Podcasts about strategic

From Minneapolis streets to South Carolina politics, from voter manipulation to international sanctions, today's episode covers the most explosive events shaping America:

Is it possible you're making silent strategic assumptions that could backfire?   Whether you're leading a construction firm or scaling a tech-driven business, one of the biggest risks you face isn't your competition—it's outdated assumptions.    In this episode, you'll hear how Procore and Trunk Tools in our construction space—as well as traditional movie studios and Netflix, more broadly—found themselves on shifting ground when partnerships turned into rivalries and when core beliefs about their business models no longer matched reality.   In this episode you will learn:   A powerful mental model to evaluate your assumptions before they lead to strategic missteps A real-world breakdown of how Netflix disrupted an industry—and how that mirrors what's happening in construction tech Lessons from the Procore and Trunk Tools story that every construction executive should consider before heading into 2026     Hit play to learn how to future-proof your leadership strategy by challenging the assumptions you may not even realize you're making.   The Construction Leadership Podcast dives into essential leadership topics in construction, including strategy, emotional intelligence, communication skills, confidence, innovation, and effective decision-making. You'll also gain insights into delegation, cultural intelligence, goal setting, team building, employee engagement, and how to overcome common culture problems. Whether you're leading a crew or managing an entire organization, these conversations will equip you with tools to lead smarter and build stronger teams.    This episode is brought to you by The Construction Spanish Toolbox —the most practical way for construction teams to learn jobsite-ready Spanish in just minutes a day over 6 months.   *** If you enjoyed this podcast, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback will help us on our mission to bring the construction community closer together. If you have suggestions for improvements, topics you'd like the show to explore, or have recommendations for future guests, do not hesitate to contact us directly at info@bradleyhartmannandco.com.  

Silicon Bites Ep281 | 2025-12-31 | “Putin Wants Ukraine to Succeed?” May be the most misguided, misinformed, and perverse phrase ever uttered by an American president, and it must have grated on Zelenskyy's ears, as he heard it in real-time, yet had to retain some sense of composure. Maybe he heard this phrase as being so at variance with reality, so contrary to history and any factual analysis, that it hit him as a pure absurdity, that could be dismissed out of hand. We just don't know.We could dismiss the phrase too, but unfortunately, I think it is indicative of something dark, which could get considerably darker in 2026 – and this is the strong narrative alignment between the US president and Russia stated objectives and ambitions. Strategic intent, and action may well follow in the wake of this narrative alignment, this convergence of worldview and transactional interests, to create substantial problems for Ukraine, in its resistance to Russian aggression in 2026, and even to the democratic world. ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SOURCES:Reuters (Dec 28, 2025): Trump says US and Ukraine ‘a lot closer' on peace deal but thorny issues remainhttps://www.reuters.com/world/europe/zelenskiy-meet-trump-florida-talks-ukraine-peace-plan-2025-12-28/Reuters (Dec 30, 2025): Zelenskiy discusses US troop presence in Ukraine with Trumphttps://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/zelenskiy-discusses-us-troop-presence-ukraine-with-trump-2025-12-30/Reuters (Dec 28, 2025): Trump says he had “very productive” call with Putin ahead of Zelenskiy meetinghttps://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-says-he-had-very-productive-call-with-putin-ahead-zelenskiy-meeting-2025-12-28/ABC News (Dec 28, 2025): Trump says Russia and Ukraine are ‘maybe very close' after Zelenskyy meetinghttps://abcnews.go.com/Politics/volodymyr-zelenskyy-arrives-mar-lago-peace-talks-president/story?id=128736611Ukrainska Pravda (Dec 29, 2025): Trump says Putin claims he “wants to see Ukraine succeed”https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/12/29/8013774/----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: First up—Russia lashes out over the fall of Nicolás Maduro, but the outrage may be masking a far deeper strategic loss for Vladimir Putin, as Moscow's influence in the Western Hemisphere takes a serious hit. Later in the show—the strongman is gone, but the crackdown remains, as Venezuelan authorities detain and deport members of the foreign press, raising fresh doubts about any real transition. Plus—new details on what a postwar Ukraine could look like, as the United States prepares to take the lead in monitoring a future ceasefire alongside European allies. And in today's Back of the Brief—North Korea kicks off the new year with missile launches into the Sea of Japan, claiming another advance in its hypersonic weapons program. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Beam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/MIKE and use code MIKE to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off. BUBS Naturals: Live Better Longer with BUBS Naturals. For A limited time get 20% Off your entire order with code PDB at https://Bubsnaturals.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Park is a Partner & Chief Investment Officer at ProCap Financial. In this conversation, we break down the outlook for 2026, how bitcoin is positioned within global markets, and what shifting capital flows mean as major institutions like Morgan Stanley enter the space. Jeff also shares insights on geopolitics, artificial intelligence, and why these forces are increasingly shaping bitcoin and broader financial markets.=======================Simple Mining makes Bitcoin mining simple and accessible for everyone. We offer a premium white glove hosting service, helping you maximize the profitability of Bitcoin mining. For more information on Simple Mining or to get started mining Bitcoin, visit https://www.simplemining.io/=======================Uphold is the easiest way to buy and sell crypto unlike any other platform allowing you to trade in just one step between any supported asset. Check them out at ⁠https://uphold.sjv.io/K0RXra.⁠ This video includes a paid sponsorship with Uphold. I'm compensated by Uphold for promoting its products and services and may receive commissions from referrals. Terms apply. Not available in all jurisdictions. Digital assets are risky and may result in the total loss of your capital.=======================Bitwise is one of the largest and fastest-growing crypto asset managers, with more than $15 billion in client assets across an expanding suite of investment solutions—including the world's largest crypto index fund—plus products spanning Bitcoin, Ethereum, DeFi, and crypto equities. In addition to managing assets, Bitwise helps investors stay informed about the fast-moving crypto market. Every week, CIO Matt Hougan breaks down what's happening in crypto in five minutes or less. Read the latest at https://experts.bitwiseinvestments.com/cio-memos. Certain Bitwise investment products may be subject to the extreme risks associated with investing in crypto assets. Visit https://bitwiseinvestments.com/disclosures to learn more.=======================Timestamps:0:00 – Intro1:59 – Bitcoin setup for 2026: positioning, flows, leverage4:35 – Volatility + drawdowns: are bear markets changing?7:49 – The “ideological investor” & 3 forces shaping 202613:48 – Venezuela bitcoin rumors & geopolitics driving markets20:15 – Gold/jewelry drama & verifying what's real23:06 – AI content & implications for the next generation34:05 – Morgan Stanley launching Bitcoin ETF & Solana ETF

Dean Akey, Executive Vice President/Partner from Clone Capital highlights a market transformation in energy demand, driven by rapid load growth from AI and data centers, which have different power needs compared to traditional industries. On episode 311 of The Green Insider, Dean covers: AI facilities require flexible power solutions due to fluctuating demands, similar to steel mills, while data centers have more stable energy needs. Innovative approaches, such as using garbage data to maintain high processing levels during low-demand periods, are being explored to manage AI facility energy needs. Data centers (e.g., for stock trading) need high-speed processing and real-time responses, whereas AI projects (e.g., in pharmaceuticals) process complex computations but do not require real-time results. Strategic location of data centers, and AI projects can enable energy arbitrage; Bitcoin miners are an example of mobile operations that relocate to areas with lower energy costs. Connecting power projects to the transmission grid is increasingly expensive and not always necessary, especially for projects serving local loads; developers should carefully weigh the pros and cons of grid connection. The energy interconnection process is lengthy and costly, which can deter undercapitalized developers. An “all-of-the-above” approach to energy generation is recommended, combining traditional gas plants with renewables (wind, solar) and storage to meet growing power demand, especially in the context of the AI race against China. Creativity and innovation are emerging in the industry, including smaller-scale and mobile generation solutions, with collaboration across sectors being crucial for energy security and competitiveness To be an Insider Please subscribe to The Green Insider powered by ERENEWABLE wherever you get your podcast from and remember to leave us a five-star rating. This podcast is sponsored by UTSI International. To learn more about our sponsor or ask about being a sponsor, contact ERENEWABLE and the Green Insider Podcast. The post Grid Connection and Energy Innovation in the Age of AI appeared first on eRENEWABLE.

Details Emotional intelligence has dominated leadership conversations for years—and for good reason. Leaders who listen, empathize, and build strong relationships create healthier, more engaged teams. But what if EQ isn't the primary capability driving leadership effectiveness? Drawing on a global dataset of 128,000 leaders and 360-degree feedback from over a million raters, they explore what … Continued The post Episode 179: Strategic Expertise vs. Emotional Intelligence—Which Drives Leadership Success? first appeared on ZENGER FOLKMAN.

