you down where I talk about my spins in the past week with a little more detail than I do typically! As per usual, all works talked about are below. Enjoy!Big L - Harlem's Finest: Return Of The KingNovelist - AUDACITYPaul Stephan, BexBlu, Awaiting Kvng - STILL REMINISCINGPaul Stephan, BexBlu, Awaiting Kvng - Protect The SilencePozzy - it's all up in the airSaiming - what's the alternative?Thanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved.Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Music for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @The5thElementUKChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence
Can human beings access information about events before they occur?And if so - what does that imply about time, consciousness, and the brain?In this episode of Mind-Body Solution, neuroscientist and cognitive researcher Dr. Julia Mossbridge joins Dr. Tevin Naidu to explore decades of research on precognition, presentiment, and time perception - and why these findings remain controversial within mainstream science.We discuss: • What precognition actually is (and what it isn't)• Presentiment experiments and physiological anticipation• Why anomalous data is often dismissed in science• Whether time may be non-linear• Consciousness beyond standard brain-based models• The role of intuition, creativity, and uncertainty• What intellectual humility looks like at the edges of scienceThis conversation is exploratory, agnostic, and evidence-driven - not an argument for belief, but an invitation to examine the data and the assumptions behind our models of mind and time.TIMESTAMPS:(00:00) — Introduction: Julia Mossbridge & the Question of Time and Mind(03:45) — Julia's Path: From Neuroscience to Studying Psi & Time Perception(07:40) — What Is Precognition? Clearing Up Common Misconceptions(11:35) — Why Mainstream Science Resists Psi Research(15:20) — The Role of Statistics & Experimental Rigor in Psi Studies(19:10) — Presentiment Experiments: Measuring the Body Before Events(23:05) — Is the Brain Predicting the Future—or Accessing It?(27:00) — Time as Non-Linear: Psychological vs Physical Time(31:05) — Neuroscience Meets Consciousness Beyond the Brain(35:10) — Can Information Travel Backwards in Time?(39:15) — Psi, Entropy, and the Arrow of Time(43:25) — Why Anomalous Data Is Often Ignored or Explained Away(47:30) — Consciousness as Fundamental vs Emergent(51:40) — The Practical Implications of Precognition for Daily Life(55:45) — Intuition, Creativity, and Accessing Future Possibilities(59:55) — Psi Research, Skepticism, and Intellectual Humility(1:04:05) — Ethical Concerns Around Predicting the Future(1:08:15) — How Psi Research Could Reshape Science Itself(1:12:25) — Advice for Young Researchers Entering Controversial Fields(1:17:00) — Final Reflections: Time, Meaning, and the Nature of MindEPISODE LINKS:- Julia's Website: https://www.mossbridgeinstitute.com/- Julia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-mossbridge/- Julia's Publications: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Zx0HoewAAAAJ&hl=en- Julia's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001K8KG8WCONNECT:- Website: https://mindbodysolution.org - YouTube: https://youtube.com/@MindBodySolution- Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/mindbodysolution- Twitter: https://twitter.com/drtevinnaidu- Facebook: https://facebook.com/drtevinnaidu - Instagram: https://instagram.com/drtevinnaidu- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/drtevinnaidu- Website: https://tevinnaidu.com=============================Disclaimer: The information provided on this channel is for educational purposes only. The content is shared in the spirit of open discourse and does not constitute, nor does it substitute, professional or medical advice. We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of listening/watching any of our contents. You acknowledge that you use the information provided at your own risk. Listeners/viewers are advised to conduct their own research and consult with their own experts in the respective fields.
On today's Good Day Health Show - ON DEMAND…Host Doug Stephan and Dr. Ken Kronhaus of Lake Cardiology (352-735-1400) cover a number of topics affecting our health. First up, Doug and Dr. Ken discuss “Holiday Heart,” AKA atrial fabulation (A-Fib) when the heart beats like a bag of worms and is caused by excessive drinking alcohol and binge-drinking. It can really lead to A-fib, put you in the hospital and ruin the festivities and celebration. Doug and Dr. Ken agree that alcohol is overrated. They aren't alone. Statistics indicate that fewer and fewer people are drinking and less alcohol is being sold than years prior. Then, the conversation switches to the flu and a rapidly increasing number of flu-related hospitalizations. This year, the flu is not a single strain, showing mutations allowing it to evade current flu vaccines. Shifting focus to longevity and health, Doug and Dr. Ken address research on populations with super-agers shows they don't eat a lot of meat. For instance, many in Japan who live mostly on fish products tend to live an average of at least 10 years longer than those who eat meats. Additionally, those who eat highly processed meats tend to live shorter lives. Listener questions addressed include heightened digestive problems due to the holidays, how do we know what medications are best for us and how to trust Big Pharma, and much more. Website: GoodDayHealthrShow.com Social Media: @GoodDayNetworks
Choosing when to collect Social Security is one of the most stressful retirement decisions people face, and it doesn't have to be.In this episode, Ari breaks down how most people actually decide when to claim Social Security, why there is no single “best” age, and how to think about the decision without fear or guesswork. Using real data and real-world scenarios, the focus stays on understanding trade-offs rather than chasing a perfect answer. Listen as Ari explains why some people claim as early as 62, why others wait until full retirement age or later, and how factors like income needs, longevity, and spousal considerations influence the decision. It also highlights why calculators alone often miss what matters most, and why peace of mind plays a bigger role than people expect. This is for anyone approaching retirement who wants a clearer, calmer way to think about Social Security and make a confident decision that fits their life.-Advisory services are offered through Root Financial Partners, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Viewing this content does not create an advisory relationship. We do not provide tax preparation or legal services. Always consult an investment, tax or legal professional regarding your specific situation.The strategies, case studies, and examples discussed may not be suitable for everyone. They are hypothetical and for illustrative and educational purposes only. They do not reflect actual client results and are not guarantees of future performance. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal.Comments reflect the views of individual users and do not necessarily represent the views of Root Financial. They are not verified, may not be accurate, and should not be considered testimonials or endorsementsParticipation in the Retirement Planning Academy or Early Retirement Academy does not create an advisory relationship with Root Financial. These programs are educational in nature and are not a substitute for personalized financial advice. Advisory services are offered only under a written agreement with Root Financial.Create Your Custom Early Retirement Strategy HereGet access to the same software I use for my clients and join the Early Retirement Academy hereAri Taublieb, CFP ®, MBA is the Chief Growth Officer of Root Financial Partners and a Fiduciary Financial Planner specializing in helping clients retire early with confidence.
THE MOMENT WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! TOP BOOKS! BOOK DATA! STATISTICS! READING TRENDS! Links mentioned:Reading Spreadsheet Template: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/stuffFill out our 2025 Reading Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeOaqDlWh7z2bDMsq5m2lc2xugveJtr3jpMxF_JJG9p22g5cA/viewformArticle about niche bookstores: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/one-genre-bookstores-calgary-9.6989662Article about bookshops opening: https://globalnews.ca/news/10935412/a-new-chapter-bookworms-canada-independent-bookstores/)Article about AI book winning a big prize: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/aug/18/author-rie-qudan-why-i-used-chatgpt-to-write-my-prize-winning-novelSupport The Podcast:Join our patreon and become a Dust Jacket! patreon.com/booksunboundFollow us on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/books_unbound/Our website: booksunboundpodcast.comNeed Info or Some Books?Buy books with our affiliate link: https://bookshop.org/shop/BooksUnboundAll the books we mentioned in this episode: https://www.booksunboundpodcast.com/booksUse our affiliate link to get 2 audiobooks for the price of 1! https://tidd.ly/3dyW1XwOur Patrons:A special thanks to our Gold Foil Team on Patreon: Adriane, Alex, Alli, Bellanora, Brittany, Bronte, Candis, Cassie, Christina, Claire, Debra, Diana, Emily, Gene, Gerald, Inbar, Jessica, Jill, Judith, Karina, Livi, Michelene, Nicole, Róisin, Sherralle, Tiffany, Vanessa!Chapters:00:00:00 - 2025 WRAP UP00:03:29 - Milestones of 202500:05:13 - Raeleen's Top Books of 202500:16:39 - Ariel's To Books of 202500:30:17 - Spreadsheet Time!01:15:36 - Mashed Potatoes 202501:30:58 - Subgenre of the Year01:40:14 - Reading Predictions for 202601:51:22 - Favourite Authors of 202501:53:37 - Book Memories 2025
Bobby and Alex discuss the surprising news that Munetaka Murakami — once considered one of the top free agents on the market this year — has signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox. Then, they discuss the final luxury tax payment figures that came out this past week and what, if anything, it says that the Dodgers paid more in luxury tax than the bottom 12 teams paid in total payroll. Finally, they review the Tipping Pitches 2025 bingo card, a decently funny effort that ultimately flopped when it came to, uh, most of the things happening.Links:Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Call the Tipping Pitches voicemail: 785-422-5881Tipping Pitches features original music from Steve Sladkowski of PUP.
Statistics and Reliability Abstract Chris and Fred discuss a listener’s question on whether or not to study statistics. Key Points Join Chris and Fred as they discuss the value of really understanding statistis as a reliability engineer. Topics include: A grand set of tools to grapple with the world’s variations. The ability to detect and […]
Meta's global reach and heavy AI investments give it an undeniable edge over other digital marketing platforms. In today's episode, we are exploring how Meta's ongoing innovations will reshape advertising in 2026 and what this means for your business or agency. Lauren shares her firsthand experience testifying at a House subcommittee about how Meta's AI tools are helping small businesses scale. We unpack why Meta's capabilities (like Andromeda) are game-changers for businesses that overcome AI fears and leverage Meta's creative diversification.Plus, we look at real-world examples of how AI is amplifying business growth, and how Meta's ecosystem can supercharge marketing strategies in ways other platforms simply can't match. Join the conversation now if you want to stay ahead of the curve in 2026.In This Episode:- Lauren's AI testimony at a House subcommittee- Fear of AI replacing jobs vs. AI as a growth opportunity- The rising need for human interactions - Meta's global influence on internet users- Why Meta is the best ad platform - Meta's investment in AI and its implications for 2026- Statistics on Meta's usage and revenue growthMentioned in the Episode:Global Internet Users: https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/ Facebook Usage Statistics: https://www.demandsage.com/facebook-statistics/ Previous Episodes on Meta's Andromeda: https://perpetualtraffic.com/?s=andromeda Listen to This Episode on Your Favorite Podcast Channel:Follow and listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/perpetual-traffic/id1022441491 Follow and listen on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/59lhtIWHw1XXsRmT5HBAuK Subscribe and watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@perpetual_traffic?sub_confirmation=1We Appreciate Your Support!Visit our website: https://perpetualtraffic.com/ Follow us on X: https://x.com/perpetualtraf Connect with Ralph Burns: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralphburns Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ralphhburns/ Hire Tier11 - https://www.tiereleven.com/apply-now Connect with Lauren Petrullo:Instagram -
This is the final episode of 2026! I hope you have enjoyed the show this year and also hope you have a great holiday season and happy new year. In this episode, I sit down with former Census Bureau Director Rob Santos to talk about the state of federal statistics, what's threatening the quality and independence of federal data, and why surveys like the American Community Survey and decennial census matter more than ever. We dig into how census data are collected, how political appointees interact with career staff, and why attempts to limit data collection or redefine who gets counted can undermine everything from policy to local decision-making. Rob also reflects on his approach to diversity, communication, and public engagement while leading the Census Bureau. We close by looking ahead at what modernization should look like for federal statistical agencies in the years to come.Keywords: Census Bureau, federal data, Rob Santos, statistical agencies, data quality, survey response rates, American Community Survey, decennial census, federal statistics, data integrity, data collection, public trust, policy data, government surveys, uncertainty communication, demographic data, administrative data, data modernizationSubscribe to the PolicyViz Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Become a patron of the PolicyViz Podcast for as little as a buck a monthFollow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Substack, Twitter, Website, YouTubeEmail: jon@policyviz.com
In this episode, recorded on December 19, 2025, we examine the latest retail sales, employment, and CPI reports. Retail sales were flat on the month, underscoring a continued pullback in consumer spending as sentiment deteriorates and labor-market momentum slows.The employment report was more troubling than the headline figures suggest. The unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November, while payrolls fell in October before rebounding modestly in November. A closer inspection, however, reveals a far weaker underlying picture. Year to date, job gains in Health Care and Social Services have exceeded total payroll growth, implying that employment outside those sectors has declined outright. After adjusting for the outsized contribution from health care and the Federal Reserve's estimated 60,000 monthly overstatement, we estimate that non–Health Care payrolls have fallen by more than 500,000 this year.We also discuss the latest CPI report, whose construction raises serious questions. Evidence increasingly suggests that the Bureau of Labor Statistics imputed zero inflation for missing observations, including within the Shelter component, which accounts for roughly one-third of the index. If correct, this would render the headline inflation figures deeply misleading. That said, we also explore the counterfactual: what if the data are, in fact, accurate?We hope you enjoy the episode and thank you for listening.