Six months ago (literally the week Sophia gave birth), she and her husband, Bradley, a Peloton instructor with a built-in community, launched a podcast that got thousands of downloads immediately. No warming up. No convincing. People just showed up. It was such a stark contrast to launching Marketing Unfiltered years earlier without an audience, and it crystallized something Sophia sees coaches mess up constantly: they spend a year perfecting their program while completely forgetting to grow their community. Then they launch a webinar and ask, "who am I promoting this to?" and realize... there's no one there. This episode is Sophia's wake-up call that audience growth can't be an afterthought anymore, it needs seasons, strategy, and to happen alongside (or before) building your offers. Because if you want to be a big deal in 2026, you can't wait until your program is perfect to start growing your audience.Here's What We Cover:The biggest mistake coaches make with audience growth: Spending a year perfecting the program while forgetting to consistently grow the communityThe order that actually works: Build the audience and relationship BEFORE or WHILE you build the thing (not after it's "perfect")The difference between passive exposure and real growth: Why podcast guesting and lead magnets are great for consistency but not how you grow BIGThe three best ways to own your growth: Summits, Private Podcasts, and Bundles: When each strategy works best and which one matches your sales approach…and other proven growth principles most coaches overlook.Resources Mentioned:Submit Your Question —

For those of us who have chosen to walk a spiritual path, we've been called a great number of things. Particularly, crazy. So it can be important to have a translator of sorts to explain to the logically minded skeptics that it's possible to be spiritual without losing your mind. You don't have to abandon your logic to learn how to be spiritual. And you don't have to squeeze yourself into someone else's rituals, beliefs, or vibes to become a spiritual person. My guest this week, Laura Kusto, has done us all a favor and become that bridge to explain that there's another path — one built for strategic minds, skeptical hearts, and people who crave meaning that actually makes sense. Where spirituality isn't performance. It's pattern. It's timing.On this guest episode I have the pleasure of hearing Laura's story and conversation about al the great and rational gifts of astrology, moon phases, and how each supports productivity or planning. Laura explains how spirituality is actually the truth that rises when you finally stop outsourcing your intuition and start aligning with your natural rhythm. She shows us how to become spiritual in a way that feels grounded, intelligent, and completely yours — so your inner world can feel as clear and powerful as the life you've built on the outside. She walks us though the moon phases and how someone with zero astrology knowledge can start syncing their workflow to the moon today. She also shares about her creation, the Moon Map, and how it helps someone understand their natural timing and focus areas.Laura is the Moon Phase Astrologer for Strategic Minds—helping high-achieving entrepreneurs and executives claim their spiritual rhythm through grounded, repeatable frameworks rooted in lunar cycles. A sought-after speaker and featured Authority Magazine author, she helps analytical minds disenchanted by surface-level, “good vibes only” spirituality reconnect with something deeper. Her mission is to show driven, discerning thinkers that their intellect isn't a spiritual barrier—it's the bridge to alignment, clarity, and belonging. 25-year global corporate strategist and speaker (consulting VP & practice line lead). Sought-after expert featured in Skift, Crush the Rush and Company DimeSpeaker at 10+ international conferences (GBTA, ACTE Amsterdam, ProcureCon & more)Built a visibility platform with thought leadership across both corporate + spiritual spaces Midwest-born, moon-obsessed, and always tracking patterns (on earth and in the stars) Addicted to systems, cozy playlists, & decoding big truths through tiny details. Midwest-born, raising her 11-year-old daughter outside Bozeman, MT.w w w . l a u r a k u s t o . c o myoutube.com/@LauraKusto

010726 Scott Adams Show, Venezuela Oil Purchase, Greenland Strategic Defense, Somali Fraud, Democrat Corruption

Guest: Gregory Copley. Following the precise U.S. tactical operation to abduct Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, the strategic focus has shifted to securing the hemisphere and managing oil access, though major companies currently prefer the easier reserves off Guyana over Venezuela's tapped-out infrastructure. Copley notes that while the raid was surgically successful, the lack of follow-up planning risks a messy, protracted conflict driven by Russian and Chineseinfluence, potentially damaging U.S. prestige if the new government does not quickly align with Washington.1925 GUYANA

HEADLINE: Iran and Hezbollah Lose Strategic Foothold as Maduro Regime Collapses. Jonathan Schanzer discusses the collapse of the Maduro regime, describing it as a "gut punch" to Iran and Hezbollah, who utilized Venezuela for training and illicit finance. Following the earlier fall of Syria's Assad regime, Schanzer observes that Iran is losing key allies like "rapid fire dominoes".1845 CARACAS

Guest: Gregory Copley. President Trump's interest in acquiring or occupying Greenland is driven by the island's strategic value for polar routes, satellite contact, and missile positioning, though Copley argues that administration claims regarding Russian and Chinese provocation in the area are exaggerated to justify the move. While the U.S. seeks to enforce a version of the Monroe Doctrine across the Americas to ensure hegemonic control, this approach risks alienating loyal allies like Denmark, especially since the Greenlandic people have no desire to become Americansdespite close defense ties.1770 GREENLAND

Guest: Mary Kissel. The Trump administration is aggressively pursuing strategic interests in Greenland to counter Chinese influence and secure resources. Kissel expresses hope for Cuba, suggesting that pressure on the regime and support for communications could help the Cuban people restore their freedom, potentially triggering a regional shift away from authoritarianism.1770 GREENLAND

In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater discusses various aspects of hunting property management with Rocky Burrus SA Farms. They explore the challenges faced during the hunting season, including time constraints and environmental factors. The conversation delves into strategies for improving deer movement and habitat, emphasizing the importance of access and design in creating effective hunting environments. The episode also highlights the balance between family commitments and hunting, showcasing the dedication required to succeed in both areas. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of deer habitat design, focusing on strategies to enhance food availability, manage deer movement, and create effective hunting scenarios. They discuss the importance of understanding deer behavior, the impact of habitat management on hunting success, and the social dynamics among deer that influence their presence in certain areas. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful planning and observation in wildlife management to optimize hunting experiences.   takeaways The podcast focuses on maximizing hunting property through land management. Client engagement is crucial for sharing new tools and strategies. Balancing family life with hunting commitments is a common challenge. Environmental factors significantly impact deer movement and hunting success. Access routes are essential for effective hunting strategies. Transforming habitat through logging can enhance deer behavior. Understanding deer behavior helps in planning hunting strategies. Using technology like cameras can aid in tracking deer activity. Creating a diverse habitat can attract more deer to the property. Strategic planning is key to successful hunting and property management. A patternable shape can enhance deer habitats. Understanding deer behavior is crucial for effective hunting. Bedding areas should be strategically designed for deer comfort. Water sources are essential in warmer climates for deer. Creating micro bedding areas can improve deer movement. Observation over a year can inform better habitat management decisions. Access routes should be planned to minimize disturbance. Hunting strategies should adapt to deer social dynamics. Effective hunting scenarios involve staging areas between bedding spots. A hospitable environment encourages deer to stay in the area.   Social Links https://www.facebook.com/safarmmanagement/ https://www.instagram.com/safarmmanagementservice/?hl=en  https://whitetaillandscapes.com/ https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/ https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode dives into the high-profile prophetic words for 2025 released by Cindy Jacobs and the Apostolic Council of Prophetic Elders—and asks the hard question: what actually came to pass, and what didn't?In this Remnant Radio conversation, Joshua Lewis, Michael Rowntree, and Michael Miller walk through the major 2025 prophecies from Cindy Jacobs and ACPE, examining themes like national shaking, global conflict, economic turbulence, spiritual warfare, and calls to intercession and repentance. Using Scripture as the plumb line, they explore how Christians should approach national-level prophetic words, how to test them, and what it really means to practice prophetic accountability in the local church and the broader body of Christ.The guys discuss the tension between honoring prophetic ministry and refusing to give in to spiritual hype, asking honest questions about what to do when timing, details, or outcomes don't match what was proclaimed. If you care about Christian theology, charismatic gifts, and the future of prophetic ministry, this episode will help you think more clearly about modern prophecy, discernment, and integrity in the prophetic movement. Join the dialogue as Remnant Radio continues to pursue that radical middle—fully open to the Holy Spirit, fully anchored in the Word.Reviewing Prophecies Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMsjeViSScFHAxEWVUTMiJvLHWHF7hOE10:00 – Introduction 4:30 – Psalm 25 and numerology-based themes for 20256:44 – “Reset of the nations” and Trump as “wartime president” 10:38 – War intensifying, spiritual warfare framing, and burdens on intercessors15:03 – Strategic-level spiritual warfare and worship/Tabernacle of David critique26:28 – “Enforcing victory,” economic collapse warnings, and Haman's sons as “principalities”48:11 – Israel, eschatology, and nationalism in prophetic words1:07:41 – Final exhortations on testing prophecySubscribe to The Remnant Radio newsletter and receive our FREE introduction to spiritual gifts eBook. Plus, get access to: discounts, news about upcoming shows, courses and conferences - and more. Subscribe now at TheRemnantRadio.com. Support the showABOUT THE REMNANT RADIO:

Episode 478 features Adriana Tica, Founder of Strategic AF, to share her in-depth State of Solopreneurship Report for 2025 and why it matters for your business in 2026.Chapters: 00:00 — Adriana returns + why solopreneur data matters 01:00 — Why she built the report (bad benchmarks + “MrBeast metrics”) 02:18 — Rapid Fire 1: fortune cookie message (unique like everyone else) 04:17 — Rapid Fire 2: her next “Just Get Started” (community in 2026) 07:15 — Rapid Fire 3: silencing the inner critic 09:43 — Rapid Fire 4: Perfectionism, delayed launches, typos, and the Pratt-Fall effect 12:00 — Rapid Fire 5: Do you learn more from wins or losses? (and the role of timing) 15:03 — The newsletter correlation: why top earners all have one 23:43 — LinkedIn drives revenue… but “owned channels” are the 2026 focus 26:14 — CTA strategy: reverse planning your content around offers 33:04 — Services as the cash cow + why products require massive trust/audience 36:36 — Revenue bragging vs profit reality (margins matter) 38:49 — The 2 biggest levers: owned channels + pick your business model 42:57 — Why you start with services, then productize from patterns 46:09 — Wrap-up + where to find AdrianaSolopreneurship can feel like you're building in a vacuum until you realize you've been benchmarking your “pilot episode” against someone else's “season three.” In this episode, Adriana Tica returns to break down her State of Solopreneurship Report. Why she built it (spoiler: rage), what the data actually says about making money as a solo operator, and the uncomfortable truth about chasing algorithms, “six-figure launches,” and creator-business hype.What you'll learn:If you're tired of marketing fluff and want real-world levers you can pull in 2026—this one's for you.Why most solopreneur “benchmarks” are fake (and mentally expensive)The common thread among $500K–$1M+ solopreneurs (hint: newsletters)LinkedIn vs “owned channels” and how to stop renting your audienceHow to build CTAs that don't feel gross (and actually convert)Services vs products: traffic game vs relationship gameWhy “7-figure business” talk is meaningless without margins

Bitcoin ripped higher as spot ETF inflows surged (the biggest daily haul since October), with traders pointing to a fresh “risk-on” bid and a geopolitical catalyst out of Venezuela. We break down the rumor that Venezuela may be sitting on a massive, unconfirmed “shadow” Bitcoin reserve and why that narrative (plus the flow data) is adding fuel to the push toward the next major psychological levels.