Robert Kelly, Director of Economics and Statistics at the Central Bank, on the latest forecasts for the Irish economy.
As 2025 draws to a close, the National Bureau of Statistics of China has released economic data for the month of November, with indices pointing to a sustained "steady development momentum with progress". But a recent Wall Street Journal analysis, based largely on the same official data, argues that China's growth momentum has weakened across the board, that consumer demand is faltering, and exports are now doing most of the heavy lifting for the world's second-largest economy. Which story is closer to reality? Is China's economy stabilizing, or as some Western media outlets claim, quietly losing steam?
On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Marinela Profi, Global Market Strategy Lead for AI, GenAI and Agentic AI at SAS, about the rise of agentic AI and how we will move from hype to real, reliable AI. In today's episode, we'll discuss: Why LLMs alone don't solve business problems – and what does, how governance is becoming the new frontier of AI trust, and what leaders should expect by 2026, as enterprises shift from experiments to autonomous, explainable intelligence. KEY TAKEAWAYS A generative AI chatbot is really good and answering questions, generating text, or summarising content. But, it typically stops when it comes to conversation. On the other hand, an AI agent goes beyond that, it can take action, it has goals, memory, reasoning capabilities and can orchestrate multi-set workflows using a combination of not just large-language models but also rules, data and analytics. Generative AI talks, and agentic AI does. The 5-step lifecycle of an agent is a framework I put together to help me and my customers understand what an agent actually does step-by-step in practice. 1. Perception 2. Cognition 3. Decisioning 4. Action, and 5. Learning. Governance boards in 2026 will act more like digital oversight committees, they will ensure that agents aren't just smart, but they are safe, explainable and accountable. BEST MOMENTS ‘Post action the agent learns from feedback from a human operative. It's important to monitor the learning loops, you cannot allow the agent to “self-update” in ways that are uncontrolled.' ‘How autonomous should an agent be? 90% of the time it depends on the risk and impact of the task.' ‘Autonomy without accountability is a risk multiplier.' ‘Governance doesn't stop at deployment, performance must be continuously monitored.' ABOUT THE GUEST Marinela Profi helps organizations move from AI hype to trusted impact. As Global Market Strategy Lead for AI, GenAI and Agentic AI at SAS, she works with enterprises in financial services, healthcare, and government to build AI systems that don't just act fast—but act responsibly. With an MBA and a Master's in Statistics and AI, Marinela bridges two worlds: translating complex data science into clear business strategy. Her work focuses on how agentic AI—intelligent systems that perceive, reason, and act autonomously—can deliver governed, explainable decisions instead of black-box predictions. A frequent keynote speaker at international AI and analytics events, she shares insights on the evolution from generative to agentic AI and the new frontier of AI governance, trust, and human-AI collaboration. Marinela is also an Advisory Board Member for Wake Technical Community College's Data Science Program, helping shape future-ready curricula that connect classroom learning with real-world AI innovation. ABOUT THE HOST Sabine is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur. She is the CEO and Managing Partner of Alchemy Crew a venture lab that accelerates the curation, validation, & commercialization of new tech business models. Sabine is renowned within the insurance sector for building some of the most renowned tech startup accelerators around the world working with over 30 corporate insurers, accelerated over 100 startup ventures. Sabine is the co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, a top 50 Women in Tech, a FinTech and InsurTech Influencer, an investor & multi-award winner. Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Facebook TikTok Email Website This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
According to the Government of Canada In Ontario, teens(youth 13-24) make up a significant portion of the homeless population (around12-20%), often experiencing hidden homelessness or using transitional housingmore than shelters, with reasons primarily stemming from family conflict, trauma,and mental health issues, leading to high rates of first-time homelessnessbefore age 16 and overrepresentation of Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ youth.Statistics show youth homelessness is undercounted but deeply impactful, withmany facing significant barriers and adverse experiences. The Windsor Residence for Young Men (WRYM) supportsyouth ages 16-24 as they leave homelessness behind to build new lives. WRYM provides a supportive, functional family atmosphere, delivers individualcounselling, and teaches basic life skills. WRYM helps youth experiencinghomelessness integrate into the community and reconnect with extended family orindependent living, as well as education and employment. We supportactive citizenship, not dependence, and we follow up with our residents as theybecome active citizens. We work together to end homelessness.Selena Cosme is an aftercare and outreach worker for the organization, and shejoined me this week to tell me more about how this vitally importantorganization is working to end homelessness across Windsor-Essex and provideyoung men in our local community with a brighter future. For more information: https://www.wrym.ca/Email: executivedirector@wrym.ca
While official statistics compiled by government agencies are still considered the most reliable, policymakers are increasingly using private data to get around their limitations. Claudia Sahm is a former principal economist at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors and has studied the growing role of alternative data in monetary policy. In this podcast, Sahm says the immediacy and granularity of private company data should serve as a complement to traditional data, not as a substitute. Transcript: https://bit.ly/3MH31X6 Read the article at IMF.org/fandd
Claire de Mézerville López welcomes Blair Kirby and Professor Mark Osler to the Restorative Works! Podcast. Blair and Mark join us to illuminate how restorative practices intersect with clemency work, storytelling, and systemic reform. Their conversation opens a window into the human impact of policies that often feel remote, revealing how small acts of recognition and repair can shift entire systems toward healing. Mark tells us about his commutation clinic at the University of St. Thomas School of Law, where he guides students as they uncover untold stories, meet directly with clients inside federal prisons, and learn how authentic narrative reshapes justice. Blair, a third-year law student and senior editor of the Journal of Law and Public Policy, brings her own lens as a former data analyst turned advocate. Her retelling of a first-degree murder clemency case, where three heartfelt apology letters were lost inside the corrections system, reveals how transparency and communication influence a victim's family's capacity to heal. Together, Mark and Blair describe how the commutation clinic operates at both the individual and systemic level, helping incarcerated people tell the fuller stories of their lives while also proposing legislative reforms that expand access to second chances. They highlight clients whose transformations demonstrate the power of rehabilitation, the role of narrative in restorative justice, and the responsibility of legal advocates to restore humanity, not simply file petitions. Blair grew up in South Korea and came to the US on her own at 15. After graduating from Macalester College with degrees in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, and Economics, she worked with government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on epidemiology studies during the COVID-19 pandemic as a data and policy analyst in the Bay Area of California. She is currently a student at the University of St. Thomas School of Law (MN). Mark is the Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law at the University of St. Thomas, where he was chosen as Professor of the Year in 2016, 2019, and 2022. He also holds the Ruthie Mattox Preaching Chair at First Covenant Church, Minneapolis. His writing on clemency, sentencing, and narcotics policy has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and The Atlantic and in law journals at Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of Chicago, Northwestern, Georgetown, the University of Texas, Ohio State, UNC, William and Mary, and Rutgers. A former federal prosecutor, he won the case of Spears v. United States in the U.S. Supreme Court, with the Court ruling that judges could categorically reject the 100-to-1 ratio between crack and powder cocaine in the federal sentencing guidelines. Mark is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and Yale Law School. Tune in to discover how storytelling, advocacy, and courageous leadership move restorative justice from theory into action.
China has been implementing targeted pro-consumption measures to spur immediate spending while advancing structural reforms to unlock sustainable consumption growth, as the country moves toward a more balanced growth model anchored by its vast domestic market, economists said.经济学家指出,中国正实施有针对性的促进消费措施以刺激即时支出,同时推进结构性改革以释放可持续消费增长潜力。随着中国朝着以广阔国内市场为支撑的更均衡增长模式迈进,这些举措将发挥关键作用。They said that a robust and expanding consumer base not only powers China's high-quality development, but also provides a stabilizing force for the global economy amid fluctuating external demand and geopolitical complexities.他们指出,庞大且不断扩大的消费群体不仅推动着中国的高质量发展,更在全球外部需求波动和地缘政治复杂化的背景下,为世界经济提供了稳定力量。At the annual Central Economic Work Conference held last week, Chinese policymakers placed "boosting domestic demand" first among eight key priorities on the economic agenda for next year.在上周召开的年度中央经济工作会议上,中国决策者将“扩大内需”列为明年经济议程八大重点任务之首。President Xi Jinping pointed out in an article published on Monday in Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, that expanding domestic demand is crucial not only for economic stability but also for economic security. It is not a temporary measure, but a strategic move, he said.习近平主席在周一发表于中共中央机关刊物《求是》杂志的文章中指出,扩大内需不仅关乎经济稳定,更关乎经济安全。他强调,这并非权宜之计,而是战略举措。Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, called for accelerating efforts to address weaknesses in domestic demand, especially consumption, to make domestic demand the main driving force and stabilizing anchor for economic growth.习近平同时担任中共中央总书记,他呼吁加快解决国内需求薄弱环节,特别是消费领域的问题,使国内需求成为经济增长的主要驱动力和稳定锚。Robert Koopman, former chief economist of the World Trade Organization, said that over the next five to 10 years, "an important evolution in China's role is going to be to shift toward being a big center of demand".世界贸易组织前首席经济学家罗伯特·库普曼表示,未来五到十年间,“中国角色将发生重要演变,逐步转向成为重要的需求中心”。Analysts said that targeted measures to stimulate consumption remain necessary in the near term, as the latest data points to slowing growth of retail sales. In November, total retail sales of consumer goods, a gauge of consumption, registered a year-on-year increase of 1.3 percent, down 1.6 percentage points compared with October, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.分析师指出,鉴于最新数据显示零售额增速放缓,短期内仍需采取有针对性的措施刺激消费。国家统计局数据显示,作为消费风向标的11月社会消费品零售总额同比增长1.3%,较10月增速回落1.6个百分点。On Sunday, the Ministry of Commerce, along with the People's Bank of China, which is China's central bank, and the National Financial Regulatory Administration, jointly released a document pledging stronger financial support for consumer spending.周日,商务部联合中国人民银行(中国央行)和国家金融监督管理总局共同发布文件,承诺将加大对消费支出的金融支持力度。In the document, financial institutions were encouraged to refine their services for consumption on big-ticket goods, while for the services sector, the document emphasized innovative financial products targeting industries such as elderly care, catering, tourism and education.该文件鼓励金融机构完善针对大宗商品消费的服务,同时强调服务行业应推出创新金融产品,重点面向养老、餐饮、旅游和教育等领域。Dong Ximiao, chief researcher at Merchants Union Consumer Finance Co, said that front-loading of such support weeks before the new year is designed to secure early economic momentum and set a positive trajectory for 2026.招商银行消费金融公司首席研究员董希淼表示,在新年到来前数周提前推出此类支持措施,旨在确保经济早日获得动能,为2026年奠定积极发展轨迹。In particular, the move, launched ahead of the Spring Festival shopping season in mid-February, signaled a strategic effort to harness the year's peak consumption period, Dong added.董希淼补充道,这项举措特别选在二月中旬春节购物季前启动,标志着企业正采取战略性举措,力求把握年度消费高峰期。Analysts view the latest move as part of a calibrated "one-two punch" for consumption, pairing targeted financial support with extended trade-in programs through 2026.