In this episode of Maximize Your Hunt, host Jon Teater discusses various aspects of hunting property management with Rocky Burrus SA Farms. They explore the challenges faced during the hunting season, including time constraints and environmental factors. The conversation delves into strategies for improving deer movement and habitat, emphasizing the importance of access and design in creating effective hunting environments. The episode also highlights the balance between family commitments and hunting, showcasing the dedication required to succeed in both areas. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of deer habitat design, focusing on strategies to enhance food availability, manage deer movement, and create effective hunting scenarios. They discuss the importance of understanding deer behavior, the impact of habitat management on hunting success, and the social dynamics among deer that influence their presence in certain areas. The conversation emphasizes the need for careful planning and observation in wildlife management to optimize hunting experiences. takeawaysThe podcast focuses on maximizing hunting property through land management.Client engagement is crucial for sharing new tools and strategies.Balancing family life with hunting commitments is a common challenge.Environmental factors significantly impact deer movement and hunting success.Access routes are essential for effective hunting strategies.Transforming habitat through logging can enhance deer behavior.Understanding deer behavior helps in planning hunting strategies.Using technology like cameras can aid in tracking deer activity.Creating a diverse habitat can attract more deer to the property.Strategic planning is key to successful hunting and property management. A patternable shape can enhance deer habitats.Understanding deer behavior is crucial for effective hunting.Bedding areas should be strategically designed for deer comfort.Water sources are essential in warmer climates for deer.Creating micro bedding areas can improve deer movement.Observation over a year can inform better habitat management decisions.Access routes should be planned to minimize disturbance.Hunting strategies should adapt to deer social dynamics.Effective hunting scenarios involve staging areas between bedding spots.A hospitable environment encourages deer to stay in the area. Social Linkshttps://www.facebook.com/safarmmanagement/https://www.instagram.com/safarmmanagementservice/?hl=enhttps://whitetaillandscapes.com/https://www.facebook.com/whitetaillandscapes/https://www.instagram.com/whitetail_landscapes/?hl=en Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Steve is joined by Rick de la Torre, retired CIA senior operations officer and CEO/founder of Tower Strategy LLC, for expert analysis on the U.S. strikes in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. He explains how the operation unfolded, what it means for U.S. strategy in the Western Hemisphere, and what comes next for Venezuela and global security. From covert planning to execution and its wider implications, this is a rare insider perspective on a pivotal moment in history.

Guest:  Trey Mauck, founder and CEO of Integrated Insurance Solutions, one of the top one hundred insurance agencies in the United States. Overview: The BIGGEST danger to a company's enterprise value isn't bad strategy. It's unmanaged risk hiding in plain sight. CEOs who view insurance as a "Nice to Have" need to look beyond the line item and start integrating risk management into their long-term growth plans. On today's show, Trey Mauck discusses how strategic risk management protects valuation, reduces disruption, and can become a competitive advantage on the way to Making BIG Happen.

Healthcare organizations are navigating modernization under intense regulatory, security, and resource constraints. This episode explores how the Microsoft technology stack shows up differently in healthcare. The conversation breaks down hybrid cloud realities, Azure managed services, security and compliance, business resiliency, disaster recovery, and cost optimization, all grounded in real healthcare use cases. The episode also explores at how organizations can measure ROI beyond cost savings, connecting Microsoft investments to patient care, clinician experience, and operational resilience. Speakers: Jennifer Johnson, Director of Healthcare at Connection David Carey and Kevin Paiva, Senior Field Solution Architects at Connection Show Notes: 00:10 Welcome and session overview 01:40 Why healthcare cloud adoption is different 02:10 Defining hybrid cloud in healthcare 03:00 Why hybrid is now the default model 03:55 Latency myths and performance realities 04:45 Which workloads belong on-prem vs. in the cloud 05:45 SaaS, staffing pressure, and infrastructure complexity 06:30 Azure managed services and Connection's approach 07:45 Co-managed Azure vs. fully outsourced models 08:30 Why Azure over other hyperscalers 09:20 Azure security, HIPAA, and Zero Trust 10:30 Azure Health Data Services 11:45 Business continuity vs. business resiliency 14:10 What healthcare leaders worry about most today 15:00 Disaster recovery and Azure Expert MSP 16:30 Post-pandemic resource constraints 17:30 Application sprawl, security, and identity management 18:50 Cost containment and ROI in healthcare IT 21:15 The teams behind Connection's Microsoft practice 24:45 Final takeaways and next steps

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe [CB] system is being dismantled, Trump getting control of the oil will begin to bring prices down further, once Iran has regime change, it is game over for the [DS]/[CB] system. Gas prices will fall further when the US begins to drill. The [CB] debt is in violation of the constitution and most it will most likely be wiped out and the [CB] will cease to exist. The [DS] is panicking, from dictators, fake news and the D’s they are all panicking. The [DS] world is now coming to and end and it is being exposed and dismantled for the world to see. The [DS] is no longer in control, the patriots are. Trump and team sent a clear message, everything you are seeing is to return the power back to the people. Economy (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2007823029846372858?s=20 https://twitter.com/Geiger_Capital/status/2008196746653151644?s=20 https://twitter.com/echodatruth/status/2008056541627228502?s=20   to $1 TRILLION in Latin American precious metals, including Venezuelan supply. Let that sink in. An $8 BILLION state-of-the-art facility, jointly backed by Wall Street capital and the U.S. Department of Defense, now sits at the center of the supply chain. This isn't about invasion. This is about control, security, and price discovery. • Physical metals moving out of unstable regions • Refining brought back under U.S. oversight • Paper markets losing influence • Strategic metals secured for energy, defense, and AI When governments build first and explain later, it's not speculation, it's preparation. Silver isn't being hyped. It's being positioned. Know What You Hold.  https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/2008176575833948484?s=20  roads 4. Bankruptcy, counterfeiting, piracy laws 5. Patents and copyrights 6. Regulate commerce with foreign nations, between states, and with Native tribes 7. Declare war; maintain army, navy, and militia 8. Establish lower federal courts 9. Exercise authority over Washington, D.C. That means roughly 80% of federal spending is, in fact, illegal. Political/Rights https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2007937505296093357?s=20   (up 31%) enough to kill 130 million Americans -Nihilistic Violent Extremism arrests up 490% -Over 6,000 child victims located (up 22%) -Espionage arrests up 35% -Multiple successful surges including Summer Heat which had almost 9,000 arrests in just three months This FBI is saving lives, protecting innocent kids, and taking deadly drugs off our streets at levels not seen in decades. None of it would've been possible without Dan's leadership and support. And he paved the way for even better things to come. Thank you @dbongino .  https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/2008177002608779675?s=20 DOGE Geopolitical https://twitter.com/jsolomonReports/status/2007493457338605628?s=20 https://twitter.com/Leon4Congress/status/2007969020352647528?s=20  2020 indictments, $15 million bounty, and expanded sanctions In 2022, President Biden increased the then-$15 million bounty on Maduro to $25 million. 25million for anyone who can deliver Maduro to America. 2026 Trump executes the orders of Obama and Biden. Who is the joker, hero or villain? Obama , Biden or Trump https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2008198931985879499?s=20  to power. Why? https://twitter.com/robbystarbuck/status/2008061863565852729?s=20 https://twitter.com/mattvanswol/status/2007919000773353481?s=20   https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2008155905880453463?s=20 https://twitter.com/ColonelTowner/status/2007827528711590045?s=20  https://twitter.com/WallStreetMav/status/2008188125617569887?s=20   start taking back its deported gang members. https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2007988528677052517?s=20 https://twitter.com/DerrickEvans4WV/status/2008083325802696896?s=20 https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2008032031876202758?s=20 https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/2008176950427423164?s=20   Trump wants to make a deal with Mexico like he did with the Nigerian government. The cartels are going to be eradicate https://twitter.com/robbystarbuck/status/2007990748910682257?s=20   grandparents, etc. It's been a dream they prayed to witness. 3/4 of my grandparents didn't survive to see it. Attached are some photos of my Grandpa Julio “Papi” who's alive still and my deceased Grandma Martha in Cuba during better times as young love birds. Fidel Castro stole everything but their love and their lives. Same with my other grandparents Rafael and Ophelia and my Mom. They lost everything but their love and their lives. Now there's hope of a free Cuba for our long lost family there and hope of making past wrongs right once again. I'm with President Trump all the way. Cuba should be a rich, island paradise and it can be as a US territory. It's a strategic asset for our safety too as a base of operations to defend our homeland in the mainland US. There's no downside to toppling the communists who've only stayed in power by killing and jailing Cubans for decades. Now is the time. It can also serve as a helpful spot to run any US/Venezuela operations that benefits America instead of a narco pass through entity used by our enemies as a constant threat to American safety. Russia, China, Venezuela and many others have used Cuba to threaten us for long enough. It's time we take control and empower the Cuban people. No American blood needs to be spilled. This can be a massive win for the future of both Cuba and more importantly, for America. It's time for the evil of communism to die. https://twitter.com/AwakenedOutlaw/status/2007882386529542519?s=20 https://twitter.com/FaytuksNetwork/status/2008187454595969240?s=20   rials monthly ($7). https://twitter.com/AwakenedOutlaw/status/2007930486438682861?s=20 https://twitter.com/RyanSaavedra/status/2007978922458444265?s=20   longer had it. He did something and saw the consequences.” The message: Leave now. Ayatollah Khamenei plans to flee to Moscow if Iran unrest intensifies The republic's supreme leader has plotted an exit route out of Tehran should his forces fail to quell dissent, an intelligence report reveals https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2008206247808700734?s=20 War/Peace Medical/False Flags [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/remarks/status/2007947270910841313?s=20 https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2008031475057439076?s=20   Weaver outline how homeowners will need to modify their view on their property ownership to reflect a new municipal perspective that considers all individually owned property to be part of a new collective property viewpoint as controlled by city government. “For centuries we really treated property as an individualized good and not a collective good, in transitioning into treating it as a collective good and towards the model of shared equity … it will mean that families, especially White families … are going to have a different relationship to property than the one that we currently have.” It is likely that Mayor Mamdani and Director Weaver are going to run into some stiff legal opposition as they try to reimagine a world where individuals are not allowed to own property.   https://twitter.com/AAGDhillon/status/2008207308950782417?s=20 https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2007866604139225514?s=20   briefings. After 9/11, New York's mayors kept the NYPD commissioner in a direct, daily intelligence loop. That model is now ending. Mamdani has removed the Commissioner Jessica Tisch direct line to his office, relegating police leadership to the same access level as garbage collection. The shift weakens situational awareness at the top & reflects a belief that Islamic terror threats no longer require mayoral focus. https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2008183851802337656?s=20 https://twitter.com/wcdispatch/status/2008018760746078438?s=20     done, in my opinion, an even more dishonest and incompetent job. NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW! Mugshot Emerges of Deranged Man Accused in Vance Home Attack, VP Blasts Media for Publishing Home Images Authorities have released the mugshot of 26-year-old William DeFoor following his arrest for allegedly attempting to break into Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home with a hammer.   The booking photo, posted by the Hamilton County Justice Center, also lists the charges DeFoor is facing, including vandalism, criminal trespass, criminal damaging or endangering, and obstructing official business. Cincinnati police and Secret Service agents responded swiftly to reports of the vandalism, arriving at the scene to detain the man without further incident. No one was injured, as Vance and his family had already left for Washington, D.C. at that time. https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/2008188525162721647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2008188525162721647%7Ctwgr%5Ec29f78485445e314b120eda36408e134f4f5245a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fredstate.com%2Frusty-weiss%2F2026%2F01%2F05%2Fmugshot-emerges-of-deranged-man-accused-in-vance-home-attack-vp-blasts-media-for-publishing-home-images-n2197767   already to DC. One request to the media: we try to protect our kids as much as possible from the realities of this life of public service. In that light, I am skeptical of the news value of plastering images of our home with holes in the windows. Source: redstate.com President Trump's Plan https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/2008189258528665898?s=20   is still accountable to military justice. And the Department of War — and the American people — expect justice. Therefore, in response to Senator Mark Kelly's seditious statements — and his pattern of reckless misconduct — the Department of War is taking administrative action against Captain Mark E. Kelly, USN (Ret). The department has initiated retirement grade determination proceedings under 10 U.S.C. § 1370(f), with reduction in his retired grade resulting in a corresponding reduction in retired pay. To ensure this action, the Secretary of War has also issued a formal Letter of Censure, which outlines the totality of Captain (for now) Kelly's reckless misconduct. This Censure is a necessary process step, and will be placed in Captain Kelly's official and permanent military personnel file. Captain Kelly has been provided notice of the basis for this action and has thirty days to submit a response. The retirement grade determination process directed by Secretary Hegseth will be completed within forty five days. Captain Kelly's status as a sitting United States Senator does not exempt him from accountability, and further violations could result in further action. These actions are based on Captain Kelly’s public statements from June through December 2025 in which he characterized lawful military operations as illegal and counseled members of the Armed Forces to refuse lawful orders. This conduct was seditious in nature and violated Articles 133 and 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, to which Captain Kelly remains subject as a retired officer receiving pay. https://twitter.com/TonySeruga/status/2008201370458075286?s=20  energy, and corporatism, all are reliant on the narcos for dark funding. Just look at how they are treating Maduro? It’s like he is a rock star. Already with 5 ‘costume’ changes just today. Does Maduro look worried?  THE FIX IS IN? YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS UP: 92-Year-Old Clinton Judge Who Denied Trump's Hush-Money Removal to Federal Court and Blocked Venezuelan Gang Deportations Now Assigned to Preside Over Maduro Case in New York President Trump Shuts Down Fake News Reporter Trying to Pit Rubio and Vance Against Each Other (AUDIO)  Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One as he headed back to the White House on Sunday evening after spending the Christmas holiday at Mar-a-Lago in South Florida. President Trump shut down a fake news reporter who was trying to create a wedge between Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.   A legacy media reporter tried to stir up a little trouble and President Trump promptly shut her down. “What you say that Marco Rubio has your ear more than the Vice President right now?” a reporter asked President Trump. Trump shut it down. “No! They both do. JD is very smart and doing a great job and so is Marco! I would say they're equal,” Trump said. The reporter continued, “It sounds like [Rubio] is the go to and you were just talking about Cuba and what could come next there.” AUDIO: Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/AwakenedOutlaw/status/2008092328867869069?s=20  a plea of some sort. In fact, that may well have been pre-negotiated thereby removing the judges ability to thwart the prosecution. These images support as much. https://twitter.com/Rasmussen_Poll/status/2007939030839701667?s=20   election systems currently in use here have been newly examined last year by Federal authorities and are apparently FULL of illegal CCP sourced items – While @DNIGabbard is still withholding her completed official report on this, her boss is now aggressively retweeting older descriptors of evidence against Dominion and our US Election Theft Syndicate in general. This is apparently the overture of what is to come – The Secret Dominion/Huawei Data Center in Belgrade, Serbia – that emphatically and officially did not exist – DID exist and was disabled by U.S. gov employees just days prior to the 2024 election. It has now been dismantled, which may disappoint former CIA Director John Brennan, who reportedly financed half of it from the CIA ‘Black Budget.’ The other half of the funding was from our dear friends in China. That’s right, the theft of The US Presidency and multiple other elections worldwide was co-financed by our own CIA – Top Venezuelan engineers who reportedly designed and executed multiple foreign based election frauds in America using Dominion and Smartmatic systems are in America under U.S. gov protection and have provided sworn testimony. They include an engineer who personally helped illegally install Joe Biden as President in 2020 – These engineers are also joined by General Hugo Carvjal, former Head of Venezuelan Intelligence, now in jail in New York (his cellmate is Diddy Combs) and he is cooperating with Fed authorities (see below) – Another Venezuelan General has now also joined General Carvjal in providing 1st person testimony – Official state and court adduced evidence of 2020 election fraud has been compiled for every one of the battleground states. Cowardice and corruption within the American judiciary has scuttled any real progress – Georgia corruption came into better focus last month as Fulton County admitted not following the law concerning over 300K ‘votes’ and then their most corrupt state judge agreed to unseal the 2020 ‘warehouse ballots,’ many of which are officially sworn to be likely counterfeit. What a sad crooked bunch – The DOJ is suing multiple states to require compliance with Federal election laws including HAVA – Georgia is among them – and @AAGDhillon is leading the charge – President Trump pardoned Tina Peters but corrupt Colorado officials refuse to release her from prison. Colorado wants to litigate her role as a Federal officer in their elections while her health declines due to their horrible conditions. Colorado officials are going to pay dearly – An American Armada, the likes of which hasn’t been assembled in this century, sits off the coast of U.S. Election Theft Central. They are resting up after the historic strike extraction of Maduro. They will not idle long. The President promises to clean out all the cartel del Soles thugs and return Venezuela to democratic self governance. A big job but essential to keeping America safe and its enemies out of our hemisphere and out of our elections.  https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2007981628648206368?s=20   which gave hope to the low-morale Continental Army and boosted enlistment, and eventually led to victory. I think Trump and the US MIL were sending a message. Now is when we start winning the war against the Deep State. I think we have graduated into a new phase of the operation. https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2007924998703366560?s=20   necessary for what comes later, when Trump invokes the Insurrection Act and sends US MIL to cities nationwide. If the US MIL are going to conduct mass arrests, the public will need to trust them and trust Trump. So for those asking why Trump is arresting Maduro before arresting treasonous actors in the US, I think there is method to the madness. The high-profile US arrests will likely be towards the end, after more of the public are fully bought in on the operation to dismantle the Deep State. Arresting people is the easy part. Convincing billions of people that high-profile individuals, including former heads of state, need to be arrested… that's the tricky part. https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2008033626294792665?s=20 https://twitter.com/USDOL/status/2007933111729021305?s=20 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT AFRICA'S SHIFT TO RUSSIAN MERCENARIES Colleague Ambassador Edmund Fitton-Brown. Ambassador Edmund Fitton-Brown examines the strategic shift in Africa, where nations are rejecting Western oversight. He explains how regimes now favor partnerships with Russian mercenaries and Iran to avoid governance conditions, allowing these actors to plunder gold and uranium resources unchecked. 1936 ABYSSINIAN SOLDIERS

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Laura Finney. A seasoned financial literacy educator and coach. Laura shares her deeply personal journey into financial education, sparked by a lack of preparedness in her own life and a family experience that resulted in the loss of generational wealth. Through candid storytelling and practical advice, she empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures with strategic planning, budgeting, and mindset shifts.

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Laura Finney. A seasoned financial literacy educator and coach. Laura shares her deeply personal journey into financial education, sparked by a lack of preparedness in her own life and a family experience that resulted in the loss of generational wealth. Through candid storytelling and practical advice, she empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures with strategic planning, budgeting, and mindset shifts.

Substack has quickly become one of the most talked-about platforms in our community, and for good reason. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly why I'm going all in on Substack in 2026, how we're monetizing it inside our business, and how it fits into a long-term strategy for freedom, thought leadership, and scalable income, all without ads, sales calls, or constant live content. You'll learn: How we're using archived thought leadership to build a paid ecosystem Why Substack is one of the most powerful tools for authors, deep thinkers, and established leaders The exact tier structure we're using (free, paid, founding member) and why How Substack supports book launches, passive income, and audience ownership in ways other platforms don't If you're a CEO, author, or thought leader looking to get paid for your ideas, build a high-intent audience, and reduce dependency on algorithms, this episode will give you the clarity you need to decide if Substack belongs in your 2026 strategy. And, Ii you missed Part 1, be sure to listen to that episode first: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1098-why-im-betting-on-substack-for-the-future/id1052353755?i=1000741820357  TIMESTAMPS:  02:30 – 05:30: What Substack actually is 08:30 – 11:30: How we're using archived content to build a monetized ecosystem without creating new content 14:30 – 17:30: Our tier structure explained: free, paid, and founding members 17:30 – 20:30: Why in-app purchases and Apple Pay are game-changers for conversion and consumer behavior 20:30 – 23:30: Owning your audience: why Substack + books is the future: owning your audience 23:30 – 26:00: How Substack fits into a long-term ecosystem: book sales, email, trust-building offers, and passive income Resources & Links Subscribe to The Sacred Art of Selling on Substack: Free, Paid, and Founding Member tiers available {founding member subscriptions must be done through web browser or mobile browser and are not currently supported on the Substack app}: https://kellyroachofficial.substack.com/  Join The Sacred Art of Selling book waitlist: https://thekellyroach.com/bts Follow Kelly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellyroachofficial/  Follow Kelly on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.roach.520/  Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellyroachint/     

Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Laura Finney. A seasoned financial literacy educator and coach. Laura shares her deeply personal journey into financial education, sparked by a lack of preparedness in her own life and a family experience that resulted in the loss of generational wealth. Through candid storytelling and practical advice, she empowers listeners to take control of their financial futures with strategic planning, budgeting, and mindset shifts.