分析师认为,此番举措是刺激消费的精心策划的“组合拳”,将定向金融支持与延长至2026年的以旧换新计划相结合。Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, told a news conference on Saturday that China should "adapt to the evolving consumption structure by expanding the supply of high-quality goods and services, and optimize the implementation of the trade-in policies".中央财经委员会办公室副主任韩文秀周六在记者会上表示,中国应“通过扩大优质商品和服务供给适应消费结构变化,优化以旧换新政策实施”。According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, from January to November this year, trade-in programs pushed sales of related goods beyond 2.5 trillion yuan ($355 billion), benefiting more than 360 million people.据商务部数据显示,今年1至11月,以旧换新活动带动相关商品销售额突破2.5万亿元(约合3550亿美元),惠及超过3.6亿人。Wang Qing, chief macroeconomic analyst at Golden Credit Rating International, said that next year's trade-ins could incorporate a wider range of products, particularly those with artificial intelligence features. Wang suggested scaling up the annual funding pool to 500 billion yuan — an increase from this year's 300 billion yuan.金信评级首席宏观分析师王青表示,明年的以旧换新政策可能涵盖更广泛的产品,特别是具备人工智能功能的产品。王青建议将年度资金池规模扩大至5000亿元人民币——较今年的3000亿元有所增加。In late November, China unveiled a plan to improve the alignment of the supply and demand of consumer goods, highlighting the application of AI across all sectors and processes of the consumer goods industry.11月下旬,中国公布了一项优化消费品供需匹配的计划,强调人工智能技术将全面应用于消费品行业的各个领域和生产环节。"More important, the scope of support could broaden beyond durable goods to encompass a wide range of service sectors such as childhood education," Wang added.王青补充道:“更重要的是,支持范围可能从耐用品扩展到涵盖儿童教育等广泛的服务领域。”Structural reforms结构化改革Besides short-term measures, analysts emphasized that sustaining consumer strength will increasingly depend on deeper structural reforms, including raising household income, strengthening the social safety net and improving livelihoods.除短期措施外,分析师强调,维持消费韧性将日益依赖更深层次的结构性改革,包括提高居民收入、强化社会安全网以及改善民生。To this end, the tone-setting meeting last week explicitly advocated "increased incomes for urban and rural residents".为此,上周的定调会议明确倡导“提高城乡居民收入”。Wen Bin, chief economist at China Minsheng Bank, said that "the policy focus is gradually evolving from simple stimulus to bolstering both the capacity and willingness of households to spend".中国民生银行首席经济学家温彬表示:“政策重点正逐步从单纯的刺激转向增强家庭消费能力和意愿。”Wen pointed to potential measures such as adjusting personal income tax thresholds, maintaining steady growth in social welfare spending, and advancing policies that promote high-quality employment as key to enabling durable consumption growth.温彬指出了若干潜在措施,包括调整个人所得税起征点、保持社会福利支出稳定增长、推进促进高质量就业的政策,这些措施是实现消费持续增长的关键。China has also been proactively encouraging inbound consumption to enhance the resilience of its domestic market through the "Shopping in China" campaign, fueled by China's unilateral visa-free policies for various countries and a new initiative allowing eligible travelers to receive instant tax refunds.中国还通过“中国购物”活动积极鼓励入境消费,以增强国内市场的韧性。该活动得益于中国对多个国家实施的单方面免签政策,以及一项允许符合条件的旅客即时退税的新举措。
If you feel stuck financially—even when you're doing everything right—this video is for you. I'm breaking down the 10 harsh money realities most Americans face in 2026, and giving you the step-by-step solutions to break free.What you'll learn:Why most savings accounts are stealing your wealth (and how to fix it)The real reason you can't get ahead—even with a good jobHow to escape debt spirals, car loan traps, and “Buy Now, Pay Later” regretThe habits and strategies that actually build wealth in 2026RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:- High-Yield Savings Account Comparison: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/savings(Compare the best high-yield savings accounts, updated weekly. No fees, FDIC insured.)- Debt Relief Resource: https://www. anthonyoneal.com/debtrelief(If you have over $20,000 in consumer debt, see if this can help you get out faster.)- Investing Platforms (Compare & Open an Account): https://www/anthonyoneal.com/invest(SoFi, Public, MooMoo—open an account, even with $0, and start building wealth.)- AI Automation Bootcamp: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/aiautomation(Learn high-income skills that pay you back in 12 months or less.)- Therapy & Mental Health Resource: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/therapy(Mental health is wealth. Find a therapist and invest in your mind.)- LLC Formation & Business Resources: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/llc(Start your side hustle the right way—protect yourself and build real wealth.)- Estate Planning (Will & Trust): https://www.anthonyoneal.com/estate(Protect your family and legacy. Don't let the government decide who gets your money.)- Life Insurance Calculator: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/ethos- Car Insurance Savings: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/carinsurance(Stop overpaying. Get real quotes in 60 seconds.)ABOUT ANTHONY ONEAL:Anthony O'Neal is a nationally bestselling author, speaker, and host of The Table with Anthony O'Neal. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance & Banking and is a professor of Consumer Economics at Virginia Union University. Since 2014, he's helped millions of people get out of debt, build wealth, and break generational poverty. His mission is to help you maximize your income, eliminate debt, and create a life of freedom and legacy.
Bobby and Alex discuss Mike Francesa's groundbreaking scoop that Brandon Nimmo was traded from the Mets because of wokeness. Then, they discuss the Mets allowing Edwin Díaz and Pete Alonso walk now that the dust has settled a bit. Finally, they dig into some extremely on brand topics: the Twins selling a stake in the team to service their $500 million debt and MLB stepping in to regulate the use of player development technology at the minor league level.Links:Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon (use code GRIEF to get your first month for $1)Tipping Pitches merchandise Call the Tipping Pitches voicemail: 785-422-5881Tipping Pitches features original music from Steve Sladkowski of PUP.
Experts have called for stronger policy and financial support for young people and enhanced efforts to eliminate workplace discrimination to foster a marriage-and birth-friendly society.专家呼吁加强针对年轻人的政策和财政支持,并加大消除职场歧视的力度,以营造一个支持婚姻和生育的社会环境。According to the China Statistical Yearbook, which was published recently by the National Bureau of Statistics, about 6.1 million couples registered their marriage in 2024. Among them, 6.04 million were mainland residents, while 61,900 had spouses who were foreigners, overseas Chinese, or residents of the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan.根据国家统计局近日发布的《中国统计年鉴》,2024年全国登记结婚约610万对。其中,大陆居民登记结婚604万对,与外国公民、海外华侨及港澳台地区居民结婚登记6.19万对。Data shows that the number of marriage registrations has fluctuated in recent years, with a marginal rebound in 2023 after continuous decline since 2013. In the first three quarters of 2025, there has been a modest increase in the number, with about 5.15 million couples registering their marriage, compared with 4.75 million during the same period last year.数据显示,近年来婚姻登记数量呈现波动态势,自2013年持续下降后,2023年出现小幅回升。2025年前三季度登记数量有所增长,约515万对新人完成婚姻登记,较去年同期475万对有所增加。Amid this trend, experts and members of the public have urged more policy and financial support from the government to ease pressures on young people of marriageable age and encourage them to marry and have children.在此趋势下,专家和公众呼吁政府提供更多政策和财政支持,以缓解适婚年龄青年的压力,鼓励他们结婚生子。"From a demographic perspective, China's current population of marriageable age—mainly those born after 1990 and 2000—is shrinking. Young people's views on marriage differ from those of previous generations. They tend to delay marriage or choose not to marry," said Jiang Quanbao, a professor at the Capital University of Economics and Business' School of Labor Economics in Beijing.从人口结构角度看,中国当前适婚年龄段人口——主要是1990后和2000后群体——正在缩减。首都经济贸易大学劳动经济学院教授姜全保指出:“年轻一代的婚姻观与前辈存在差异,他们普遍推迟结婚或选择不结婚。”Social pressures and changing norms also influence marriage decisions, Jiang noted. "Young people face financial pressures from housing expenses, 'bride price', and wedding and childbearing costs. Also, women are becoming more educated and pursuing career success," he said, adding that society has become more inclusive and open-minded about diverse attitudes toward marriage.姜全保指出,社会压力和不断变化的规范也影响着婚姻决策,“年轻人面临住房开支、‘彩礼'以及婚嫁生育等经济压力。同时,女性受教育程度不断提高,更追求事业成功。”他还表示,社会对婚姻的多样化态度也变得更加包容和开放。Zhang Xianling, an associate professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics' School of Sociology and Psychology in Beijing, told Workers' Daily that marriage is traditionally seen as essential for personal growth and carrying forward the family bloodline, but with rapid economic and social transformations, more young people now choose to delay marriage or not marry at all.中央财经大学社会与心理学院副教授张现苓向《工人日报》表示,婚姻传统上被视为个人成长和延续家族血脉的重要途径,但随着经济社会快速转型,如今越来越多的年轻人选择推迟结婚或不结婚。To boost marriage and childbirth rates, relevant authorities have rolled out new supportive measures, includingstreamlining marriage registration procedures.为提高结婚率和生育率,相关主管部门推出了一系列支持性新措施,包括简化结婚登记手续。In May, people of marriageable age were allowed to register for marriage at their place of work or residence instead of their hometowns under the hukou system, also known as household registration.五月起,适婚年龄人群可在工作地或居住地登记结婚,无需再按户籍制度要求返回户籍所在地办理。In July, a financial support policy was introduced to give families 3,600 yuan ($511) per year for each child under the age of 3 years.七月,一项财政支持政策出台,规定每年为每个未满三周岁的儿童提供3600元(约合511美元)的补助。The recently adopted recommendations for formulating China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) also call for promoting positive attitudes toward marriage and childbirth by optimizing supportive policies and incentives.近期通过的关于制定中国第十五个五年规划(2026-2030年)的建议,同时要求通过完善支持性政策和激励措施,促进社会对婚姻和生育的积极态度。Wang Xuanyi, 29, a financial analyst in Beijing, said that for ordinary people, the greatest pressures of marriage include home loans and child-rearing expenses. "For me, as a woman, I may face discrimination in the workplace, as some employers see pregnant employees as a burden."29岁的北京金融分析师王宣怡(音译)表示,对普通人而言,婚姻的最大压力包括房贷和育儿开支,“作为女性,我可能面临职场歧视,因为有些雇主认为怀孕员工是负担。”Wang emphasized that it is important for the government to promote healthier perspectives on marriage and childbirth by alleviating young people's concerns about career development, high housing prices, and a work culture that is not friendly toward childcare.王宣怡(音译)强调,政府应通过缓解年轻人对职业发展、高房价以及不利于育儿的工作文化的担忧,来倡导更健康的婚姻和生育观念。"It will be a long journey, but I think things will get better if we receive stronger policy and financial support from the authorities," she added.她补充道:“这将是一段漫长的旅程,但我认为,如果我们能获得政府更强有力的政策和财政支持,情况将会好转。”Jiang, from Capital University of Economics and Business, said that encouraging young people to marry and have children requires a systematic effort involving financial support, improved public services and guidance on marriage values.来自首都经济贸易大学的姜全保教授指出,鼓励年轻人结婚生子需要系统性举措,包括提供经济支持、完善公共服务以及引导婚姻价值观。"The government can offer special housing subsidies, or low-interest or interest-free housing loans, to the newlyweds. In addition to childcare subsidies, it could explore benefits such as marriage and settlement allowances and tax reductions for couples," he said.政府可为新婚夫妇提供专项住房补贴,或发放低息乃至免息住房贷款。除育儿补贴外,还可探索婚姻定居津贴、夫妻税收减免等福利措施。Jiang said that it is crucial "to fully implement and optimize thematernity leave system and encourage men to share childcare responsibilities to reduce the 'motherhood penalty'—prejudices women may face in the job market due to childbirth".姜全保表示,关键在于“全面落实并完善产假制度,鼓励男性分担育儿责任,以减轻‘母亲惩罚'——即女性因生育而在就业市场可能面临的偏见”。The expert also called for improvements in childcare services, and suggested that schools and residential communities organize lectures for young people on maintaining relationships and managing family tensions.姜全保还呼吁改善托儿服务,并建议学校和社区为年轻人组织讲座,内容涉及维系亲密关系和处理家庭矛盾。"It's important to portray a healthy, fair and happy marriage and family life," he said, adding that trade unions and communities could organize diverse and healthy dating activities or social events for young people.他说:“展现健康、公平、幸福的婚姻和家庭生活很重要。”他还表示,工会和社区可以为年轻人组织多样化、健康的约会活动或社交活动。streamlinev./ˈstriːm.laɪn/简化maternity leaven./məˈtɝː.nə.t̬i/产假bride price彩礼
Welcome to Charlie's Weekly Music Roundup to hold you down where I talk about my spins in the past week with a little more detail than I do typically! As per usual, all works talked about are below. Enjoy!J Hus - Half ClipA-F-R-O - No More PatienceIman Europe & Kaelin Ellis - Chrysalisthreetwenty - separate from the noiseNas & DJ Premier - Light YearsThanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved.Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Music for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @The5thElementUKChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence
Mayor Wu is bragging about a new business loan statistic that unlike her Christmas party had a few white people on it. Visit the Howie Carr Radio Network website to access columns, podcasts, and other exclusive content.