REYNOLDS' DEATH AND LEE'S MISSED OPPORTUNITY Colleague Colonel Jeff McCausland. McCauslandanalyzes General John Reynolds' death while leading forward elements, highlighting frontline leadership risks. He explains Robert E. Lee's strategic goal was winning the war through decisive victory. Additionally, Lee's discretionary orders to new commander Richard Ewell resulted in a missed opportunity to overwhelm Union forces. NUMBER 2

00:01 – Cold open, show start, server sound-off, introductions 04:10 – Why revisit the Vengeance now: adoption rates and shifting player access 08:05 – Vengeance Is Mine event explained: rotating content and spend scoring 12:05 – Strategic spend timing: syncing G6/G7 upgrades with heroic SMS 16:30 – Blueprint grind reality: milestone math and long-term timelines 20:10 – Outpost Plunder as an alternate sourcing path 24:05 – Plunder cooldown mechanics and bulk-purchase optimization 28:05 – Parts sourcing overview: Cold Directive and Arena combat events 32:10 – Efficiency research, Dauntless synergy, refits, and real cost math 36:10 – When Vengeance becomes viable vs maxed G6 epics 40:40 – Power curve discussion: G6 → G7 transition and design intent 44:05 – Ops progression realities: do you need Vengeance to reach 73? 47:05 – Outposts and elite outposts: why ship count now matters more 50:05 – Project Dreadnought, refit currencies, and leaderboard pressure 53:35 – Monetization vs grind paths: accessibility and fairness debate 56:30 – Crewing overview: most common G7 and Breen crews 01:00:30 – Early-tier Vengeance crew alternatives and survivability trade-offs 01:04:30 – Comparative performance: Vengeance vs Cube, Crenshaw, Relativity 01:08:30 – Practical sourcing advice for low-spend and free-to-play players 01:12:30 – Strategic ship planning: avoiding redundant G6 builds 01:16:30 – Elite outpost punching strategies with mixed fleets 01:20:30 – Long-term value outlook: efficiencies, future sourcing, and balance 01:24:30 – Is Vengeance skippable, delayed, or inevitable? Framing the decision 01:28:30 – Final audience Q&A, clarifications, and wrap-up discussion

This episode is a behind-the-scenes reflection of 2025 — the wins I'm proud of, the lessons that stretched me, and the mistakes I won't repeat. I'm getting honest about what actually worked (and what didn't), how I've evolved as a business owner this year, and the strategic shifts I'm making as I step into 2026. Whether you're wrapping up a season of growth, a year of grit, or a mix of both — I hope this inspires you to reflect deeply and dream boldly. Inside this episode: ✨ The most pivotal risks I took — and how they paid off

In this episode, co-hosts Ayelet Shipley and Christian Hassold delve into AI related acquisitions, particularly focusing on outsized valuation multiples and whether they are sustainable or extensible to the digital agency sector. They discuss the valuation multiples seen in recent AI focused acquisitions led by Meta, Nvidia, Cvent, and OpenAI, and opine on the race for talent in the AI era. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of agency capabilities in the face of AI advancements and the potential for consolidation in the market. The hosts also explore the future of digital agencies and the opportunities that lie ahead for strategic acquirers in the AI domain.TakeawaysAI is driving significant M&A activity in the tech sector.Recent acquisitions show high valuation multiples for AI companies.The trend of acquiring talent over products is prevalent in AI M&A.Digital agencies must adapt to the changing landscape influenced by AI.There is a potential consolidation in the agency market due to AI advancements.Strategic acquirers are looking for speed to market through AI capabilities.The valuation of AI startups is often based on capital raised rather than revenue.The market for AI capabilities in agencies is still developing.Founders may need to be realistic about their exit multiples in the current environment.The future of digital agencies will be shaped by AI innovations.Chapters00:00 Introduction to AI Trends01:03 M&A Activity in AI05:16 Valuation Multiples in AI Acquisitions11:00 The Talent Acquisition Race15:18 AI's Impact on Agencies19:07 Future of Digital Agencies25:01 Opportunities in AI AcquisitionsConnect with Christian and AyeletAyelet's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayelet-shipley-b16330149/Christian's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hassold/Web: https://www.inorganicpodcast.coIn/organic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InorganicPodcast/featured Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beverly Hills Precious Metals Exchange - Buy Gold & Silver https://themelkshow.com/gold/ Speak with Gold Expert Andrew Sorchini…Tell Him Mel K Sent You!   Satellite Phone Store - Reliable Satellite Phones & Internet https://sat123.com/melk/   Please learn more about and follow Tom Luongo - Gold Goats 'N Guns: https://tomluongo.me/ https://x.com/tfl1728

THE 1975 COLLAPSE AND THE WAR'S STRATEGIC FAILURE Colleague Geoffrey Wawro. Following the 1973 peace deal and US withdrawal, Congressional aid to South Vietnam plummeted, leaving the ARVN deprived of essential logistics and air support. When the NVA launched their final offensive in 1975, the US did not intervene, leading to a chaotic collapse of the South Vietnamese military and the fall of Saigon. The war concluded as a strategic failure where the US fought a political war based on the domino theory without understanding local realities, resulting in immense loss of life for little geopolitical gain. NUMBER 16 1964 SAIGON

In this episode of the Wealthy Woman Lawyer® Podcast, host Davina Frederick kicks off the new year with a powerful reset for women law firm owners who are ready to stop drifting and start leading with intention. If 2025 felt busy but not necessarily productive, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, priorities, and your role inside your firm.Davina explores why the first decisions you make in January quietly shape the entire year—and why most law firm owners unknowingly sabotage their own momentum before Q1 is over. This episode invites you to step back, get honest, and rethink what it really takes to create sustainable growth without burning yourself out.If you're tired of working harder without seeing meaningful change, questioning whether you're truly operating as the CEO of your firm, or wondering what actually deserves your focus in the year ahead, this episode will set the tone for a very different kind of 2026.Tune in for a mindset-shifting start to the year that will help you think more strategically, lead more decisively, and position your firm for the kind of growth that supports both your business and your life.Go here to listen:LINKS TO LOVE:Want to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts? We'd love it! Here's the link.Ready to scale your law firm to six or seven figures in 2026? Click here to apply and book a call with me.

Retired General Ben Hodges, former Commander of U.S. Army Europe, says the U.S. military activity off Venezuela is repeating one of the most dangerous mistakes of Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan: no clear strategy, no defined end state, and questionable legality. And the consequences, he argues, extend far beyond any single operation, putting U.S. troops, alliances, and global credibility at risk.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ring in the New Year with a bang (or a flush!) on this epic Dirt Bags Podcast episode! Luke Eggebraaten chats with Dominic Rosales, founder of Poor Pumper Society – the ultimate brand for septic pumpers, creators, and everyone who knows it "Smells Like Money" in the waste game. Flush out 2025 and pump into the new year strong!Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all podcast platforms. Grab gear at poorpumpersociety.com! #dirtbagspodcast #PoorPumperSociety #SmellsLikeMoney #NewYearsSpecialDominic Rosales's Links:FB: https://www.facebook.com/poorpumpersociety/IG: https://www.instagram.com/poorpumpersociety/?hl=enYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PoorPumperSocietySite: poorpumpersociety.comFree strategy call with Phaser Marketing – call (775) DIRT-BAG: https://calendly.com/d/cm59-rf4-hgq/investing-in-a-new-construction-website?month=2025-05Phaser Packages:SILVER (under $1M rev): Startup $3,500 | Monthly $1,500- Brand/website foundation, mini kit, custom WP site + hosting/security- GBP optimization + LSA, EDDM campaigns- DirtDev Lite CRM (tracking, reviews, pipelines)- Analytics, dedicated specialist6-month roadmap to $1M, then upgrade.GOLD (over $1M, scaling): Startup $3,500 | Monthly $3,000Everything in Silver +- Multi-channel ads (FB/PPC), hiring campaigns- Unlimited graphics/merch, full brand overhaul- DirtDev PRO (advanced pipelines, SMS, workflows)- Enhanced SEO, quarterly emailsDIAMOND (dominate market): Startup $3,500 | Monthly $6,500Everything in Silver + Gold +- Managed social + Social SEO- Blogging, backlinks, onsite photographer 2x/year- Multi-platform PPC, full strategy refresh- Unlimited high-end creative, ongoing site upgrades- Monthly emails, DirtDev PRO customizations + training- Strategic hiring + direct mailSponsors:Charlie Huff @ TruPoint – Waste-industry insurance pros. COIs, fleet adds, audits – handled fast so you grow. Call (435) 764-4833 or trupointco.comEljen – GSF® A42 system: geotextile + plastic core for better treatment, smaller footprint, long-term soil protection. Perfect for tight sites. eljen.comSludgeHammer – Bacterial tech restores fields, cuts sludge, eco-friendly performance boost – no overhauls needed. Homes to large apps. sludgehammer.netThanks for listening – pumped for 2026!

Happy New Year!  We start it off right with a Great Guest.    Rob Robinson hosts Marianeth Crockett on his podcast, Philosophy from the Front Line, for a conversation on leadership, service, and the transition from military life to entrepreneurship. Marianeth shares her background as a U.S. Navy Aircrewman and Loadmaster on C-130 aircraft, including training alongside Marine components and her operational experience in aviation. She reflects on navigating high-pressure environments, overcoming adversity, and leading with integrity, resilience, and purpose. Marianeth is the co-founder of 3R Strategic Solutions, specializing in emergency response and recovery, and the founder of KALEO GROUP, a business innovation firm focused on building resilient people, businesses, and communities. She also leads KALEO IGNITE, a social impact initiative designed to cultivate strength, leadership, and community among women veterans.As mentioned in the podcast:The Sparta Project - https://www.thespartaproject.org/Road trip Nation – The next mission - https://www.pbs.org/video/roadtrip-nation-next-mission/Founder:KALEO GROUPhttps://www.kaleo-group.com/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianethc/Social Impact Arm for women veterans:https://www.kaleo-group.com/igniteUpcoming Events:https://www.kaleo-group.com/upcomingeventsCoFounder:https://www.3rstrategicsolutions.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/philosophy-from-the-front-line--4319845/support.Disclaimer: The content of the "Philosophy From the Front Line" podcast is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any affiliated organizations or sponsors. This podcast does not offer legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult appropriate professionals before making decisions based on the content presented. "Philosophy From the Front Line" assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content or for actions taken based on the information provided during the podcast episodes. Fair Use Statement: This podcast may contain copyrighted material not specifically authorized by the copyright owner. "Philosophy From the Front Line" is making such material available to educate, inform, and provide commentary under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. copyright law (Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act). We believe this constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as it is:Used for non-commercial, educational, or research purposes.Critically analyzed, reviewed, or discussed.Used in a transformative way that adds new meaning or message to the original work.If you own any content used and believe it infringes on your copyright, please contact us directly, and we will address the matter promptly. 

About fifteen years ago, I gave up the conversation around balance entirely. The word I use instead is integration, and in this holiday episode I share why that shift transforms how entrepreneurs experience everything from year-end deal closings to family obligations. In this holiday episode of the DealQuest Podcast, I share reflections on 2025, point to must-listen episodes, preview what's coming in 2026, and break down the integration mindset that has shaped my approach to business and life. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: In this episode, you'll discover why the balance conversation creates unnecessary stress, the four episodes from 2025 worth revisiting, what's coming in January with my partner Brian Meegan, how designing where you live and which clients you take on become integration decisions, why great mergers have integration at their core while failed ones have integration problems, and how clarity creates filters for better decisions. MY INTEGRATION JOURNEY: Balance frames everything as separate competing demands pulling in different directions. Integration creates a lens where choices support multiple priorities simultaneously. Living in Marina del Rey serves integration. Fifteen minutes from LAX. Secure building. Walking my dog along the promenade during breaks. Cold brew moments on the patio before M&A negotiations. Every choice reduces friction. EPISODES WORTH REVISITING: Dave Hersh on Episode 381 delivered one of my favorite interviews ever, sharing hard truths about post-exit challenges through his inner board meeting framework. Bob Bush on Episode 377 told his remarkable journey from East St. Louis to founding Mutombo Coffee with the late Dikembe Mutombo. Jodi Hume on Episode 366 helps founders avoid the regrets that plague up to 85% of entrepreneurs after exits. Hikari Senju on Episode 354 offered a different lens on building AI companies through strategic bootstrapping. WHAT'S COMING IN 2026: January kicks off with my partner Brian Meegan joining to discuss what we're seeing in the deal landscape. Special series are planned diving deep into specific industries similar to our RIA aggregator coverage. KEY INSIGHTS: The great mergers and acquisitions have integration at their core. The ones that fail typically have integration problems. Choosing podcasting over a weekly column reflects integration thinking. This format feels like an extension of who I am rather than an obligation. When you have clarity about what integrates in your life, it creates a filter for decisions, just like whiteboarding sessions create filters for M&A clients. Perfect for entrepreneurs feeling pulled in too many directions, business owners heading into year-end closings, and dealmakers who want to understand how integration principles apply to M&A success. FOR MORE ON THIS EPISODE: https://www.coreykupfer.com/blog/holiday2025 FOR MORE ON COREY KUPFER https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast. Get deal-ready with the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer, where like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders converge, share insights and challenges, and success stories. Equip yourself with the tools, resources, and support necessary to navigate the complex yet rewarding world of dealmaking. Dive into the world of deal-driven growth today! Episode Highlights with Timestamps [00:00] - Introduction: Holiday wishes to the DealQuest community [02:00] - Episode recommendations: Four must-listen conversations from 2025 [04:00] - Dave Hersh Episode 381: Psychology behind successful exits "[05:00] - Bob Bush Episode 377: Global dealmaking and Mutombo Coffee [06:00] - Jodi Hume Episode 366: Avoiding post-exit regret [06:30] - Hikari Senju Episode 354: Strategic bootstrapping for AI companies [07:00] - What's coming in 2026 with Brian Meegan [09:00] - The integration versus balance conversation [11:00] - Designing life for integration: Marina del Rey example [14:00] - Integration in deals: Why great M&A has integration at its core [15:00] - Clarity as a filter for decisions [15:30] - Closing thoughts and gratitude Host Bio:Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker with more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. He is the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast and managing partner of Kupfer PLLC. Show Description: Do you want your business to grow faster? The DealQuest Podcast reveals how successful entrepreneurs use strategic deals to accelerate growth. From mergers and acquisitions to capital raising, joint ventures, and strategic alliances, this show covers the full spectrum of deal-driven growth strategies. Related Episodes: Episode 381 - Dave Hersh: The Psychology Behind Successful Exits Episode 377 - Bob Bush: From East St. Louis to Global Dealmaking and Mutombo Coffee Episode 366 - Jodi Hume: Founder Regret, Exit Clarity and What Money Can't Buy Episode 354 - Hikari Senju: Building AI-Powered Companies Through Strategic Bootstrapping Episode 328 - Richard Manders: Scale Business Growth and Personal Freedom Episode 323 - Holiday Solocast: Taking Stock and Completing the Year Social Media Follow DealQuest Podcast: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coreykupfer/ Website: https://www.coreykupfer.com/ Keywords/Tags: holiday solocast, integration versus balance, work life integration, best podcast episodes 2025, dealquest podcast, Corey Kupfer, M&A insights, post-exit challenges, deal-driven growth, Brian Meegan, 2026 preview

Vincent A. Lanci discusses the cyclical nature of personal development, especially during the summer months. Lanci shares three brutal truths that entrepreneurs must confront: the disconnect between growth and cash flow, the need for resilience in adversity, and the importance of building systems for long-term success. He encourages listeners to reflect on their failures and to focus on creating a legacy through effective systems and processes. Also, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning as we approach the end of the year.As you listen: 00:00 The Cyclical Nature of Personal Development00:47 Strategic Planning for the New Year02:40 Financial Truths: The Apple Struggle03:37 Resilience Through Adversity06:27 Building Systems for Long-Term Success09:15 Growth and Business Analytics12:03 Global Reach and Audience Insights

In this episode of Power Women Wellness, Samantha Parker - content creator, podcast host, and founder of a full-scale content management company - shares her journey into digital storytelling and the lessons she's learned about building a powerful brand presence online. Samantha opens up about her sobriety journey and how it's shaped both her life and business, offering wisdom for entrepreneurs who turn to alcohol or "busyness" as coping mechanisms. We also dive into the biggest mistakes people make with their online presence, how to balance creativity with business growth, and what living a power woman wellness life looks like for her today. Connect with Samantha: Website Instagram --- Ready to work with us 1:1? You know, stop the guess work? Let's go! Request a free phone call to see how we can help you! Connect with us on   / nuvitruwellness   + TikTok (@nuvitruwellness) + ! If you're interested in all things Gut Health, Functional Nutrition, Hormones, Wellness + more, check out our other podcast called Functional Nutrition Wellness.

724. Being strategic at work is about focusing less on quantity—how much you can get done—and leaning instead on doing the right stuff in the wisest and most impactful ways. Here are three strategies to unlock that superpower. Modern Mentor is hosted by Rachel Cooke. A transcript is available at Simplecast.Have a question for Modern Mentor? Email us at modernmentor@quickanddirtytips.com.Find Modern Mentor on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, or subscribe to the newsletter to get more tips to fuel your professional success.Modern Mentor is a part of Quick and Dirty Tips.Links: https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-mentor-podcast/https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/modern-mentor-newsletterhttps://www.facebook.com/QDTModernMentorhttps://twitter.com/QDTModernMentor Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

"Every time I hear the word authentic, I throw up in my mouth a little." That's how Rory Vaden opens this raw and riveting conversation about one of personal branding's most overused—and misunderstood—buzzwords: authenticity. Alongside AJ Vaden, the two co-founders of Brand Builders Group debate, dissect, and redefine what it really means to be authentic in today's digital-first world. Is authenticity just curated vulnerability? Where's the line between connection and oversharing? And how do you know when it's finally time to tell the hard parts of your story? This episode isn't just talk—it's transformation. You'll leave with a practical, powerful framework for sharing your truth with courage, integrity, and intention—without damaging your brand or your relationships. In this episode, you'll discover: The real reason we're all obsessed with "authenticity" (and where it went off track) How to know if you're being honest… or just strategically vulnerable A simple two-rule test to decide if you're ready to share a story publicly Why your hard moments may be your most valuable brand assets The difference between transparency and privacy—and how to protect both If you're building a personal brand in a world full of filters, this episode is your clarity check.   CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE AUDIOBOOK!