There's more evidence that China's economy is stalling. Beijing released a batch of government data today that was not encouraging. Chinese consumers have slammed their wallets shut, and data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China paints a picture of stagnating investment, output, and consumption. And later, we'll preview long-delayed economic data slated to come out this week and learn why retailers are hiring fewer workers for the holiday shopping season.
Welcome into the Young Dad Podcast — whether you're outside grilling, mowing the lawn, changing dirty diapers, or maybe you got a moment to sit back and relax — thanks for being here and thanks for tuning in.Today, I'm joined by Randall Strain — Air Force veteran, father of two, children's author, and the founder of Neil Marie Publishing. By day he's a traveling salesman; by night, he's a storyteller on a mission to help parents stay connected through the power of bedtime stories. His journey from writing goofy tales in hotel rooms to publishing books for families — and his mission to get them into foster homes — is one you won't want to miss.Grab your juice box, grab a snack, and let's jump in.Randall, thank you so much for joining us today — your story is an incredible reminder of how small acts of connection can make a big difference.Listeners — you can check out Randall's work and his mission at:
Visit https://shenyun.com and use discount code: Josh26---Crime statistics are showing a concerning trend with illegal immigrants. It turns out that at least in New York, illegal immigrants commit crimes at about four times the rate of the overall population. And this could bring trouble for them, given that the Trump administration is now saying it will focus deportation efforts on people who commit additional crimes after illegally entering the country.We'll discuss this topic and others in this episode of Crossroads.Views expressed in this video are opinions of the host and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Summary In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses various pressing issues surrounding gun rights, recent terror attacks, and the implications of gun control legislation. The conversation includes insights from guests Neil McCabe and AWR Hawkins, focusing on the Australia shooting incident and the cultural attitudes towards violence and self-defense. The episode emphasizes the importance of being prepared to defend oneself and the role of organizations like the NRA in advocating for gun rights. In this conversation, Mark Walters and his guests discuss various aspects of gun rights, self-defense, and the implications of gun control laws. They delve into the complexities surrounding open carry laws, the legal ramifications of self-defense incidents, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in high-stress situations. The discussion also covers the recent events in Australia, highlighting the failures of gun control measures and the impact of gun-free zones on public safety. The guests emphasize the importance of armed citizens in preventing violence and the misleading statistics often used to argue against gun rights. Takeaways The importance of self-defense in today’s society. Gun control laws often leave law-abiding citizens vulnerable. Cultural attitudes towards violence can impact responses to threats. The NRA plays a crucial role in advocating for gun rights. Recent terror attacks highlight the need for personal preparedness. Law enforcement’s response time can be critical in crisis situations. The process of gun control can be seen as punitive. Public perception of gun ownership is influenced by media narratives. Understanding the implications of political decisions on gun rights is essential. Community awareness and involvement are key in advocating for self-defense rights. Open carry can divide communities, even in gun-friendly states. Law enforcement’s response in self-defense situations is complex and often scrutinized. Self-defense incidents can lead to legal battles, regardless of the circumstances. Gun control measures in Australia have not effectively prevented violence. Gun-free zones may create vulnerabilities rather than enhance safety. Statistics on gun violence can be misleading and do not always reflect the reality of armed citizens. The presence of firearms does not inherently lead to danger; context matters. Campus carry laws can empower students to defend themselves. The nanny state can hinder effective responses to threats. Public perception of firearms is often shaped by fear rather than facts. Keywords Armed American Radio, gun rights, self-defense, NRA, Australia shooting, law enforcement, gun control, political implications, AWR Hawkins, Brown University shooting, open carry, gun control, self-defense, law enforcement, Australia, gun-free zones, statistics, armed citizens, campus carry, violence
Summary In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses various pressing issues surrounding gun rights, recent terror attacks, and the implications of gun control legislation. The conversation includes insights from guests Neil McCabe and AWR Hawkins, focusing on the Australia shooting incident and the cultural attitudes towards violence and self-defense. The episode emphasizes the importance of being prepared to defend oneself and the role of organizations like the NRA in advocating for gun rights. In this conversation, Mark Walters and his guests discuss various aspects of gun rights, self-defense, and the implications of gun control laws. They delve into the complexities surrounding open carry laws, the legal ramifications of self-defense incidents, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in high-stress situations. The discussion also covers the recent events in Australia, highlighting the failures of gun control measures and the impact of gun-free zones on public safety. The guests emphasize the importance of armed citizens in preventing violence and the misleading statistics often used to argue against gun rights. Takeaways The importance of self-defense in today’s society. Gun control laws often leave law-abiding citizens vulnerable. Cultural attitudes towards violence can impact responses to threats. The NRA plays a crucial role in advocating for gun rights. Recent terror attacks highlight the need for personal preparedness. Law enforcement’s response time can be critical in crisis situations. The process of gun control can be seen as punitive. Public perception of gun ownership is influenced by media narratives. Understanding the implications of political decisions on gun rights is essential. Community awareness and involvement are key in advocating for self-defense rights. Open carry can divide communities, even in gun-friendly states. Law enforcement’s response in self-defense situations is complex and often scrutinized. Self-defense incidents can lead to legal battles, regardless of the circumstances. Gun control measures in Australia have not effectively prevented violence. Gun-free zones may create vulnerabilities rather than enhance safety. Statistics on gun violence can be misleading and do not always reflect the reality of armed citizens. The presence of firearms does not inherently lead to danger; context matters. Campus carry laws can empower students to defend themselves. The nanny state can hinder effective responses to threats. Public perception of firearms is often shaped by fear rather than facts. Keywords Armed American Radio, gun rights, self-defense, NRA, Australia shooting, law enforcement, gun control, political implications, AWR Hawkins, Brown University shooting, open carry, gun control, self-defense, law enforcement, Australia, gun-free zones, statistics, armed citizens, campus carry, violence
Armed American Radio, gun rights, self-defense, NRA, Australia shooting, law enforcement, gun control, political implications, AWR Hawkins, Brown University shooting, open carry, gun control, self-defense, law enforcement, Australia, gun-free zones, statistics, armed citizens, campus carry, violence Summary In this episode of Armed American Radio, host Mark Walters discusses various pressing issues surrounding gun rights, recent terror attacks, and the implications of gun control legislation. The conversation includes insights from guests Neil McCabe and AWR Hawkins, focusing on the Australia shooting incident and the cultural attitudes towards violence and self-defense. The episode emphasizes the importance of being prepared to defend oneself and the role of organizations like the NRA in advocating for gun rights. In this conversation, Mark Walters and his guests discuss various aspects of gun rights, self-defense, and the implications of gun control laws. They delve into the complexities surrounding open carry laws, the legal ramifications of self-defense incidents, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in high-stress situations. The discussion also covers the recent events in Australia, highlighting the failures of gun control measures and the impact of gun-free zones on public safety. The guests emphasize the importance of armed citizens in preventing violence and the misleading statistics often used to argue against gun rights. Takeaways The importance of self-defense in today’s society. Gun control laws often leave law-abiding citizens vulnerable. Cultural attitudes towards violence can impact responses to threats. The NRA plays a crucial role in advocating for gun rights. Recent terror attacks highlight the need for personal preparedness. Law enforcement’s response time can be critical in crisis situations. The process of gun control can be seen as punitive. Public perception of gun ownership is influenced by media narratives. Understanding the implications of political decisions on gun rights is essential. Community awareness and involvement are key in advocating for self-defense rights. Open carry can divide communities, even in gun-friendly states. Law enforcement’s response in self-defense situations is complex and often scrutinized. Self-defense incidents can lead to legal battles, regardless of the circumstances. Gun control measures in Australia have not effectively prevented violence. Gun-free zones may create vulnerabilities rather than enhance safety. Statistics on gun violence can be misleading and do not always reflect the reality of armed citizens. The presence of firearms does not inherently lead to danger; context matters. Campus carry laws can empower students to defend themselves. The nanny state can hinder effective responses to threats. Public perception of firearms is often shaped by fear rather than facts.
There's more evidence that China's economy is stalling. Beijing released a batch of government data today that was not encouraging. Chinese consumers have slammed their wallets shut, and data from the National Bureau of Statistics of China paints a picture of stagnating investment, output, and consumption. And later, we'll preview long-delayed economic data slated to come out this week and learn why retailers are hiring fewer workers for the holiday shopping season.
TLDR: It was Claude :-)When I set out to compare ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and ChatPRD for writing Product Requirement Documents, I figured they'd all be roughly equivalent. Maybe some subtle variations in tone or structure, but nothing earth-shattering. They're all built on similar transformer architectures, trained on massive datasets, and marketed as capable of handling complex business writing.What I discovered over 45 minutes of hands-on testing revealed not just which tools are better for PRD creation, but why they're better, and more importantly, how you should actually be using AI to accelerate your product work without sacrificing quality or strategic thinking.If you're an early or mid-career PM in Silicon Valley, this matters to you. Because here's the uncomfortable truth: your peers are already using AI to write PRDs, analyze features, and generate documentation. The question isn't whether to use these tools. The question is whether you're using the right ones most effectively.So let me walk you through exactly what I did, what I learned, and what you should do differently.The Setup: A Real-World Test CaseHere's how I structured the experiment. As I said at the beginning of my recording, “We are back in the Fireside PM podcast and I did that review of the ChatGPT browser and people seemed to like it and then I asked, uh, in a poll, I think it was a LinkedIn poll maybe, what should my next PM product review be? And, people asked for ChatPRD.”So I had my marching orders from the audience. But I wanted to make this more comprehensive than just testing ChatPRD in isolation. I opened up five tabs: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, and ChatPRD.For the test case, I chose something realistic and relevant: an AI-powered tutor for high school students. Think KhanAmigo or similar edtech platforms. This gave me a concrete product scenario that's complex enough to stress-test these tools but straightforward enough that I could iterate quickly.But here's the critical part that too many PMs get wrong when they start using AI for product work: I didn't just throw a single sentence at these tools and expect magic.The “Back of the Napkin” Approach: Why You Still Need to Think“I presume everybody agrees that you should have some formulated thinking before you dump it into the chatbot for your PRD,” I noted early in my experiment. “I suppose in the future maybe you could just do, like, a one-sentence prompt and come out with the perfect PRD because it would just know everything about you and your company in the context, but for now we're gonna do this more, a little old-school AI approach where we're gonna do some original human thinking.”This is crucial. I see so many PMs, especially those newer to the field, treat AI like a magic oracle. They type in “Write me a PRD for a social feature” and then wonder why the output is generic, unfocused, and useless.Your job as a PM isn't to become obsolete. It's to become more effective. And that means doing the strategic thinking work that AI cannot do for you.So I started in Google Docs with what I call a “back of the napkin” PRD structure. Here's what I included:Why: The strategic rationale. In this case: “Want to complement our existing edtech business with a personalized AI tutor, uh, want to maintain position industry, and grow through innovation. on mission for learners.”Target User: Who are we building for? “High school students interested in improving their grades and fundamentals. Fundamental knowledge topics. Specifically science and math. Students who are not in the top ten percent, nor in the bottom ten percent.”This is key—I got specific. Not just “students,” but students in the middle 80%. Not just “any subject,” but science and math. This specificity is what separates useful AI output from garbage.Problem to Solve: What's broken? “Students want better grades. Students are impatient. Students currently use AI just for finding the answers and less to, uh, understand concepts and practice using them.”Key Elements: The feature set and approach.Success Metrics: How we'd measure success.Now, was this a perfectly polished PRD outline? Hell no. As you can see from my transcript, I was literally thinking out loud, making typos, restructuring on the fly. But that's exactly the point. I put in maybe 10-15 minutes of human strategic thinking. That's all it took to create a foundation that would dramatically improve what came out of the AI tools.Round One: Generating the Full PRDWith my back-of-the-napkin outline ready, I copied it into each tool with a simple prompt asking them to expand it into a more complete PRD.ChatGPT: The Reliable GeneralistChatGPT gave me something that was... fine. Competent. Professional. But also deeply uninspiring.The document it produced checked all the boxes. It had the sections you'd expect. The writing was clear. But when I read it, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was reading something that could have been written for literally any product in any company. It felt like “an average of everything out there,” as I noted in my evaluation.Here's what ChatGPT did well: It understood the basic structure of a PRD. It generated appropriate sections. The grammar and formatting were clean. If you needed to hand something in by EOD and had literally no time for refinement, ChatGPT would save you from complete embarrassment.But here's what it lacked: Depth. Nuance. Strategic thinking that felt connected to real product decisions. When it described the target user, it used phrases that could apply to any edtech product. When it outlined success metrics, they were the obvious ones (engagement, retention, test scores) without any interesting thinking about leading indicators or proxy metrics.The problem with generic output isn't that it's wrong, it's that it's invisible. When you're trying to get buy-in from leadership or alignment from engineering, you need your PRD to feel specific, considered, and connected to your company's actual strategy. ChatGPT's output felt like it was written by someone who'd read a lot of PRDs but never actually shipped a product.One specific example: When I asked for success metrics, ChatGPT gave me “Student engagement rate, Time spent on platform, Test score improvement.” These aren't wrong, but they're lazy. They don't show any thinking about what specifically matters for an AI tutor versus any other educational product. Compare that to Claude's output, which got more specific about things like “concept mastery rate” and “question-to-understanding ratio.”Actionable Insight: Use ChatGPT when you need fast, serviceable documentation that doesn't need to be exceptional. Think: internal updates, status reports, routine communications. Don't rely on it for strategic documents where differentiation matters. If you do use ChatGPT for important documents, treat its output as a starting point that needs significant human refinement to add strategic depth and company-specific context.Gemini: Better Than ExpectedGoogle's Gemini actually impressed me more than I anticipated. The structure was solid, and it had a nice balance of detail without being overwhelming.What Gemini got right: The writing had a nice flow to it. The document felt organized and logical. It did a better job than ChatGPT at providing specific examples and thinking through edge cases. For instance, when describing the target user, it went beyond demographics to consider behavioral characteristics and motivations.Gemini also showed some interesting strategic thinking. It considered competitive positioning more thoughtfully than ChatGPT and proposed some differentiation angles that weren't in my original outline. Good AI tools should add insight, not just regurgitate your input with better formatting.But here's where it fell short: the visual elements. When I asked for mockups, Gemini produced images that looked more like stock photos than actual product designs. They weren't terrible, but they weren't compelling either. They had that AI-generated sheen that makes it obvious they came from an image model rather than a designer's brain.For a PRD that you're going to use internally with a team that already understands the context, Gemini's output would work well. The text quality is strong enough, and if you're in the Google ecosystem (Docs, Sheets, Meet, etc.), the integration is seamless. You can paste Gemini's output directly into Google Docs and continue iterating there.But if you need to create something compelling enough to win over skeptics or secure budget, Gemini falls just short. It's good, but not great. It's the solid B+ student: reliably competent but rarely exceptional.Actionable Insight: Gemini is a strong choice if you're working in the Google ecosystem and need good integration with Docs, Sheets, and other Google Workspace tools. The quality is sufficient for most internal documentation needs. It's particularly good if you're working with cross-functional partners who are already in Google Workspace. You can share and collaborate on AI-generated drafts without friction. But don't expect visual mockups that will wow anyone, and plan to add your own strategic polish for high-stakes documents.Grok: Not Ready for Prime TimeLet's just say my expectations were low, and Grok still managed to underdeliver. The PRD felt thin, generic, and lacked the depth you need for real product work.“I don't have high expectations for grok, unfortunately,” I said before testing it. Spoiler alert: my low expectations were validated.Actionable Insight: Skip Grok for product documentation work right now. Maybe it'll improve, but as of my testing, it's simply not competitive with the other options. It felt like 1-2 years behind the others.ChatPRD: The Specialized ToolNow this was interesting. ChatPRD is purpose-built for PRDs, using foundational models underneath but with specific tuning and structure for product documentation.The result? The structure was logical, the depth was appropriate, and it included elements that showed understanding of what actually matters in a PRD. As I reflected: “Cause this one feels like, A human wrote this PRD.”The interface guides you through the process more deliberately than just dumping text into a general chat interface. It asks clarifying questions. It structures the output more thoughtfully.Actionable Insight: If you're a technical lead without a dedicated PM, or you're a PM who wants a more structured approach to using AI for PRDs, ChatPRD is worth the specialized focus. It's particularly good when you need something that feels authentic enough to share with stakeholders without heavy editing.Claude: The Clear WinnerBut the standout performer, and I'm ranking these, was Claude.“I think we know that for now, I'm gonna say Claude did the best job,” I concluded after all the testing. Claude produced the most comprehensive, thoughtful, and strategically sound PRD. But what really set it apart were the concept mocks.When I asked each tool to generate visual mockups of the product, Claude produced HTML prototypes that, while not fully functional, looked genuinely compelling. They had thoughtful UI design, clear information architecture, and felt like something that could actually guide development.“They were, like, closer to, like, what a Lovable would produce or something like that,” I noted, referring to the quality of low-fidelity prototypes that good designers create.The text quality was also superior: more nuanced, better structured, and with more strategic depth. It felt like Claude understood not just what a PRD should contain, but why it should contain those elements.Actionable Insight: For any PRD that matters, meaning anything you'll share with leadership, use to get buy-in, or guide actual product development, you might as well start with Claude. The quality difference is significant enough that it's worth using Claude even if you primarily use another tool for other tasks.Final Rankings: The Definitive HierarchyAfter testing all five tools on multiple dimensions: initial PRD generation, visual mockups, and even crafting a pitch paragraph for a skeptical VP of Engineering, here's my final ranking:* Claude - Best overall quality, most compelling mockups, strongest strategic thinking* ChatPRD - Best for structured PRD creation, feels most “human”* Gemini - Solid all-around performance, good Google integration* ChatGPT - Reliable but generic, lacks differentiation* Grok - Not competitive for this use case“I'd probably say Claude, then chat PRD, then Gemini, then chat GPT, and then Grock,” I concluded.The Deeper Lesson: Garbage In, Garbage Out (Still Applies)But here's what matters more than which tool wins: the realization that hit me partway through this experiment.“I think it really does come down to, like, you know, the quality of the prompt,” I observed. “So if our prompt were a little more detailed, all that were more thought-through, then I'm sure the output would have been better. But as you can see we didn't really put in brain trust prompting here. Just a little bit of, kind of hand-wavy prompting, but a little better than just one or two sentences.”And we still got pretty good results.This is the meta-insight that should change how you approach AI tools in your product work: The quality of your input determines the quality of your output, but the baseline quality of the tool determines the ceiling of what's possible.No amount of great prompting will make Grok produce Claude-level output. But even mediocre prompting with Claude will beat great prompting with lesser tools.So the dual strategy is:* Use the best tool available (currently Claude for PRDs)* Invest in improving your prompting skills ideally with as much original and insightful human, company aware, and context aware thinking as possible.Real-World Workflows: How to Actually Use This in Your Day-to-Day PM WorkTheory is great. Here's how to incorporate these insights into your actual product management workflows.The Weekly Sprint Planning WorkflowEvery PM I know spends hours each week preparing for sprint planning. You need to refine user stories, clarify acceptance criteria, anticipate engineering questions, and align with design and data science. AI can compress this work significantly.Here's an example workflow:Monday morning (30 minutes):* Review upcoming priorities and open your rough notes/outline in Google Docs* Open Claude and paste your outline with this prompt:“I'm preparing for sprint planning. Based on these priorities [paste notes], generate detailed user stories with acceptance criteria. Format each as: User story, Business context, Technical considerations, Acceptance criteria, Dependencies, Open questions.”Monday afternoon (20 minutes):* Review Claude's output critically* Identify gaps, unclear requirements, or missing context* Follow up with targeted prompts:“The user story about authentication is too vague. Break it down into separate stories for: social login, email/password, session management, and password reset. For each, specify security requirements and edge cases.”Tuesday morning (15 minutes):* Generate mockups for any UI-heavy stories:“Create an HTML mockup for the login flow showing: landing page, social login options, email/password form, error states, and success redirect.”* Even if the HTML doesn't work perfectly, it gives your designers a starting pointBefore sprint planning (10 minutes):* Ask Claude to anticipate engineering questions:“Review these user stories as if you're a senior engineer. What questions would you ask? What concerns would you raise about technical feasibility, dependencies, or edge cases?”* This preparation makes you look thoughtful and helps the meeting run smoothlyTotal time investment: ~75 minutes. Typical time saved: 3-4 hours compared to doing this manually.The Stakeholder Alignment WorkflowGetting alignment from multiple stakeholders (product leadership, engineering, design, data science, legal, marketing) is one of the hardest parts of PM work. AI can help you think through different stakeholder perspectives and craft compelling communications for each.Here's how:Step 1: Map your stakeholders (10 minutes)Create a quick table in a doc:Stakeholder | Primary Concern | Decision Criteria | Likely Objections VP Product | Strategic fit, ROI | Company OKRs, market opportunity | Resource allocation vs other priorities VP Eng | Technical risk, capacity | Engineering capacity, tech debt | Complexity, unclear requirements Design Lead | User experience | User research, design principles | Timeline doesn't allow proper design process Legal | Compliance, risk | Regulatory requirements | Data privacy, user consent flowsStep 2: Generate stakeholder-specific communications (20 minutes)For each key stakeholder, ask Claude:“I need to pitch this product idea to [Stakeholder]. Based on this PRD, create a 1-page brief addressing their primary concern of [concern from your table]. Open with the specific value for them, address their likely objection of [objection], and close with a clear ask. Tone should be [professional/technical/strategic] based on their role.”Then you'll have customized one-pagers for your pre-meetings with each stakeholder, dramatically increasing your alignment rate.Step 3: Synthesize feedback (15 minutes)After gathering stakeholder input, ask Claude to help you synthesize:“I got the following feedback from stakeholders: [paste feedback]. Identify: (1) Common themes, (2) Conflicting requirements, (3) Legitimate concerns vs organizational politics, (4) Recommended compromises that might satisfy multiple parties.”This pattern-matching across stakeholder feedback is something AI does really well and saves you hours of mental processing.The Quarterly Planning WorkflowQuarterly or annual planning is where product strategy gets real. You need to synthesize market trends, customer feedback, technical capabilities, and business objectives into a coherent roadmap. AI can accelerate this dramatically.Six weeks before planning:* Start collecting input (customer interviews, market research, competitive analysis, engineering feedback)* Don't wait until the last minuteFour weeks before planning:Dump everything into Claude with this structure:“I'm creating our Q2 roadmap. Context:* Business objectives: [paste from leadership]* Customer feedback themes: [paste synthesis]* Technical capabilities/constraints: [paste from engineering]* Competitive landscape: [paste analysis]* Current product gaps: [paste from your analysis]Generate 5 strategic themes that could anchor our Q2 roadmap. For each theme:* Strategic rationale (how it connects to business objectives)* Key initiatives (2-3 major features/projects)* Success metrics* Resource requirements (rough estimate)* Risks and mitigations* Customer segments addressed”This gives you a strategic framework to react to rather than starting from a blank page.Three weeks before planning:Iterate on the most promising themes:“Deep dive on Theme 3. Generate:* Detailed initiative breakdown* Dependencies on platform/infrastructure* Phasing options (MVP vs full build)* Go-to-market considerations* Data requirements* Open questions requiring research”Two weeks before planning:Pressure-test your thinking:“Play devil's advocate on this roadmap. What are the strongest arguments against each initiative? What am I likely missing? What failure modes should I plan for?”This adversarial prompting forces you to strengthen weak points before your leadership reviews it.One week before planning:Generate your presentation:“Create an executive presentation for this roadmap. Structure: (1) Market context and strategic imperative, (2) Q2 themes and initiatives, (3) Expected outcomes and metrics, (4) Resource requirements, (5) Key risks and mitigations, (6) Success criteria for decision. Make it compelling but data-driven. Tone: confident but not overselling.”Then add your company-specific context, visual brand, and personal voice.The Customer Research WorkflowAI can't replace talking to customers, but it can help you prepare better questions, analyze feedback more systematically, and identify patterns faster.Before customer interviews:“I'm interviewing customers about [topic]. Generate:* 10 open-ended questions that avoid leading the witness* 5 follow-up questions for each main question* Common cognitive biases I should watch for* A framework for categorizing responses”This prep work helps you conduct better interviews.After interviews:“I conducted 15 customer interviews. Here are the key quotes: [paste anonymized quotes]. Identify:* Recurring themes and patterns* Surprising insights that contradict our assumptions* Segments with different needs* Implied needs customers didn't articulate directly* Recommended next steps for validation”AI is excellent at pattern-matching across qualitative data at scale.The Crisis Management WorkflowSomething broke. The site is down. Data was lost. A feature shipped with a critical bug. You need to move fast.Immediate response (5 minutes):“Critical incident. Details: [brief description]. Generate:* Incident classification (Sev 1-4)* Immediate stakeholders to notify* Draft customer communication (honest, apologetic, specific about what happened and what we're doing)* Draft internal communication for leadership* Key questions to ask engineering during investigation”Having these drafted in 5 minutes lets you focus on coordination and decision-making rather than wordsmithing.Post-incident (30 minutes):“Write a post-mortem based on this incident timeline: [paste timeline]. Include:* What happened (technical details)* Root cause analysis* Impact quantification (users affected, revenue impact, time to resolution)* What went well in our response* What could have been better* Specific action items with owners and deadlines* Process changes to prevent recurrence Tone: Blameless, focused on learning and improvement.”This gives you a strong first draft to refine with your team.Common Pitfalls: What Not to Do with AI in Product ManagementNow let's talk about the mistakes I see PMs making with AI tools. Pitfall #1: Treating AI Output as FinalThe biggest mistake is copy-pasting AI output directly into your PRD, roadmap presentation, or stakeholder email without critical review.The result? Documents that are grammatically perfect but strategically shallow. Presentations that sound impressive but don't hold up under questioning. Emails that are professionally worded but miss the subtext of organizational politics.The fix: Always ask yourself:* Does this reflect my actual strategic thinking, or generic best practices?* Would my CEO/engineering lead/biggest customer find this compelling and specific?* Are there company-specific details, customer insights, or technical constraints that only I know?* Does this sound like me, or like a robot?Add those elements. That's where your value as a PM comes through.Pitfall #2: Using AI as a Crutch Instead of a ToolSome PMs use AI because they don't want to think deeply about the product. They're looking for AI to do the hard work of strategy, prioritization, and trade-off analysis.This never works. AI can help you think more systematically, but it can't replace thinking.If you find yourself using AI to avoid wrestling with hard questions (”Should we build X or Y?” “What's our actual competitive advantage?” “Why would customers switch from the incumbent?”), you're using it wrong.The fix: Use AI to explore options, not to make decisions. Generate three alternatives, pressure-test each one, then use your judgment to decide. The AI can help you think through implications, but you're still the one choosing.Pitfall #3: Not IteratingGetting mediocre AI output and just accepting it is a waste of the technology's potential.The PMs who get exceptional results from AI are the ones who iterate. They generate an initial response, identify what's weak or missing, and ask follow-up questions. They might go through 5-10 iterations on a key section of a PRD.Each iteration is quick (30 seconds to type a follow-up prompt, 30 seconds to read the response), but the cumulative effect is dramatically better output.The fix: Budget time for iteration. Don't try to generate a complete, polished PRD in one prompt. Instead, generate a rough draft, then spend 30 minutes iterating on specific sections that matter most.Pitfall #4: Ignoring the Political and Human ContextAI tools have no understanding of organizational politics, interpersonal relationships, or the specific humans you're working with.They don't know that your VP of Engineering is burned out and skeptical of any new initiatives. They don't know that your CEO has a personal obsession with a specific competitor. They don't know that your lead designer is sensitive about not being included early enough in the process.If you use AI-generated communications without layering in this human context, you'll create perfectly worded documents that land badly because they miss the subtext.The fix: After generating AI content, explicitly ask yourself: “What human context am I missing? What relationships do I need to consider? What political dynamics are in play?” Then modify the AI output accordingly.Pitfall #5: Over-Relying on a Single ToolDifferent AI tools have different strengths. Claude is great for strategic depth, ChatPRD is great for structure, Gemini integrates well with Google Workspace.If you only ever use one tool, you're missing opportunities to leverage different strengths for different tasks.The fix: Keep 2-3 tools in your toolkit. Use Claude for important PRDs and strategic documents. Use Gemini for quick internal documentation that needs to integrate with Google Docs. Use ChatPRD when you want more guided structure. Match the tool to the task.Pitfall #6: Not Fact-Checking AI OutputAI tools hallucinate. They make up statistics, misrepresent competitors, and confidently state things that aren't true. If you include those hallucinations in a PRD that goes to leadership, you look incompetent.The fix: Fact-check everything, especially:* Statistics and market data* Competitive feature claims* Technical capabilities and limitations* Regulatory and compliance requirementsIf the AI cites a number or makes a factual claim, verify it independently before including it in your document.The Meta-Skill: Prompt Engineering for PMsLet's zoom out and talk about the underlying skill that makes all of this work: prompt engineering.This is a real skill. The difference between a mediocre prompt and a great prompt can be 10x difference in output quality. And unlike coding or design, where there's a steep learning curve, prompt engineering is something you can get good at quickly.Principle 1: Provide Context Before InstructionsBad prompt:“Write a PRD for an AI tutor”Good prompt:“I'm a PM at an edtech company with 2M users, primarily high school students. We're exploring an AI tutor feature to complement our existing video content library and practice problems. Our main competitors are Khan Academy and Course Hero. Our differentiation is personalized learning paths based on student performance data.Write a PRD for an AI tutor feature targeting students in the middle 80% academically who struggle with science and math.”The second prompt gives Claude the context it needs to generate something specific and strategic rather than generic.Principle 2: Specify Format and ConstraintsBad prompt:“Generate success metrics”Good prompt:“Generate 5-7 success metrics for this feature. Include a mix of:* Leading indicators (early signals of success)* Lagging indicators (definitive success measures)* User behavior metrics* Business impact metricsFor each metric, specify: name, definition, target value, measurement method, and why it matters.”The structure you provide shapes the structure you get back.Principle 3: Ask for Multiple OptionsBad prompt:“What should our Q2 priorities be?”Good prompt:“Generate 3 different strategic approaches for Q2:* Option A: Focus on user acquisition* Option B: Focus on engagement and retention* Option C: Focus on monetizationFor each option, detail: key initiatives, expected outcomes, resource requirements, risks, and recommendation for or against.”Asking for multiple options forces the AI (and forces you) to think through trade-offs systematically.Principle 4: Specify Audience and ToneBad prompt:“Summarize this PRD”Good prompt:“Create a 1-paragraph summary of this PRD for our skeptical VP of Engineering. Tone: Technical, concise, addresses engineering concerns upfront. Focus on: technical architecture, resource requirements, risks, and expected engineering effort. Avoid marketing language.”The audience and tone specification ensures the output will actually work for your intended use.Principle 5: Use Iterative RefinementDon't try to get perfect output in one prompt. Instead:First prompt: Generate rough draft Second prompt: “This is too generic. Add specific examples from [our company context].” Third prompt: “The technical section is weak. Expand with architecture details and dependencies.” Fourth prompt: “Good. Now make it 30% more concise while keeping the key details.”Each iteration improves the output incrementally.Let me break down the prompting approach that worked in this experiment, because this is immediately actionable for your work tomorrow.Strategy 1: The Structured Outline ApproachDon't go from zero to full PRD in one prompt. Instead:* Start with strategic thinking - Spend 10-15 minutes outlining why you're building this, who it's for, and what problem it solves* Get specific - Don't say “users,” say “high school students in the middle 80% of academic performance”* Include constraints - Budget, timeline, technical limitations, competitive landscape* Dump your outline into the AI - Now ask it to expand into a full PRD* Iterate section by section - Don't try to perfect everything at onceThis is exactly what I did in my experiment, and even with my somewhat sloppy outline, the results were dramatically better than they would have been with a single-sentence prompt.Strategy 2: The Comparative Analysis PatternOne technique I used that worked particularly well: asking each tool to do the same specific task and comparing results.For example, I asked all five tools: “Please compose a one paragraph exact summary I can share over DM with a highly influential VP of engineering who is generally a skeptic but super smart.”This forced each tool to synthesize the entire PRD into a compelling pitch while accounting for a specific, challenging audience. The variation in quality was revealing—and it gave me multiple options to choose from or blend together.Actionable tip: When you need something critical (a pitch, an executive summary, a key decision framework), generate it with 2-3 different AI tools and take the best elements from each. This “ensemble approach” often produces better results than any single tool.Strategy 3: The Iterative Refinement LoopDon't treat the AI output as final. Use it as a first draft that you then refine through conversation with the AI.After getting the initial PRD, I could have asked follow-up questions like:* “What's missing from this PRD?”* “How would you strengthen the success metrics section?”* “Generate 3 alternative approaches to the core feature set”Each iteration improves the output and, more importantly, forces me to think more deeply about the product.What This Means for Your CareerIf you're an early or mid-career PM reading this, you might be thinking: “Great, so AI can write PRDs now. Am I becoming obsolete?”Absolutely not. But your role is evolving, and understanding that evolution is critical.The PMs who will thrive in the AI era are those who:* Excel at strategic thinking - AI can generate options, but you need to know which options align with company strategy, customer needs, and technical feasibility* Master the art of prompting - This is a genuine skill that separates mediocre AI users from exceptional ones* Know when to use AI and when not to - Some aspects of product work benefit enormously from AI. Others (user interviews, stakeholder negotiation, cross-functional relationship building) require human judgment and empathy* Can evaluate AI output critically - You need to spot the hallucinations, the generic fluff, and the strategic misalignments that AI inevitably producesThink of AI tools as incredibly capable interns. They can produce impressive work quickly, but they need direction, oversight, and strategic guidance. Your job is to provide that guidance while leveraging their speed and breadth.The Real-World Application: What to Do Monday MorningLet's get tactical. Here's exactly how to apply these insights to your actual product work:For Your Next PRD:* Block 30 minutes for strategic thinking - Write your back-of-the-napkin outline in Google Docs or your tool of choice* Open Claude (or ChatPRD if you want more structure)* Copy your outline with this prompt:“I'm a product manager at [company] working on [product area]. I need to create a comprehensive PRD based on this outline. Please expand this into a complete PRD with the following sections: [list your preferred sections]. Make it detailed enough for engineering to start breaking down into user stories, but concise enough for leadership to read in 15 minutes. [Paste your outline]”* Review the output critically - Look for generic statements, missing details, or strategic misalignments* Iterate on specific sections:“The success metrics section is too vague. Please provide 3-5 specific, measurable KPIs with target values and explanation of why these metrics matter.”* Generate supporting materials:“Create a visual mockup of the core user flow showing the key interaction points.”* Synthesize the best elements - Don't just copy-paste the AI output. Use it as raw material that you shape into your final documentFor Stakeholder Communication:When you need to pitch something to leadership or engineering:* Generate 3 versions of your pitch using different tools (Claude, ChatPRD, and one other)* Compare them for:* Clarity and conciseness* Strategic framing* Compelling value proposition* Addressing likely objections* Blend the best elements into your final version* Add your personal voice - This is crucial. AI output often lacks personality and specific company context. Add that yourself.For Feature Prioritization:AI tools can help you think through trade-offs more systematically:“I'm deciding between three features for our next release: [Feature A], [Feature B], and [Feature C]. For each feature, analyze: (1) Estimated engineering effort, (2) Expected user impact, (3) Strategic alignment with making our platform the go-to solution for [your market], (4) Risk factors. Then recommend a prioritization with rationale.”This doesn't replace your judgment, but it forces you to think through each dimension systematically and often surfaces considerations you hadn't thought of.The Uncomfortable Truth About AI and Product ManagementLet me be direct about something that makes many PMs uncomfortable: AI will make some PM skills less valuable while making others more valuable.Less valuable:* Writing boilerplate documentation* Creating standard frameworks and templates* Generating routine status updates* Synthesizing information from existing sourcesMore valuable:* Strategic product vision and roadmapping* Deep customer empathy and insight generation* Cross-functional leadership and influence* Critical evaluation of options and trade-offs* Creative problem-solving for novel situationsIf your PM role primarily involves the first category of tasks, you should be concerned. But if you're focused on the second category while leveraging AI for the first, you're going to be exponentially more effective than your peers who resist these tools.The PMs I see succeeding aren't those who can write the best PRD manually. They're those who can write the best PRD with AI assistance in one-tenth the time, then use the saved time to talk to more customers, think more deeply about strategy, and build stronger cross-functional relationships.Advanced Techniques: Beyond Basic PRD GenerationOnce you've mastered the basics, here are some advanced applications I've found valuable:Competitive Analysis at Scale“Research our top 5 competitors in [market]. For each one, analyze: their core value proposition, key features, pricing strategy, target customer, and likely product roadmap based on recent releases and job postings. Create a comparison matrix showing where we have advantages and gaps.”Then use web search tools in Claude or Perplexity to fact-check and expand the analysis.Scenario Planning“We're considering three strategic directions for our product: [Direction A], [Direction B], [Direction C]. For each direction, map out: likely customer adoption curve, required technical investments, competitive positioning in 12 months, and potential pivots if the hypothesis proves wrong. Then identify the highest-risk assumptions we should test first for each direction.”This kind of structured scenario thinking is exactly what AI excels at—generating multiple well-reasoned perspectives quickly.User Story GenerationAfter your PRD is solid:“Based on this PRD, generate a complete set of user stories following the format ‘As a [user type], I want to [action] so that [benefit].' Include acceptance criteria for each story. Organize them into epics by functional area.”This can save your engineering team hours of grooming meetings.The Tools Will Keep Evolving. Your Process Shouldn'tHere's something important to remember: by the time you read this, the specific rankings might have shifted. Maybe ChatGPT-5 has leapfrogged Claude. Maybe a new specialized tool has emerged.But the core principles won't change:* Do strategic thinking before touching AI* Use the best tool available for your specific task* Iterate and refine rather than accepting first outputs* Blend AI capabilities with human judgment* Focus your time on the uniquely human aspects of product managementThe specific tools matter less than your process for using them effectively.A Final Experiment: The Skeptical VP TestI want to share one more insight from my testing that I think is particularly relevant for early and mid-career PMs.Toward the end of my experiment, I gave each tool this prompt: “Please compose a one paragraph exact summary I can share over DM with a highly influential VP of engineering who is generally a skeptic but super smart.”This is such a realistic scenario. How many times have you needed to pitch an idea to a skeptical technical leader via Slack or email? Someone who's brilliant, who's seen a thousand product ideas fail, and who can spot b******t from a mile away?The quality variation in the responses was fascinating. ChatGPT gave me something that felt generic and safe. Gemini was better but still a bit too enthusiastic. Grok was... well, Grok.But Claude and ChatPRD both produced messages that felt authentic, technically credible, and appropriately confident without being overselling. They acknowledged the engineering challenges while framing the opportunity compellingly.The lesson: When the stakes are high and the audience is sophisticated, the quality of your AI tool matters even more. That skeptical VP can tell the difference between a carefully crafted message and AI-generated fluff. So can your CEO. So can your biggest customers.Use the best tools available, but more importantly, always add your own strategic thinking and authentic voice on top.Questions to Consider: A Framework for Your Own ExperimentsAs I wrapped up my Loom, I posed some questions to the audience that I'll pose to you:“Let me know in the comments, if you do your PRDs using AI differently, do you start with back of the envelope? Do you say, oh no, I just start with one sentence, and then I let the chatbot refine it with me? Or do you go way more detailed and then use the chatbot to kind of pressure test it?”These aren't rhetorical questions. Your answer reveals your approach to AI-augmented product work, and different approaches work for different people and contexts.For early-career PMs: I'd recommend starting with more detailed outlines. The discipline of thinking through your product strategy before touching AI will make you a stronger PM. You can always compress that process later as you get more experienced.For mid-career PMs: Experiment with different approaches for different types of documents. Maybe you do detailed outlines for major feature PRDs but use more iterative AI-assisted refinement for smaller features or updates. Find what optimizes your personal productivity while maintaining quality.For senior PMs and product leaders: Consider how AI changes what you should expect from your PM team. Should you be reviewing more AI-generated first drafts and spending more time on strategic guidance? Should you be training your team on effective AI usage? These are leadership questions worth grappling with.The Path Forward: Continuous ExperimentationMy experiment with these five AI tools took 45 minutes. But I'm not done experimenting.The field of AI-assisted product management is evolving rapidly. New tools launch monthly. Existing tools get smarter weekly. Prompting techniques that work today might be obsolete in three months.Your job, if you want to stay at the forefront of product management, is to continuously experiment. Try new tools. Share what works with your peers. Build a personal knowledge base of effective prompts and workflows. And be generous with what you learn. The PM community gets stronger when we share insights rather than hoarding them.That's why I created this Loom and why I'm writing this post. Not because I have all the answers, but because I'm figuring it out in real-time and want to share the journey.A Personal Note on Coaching and ConsultingIf this kind of practical advice resonates with you, I'm happy to work with you directly.Through my pm coaching practice, I offer 1:1 executive, career, and product coaching for PMs and product leaders. We can dig into your specific challenges: whether that's leveling up your AI workflows, navigating a career transition, or developing your strategic product thinking.I also work with companies (usually startups or incubation teams) on product strategy, helping teams figure out PMF for new explorations and improving their product management function.The format is flexible. Some clients want ongoing coaching, others prefer project-based consulting, and some just want a strategic sounding board for a specific decision. Whatever works for you.Reach out through tomleungcoaching.com if you're interested in working together.OK. Enough pontificating. Let's ship greatness. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit firesidepm.substack.com
[This is a Patreon preview. To listen to this episode in full, please find it here or at patreon.com/tippingpitches. If you use code GRIEF you can get your first month for $1 and listen to this, as well as a lot of other great stuff we've done on Patreon of late].Bobby and Alex discuss the sad, sad state of affairs in Queens...but enough about Steve Cohen getting his casino, let's talk baseball!Links:Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Call the Tipping Pitches voicemail: 785-422-5881Tipping Pitches features original music from Steve Sladkowski of PUP.
SummaryIn this episode of the Bias Football Takes Show, the hosts reflect on the year, expressing gratitude and discussing their favorite music. They delve into Arsenal's recent performance, highlighting challenges faced during a tough match against Aston Villa. The conversation shifts to Liverpool's struggles under their manager, with discussions on player performances and team dynamics. The hosts also touch on the drama surrounding Cameroon's AFCON squad selection, and the implications of player form on team success. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the dynamics of football teams, focusing on player performance, particularly that of Mohamed Salah. They discuss the implications of statistics in evaluating players, the impact of individual contributions on team success, and the controversies surrounding Salah's public statements and benchings. The conversation highlights the complexities of team strategy and the expectations placed on star players, culminating in a debate about Salah's future with Liverpool.TakeawaysGratitude is important, even in tough times.Music can evoke nostalgia and reflection.Arsenal's injuries impacted their recent performance.Liverpool's managerial decisions are under scrutiny.Cameroon's AFCON squad selection is controversial.Player performances can significantly affect team dynamics.Set-piece goals are a critical aspect of football strategy.Consistency in player performance is essential for success.The importance of adapting tactics to player strengths.Football discussions often reveal deeper insights into team management. Don't make excuses for average life.Bruno has more chances created than others.Statistics can skew perceptions of player performance.Salah's contributions are vital but often scrutinized.Benchings can reflect team strategy rather than individual failure.Public statements by players can impact team dynamics.Respect for players should be maintained regardless of performance.Team success relies on collective effort, not just star players.Salah's future may hinge on his relationship with the club.Individual players can influence the overall team performance significantly.Chapters00:00 Gratitude and Reflections on the Year02:40 Music and Album Discussions05:38 Arsenal's Recent Performance and Challenges11:36 Liverpool's Struggles and Managerial Concerns18:35 Cameroon's AFCON Squad Drama23:00 Player Performances and Team Dynamics34:10 Team Dynamics and Player Performance35:16 Analyzing Player Contributions37:00 The Role of Statistics in Football37:40 Salah's Performance and Expectations39:22 Salah's Benchings and Team Strategy42:26 Salah's Future and Team Relations44:56 The Impact of Individual Players on Team Success47:37 Salah's Public Statements and Their Implications52:16 Conclusion: The Future of Salah and Liverpool
Europe's Defense Dilemma and Demographic Decline: Colleague Mary Kissel attributes Europe's inability to fund Ukraine's defense to decades of relying on U.S. protection while prioritizing generous welfare states, citing "scary statistics" regarding France's aging population and pension burdens, arguing that Europe must pursue economic growth rather than government handouts to survive security challenges.
TikTok may be driving a hot new wave of podcast discovery, and the statistics are tough to ignore. If short clips can send a song to the top of Spotify, imagine what they could do for a podcast when creators treat TikTok as a real discovery engine instead of a passive scroll. We also break down Libsyn's new pricing and the growing move toward solo shows. Are folks ditching their co-hosts? Finally, we look at what a sudden surge in visibility really means for indie podcasters and why viral spikes rarely turn into loyal listeners. Sometimes the jump is exciting, but often it's just a flash in the pan.Episode Highlights:[02:30] Podcast Evaluation Series Announcement [05:35] Listener Mail and Feedback [08:33] Empowered Podcasting Conference Announcements [13:59] Podcasting News and Statistics [15:40] Upcoming Events and Meetups [19:31] Spotify's Top Shared Episodes of 2025 [27:05] Analyzing Podcast Popularity Trends [27:50] Introducing the Weekly Business Bit [30:41] Golden Globes Recognizes Podcasts [33:18] iHeart Media's Guaranteed Human Label [34:54] Rise of Solo Podcasts [37:30] Omni Studio Supports Video Podcasting [50:31] TikTok as a Podcast Discovery Platform Links & Resources: Join The Empowered Podcasting Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/empoweredpodcastingEmpowered Podcasting Conference: www.eventbrite.com/e/empowered-podcasting-conference-tickets-1976757134803Libsyn Office Hours: https://podnews.net/event/libsyn-office-hoursPodcast Expo Coupon Code: MARC for 10% off: https://podnews.net/event/podfest-expo-our-12th-annual-eventMeetup & Matchup Use code PMC for free entry: https://podnews.net/event/meetup-matchup-with-podcasters-speakers-and-authors-19 iHeart Declares “Guaranteed Human,” Voices: https://bit.ly/4pogPnMSolo Shows Are Taking Over, and Co-Hosts Are Becoming Endangered:https://bit.ly/4aFbdATWhat Happens When An Indie Podcast Skirts Virality: https://bit.ly/4aIZZeJPodnews: www.Podnews.netRalph Estep Is Seeking A Co-Host: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B8oYLvj7H/?mibextid=wwXIfrTo Have Your Podcast Considered For Evaluation, Please Complete This Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8-Xv6O6lrNPcPJwj3N0Z5Osdl-5kHGz_PiAU45UPreview of our Upcoming Evaluation Carefree Highway Revisited: https://www.podbean.com/ea/pb-j6vtj-1961b14Remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us grow and bring valuable content to the podcasting community.Join us LIVE every weekday morning at 7 am ET (US) on Clubhouse: https://www.clubhouse.com/house/empowered-podcasting-e6nlrk0wOr Join us on Chatter: https://preview.chattersocial.io/group/98a69881-f328-4eae-bf3c-9b0bb741481dLive on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@marcronickBrought to you by iRonickMedia.com Please note that some links may be affiliate links, which support the hosts of the PMC. Thank you!--- Send in your mailbag question at: https://www.podpage.com/pmc/contact/ or marc@ironickmedia.comWant to be a guest on The Podcasting Morning Chat? Send me a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1729879899384520035bad21b
Tara dives deep into the controversy over U.S. military strikes on drug-smuggling vessels at sea. Are these “shipwreck crews” innocent mariners or narcoterrorists?
Tara unpacks the chaos at America's borders, at sea, and inside government programs. From U.S. military strikes on alleged drug-running “shipwreck crews”
Amber Ginter Johnson is a teacher-turned-author, speaker, and Master Certified Christian Mental Health Coach. She's passionate about helping young adults navigate faith and mental health by providing practical yet biblical resources through honest and raw conversations. Amber equips audiences to find hope when life feels heavy. She is the host of the Authentically Amber podcast, and her first book, Tired on the Inside: Finding Hope When You Aren't Okay, is in the process of traditional publication. Key Topics: - Amber's personal passion for mental health - Statistics of mental health issues in Gen Z and Gen Alpha - The problem with mental health awareness without resources - The struggles Gen Z and Gen Alpha face with mental health today - The intersection of faith and mental health - The issue with overstimulation - How Jesus' question “do you want to be well?” Is one for us all Explore her free faith and mental health resources at amberginter.com/gift. Follow her on Instagram at @amberginterauthor. Join her Mental Reset Retreat in June 2026 at https://amberginter.com/mentalreset/ Join Erin's monthly mailing list to get health tips and fresh meal plans and recipes every month: https://mailchi.mp/adde1b3a4af3/monthlysparksignup Order Erin's new book, Live Beyond Your Label, at erinbkerry.com/upcomingbook/
Welcome to Charlie's Weekly Music Roundup to hold you down where I talk about my spins in the past week with a little more detail than I do typically! As per usual, all works talked about are below. Enjoy!Adi Oasis - Silver Lining Big K.R.I.T. - Dedicated to Cadalee BiarritzSkyzoo - Views Of A Lifetime redveil - sankofaBreis - Stranger On EarthThanks for listening. Below are the Social accounts for all parties involved.Music - "Pizza And Video Games" by Bonus Points (Thanks to Chillhop Music for the right to use)HHBTN (Twitter & IG) - @HipHopNumbers5E (Twitter & IG) - @The5thElementUKChillHop (Twitter) - @ChillhopdotcomBonus Points (Twitter) - @BonusPoints92Other Podcasts Under The 5EPN:"What's Good?" W/ Charlie TaylorIn Search of SauceBlack Women Watch...5EPN RadioThe Beauty Of Independence
Original airdate: 12/12/24: Mary welcomes back Carl Kerby of Reasons for Hope Ministries, an apologetics ministry that covers many different areas and ways to contend for the faith. In these days of moral ambiguity and outright amorality, the porn industry is one of the most insidious, soul trashing industries under the sun. Statistics regarding the popularity of this pursuit are stunning, having increased tremendously over just the last few years. It is estimated that 28,258 users watch porn every second and 35% of all internet downloads are related to porn; 64% of the 18-24 demographic seek it out on a weekly basis. When you add human trafficking as a supplier, there is clearly no lack of demand and it may never go the other direction. We chat about what families can do to keep it far from their homes and thus honor God in this matter as we are commanded. In the 2nd half, we will talk about a book series from Reasons for Hope that are certainly family friendly and edifying, their “Fascinating Facts” series, and how they would make a great Christmas gift. Homeschooling has enjoyed a wonderful renaissance due to Covid, and ministries have truly stepped up with great resources, Reasons for Hope is no exception. Stand Up For The Truth Videos: https://rumble.com/user/CTRNOnline & https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgQQSvKiMcglId7oGc5c46A
Bobby and Alex discuss, um, extra virgin olive oil, bloodletting, raw milk, the state of healthcare in America, and one of the five best players in Major League Baseball. Then, they really dig into the MLB fan council, a highly-elaborate, poorly-constructed, thinly-veiled attempt at salary cap propaganda. Finally, they react to an updated ruling on the Derek Bender Rule 21(a) investigation. Links:Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Call the Tipping Pitches voicemail: 785-422-5881Tipping Pitches features original music from Steve Sladkowski of PUP.
John and Kurt continue their conversation. In this episode, they discuss how strong relationships help in both business and family life, why it's important for entrepreneurs to be good on camera, the value of personal branding, and how Kurt's company uses data to help businesses and political campaigns. In Part 1, they talked about Kurt's journey into political campaigns, how he built a successful fundraising company, and Liberty Spenders. Listen to this episode to learn more: [00:00] - Recap of Part 1 [01:22] - Advice to entrepreneurs about being camera-ready [04:00] - "You are the brand" [04:54] - Does Kurt still help political fundraising? [05:45] - Kurt's ideal client [07:07] - How Mustard Seed uses data to target the right audience [09:14] - Statistics about political donors [10:43] - How much does it cost to run for President? [13:42] - Campaign finance rules and how Super PACs work [16:21] - How working with his wife has helped his family and business [21:24] - Kurt's definition of success [24:24] - #1 daily habit [24:54] - Traits of a great leader [26:12] - How Kurt invests in himself [28:15] - Creating memories with family [30:26] - How Kurt improves his marriage [31:23] - Best way to connect with Kurt [32:53] - Wrap-up NOTABLE QUOTES: "If you (entrepreneurs) don't have a lot of experience behind the camera, you need to work on that. It is a skill set. Don't just assume that because you're passionate about your thing, you're going to be good on camera, because I can promise you it's going to blow up in your face spectacularly." "Remember, you are the brand. You may have a company, you may have multiple companies, the companies fit under you as the brand. So if there ever comes a time where you remove yourself from the company, you sell the company, it's still you as the brand. Because if all you're focused on is that particular company and that becomes your branding, then if you sell it or leave it, it's like, 'Well, what do I do now?' You still have your branding when it's you." "If your problems are operational or you don't really know what you're selling yet, it's a little hard to pump in and build out a good marketing and brand strategy, because we're still not sure what we're marketing." "My wife and I are partners in the business, and I've always believed that's one of the reasons our marriage has been healthy. If one of us was building it and working all those extra hours while the other stayed at home feeling lonely and neglected … we'd have been in trouble. But we were always working on it together." "We started with a commitment that we took our vows seriously, that this was 'till death do us part.'" "I've got to do some stuff I don't want to do, because I don't want the consequence of a really ugly, unhappy marriage that I'm stuck in for 30 years." BOOK MENTIONED: Sacred Pace: Four Steps to Hearing God and Aligning Yourself with His Will by Terry Looper (https://a.co/d/bVRz3on) USEFUL RESOURCES: https://www.prospergroupcorp.com/ https://libertyspenders.com/ https://www.kurtluidhardt.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/prosper-group-corp/posts/?feedView=all https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtluidhardt/ https://www.instagram.com/kluidhardt/ https://www.facebook.com/ProsperGroup https://www.facebook.com/libertyspenders https://www.facebook.com/kurtluidhardt https://x.com/theprospergroup https://x.com/kurtluidhardt https://www.youtube.com/@Prospergroupcorp https://www.youtube.com/@luidhardts Liberty Spenders: How to Reach the $5 Trillion Market of High-Value, Conservative or Faith-Based Clients to Grow Your Business (https://a.co/d/bXFYB8C) CONNECT WITH JOHN Website - https://iamjohnhulen.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnhulen Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/johnhulen Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/johnhulen X - https://x.com/johnhulen YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLX_NchE8lisC4NL2GciIWA EPISODE CREDITS Intro and Outro music provided by Jeff Scheetz - https://jeffscheetz.com/
Nine out of ten people seeking jobs say they have a side hustle — a second or even third job. An Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll from October 2025 also says a higher percentage of younger job-seekers — Gen Z and Millennials —expect to be able to overlap their side jobs on company time. Money is a major factor - and the Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported this year that more employers are cutting hours. We'll talk with some of those who are working multiple jobs about the ups and downs of juggling a side hustle.
Do you feel like you might be heading toward a gray divorce after sharing a lifetime together? Tess was blindsided when her husband fell in love with her best friend. She spent six miserable years drowning in resentment, looking for a way to end the tension and arguments between them, and toying with the idea of divorce. She felt desperate and stuck. Then she realized the only way out was to change what was within. Today? Tess feels ridiculously happy. Her husband asked her to marry him again, she loves living life by his side, and they're enjoying their grandchildren together in ways she never imagined possible. Discover the vulnerable moment with a coach that changed everything, the hardest Intimacy Skill Tess had to master, and how she went from being alone and insecure to feeling safe, loved, and cherished in her golden years. If you're wondering whether it's too late to save your marriage, Tess's story will show you it's not only possible—it can become better than you ever dreamed. The Ridiculously Happy Wife group coaching program is on sale right now for the best possible price. Register now to get the discount and transform your own marriage! Download the FREE Adored Wife Roadmap now and start transforming your relationship today! Click here: https://lauradoyle.co/4pz66Xc
This could be one of the, if not the, most under realized opportunities in commercial real estate. It's a blue ocean market operating in a boring business space that most investors (and service providers) are completely overlooking. But, Jake Guso tapped into what no other real estate investor knew about industrial outdoor storage management, specifically truck parking lot businesses. These mom-and-pop shops are running almost entirely on handwritten notes and Zelle payments and it's an absolute mess for owners and their accountants. After managing multiple truck parking lot businesses himself, Jake built Rig Hut, the software platform that turns dirt lots into cash flow. So much so that, in one case study, Jake helped an owner increase his annual revenue by as much as six figures. Today, I'm sitting down with Jake to talk about how Rig Hut is industrializing truck parking, how investors can get into the game themselves (and make serious money), the shocking "11-to-1" statistic that would make any investor excited, and how this forgotten asset class is only one of many in the CRE space. Plus, I'll even share my exact strategy for finding deals like this in any area of the country. _______ Connect with Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-guso-16bb167a/ Rig Hut: https://www.therighut.com/ Rig Hut Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084019464551 Rig Hut Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therighut Rig Hut TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@righuttruckparking Rig Hut X/Twitter: https://x.com/truckpark_king Sunrise Capital Case Studies: https://sunrisecapitalinvestors.com/case-studies/
Personal & Family Reflections Opening segment emphasizes gratitude during Thanksgiving, family bonding, and playing games like poker and dominoes. Anecdotes about family traditions and childhood experiences. Political Commentary Muslim Brotherhood Designation: Discussion on Donald Trump’s executive order to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Ted Cruz explains his decade-long effort to push similar legislation and the challenges faced in Congress. Mentions international context: countries like Egypt, Bahrain, UAE, and others have already banned the group. Highlights implications for U.S. national security. Media Criticism Critique of a New York Times article portraying an undocumented immigrant who stole an American’s identity as a victim. The hosts argue this framing ignores the harm to U.S. citizens and call it propaganda. Statistics cited: about 1 million undocumented workers using stolen Social Security numbers. Cultural & Ideological Issues Discussion of a University of Minnesota webpage describing “whiteness” as a pandemic. Hosts criticize DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) initiatives and anti-racism frameworks as Marxist and anti-family. Broader argument that such ideologies undermine American values and constitutional principles. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.