Hey Winner, If social media is the billboard, your website is your front porch—the place where people land when they want to understand who you are, what you offer, and whether you can help them. And in an anti-social marketing strategy, your website becomes one of the most important tools for sustainable, long-term growth. In this episode of Your Anti-Social Advantage, we break down the three must-have pages every website needs, how to make your site clear and conversion-friendly, and why your website works even when you aren't online. No constant posting. No algorithm. Just clarity, intention, and a home that welcomes the right people in. Rooting for you ~ Gabe   New to the podcast? Start here: https://redhotmindset.com/podcast-start/   LISTEN TO HEAR: Why your website is the heart of anti-social marketing The 3 essential pages every site must have (and what goes on each) How to create a homepage that clearly communicates who you help and how The key elements of a conversion-ready “Work With Me” page Why your lead magnet page is one of your most powerful tools How to think about your website as a place of stewardship and seed-planting  

You can be doing “everything right” and still feel off: poor sleep, low energy, brain fog, and slipping motivation. This episode reframes the hidden factor many high-performing men overlook: regular social drinking. If you're a man in your 40s or 50s who drinks “normally” but feels like your performance is sliding, Clifford Stephan shares why a longer, strategic break (not a quick dry month) can help you reset sleep, mood, cravings, and resilience, without shame or extreme labels. About the Guest: Clifford Stephan is the founder of Booze Vacation, a men's health movement for high-performing men in their 40s and 50s. He studied nutritional science at Cal Poly SLO and spent over 20 years running a consulting business in Silicon Valley. Key Takeaways: Use a 3 to 6 month break to truly re-stabilize sleep, mood, and stress response Track drinks, last drink time, and morning energy to spot patterns fast Build a “social game plan” so events stay fun without alcohol Expect cravings for sugar and caffeine when sleep is disrupted Focus on sequence: stop the disruptor first, then optimize diet, training, recovery How to Connect With the Guest: Website: https://boozevacation.com/  Men's health assessment quiz: https://boozevacation.scoreapp.com/  Want to be a guest on Healthy Mind, Healthy Life? DM on PM - Send me a message on PodMatch DM Me Here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/avik Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. The views expressed are the personal opinions of the guest and do not reflect the views of the host or Healthy Mind By Avik™️. We do not intend to harm, defame, or discredit any person, organization, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned. All third-party media used remain the property of their respective owners and are used under fair use for informational purposes. By watching, you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer. Healthy Mind By Avik™️ is a global platform redefining mental health as a necessity, not a luxury. Born during the pandemic, it's become a sanctuary for healing, growth, and mindful living. Hosted by Avik Chakraborty, storyteller, survivor, and wellness advocate. With over 6000+ episodes and 200K+ global listeners, we unite voices, break stigma, and build a world where every story matters.

Send us a textA mix of product launches, acquisitions, funding rounds, and legal developments illustrates how enterprise software vendors are simultaneously accelerating innovation while navigating increasing market and regulatory complexity. Salesforce's updates to Marketing Cloud Next and Agentforce 3, alongside new capabilities from Cordial and SAP, point to a continued push toward AI-driven engagement, automation, and cloud-native commerce experiences. Strategic acquisitions by Accenture and SYSPRO reinforce the importance of deep industry and manufacturing expertise embedded within digital transformation platforms, while Unit4's ERPx release on Azure and Campfire's Series A funding highlight momentum behind modern, AI-first ERP architectures. At the same time, antitrust scrutiny involving SAP and investor investigations such as the Lamb Weston case underscore the growing governance, compliance, and risk considerations shaping the enterprise technology landscape. Collectively, these developments reflect a market evolving on multiple fronts—technological, structural, and regulatory—at the same time.In today's episode, we invited a panel of industry analysts for a live discussion on LinkedIn to analyze current enterprise software stories. We covered many grounds, including the direction and roadmaps of each enterprise software vendor. Finally, we analyzed future trends and how they might shape the enterprise software industry.Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj8yp0QFWSoQuestions for Panelists?

PREVIEW THE STRATEGIC FORTRESS OF SYRACUSE Colleague Professor James Romm. Romm details the military might of Syracuse under the Dionysius dynasty, specifically describing "the island," a peninsula connected to the mainland by a causeway. Protected by walls and a natural fresh water spring, this zone became an unassailable fortress that allowed the tyrants to withstand sieges. Analogy: Plato visiting Syracuse was like a theoretical physicist visiting an active nuclear reactor during a meltdown. He left the safe, theoretical environment of his Academy to study the dangerous, real-world "laboratory" of high-stakes power and tyranny. 16001

Another year ends, and once more, it's time to reflect on our creative goals. I hope you can take the time to review your goals and you're welcome to leave a comment below about how the year went. Did you achieve everything you wanted to? Let me know in the comments. It's always interesting looking back at my goals from a year ago, because I don't even look at them in the months between, so sometimes it's a real surprise how much they've changed! You can read my 2025 goals here and I go through how things went below. In the intro, Written Word Media 2025 Indie Author Survey Results, TikTok deal goes through [BBC]; 2025 review [Wish I'd Known Then; Two Authors], Kickstarter year in review; Plus, Anthropic settlement, the continued rise of AI-narrated audiobooks, and thinking/reasoning models (plus my 2019 AI disruption episode). My Bones of the Deep thriller, pics here, and Business for Authors webinars, coming soon. If you'd like to join my community and support the show every month, you'll get access to my growing list of Patron videos and audio on all aspects of the author business — for the price of a black coffee (or two) a month. Join us at Patreon.com/thecreativepenn. Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F. Penn. She's also an award-winning podcaster, creative entrepreneur, and international professional speaker. You can listen above or on your favorite podcast app or read the notes and links below. Here are the highlights and the full transcript is below. J.F. Penn books — Death Valley, The Buried and the Drowned, Blood Vintage Joanna Penn books — Successful Self-Publishing, 4th Edition The Creative Penn Podcast and my community on Patreon/thecreativepenn Unexpected addition: Masters in Death, Religion and Culture at the University of Winchester Book marketing. Not quite a fail but definitely lacklustre. Reflections on my 50th year Double down on being human. Travel and health. You can find all my books as J.F. Penn and Joanna Penn on your favourite online store in all the usual formats, or order from your local library or bookstore. You can also buy direct from me at CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com. I'm not really active on social media, but you can always see my photos at Instagram @jfpennauthor. J.F. Penn — Death Valley. A Thriller. This was my ‘desert' book, partially inspired by visiting Death Valley, California in 2024. It's a stand-alone, high stakes survival thriller, with no supernatural elements, although there are ancient bones and a hidden crypt, as it wouldn't be me otherwise! The Kickstarter campaign in April had 231 Backers pledging £10,794 (~US$14,400) and the hardback is a gorgeous foiled edition with custom end papers and research photos as well as a ribbon. As an AI-Assisted Artisan Author, I used AI tools to help with the creative and business processes, including the background image of the cover design, the custom end papers, and the Death Valley book trailer, which I made with Midjourney and Runway ML. The audiobook is also narrated by my J.F. Penn voice clone, which took a while to get used to, but now I love it! You can listen to a sample here. I published Death Valley wide a few months later over the summer, so it is now out on all platforms. J.F. Penn — Blood Vintage. A Folk Horror Novel, and Catacomb audiobook I did a Kickstarter for the hardback edition of Blood Vintage in late 2024, and then in 2025, worked with a US agent to see if we could get a deal for it. That didn't happen, and although there were some nice rejections, mostly it was silence, and the waiting around really was a pain in the proverbial. So, after a year on submission, I published Blood Vintage wide, so it's available everywhere now. My voice clone narrated the audiobook, listen to a sample here. I also finally produced the audiobook for Catacomb, which is a stand-alone thriller inspired by the movie Taken and the legend of Beowulf set in the catacombs under Edinburgh. I used a male voice from ElevenLabs, and you can listen to a sample here. The book is also available everywhere in all formats. J.F. Penn — The Buried and the Drowned Short Story Collection One of my goals for 2025 was to get my existing short stories into print, mainly because they exist only as digital ebook and audiobook files, which in a way, feels like they almost don't exist! Plus, I wanted to write an extra two exclusive stories and launch the special edition collection on Kickstarter Collection and then publish wide. I wrote the two stories, The Black Church, inspired by my Iceland trip in March, and also Between Two Breaths, inspired by an experience scuba diving at the Poor Knights Islands in New Zealand almost two decades ago. There are personal author's notes accompanying every story, so it's part-short story fiction, part-memoir, and I human-narrated the audiobook. I achieved this goal with a Kickstarter in September, 2025, with 206 Backers pledging almost £8000 (~US$10,600) for the various editions. I also did my first patterned sprayed edges and I love the hardback. It has head and tail bands which make the hardback really strong, gorgeous paper, foiling, a ribbon, colour photos, and custom end papers. The Buried and the Drowned is now out everywhere in all editions. As ever, if you enjoy the stories, a review would be much appreciated! Joanna Penn Books for Authors Early in the year, How to Write Non-Fiction Second Edition launched wide as I only sold it through my store in 2024, so it's available everywhere in all formats including a special hardback and workbook at CreativePennBooks.com. While I didn't write it in 2025, I made the money on it this year, which is important! I also unexpectedly wrote the Fourth Edition of Successful Self-Publishing, mainly because I saw so much misinformation and hype around selling direct, and I also wanted to write about how many options there are for indie authors now. The ebook and audiobook (narrated by human me) are free on my store, CreativePennBooks.com and also available in print, in all the usual places. If you haven't revisited options for indie authors for a while, please have a read/listen, as the industry moves fast! All my fiction and non-fiction audiobooks are now on YouTube After an inspiring episode with Derek Slaton, I put all my audiobooks and short stories on YouTube. Firstly, my non-fiction channel is monetised so I get some income from that. It's not much, but it's something. More importantly, it's marketing for my books, and many audiobook listeners go on to buy other editions especially non-fiction listeners who will often buy print as well. I'm one of those listeners! It's also doubling down on being human, since I human narrate most of my audiobooks, including almost all of my non-fiction, as well as the memoir, and short stories. This helps bring people into my ecosystem and they may listen to the podcast as well and end up buying other books or joining the Patreon. Finally, in an age of generative AI assisted search recommendations, I want my books and content inside Gemini, which is Google's AI. I want my books surfaced in recommendations and YouTube is owned by Google, and their AI overviews often point to videos. Only you can decide what you want to do with your audiobooks, but if you want to listen to mine, they are on YouTube @thecreativepenn for non-fiction or YouTube @jfpennauthor for fiction and memoir. The Creative Penn Podcast and my Patreon Community It's been another full year of The Creative Penn Podcast and this is episode 842, which is kind of crazy. If you don't know the back story, I started podcasting in March 2009 on a sporadic schedule and then went to weekly about a decade ago in 2015 when I committed to making it a core part of my author business. Thanks to our wonderful corporate sponsors for the year, all services I personally use and recommend — ProWritingAid, Draft2Digital, Kobo Writing Life, Bookfunnel, Written Word Media, Publisher Rocket and Atticus. It's also been a fantastic year inside my Patreon Community at patreon.com/thecreativepenn so thanks to all Patrons! I love the community we have as I am able to share my unfiltered thoughts in a way that I have stopped doing in the wider community. Even a tiny paywall makes a big difference in keeping out the haters. I've done monthly audio Q&As which are extra solo shows answering patron questions. I've also done several live office hours on video, and shared content every week on AI tools, writing and author business tips. Patrons also get discounts on my webinars. I did two webinars on The AI-Assisted Artisan Author, which I am planning to run again sometime in 2026 as they were a lot of fun and so much continues to change. If you get value from the show and you want more, come on over and join us at patreon.com/thecreativepenn We have almost 1400 paying members now which is wonderful. Thanks for being part of the Community! Unexpected goal of the year: Masters in Death, Religion and Culture at the University of Winchester During the summer as I did my gothic research, I realised that I was feeling quite jaded about the publishing world and sick of the drama in the author community over AI. My top 5 Clifton Strengths are Learner, Intellection, Strategic, Input, and Futuristic — and I needed more Input and Learning. I usually get that from travel and book research, but I wasn't getting enough of that since Jonathan is busy finishing his MBA. So I decided to lean into the learning and asked ChatGPT to research some courses I could do that would suit me. It found the Masters in Death, Religion and Culture at the University of Winchester, which I could do full-time and online. It would be a year of reading quite different things, writing academic essays which is something I haven't done for decades, and hanging out with a new group of people who were just as fascinated with macabre topics as I am. I started in September and have now finished the first term, tackling topics around thanatology and death studies, hell and the afterlife in the Christian tradition, and the ethics of using human remains to inspire fiction, amongst other interesting things. It was a challenge to get back into the style of academic essay writing, but I'm enjoying the rigour of the research and the citations, which is something that the indie author community needs more of, a topic I will revisit in 2026. I have found the topics fascinating, and the degree is a great way to expand my mind in a new direction, and distract me from the dramas of the author community. I'll be back into it in mid-January and will finish in September 2026. Book marketing. Not quite a fail but definitely lacklustre. I said I would “Do a monthly book marketing plan and organise paid ad campaigns per month for revolving first books in series and my main earners.” I didn't do this! I also said I would organise my Shopify stores, CreativePennBooks.com and JFPennBooks.com into more collections to make it easier for readers to find things they might want to buy. While I did change the theme of CreativePennBooks.com over to Impulse to make it easier to find collections, I haven't done much to reorganise or add new pathways through the books. I'm rolling this part of the goal into 2026. I said I would reinvigorate my content marketing for JFPenn, and make more of BooksAndTravel.page with links back to my stores, and do fiction specific content marketing with the aim of surfacing more in the LLMs as generative search expands. I did a number of episodes on Books and Travel in 2025, but once I started the Masters, I had to leave that aside, and although I have started some extra content on JFPennBooks.com, I am not overly enthusiastic about it! I also said I would “Leverage AI tools to achieve more as a one-person business.” I use AI tools (mainly ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini) every day for different things but as ever, I am pretty scatter gun about what I do. I lean into intuition and I love research so I am more likely to ask the AI tools to do a deep research report on south Pacific merfolk mythology, or how gothic architecture impacted sacred music, or geology and deep time, rather than asking for marketing hooks. I intended to use more AI for book marketing, but as ever, I was too optimistic about the timeline of what might be possible. There's lots you can do with prompting, finessing things and then posting on various platforms, but I'm not interested in spending time doing that. My gold standard for an AI assistant is to feed it the finished book and then say, “Here's a budget. Go market this,” and not have to connect lots of things together into some Frankenstein-workflow. That's not available yet. Maybe in 2026 … Of course, I still do book marketing. I have to in order to sell any books and make money from book sales. We all have to do some kind of book marketing! I have my Kickstarter launches which I put effort into, as well as consistent backlist sales fed by the podcast, and my email newsletter (my combined list is around 60K). I have auto campaigns running on Amazon Ads, and I have used Written Word Media campaigns as well as BookBub throughout the year. This is basically the minimum, so as usual, must do better! I'm pretty sure I'm not the only author saying this! However, my business has multiple streams of income, and I have the podcast sponsorship revenue as well as the Patreon, plus sporadic webinars, which add to my bottom line and don't require paid advertising at all. Reflections on my 50th year I woke up on my 50th birthday in March in Iceland, by the Black Church of Budir out on the Skaefellsnes peninsula. As seals played in the sea and we walked in the snow over the ancient lava field under the gaze of the volcano that inspired Jules Verne Journey to the Centre of the Earth, and my short story, The Black Church, which you can find in my collection, The Buried and the Drowned. On that trip, we also saw the northern lights and had a memorable trip that marked a real shift for me. I've been told by lots of people that 50 is a ‘proper' birthday, as in one of those that makes you stop and reconsider things, and it has indeed been that, although I have also found the last few years of perimenopause to be a large part of the change as well. A big shift is around priorities and not caring so much what other people think, which is a relief in many ways. Also, I don't have the patience to do things that I don't think are worth doing for the longer term, and I am appreciating a quieter life. I'd rather lie in a sunbeam and read with Cashew and Noisette next to me then create marketing assets or spend time on social media. I'd rather go for a walk with Jonathan than go to a conference or networking event. In my Pilgrimage memoir, I quote an anonymous source, “Pilgrim, pass by that which you do not love.” It's a powerful message, and I take it to mean, stop listening to people who tell you what is important. Listen to yourself more and only pay attention to that which you feel drawn to explore. On pilgrimage, it might be turning away from the supposedly important shrine of a saint to go and sit in nature and feel closer to God that way. In our author lives, it might be turning away from the things that just feel wrong for us, and leaning into what is enjoyable, that which feels worthwhile, that which we want to keep doing for the long term. Let's face it, as always, that is the writing, the thinking, the imagination. As ever, I have this mantra on my wall: “Measure your life by what you create.” It's the creation side of things that we love and that's what we need to remember when everything else gets a little much. Many authors left social media in 2025, and while I haven't left it altogether, I don't use it much. I post pictures proving I am human on Instagram @jfpennauthor which automatically post to Facebook. I barely check my pages on Facebook though. I'm also still on X with a carefully curated feed that I mainly use to learn new cool AI things which I share with my Patreon Community. Double down on being human. Travel and health. Yes, I am a human author, and yes, I continue to age! When you've been publishing a while, you need to update your author photos periodically and I finally had a photoshoot I loved with Betty Bhandari Photography, which means I can add the new pics to my websites and the back of my books. Are you up to date with your author photos? (or at least within a decade of the last photoshoot?!) Here are a few of the pictures on Instagram @jfpennauthor. Healthwise, I gave up calisthenics as it was too much on top of the powerlifting and the amount of walking I do. I did another British Powerlifting competition in September in the M2 category (based on age) and 63kgs category (based on weight). Deadlift: 95kgs. Squat: 60kgs. BenchPress: 37.5kgs. While this is less overall than last year, I also weigh less, so I'm actually stronger based on lift to body weight percentage. I have also done a few pull-ups in the last week with no band, which I am thrilled with! On the travel side, Iceland was the big trip, and I also had a weekend in Berlin for the film festival, where I met up with a producer and a director around an adaptation of my Day of the Vikings thriller. That didn't pan out, as most of these things don't, but I certainly learned a lot about the industry — and why it doesn't suit me! Once again, I dipped my toe into screenwriting and then ran away, as has happened multiple times over the years. When will I learn? … Over the summer of 2025, I visited lots of gothic cathedrals including Lichfield, Rochester, Durham, York, and revisiting Canterbury, as part of my book research for the Gothic Cathedral book. I have tens of thousands of words on this project, but it isn't ready yet, so this is carried over into 2026 as it might happen then, depending on the Masters. I spoke at Author Nation in Las Vegas in November 2025, and before it started, I visited (Lower) Antelope Canyon, one of the places on my bucket list, and it did not disappoint. What a special place and no doubt it will appear in a story at some point! How did your 2025 go? I hope your 2025 had some wonderful times as well as no doubt some challenges — and that you have time for reflection as the year turns once more. Let me know in the comments whether you achieved your creative goals and any other reflections you'd like to share.The post Review Of My 2025 Creative And Business Goals With Joanna Penn first appeared on The Creative Penn.

HALSEY'S AGGRESSION AND STRATEGIC DEBATES Colleague Craig Symonds. Fearing the loss of Guadalcanal, Nimitz replaced the cautious Ghormley with Bill Halsey, whose aggressive "Kill Japs" attitude boosted morale. While Nimitz valued Halsey's pugnacity for "cavalry charges," he recognized the risks of his temperament. Halsey surprisingly bonded with General Douglas MacArthur, despite the rivalry between the Navy's Central Pacificstrategy and the Army's push to return to the Philippines. This strategic divide required a summit with President Roosevelt in Hawaii to resolve whether to island-hop toward Formosa or support MacArthur's pledge to liberate the Philippines. NUMBER 4 1945 1ST MARINES.OKINAWA

In this episode of The PPDB Situation Report: We begin in Ukraine, where another brutal year of war has upended long-held assumptions on both sides of the battlefield. What's changed, what hasn't, and what it tells us about where the conflict is heading next. Joining us to break it all down is George Barros from the Institute for the Study of War. Later in the show, we shift our focus to the Far East, where strategic competition continues to intensify across the region—from Beijing's long-term ambitions to Washington's evolving posture. We'll be joined by Steve Yates from The Heritage Foundation to break it all down. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Stash Financial: Don't Let your money sit around. Go to https://get.stash.com/PDB to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase. Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold ExpressVPN: Visit https://ExpressVPN.com/baker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices