Podcasts about strengthening

Dr. Amanda Hanson, a leading voice in psychology among women, visits Expansive with Erin for a talk about what it takes to expand into the fullest version of yourself. Dr. Amanda is on a quest to help women across the globe stop hiding, connect with their magnetic feminine energy, and claim their sense of self-worth so that they can reach their dreams. You'll be expanded by conversations about: Letting go of the limiting narratives in order to expand and become more visible Why success and visibility can sometimes feel unsafeHow to shift anxiety into excitement when experiencing growth Strengthening your intuition and building trust in your inner voice The realities that can arise when you achieve and surpass your dreamsJoin Dr. Amanda in October at Magnetic, and follow her on Instagram @midlife.museIf you're ready for expansion and want to do it within an incredible community of women, join us inside of The Expansive Mastermind. Join Erin at the Expansive Retreat Oct 23-25 in Santa Monica, CA! Join the Waitlist for The Expansive Community Subscribe to the podcast to make sure you never miss an episode. Connect with Erin:⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠WebsiteSupport Our Sponsors: BIOOPTIMIZERS - Get 15% off any order by visiting https://bioptimizers.com/erinJONES ROAD BEAUTY - Get a free Cool Gloss on your first purchase when you use the code ERIN at checkout https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com/TUMBLE RUGS - Get 10% plus free shipping by visiting https://www.tumbleliving.com/erinHELLOFRESH - Go to hellofresh.ca and use the code RAWBEAUTYTALKS for 50% off your next order. KNIX - Go to knix.com and use code RAWBEAUTYTALKS for 20% off your next order.MITOPURE GUMMIES - Go to ⁠Timeline.com/ERIN⁠ and use the code ERIN for 20% off. LOLA BLANKETS - Go to LolaBlankets.com and use the code RAWBEAUTYTALKS for 35% off. SUPERBELLY POWDERS - Go to ⁠www.itsblume.com⁠ and use code RAWBEAUTYTALKS for 15% off.AQUTRU WATER FILTERS - Go to www.aquatru.com and use code RAWBEAUTYTALKS for 20% off. Please use link on left side of checkout page, not the coupon code box on the right. COWBOY COLOSTRUM - Use code RAWBEAUTYTALKS at CowboyColostrum.com for 25%off⁠Leave Expansive with Erin a rating and a review on Apple Podcasts⁠! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this powerful episode of Beliefcast, I sit down with Katie Lowder, a Top 500 Realtor in Utah with nearly two decades of experience helping families navigate life's biggest transitions. Katie shares how faith, relationships, service, and compassion have become the foundation of both her business and her life.   This conversation goes far beyond real estate. It's about purpose, resilience, family, leadership, gratitude, and learning to use your gifts to uplift those around you.   Katie also shares insights from motherhood, community service, personal growth, and what it means to truly live with joy and intention.   Listen to her inspiring story on the Beliefcast, Apple Podcasts, and all streaming platforms.   … #Beliefcast #ToddSylvester #KatieLowder #Faith #Purpose #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #Service #Compassion #Community #FamilyFirst #Gratitude #ChooseJoy #inspiration   Follow Katies's journey here: IG:  @katielowder IG:  @katielowderrealestate LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-lowder-70021914/ FB:  https://www.facebook.com/katie.stapletonlowder Web:  https://katherinelowder.equityrealestateusa.com/   ….. Special thanks to our Sponsors: Craig Swapp & Associates @craigswappandassociates Wasatch Recovery @wasatchrecovery Minky Couture @minkycouture Music by Paul Cardall @paulcardall

Reliable emergency medical services require sustained investments in equipment, workforce development, and preparedness. In this episode, ASTHO member and Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Debra Bogen discusses how the state's latest $6.6 million investment in EMS is improving patient care, supporting first responders, and strengthening emergency response across Pennsylvania. Dr. Bogen explains how regional EMS agencies are using new funding to purchase advanced equipment like video laryngoscopes and lift-assist devices, expand training opportunities, and recruit and retain the next generation of EMTs and paramedics. She also highlights how Pennsylvania uses EMS performance data to measure outcomes, improve quality, and identify areas for additional support.Leading Change October 2026DELPH Power of Leadership Micro-Conference

His mission is to help 100,000 families just like yours achieve financial clarity. As a husband, father, coach, and active community volunteer, he understands the freedom that comes from sound financial planning.Over the past 15 years, he worked his way up from intern to CFP® Financial Advisor, eventually becoming a firm owner before the age of forty. He shares the financial education he was fortunate to receive through podcasts, his book "The Financial Pinwheel," and a variety of online resources.Growing up in Northern New Jersey, he saw firsthand how many people commuted into New York City, working 80-hour weeks in pursuit of financial security—often at the expense of their well-being. He once expected to follow the same path, until a college professor introduced him to a guest speaker who called himself a Financial Planner. This encounter opened his eyes to a career dedicated to helping every day, middle-class families—people just like him.During his internship, he offered to create a financial plan for his mother, a single parent who had returned to work to support their family. Witnessing the relief and confidence his plan gave her; she danced in his office—confirmed his calling. From that moment, he knew he wanted to help others experience the same sense of security and hope. https://www.thefinancialpinwheel.com/abouthttp://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show

In Episode 675 of the New Media Show, host Rob Greenlee welcomes Cameron Stack, founder and curator of Recognized.fm, for a conversation about podcast awards, creator credibility, industry recognition, and the growing business behind awards, nominations, platform distinctions, editorial selections, and career honors. Podcast awards can be easy to dismiss as another trophy or promotional exercise. Credible recognition can have a much larger impact on a creator, a show, a network, or a media company. An award nomination or win can strengthen a media kit, support sponsor conversations, attract better guests, generate press coverage, and give prospective listeners another reason to take a show seriously. The difficult part is deciding which awards deserve the investment. Podcasting now has a wide recognition ecosystem that includes juried competitions, audience-voted awards, editorial selections, regional programs, platform honors, niche-category awards, professional distinctions, and lifetime-achievement recognition such as the Podcast Hall of Fame. Cameron created Recognized.fm to organize this expanding market and help creators understand their options. Recognized currently tracks more than 100 audio and podcast awards, with information that can be filtered by factors such as geographic scope, entry fees, voting format, and prestige.  They discuss why creators should begin with a clear objective before paying to submit. A widely known international award may bring general visibility, while a smaller award focused on a creator's profession, region, language, or subject category may carry more influence with the people they most want to reach. Example 1: A medical podcast may receive greater credibility in healthcare than from a broad entertainment competition. Example 2: A true-crime show may benefit more from an award respected by that community than from competing across every podcast genre. Submission fees also need to be considered. Independent creators may only have the budget to enter one or two competitions, while networks and larger publishers can treat award submissions as part of a broader marketing strategy. Cameron explains why creators should compare costs against potential returns in visibility, authority, business development, audience growth, and professional validation. The judging process matters just as much as the entry fee. Creators should understand who operates the award, how judges are selected, what criteria are used, whether the process is transparent, and how much weight the recognition will carry with the intended audience. Every award has its own purpose and incentives. Some are selected by industry juries. Others rely on fan voting, editorial judgment, platform data, or a combination of methods. Recognized.fm is building a clearer taxonomy so creators can understand those differences before committing their time and money.  Awards also function as social proof. Audiences already use ratings, reviews, trailers, artwork, recommendations, and visible audience activity to decide whether a show deserves attention. A respected award or nomination adds another outside signal that the work has been evaluated and recognized. The recognition can strengthen sponsor decks, improve outreach to potential guests, support speaking opportunities, and help creators position themselves as credible voices within a category. The impact can continue long after the ceremony, as recognition becomes part of the creator's biography, website, introductions, and business materials. We also explore the larger “recognition economy”. Awards are one part of an industry that includes trophy manufacturers, submission platforms, consultants, event producers, sponsors, judging systems, media organizations, and the businesses that support professional recognition. As creator-led media grows, new awards will continue to emerge around podcasts, YouTube shows, livestreaming, newsletters, social video, and other online formats. Established awards will also need to adapt as audiences and media habits change. Artificial intelligence will bring another layer of change. Cameron expects AI-related categories and dedicated AI awards to emerge as organizations seek ways to recognize new forms of production and technological achievement. Rob raises the trust questions that will accompany that shift, especially when established human-centered awards begin considering synthetic or substantially AI-generated work. The episode closes with a look at the physical trophies themselves. Cameron shares examples from the Webbys, Signal Awards, iHeartPodcast Awards, international design competitions, and other recognition programs. A memorable trophy can become a visible symbol of the award and extend its value through videos, studio sets, social posts, and public appearances. For creators, producers, networks, and media companies, Episode 675 provides a practical framework for deciding when awards are worth pursuing, how to evaluate them, and how credible recognition can support broader media and business strategies. Topics Covered in This Episode * Why credible podcast recognition matters * Cameron Stack's background in podcast production * The development of Recognized.fm * Juried, fan-voted, editorial, regional, and platform awards * How creators should decide which awards to enter * Submission fees and potential return on investment * Broad awards compared with niche recognition * Awards as social proof for listeners and sponsors * Strengthening media kits and guest outreach * Podcast Hall of Fame and career recognition * Judging standards, transparency, and organizational bias * The larger recognition economy * AI-generated content and future award categories * Creator-native awards and legacy media ceremonies * Why memorable trophy design matters Chapter Time Stamp Markers: 00:00 Why podcast awards and recognition matter 02:05 Cameron Stack and the origin of Recognized.fm 04:08 Recognition expands beyond traditional podcast awards 05:47 Building a comprehensive guide to audio awards 07:34 Should every creator submit to awards? 10:23 The full podcast recognition ecosystem 11:56 What creators gain from recognition 13:33 Broad awards compared with niche awards 15:00 Editorial selections and platform recognition 17:16 Awards as credibility and social proof 19:03 Measuring the return from an award 21:39 Mapping the taxonomy of podcast awards 24:52 Inside the Recognized.fm platform 26:03 Events, jobs, and recognition-industry resources 28:09 Future award discovery and submission tools 29:54 Niche communities and the demand for recognition 31:52 Judging standards, transparency, and trust 34:15 Submission fees, bias, and due diligence 38:23 How AI may reshape awards 40:59 AI categories, positioning, and possible backlash 43:22 The growing recognition economy 46:01 Creator-native awards and legacy ceremonies 48:06 Why the physical trophy matters 52:27 The Webbys, Lovie Awards, and digital recognition 53:31 iHeartPodcast Awards and major-industry trophies 54:53 Signal Awards, the Ambies, and podcast trophy design 56:00 Recognized.fm and closing thoughts 58:49 End of episode Guest Links: Cameron Stack, Founder and Curator, Recognized.fm Recognized.fm: https://recognized.fm Podcast Awards Taxonomy: https://recognized.fm/podcast-awards About Recognized: https://recognized.fm/about-recognized Recognized Newsletter: https://recognized.substack.com Cameron Stack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-stack Recognized.fm, curated by Cameron Stack, focuses on making the awards and recognition industry easier to understand and navigate.  Rob Greenlee and New Media Show Links Rob Greenlee Website: https://robgreenlee.com New Media Show: https://newmediashow.com New Media Show Audio on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-media-show-audio/id392545649 New Media Show on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@TheNewMediaShow Rob Greenlee on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@RobGreenlee Podcast Hall of Fame: https://podcasthall.com About Trust Factor Lab Trust Factor Lab helps creators, media leaders, executives, and brands build stronger audience trust across AI, video, podcasts, and creator-led media. Founded by Rob Greenlee, it focuses on media positioning, content strategy, authority development, AI transparency, audience growth, and trust-centered business outcomes. AI Disclosure Note: I used AI tools to help organize and edit this episode and its description, then create chapter markers from the episode transcript. The editorial direction, final review, industry perspective, and responsibility for the published content remain mine. The discussion reflects the views expressed by my guest and me during the recorded conversation.The post Why Podcast and Creator Awards Matter | Cameron Stack, Recognized.fm #675 first appeared on New Media Show.

In this episode, Dave Estorge, vice president of rural strategy at FMOL Health, shares how building authentic relationships with rural hospitals, improving care coordination, and expanding transfer collaboration are strengthening access to care. He also discusses why humility, trust, and mission-driven leadership are essential to supporting rural communities and improving patient outcomes.

Where did modern Freemasonry really begin?For eleven episodes we've explored ancient traditions, medieval guilds, political movements, master builders, and competing origin theories.Now we arrive at the final battlefield of Brother Kenneth R.H. Mackenzie's 12 Origin Theories of Freemasonry.Did Freemasonry begin in 1717?Or is 1717 simply the point where the historical record becomes clear enough for us to follow the Craft with confidence?In this episode we investigate the role of Dr. John Theophilus Desaguliers, the formation of the first Grand Lodge of London, Anderson's Constitutions, and one of the most important distinctions in Masonic history:The difference between the birth of an institution and the beginning of its documentary record.In This Episode• Theory #12 of Mackenzie's 12 Origin Theories• John Theophilus Desaguliers• The Grand Lodge of London (1717)• The Goose and Gridiron Alehouse• Anderson's Constitutions (1723)• Why organization is different from invention• Documentary evidence vs. tradition• The conclusion of Campaign OneBattlefield QuestionDid Desaguliers create modern Freemasonry......or did he help organize something that had already been developing for generations?Continue the InvestigationRoyal Masonic Cyclopaedia (1877)https://archive.org/details/royalmasoniccycl00mackAnderson's Constitutions (1723)https://archive.org/details/constitutionsoff00andeThe Regius Manuscripthttps://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/regius.htmThe Cooke Manuscripthttps://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/cooke.htmInternet Archivehttps://archive.orgSacred Textshttps://www.sacred-texts.comCampaign One CompleteWe've completed Brother Kenneth Mackenzie's twelve origin theories.Next, the Origin War enters a new phase as we examine the Ten Origin Theories presented before Ars Quatuor Coronatorum in 2000.The investigation continues.Strengthening the Craft... one degree at a time.

Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Richard Fordyce explains the Strengthening Processing for U.S. Ranchers (SPUR) program. Rod Bain with USDA has the story. USDA Radio NewslineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back with the third episode in our series on the podcast in which we're working our way through Pam's book, The Unschooling Journey: A Field Guide. Today, we're continuing our exploration of the deschooling phase of the journey with stage seven: Shifting From Control to Connection. Last time, we questioned our beliefs about learning and now, we’re questioning our beliefs about parenting. We talked about how parenting doesn’t have to be adults vs children, that children are capable of making their own choices, that equal doesn’t mean fair, how quitting is not a failure, and how strong relationships are the key. We also remembered to allow ourselves the time and space to grow and change. Exploring these parenting mindset shifts was so much fun! We hope you find this episode helpful! Watch the video of our conversation on YouTube. THINGS WE MENTION IN THIS EPISODE Learn more about Pam's book, The Unschooling Journey: A Field Guide. We invite you to join us in the Living Joyfully Network, a warm and welcoming online community of like-hearted parents. It's a non-judgmental space where you can steep in these unconventional ideas around parenting, relationships, and learning, and explore what they might look like day-to-day in your uniquely wonderful family. We offer a free month trial so you can see if it's a good fit for you. Click here to join us. Sign up to our mailing list on Substack to receive our email newsletters as well as new articles about learning, parenting, and so much more! Check out our website, livingjoyfully.ca for more information about exploring unschooling and navigating relationships. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT PAM: Hello everyone, I’m Pam Laricchia from Living Joyfully and I’m joined today by my co-hosts Anna Brown and Erika Ellis. Hello to you both. And we are back with another episode in our “A Field Guide” series. We are working our way through my book, “The Unschooling Journey: A Field Guide”, which is framed around the hero’s journey and is a weave of myths, contemporary stories, and tales from my own journey. And we are deep in the de-schooling phase of our journey right now. In the last episode of the series, which was episode 408, we dug into some of the popular conventional paradigms about learning and found new truths buried in there. And as we continue our journey on the road of trials, in this stage, which is stage seven, we are exploring some unconventional truths about parenting. If you’re newer to unschooling and this is your first time exploring these truths, you’re likely dancing with these ideas more intellectually to just understand what they mean, what are we talking about, and maybe some of the further reaching implications that come along with it. And if you’ve been unschooling for a while and feel like you already intellectually embraced these ideas and have been bringing them into your family’s lives, now’s the time to peel back some more layers to build more connections and contacts around them. Strengthening your web of understanding with your own experiences, building your wisdom around this. And this is where you move towards, what feels to me anyway, believing these truths in your bones, you own them. These are your truths. So, the first truth that we’re going to explore is that parenting is not adults versus children. And right off with that phrase, there are so many aspects to that one truth. Does the conventional approach of pitting adults against children really make sense for us? What assumptions are we making if we believe that to be true? Does it mesh with our experiences with our own children and with the families that we see around us? The presumption of parental power over children is definitely widespread in our culture. We are meant to assume good parenting means power struggles will happen, a battle of wills over whatever the issue at hand happens to be. Yet many of us see right in front of us that it’s a draining and stressful way to live. And that so many adults who grew up in that environment continue to have strained relationships with their parents. That’s always been a curious one for me. So what if, let’s play with what if we choose to drop the assumption that the one right way to successfully parent is to exert power over your child to ensure that they do the right thing at the right moment? It can be challenging when we have little idea of what else to do. Because shifting away from power and control doesn’t mean doing nothing. So to that end, I personally found it really helpful on my journey to focus on connecting with my child rather than directing them. That’s what I could do instead. That helped me shift my energy in the moment to be open to seeing more of what was actually happening rather than that tunnel vision that comes with trying to control something to go one particular way and my way. And to instead get curious about how they were seeing the moment too, recognizing them as other human beings who are with me in this moment, not ones I’m trying to show the right way to go. Anyway, I found this a huge part of my unschooling journey. ANNA: Oh my gosh, it really is this fundamental shift that changes everything. And I feel like we’re handed these ideas about parenting and what the dynamic between parents and kids should look like. This does not feel innate to me. It really feels like something that’s coming from outside. And I truly don’t believe that it feels good to anyone to be locked in power struggles with the people they love most in the world. And I think people press on because they think they’re supposed to. They think this is how it is. This is what I have to do. Even when they have these niggling feelings inside that it doesn’t feel good and I don’t want to interact with my family this way. Because it really just doesn’t make any logical sense. Control, manipulation, and punishments do not work well in any healthy relationship. So take it outside of that parent-child dynamic. It does not work. These are not tools we want our kids to use. They aren’t the tools that we use in our close relationships as adults. So why would we want to bring those tools into the relationship with these beings we cherish above all else? Why would we want to model that? That just never made sense to me. The idea that really helped me the most was understanding that needs drive behaviors. So behind every behavior is an unmet need. Conventional parenting is about controlling behavior, but it never gets at that underlying need where change can actually happen. And if we look for that underlying need and address it, what you find is that behavior that may be offending or challenging at the time can really melt away because the need is being met. And not only that, but it deepens our understanding of each other and our connection. Like you were talking about Pam, that’s how we get to that connected piece by understanding each other. And so for me, that kind of defines the shift from control to connection, from trying to control behaviors, to connecting to understand the needs and address them together. And once there, it just feels better to everyone. And in that environment, we are all learning critical relationship skills that set us up for success, how to express our needs, how to hear another person’s needs, how to problem solve together to meet the needs. That will play out over and over and over again in every relationship in our life, from the clerk at the post office to our closest partner. And that is where I wanted to spend my energy on us all fine tuning those skills together in a safe environment. ERIKA: I agree. This is such a game changer. Moving from that power over dynamic that we’re all so familiar with just from living in our culture, to this place of connection. It just makes such a huge difference in my relationship with my children. And really, like you’re saying my relationship with everyone. And I think it’s surprising to people when they first think about this or first see it in action, because people are not used to this dynamic. I’ve had many experiences, in relating to my kids, friends, with teenagers who are just like, what is this? This is an adult who’s not just trying to tell us to stop, an adult who’s just telling us what to do, or an adult who’s criticizing and judging everything that we do. I’m an adult who is interested in them and wants to hear what they are interested in. And I just have had so many comments like, this is so weird to me, my parents don’t want to hear about this, that I don’t understand this idea of adults who are nice to us. And I think a lot of teenagers have that experience, it really feels like adults are just against them. And so I think it's kind of mind blowing. It really surprises people. But it helps me to remember how I felt when I was a child, and how I felt like I was a whole person, and then people would treat me like I wasn’t, but I knew that I was. And so that feeling is the feeling that kids have. And so the power over dynamic does not make sense to them, it does not feel good to them. We can have people pleasing kids who go along with it. And then we can have kids who push against it, because it doesn’t make logical sense, and it feels terrible. And then about those kids we'll say, Oh, they’re a difficult child or whatever. But kids are people too. We’re all people. And so if I think about how I would have preferred to be treated when I was a kid, that’s a good place for me to start, with respecting children and not wielding my power over them. And what I’ve found in my family is that it’s just so peaceful. Our interactions have a lot more peace, understanding, and mutual respect. There’s not a reason for them to be pushing back so hard against me. There’s not a reason for them to ignore everything I say, because they think I’m just trying to control them. All of those elements that you typically see in mainstream media relationships between teens and adults, it’s just not there. It’s just so much more peaceful. And I think that helps all of us, it helps all of our nervous systems to not constantly be in battle with each other. And it has that feeling of, we’re solving problems together, you’re talking about the underlying needs versus me trying to force my will on to someone else regardless of what they want. And so again, these are our most important, most treasured relationships. So I just think why would we want to bring that power over dynamic into that space that’s so important to us. PAM: I know, I love that. I love all the little bits you guys brought to it. I love having this conversation. But when you think back on, especially, the teen relationships and the teen years, it’s like, oh my gosh, what a huge difference. I didn’t have a lot of conflict with my parents. But I also basically didn’t have a lot of conversations with them at that point, right? Because you knew they were, from best of intentions, but only looking through their eyes. It's about how they think you should do something. So much of it is their baggage from their experiences, right? And I want you to have a better life. It’s almost like inhuman expectations that they share and put on you, like, if I could help my child be the perfect teen into an adult and launch into that whole thing. Those are the kinds of stories that they’re bringing. And yeah, it just feels like one demand after another, right in the conversation. So you don’t start the conversations for the most part. Because you know where they’re going to go. So I, why set myself up for that, right? So that’s the distance that conventionally you see with teens and parents. If we don’t talk, then I'll never know what they’re bringing with those stories. I think when you tweak it to the kid, older kids, like wanting to build their independence, absolutely. That doesn’t mean the connection’s different. The connection is still strong. It’s still there. Of course they can do that. But I think we tend to blame all of that on the teens wanting independence, but so much of it is just because they are bucking against the control, right? ANNA: Absolutely. It’s just so disconnecting. PAM: So, the second truth we are going to dive into is that children are capable of making choices. And this is another one I think can be so surprising for people to discover, right? Because conventionally many parents make most of their children’s decisions for them. Just believing that they’re modeling the right thing to do. And then assuming that their children have learned it and will make those same choices when they grow up and are finally in control of their own lives. And again, most often it’s not done with any malice, right? We love our kids and we want them to learn good choices. But what if we aren’t telling our kids what choices to make? What do we do instead? Again, because it’s not about doing nothing. It’s not about leaving them to their own devices, all these phrases that you hear getting tossed about. It’s about processing with them. What are their questions in this moment? How are they seeing things? What choice makes sense to them? When we aren’t struggling with our kids and are actively trying to nurture that secure and supportive environment, they have the space to consider things from various angles. And make the choice that makes the most sense to them in this particular moment. And have conversations with us about it both before and after the thing. They learn how to make choices by making choices. And I think a key thing to remember as we make this shift in our parenting is to recognize that their choice may well be different from the choice that we would make in similar circumstances. Because, again, people are different. People are so different. I love how different people are. ERIKA: Yes, and I’m so glad you ended with people are different because I really think that is the key here. If I stay stuck thinking that what I would do in this case is the only right answer in that situation, then it can feel impossible to allow my children to make a different decision. But since they’re different people, it doesn’t really even make sense for me to try to impose my preferences on them. Because that takes away their learning. It takes away my learning about them. They can trust me as a sounding board if they want. But if my kids have the space to make their own choices about their own lives, which, you know, maybe that is a big paradigm shift right there, realizing that these are their lives, not mine. I don’t own their life as their parent. Then they can add to their own web of learning about what works for them. So how their choices play out for them will be so much more meaningful if they were the ones who made the original choice. If they’re just doing something that I suggested, and then however it works out, it’s like, why do they even care? It doesn’t really have that same sort of importance to them, because they didn’t choose it. I love the point too, about the opposite of us making choices for them is doing nothing. And it really is not that. It’s being present, building that trust, being trustworthy, being non judgmental about the things that they’re interested in and the things that they want to do. And so they will come to me if they’d like to imagine different scenarios, or if they’re not sure about something. And I know also just by having that connection, when they might need a little push or a little confidence booster, you know, you can do this, you’ve got this. And I know when to trust that even if it doesn’t work out how they thought it would. And sometimes I even know that it won’t. And sometimes I’m right about that. And sometimes I’m wrong about that. But even if it doesn’t work out, I just believe that what they’re learning about themselves and the trust that it builds for themselves, trust in themselves, and then also trust in me that I’m trusting them. There’s just so much trust building that’s happening. I think it’s just huge. ANNA: It really is. I love how you describe that interplay. Because I do think that’s a common first reaction. I’m not supposed to be over involved. So I’m just going to go away. And it isn’t hands off, but it is this what you were describing really being in tune with who they are and trusting in their journey, trusting in your relationship with them. Knowing when you can have conversations and when we can add a little something here. When do I need to just observe or listen or reflect back? And yes, this is where people are different means everything, because we really do tend to think that people see and experience the world in the same way that we do, and that they want to move through the world in the same way that we do. And they just don’t. So how I said it to myself in the early days was that I just don’t know what’s best for another person, even my child, ever. And that just helped stop me and help me stay open and curious about – what is their unique experience here? What are they getting out of this? And it also helped me learn about myself and what things were uniquely mine. And I like how you said, Erika, now, maybe I just lost it. But it’s that sometimes you’re right, sometimes you’re wrong. Sometimes it didn’t work out. But it’s not about it working out, right? It’s just about the unfolding of it, because we’re learning all along the way by just taking a step by trying something. I love that so much that this is even about letting go of some end goal of something that we’re all trying to get to. No, it’s about this exploration and learning about ourselves. And I just find kids are so capable. They know from the start, what they need at any given moment, and if they don’t have a fully formed vision of what that is, they know the next step they want to take, just so intuitively. I saw over and over again, they just don’t have the baggage that we’ve had, that I think can make things so much harder. And I think that baggage, kind of in light of what you were saying, is that we tend to have a fixed goal, like, this is what we’re trying to accomplish, so we have to be tunneling in on this endpoint. And I think kids are much more naturally playing with things and figuring things out. And then, like you said, Pam, oh my goodness, we learn how to make choices by making choices. I don’t know how many times I said that to people when my kids were little. I’m like, how can you say that you want them to make good choices, but you don’t let them make choices? How are they going to learn how to make choices? And in that process of making choices, we do learn what works for us, what doesn’t, when to slow down, when to go full steam ahead, when to pivot. All these things come from the doing, not from being told which decision to make. That just short circuits all the learning, and begins this external orientation that’s actually really hard to break. We’ve talked about this a lot too, that once that external orientation is fixed into you, from school, or even family, it’s really hard to step outside of thinking, what does everyone else want from me here? Versus, what do I want?. And I just found kids to be super capable of solving problems. Earlier I mentioned looking for these underlying needs, they have these best suggestions for solving issues. And I will say, if this is new for your family, it can take some time to develop that trust. Can I really say something here? Am I going to be heard? But it can develop, and with that trust, just like you were saying, Erika, it’s trust, trust, trust all around, everyone feels safe advocating for their needs and really helping each other meet their needs. I just love that. I know it’s a big shift to think that kids know best for themselves, but I truly believe that each one of us knows best for ourselves, and if we can give it some space and observe, you will start to see how different we all are, and how there is this knowing. And I feel like my kids helped me get back to my own knowing. It’s organically there in them from the start, and as adults, we may have to peel back some layers of conditioning, but I think it’s there for us too. PAM: Yeah, I think so. I love that. And I mean, as you were saying that, it just became more and more clear. That giving them the space to make the choices that feel like they make the most sense for them, is such an effective way for them to learn more about themselves, which they bring to the next choice and the next choice. It’s just this beautiful cycle. And then the reminder too, that it can take some time to build up that trust, absolutely, trusting that somebody’s not going to come back and tell them, no, no, no, that’s not the right way, do it this way. Or, see how it turned out after you made that bad choice, I told you so. Okay, so the third truth is, fair doesn’t mean equal. I found this one really interesting to think through. It was so interesting, we don’t want to show favor to one child over another, right? We want all our children to feel equally loved by us, and conventionally, we extrapolate that to treating our children equally. So, like, all kids get one piece of cake, and you’re careful to make them all the same size. That’s just one little example, but it’s like the epitome of fairness, right? But again, people are different, so instead, can we consider what the moment looks like through each of their eyes. How does it feel to each of them? So, I remember when I was thinking this through, I tested this little hypothesis. At the next birthday, I asked everybody how big a piece of cake they would like. And I was flabbergasted, nobody said the whole cake. But, so even as kids, I’d get different answers that really depended on how much they’d liked that particular cake or dessert, whatever we were having to celebrate, how hungry they were at the moment, if they were actually even fancying something sweet, right? So, getting the amount of cake they wanted felt fair to them. They felt seen and heard just by being asked, not just, this is the size that all kids get, and here you go, and, finish it, or you don’t get more. The whole thing, equal does not mean fair. I began to see fairness, not as that quantitative measure of anything that parents give, but as the qualitative measure of the value that each child receives. So, looking back over different seasons, one child may need more of their parents’ time, while another has a passionate interest that needs more of the family’s money to support it. We may be giving each of our children very different things in any particular moment, that take varying amounts of time, of our effort, of our money, but when their unique needs are being met, they each feel secure and happy, they feel seen and heard as who they are. And, in my experience, they do feel equally loved. What a difference, right? ANNA: Oh my gosh, all of these things are so important. This one is huge also, and it’s one I cannot get my mother to understand. It’s funny, because she really does think that doing exactly the same thing for all three of us is fair, and that shows that she loves us the same, and that we’re all equally loved. But gosh, being on the receiving end of that just feels super disconnecting, I don’t feel seen and heard or understood at all. But at this point, she’s 92, so there’s no real changing her, so the three of us will just roll with it. But again, there are three of us, we have a huge age gap, brother, sister, and then I’m the baby, huge age gap. We’re all so different. I think that’s why we talk so much about, people are different, because just understanding how different and unique we all are, just lights people up. They want you to know them, to see them, see their unique gifts and beauty. And so yeah, this whole, everybody needs to be treated exactly the same, does not do that. So, I knew that with this one, I wanted to examine it deeply and do it really differently with my kids. My girls are very different, I just have two, very different, though, and it really would have been a disservice to think in those kinds of black and white, equal is fair, terms. And I think a big part of this is watching my own language, countering the cultural messages about fair, like you did with the cake, right? And so you created a new fair, which is, hey, how much do you want, and let me help you get that. And I think it takes some digging in, to figure out what the need is in any given situation. Sometimes you can just ask, but sometimes there’s a little more to it. And also, just to build the culture of trust, that we will work to meet all the needs, and to recognize our choices in each moment. I think the other byproduct of everyone trusting that they’ll get their own needs met, is actually, they’re pretty happy when other people are getting their needs met too, because we can all celebrate each other doing our own things, and because we know that if we want something, we’ll figure it out, there’s no doubt about that. So, as I was thinking about this one, I’m not even sure you can step away from this kind of equal as fair cultural idea, without moving to a more connected idea of everyone getting their needs met. I think it kind of goes hand in hand, so you don’t have any kind of backlash or misunderstanding about it. ERIKA: Yeah, when I was growing up, we definitely had a huge, equal is fair, message in our family as well. And I think the funny thing is that, by constantly emphasizing trying to make everything equal among the three kids, we became so fixated on looking for the little discrepancies of, like, that’s a little bit more, that’s a little bit less, and we were also focused on it, and it gives you that feeling of scarcity, right? We were always on the lookout for, that’s not fair, how come she got that, I only got this, like, all of those things. And so when I contrast my memories of that with my own children’s experience, it’s just so interesting. From the beginning, I was so careful not to ever indicate that our food, my attention, our toys, whatever the resource was, I made sure I was showing them that there’s abundance, they don’t have to fight over it. And so we provided what we could to each one, but it was what they individually wanted, and, like you both have said, people are different, so I’m not just handing both of them the same thing. Maybe sometimes, and in fact, sometimes that really helps too, to create that feeling of abundance, we don’t need to fight over things, but we don’t need all the same things, we all get what we need. And so, when my kids were younger, my mom would play with them, but it was overwhelming, because if you have little kids, you know, a lot of times they’re both talking at the same time, wanting something, wanting her attention. And I remember she would set a timer. Okay, I’m going to play with Maya for 15 minutes, and then it will be your turn, Oliver, which feels really fair, but it really is just equal, because one might not need the full 15 minutes, and then the other one’s just focusing on what they’re not getting for those 15 minutes. And so, even though it was at times overwhelming in those younger kid days, I did try to just include them both at all times. So I’m hearing them both, you know, kind of being like, oh wow, oh wow, oh, you know, it’s just the spec, and that’s all they really wanted. They wanted to be able to say what they wanted to say in the moment. It was more chaotic, I think, but they didn’t really notice that, they just knew that I was there, they both felt I was there for them, and they don’t have a feeling of competition between each other, and still don't, to this day. And so I feel like many of these paradigm shifts boil down to, people are different. This one feels like that too. If we can recognize that people are different, we know that meeting each person’s needs in our family is going to look different, and that’s what makes a family really interesting and unique. PAM: Yeah, I love that you guys are both pointing out how so much of these boil down to, people are different. And it’s just recognizing that difference and incorporating it into the different aspects, that really is one of the fundamental paradigm shifts. Okay, so fourth truth, and that is, quitting is not a failure. Choosing to quit an activity, I mean, think about it just for a second, it is as much a learning experience as starting an activity. So conventional wisdom says that if we let children quit whatever they want, they will never finish something when the going gets tough, right? They’ll just say, oh, that’s too hard, I’m going to quit. And I see you guys both smiling, that is just not what we see, and I bet you, anyone listening, if you watch your kids in action for any length of time, it’s not what you’ll see either. In fact, if we continue to insist that they finish what they start, what they’re likely learning more fundamentally is to not try out new things unless they’re quite sure they’ll enjoy it. Because they can’t quit it, they’ll have to stick it out, as it were, you committed to this, like, all those kinds of messages. So they’re just going to only want to engage with something that they’re pretty darn sure they’ll be happy to follow through. So what that means is less exploration and less learning. When we favor connection over control, our children gain lots of experience with wanting to try something, choosing different ways to explore it, and seeing how well those different paths meet their goals. They’ll discover things that they like, they’ll discover things that they don’t like, and they will get a better feel for the clues that help them decide when they want to lean into something and when they want to quit and move on. And each time they choose to quit, they’re learning so much. Okay, I just got a rush of goosebumps, because I love this point. How does that choice feel moving forward? Do they miss the activity? If they miss it, that’s not a failure, that’s not wrong. What do they miss about it? That’s more learning. What are they doing with the time that quitting the thing freed up for them? Are they enjoying that? Are they enjoying that more? There’s just so much that comes when you quit something, that’s not the end, it’s not like, you therefore are not allowed to think about it ever again, right? There’s just so much processing that unfolds even beyond that one act, and it’s not forever either. ERIKA: Oh yeah, I think mainstream parenting culture is just so hooked on this. They really want kids to stick it out, and I feel like it’s in this way that we don’t expect ourselves to. And yeah, I think it’s a little short-sighted, right? It’s trying to teach responsibility and commitment and all of these things, but who wants somebody who is committed to something that they’re no longer enjoying? This is a path that does not lead to success, it’s a path that does not lead to good places. I still carry with me some feelings of failure that I have, due to, you know, in quotes, quitting something. I don’t even like the word quitting, because that kind of makes me feel like, I’ll never go back, I quit it. But I don’t view it like that with my kids, they can stop doing an activity and come back to it later, and there’s really no weight to that. But if I look back, I can see that my choices were valid, and that my life path has ended up being amazing, but looking back at certain things, I still feel the pressure and the weight of that, what felt like failure at the time, just because of the messages that I absorbed. Sometimes we don’t know how something’s going to feel until we try it. When we do and it’s not a fit, sometimes it’s an immediate thing, right? Like when I tried taking computer programming in college, I was like, immediately, no, my brain doesn’t do this. For some reason, I thought it would, it didn’t. And so sometimes it’s right away, but sometimes we’re just changing and growing over time. We all know, we’re growing and changing so much, even as adults, but our kids are certainly growing and changing, we see it happen right in front of us. And so maybe it’s like, this used to be great, now it’s not anymore. And so I think it’s just a gift to be able to listen to our inner voice, and make a choice that fits us right now, without that pressure of, this is a forever choice, or this is a failure if I don’t do this. There’s just no one right way to live, and each choice we make, it’s going to lead us somewhere, so we could just try things, quit things, shift gears, dive deep into something, and as long as we’re listening to our own voice, we can trust that we are building a life that works for us. I think we only really get stuck if we’re focusing on the external voices that don’t know us on the inside, and know what we really want and need. ANNA: It really is a clue, that those outside voices are taking up way too much space, because those outside voices, the peanut gallery about the quitting, they’re not the ones that are going to be there doing the thing, they’re not the ones that know how you’re feeling. So it really is just that, slowing down to recognize that and push it away, because this idea of quitting equals failure, is so ingrained, and it’s so counterintuitive, because you’re right, Pam, if kids are forced to stay with something that isn’t working for them, what they learn is to not try, because, I’m going to be stuck with it forever. And they’re so young, you know, they don’t know if they’ll like piano or baseball or that specific art class, there’s so many factors involved, and all the time that they’re stuck in something that they don’t love is time they aren’t getting to try other things to find out what they do love. And I love your point, Erika, that sometimes we know right away, nope, this is not for me, but sometimes interest wanes, right, and we grow and we change, and we’ve gotten what we’ve wanted out of it. I think that’s another thing, sometimes parents get caught up. Oh, but they’re so great at the piano or that sport. But that person, that unique human, has gotten what they want out of that experience, and that’s okay. All of that is okay. And goodness, I mean, I’m 57 and still I want to dabble and try things to get a better sense of if something will work for me. I can get very excited about a lot of different ideas, but until I’m actually doing it, it’s hard for me to say, does it suit me? Does it fit in my life? Do I want this? Is this how I want to be spending my time? And just quickly, if money is your sticking point here, because that's usually a big one for people, we have a podcast about this, but David really helped me move through this one with the financial idea of sunk costs. And so the reframe is that we’re paying for the opportunity. When we go into it with this idea of we’re paying for the opportunity to try this, it feels very different. The value is in learning whether it’s something we’re enjoying versus the value being in getting all of these specific instructions or finishing the class or staying on the team. And if letting the team down is your sticking point, you only have to have played a tiny bit of sport to know that someone who doesn’t want to be there isn’t helping the team at all. And you kind of alluded to this, Erika, like we really don’t want somebody that’s forced to be in any situation, sports or otherwise, or any kind of work. And all of this doesn’t mean that there’s no discussion though, right? Because sometimes there are discussions before, during, and after. And for us, thinking back, if something was a particularly pricey activity,because that happens and kids are like, I want to do this thing. And it’s a year’s commitment for thousands of dollars. We would talk about how we spend that money, where it comes from, what it impacts. Is there another way to learn more about the activity before we commit to something that’s maybe as long or as expensive as that? What I found is that kids are so creative and they often could find their own alternative paths as we’re playing with it and looking different things up. And also just talking to the organization, is there a way we can observe or trial it? People are pretty accommodating when you ask nicely. And I know for me, sometimes it is hard to ask for what I need. I don’t want to bother anybody. I know how busy and hard they’re working to do this program, but I really do find people to be understanding and generous when they can be. And that’s the information we need, right? Is it possible? If not, okay, then that’s another thing to put in the hopper for the decision. And I just love that all of us feel comfortable leaving something that isn’t working. I have seen this play out in all of us over the years. You really just won’t find any of us stuck in jobs we hate for decades, which is so common in our culture. And we know there’s always a choice and there’s always another way. And I think I just have seen it serve my kids and it serves me and David as well. PAM: Yeah. And I think that’s the whole point, with the relationships, with connection being in the lead, those processes are something that we can do actively. Like, okay, you’re stuck in a job that you really don't like, you may end up quitting immediately, but also it can be, you’re disliking it more and more and more over time, but we’re having conversations, we’re making plans. It’s not, well, you know, you have this job, it pays well, or whatever reason we say, oh, you need to stay, et cetera. No, you actually can. That's the control piece coming right back in. We can instead focus on that connection piece. We can talk through it more and even later, it feels lighter, at least for me showing up to something maybe I don’t like, but I know I’ve got a plan to move through it. I know where I’m going to keep talking. It’s not black, white, like we were talking right at the beginning there. And then there was just one other tiny piece. And now did I lose it? I’m trying to think what you, oh, oh, it was about, was it about, it was about like, how much we learn, I think, when, oh, yes, it was, it was, sorry. But it’s something that I love to do. When people come to the network. When we have the quitting discussions, et cetera. And, but then, so we talk about like, once they’re interested in something that may be expensive, I love brainstorming all sorts of ways that you can be involved in it without the expensive class. Because so often, certainly at the beginning of our journey, we turn it into – they’re interested in swimming, swimming lessons. Oh, piano, piano lessons, like dance, dance lessons. That’s our first go-to because that is what we know, right? But there are so many other possibilities that can help them experience the thing that they’re interested in and may or may not at some point want actual lessons for it, but you don’t have to wait for the lesson to become involved. You can go swimming in the public pool. There are just so many possibilities. So I love that piece of just brainstorming ideas and people get very excited and off they go to play and it’s very fun. Okay. Okay. Finally, truth number five, strong relationships are key. It’s not about parenting that parent-child power dynamic in which the overarching goal is to turn out a successful adult, right? It’s about being in relationship with your child. This is a lifelong relationship. We’re two human beings. We’re multiple human beings. That relationship shifts over time as they grow and change, as we grow and change. It looks very different when they’re young versus when they’re in their teens versus when they’re young adults versus when they’re older adults. Even if at any given moment, it feels like things will never change, right? But they really, really do. You can’t imagine when this is ever going to change. And, and getting focused on and fixating on when it will change is going to get in your way. But that’s a conversation for another day. A few years ago, I wrote a very long essay about the value of relationships to learning. And I will link in the show notes to anyone who’s interested. But oh my gosh, when I first came to unschooling because my kids were in school, it was like, oh, how are they going to learn, right? And in the last episode, we talked about paradigm shifts around learning. But I really did come to see pretty quickly that I didn’t need to worry about the learning. What I could focus on was a relationships and this shift from control to connection and recognizing that strong relationships really just drive everything like that was key for me. ANNA: Yeah, I think when we switch the lens to being in relationship, things just change dramatically across the board. I’ve talked about it before, but I would just often ask myself – Is what I’m about to say or do going to help or harm our relationship? That kept me focused on what was important to me. And that litmus test really served me well. Because if I’m tending to the relationship, we’re able to navigate the challenges together from a place of connection. So if I’m wanting my kids to be safe. As parents, we kind of see that as a responsibility. They are safest when our relationship is strong and they can come to me versus rules and punishments to try to keep them safe, which serves to disconnect us. If my kids came upon a situation that seemed a little sketchy, they would ask me about it. They knew I wasn’t going to stop the exploration just off the bat, but that I could be a sounding board and a processing partner as they navigated it. For kids who think they’re going to get in trouble, they may push down those niggling thoughts that this doesn’t feel good or something isn’t right here because they want to learn more. There’s still something intriguing about it to them and they know their parents might deem it unsafe and stop the exploration altogether. And really that puts them in harm’s way without the support of someone who cares about them. And this applies when they’re young and maybe even more so when they’re teens. We always had a policy of, I will come get you no matter what, no questions asked if they ever needed out of something. And they also knew they could use me as an excuse. My mom needs me to come home. Because then it wasn’t about me stopping their exploration. It was about giving them tools, tools to get out of situations if they needed it, tools they could use to explore safely. And that’s just the safety lens. But this really applies to all areas. If we have trusted people in our corner, we’re going to be able to explore and learn more. And I think we can see that in our adult lives too. When we feel supported and loved and cared for, we’re so much more likely to learn and grow. Those basic needs have been met, we’re so much more likely to explore and learn and push the limits of what we can do. And I think that’s the piece that you’re getting at, Pam, right? This is the basis for learning. These relationships really, that is what makes learning happen and easier. ERIKA: Yeah, I think those strong relationships with people we trust helps us in every area of our lives. And it’s the same for our children. And I love the parts about how it helps with safety and with learning. It just makes so much sense. I had a book club with a bunch of unschooling parents, and we were reading Pam’s book together many years ago. And Pam joined us on a call one week. And we were all, I mean, everybody’s like, oh my god, Pam. It was very fun. But I remember having a bit of the conversation, someone felt like they had messed things up, they maybe had an argument with their child, or in some way felt like it was just this negative interaction, it didn’t feel good. And the question was more along the lines of, how can I do better? How can I stop doing that? And Pam’s idea was about how the repair is the important part. Because we’re trying to maintain this connection and relationship with our kids. But we’re humans, and we’re imperfect. And we’re going to say and do things that hurt our children at times, or we’ll say or do things that hurt other people in our lives at times. And so we can let that moment crush us and pull us away from them. And we can just dive into negative self-talk about what a terrible job we’re doing. Or we can see those moments as opportunities to own our parts, own our words and our actions, apologize for the impact, and make the repair with the person that we care about. I get goosebumps thinking about this, because it’s such a more powerful place to be. And it doesn’t require us to be perfect, which we cannot be. But since relationships are so important in all of these ways, when hard things happen in the relationships, knowing that we will be able to move through it, that builds trust between us and the other person. And it gives us more capacity to weather the next challenging thing, whether it’s something outside of our relationship, or the next misunderstanding between each other. And so I always come back to keeping my relationship strong. How can I feel more connected? How can I give my children the feeling that I understand them, and I’m here for them? And it doesn’t always mean I’m talking with them more, or even spending more time together. It’s really figuring out what do they want from me in this particular season? And since they’re unique individuals, what is it that’s helping us feel connected in this moment, in this season? And now that they’re teenagers, we do a lot of reflecting on, remember when that was hard, and we got through it? Things like that. I feel like it really helps us all build resilience and realize that being humans is sometimes hard, and we’re always learning, and I’m always learning. And I feel like me being vulnerable in that way just develops trust between me and my kids. And looking at that, what is going to help us in this moment just to increase our connection is such a valuable place to take a look. PAM: I love that. I love that you brought that up, because yeah, the whole thing, you'd say strong relationships are key. So I need to be perfect at that. I need to do my best at that. That’s the most important thing. I might have mentioned it at the time, the attachment parenting book I had read, because it’s the thing that knocked me, it’s like, oh really? That around 50% or so of our interactions with our children go awry in big ways or in little ways, and that it is the repair that brings us back, right? It’s not trying to avoid it, because imagine what someone feels if they think someone else is perfect. Oh, they’re perfect at that. They make all the right choices. That does nothing but put pressure to be perfect on them. They’ll be putting that on themselves as well. I want to be as good, etc. So, understanding that repair piece, that is so much where trust is built. That we’re coming back, that we’re going to be engaging again. We’re going to be moving through this, and as you said, using those previous examples of times you guys have moved through challenging things, and just bringing those up when new challenging things come up. We may not know how this is gonna resolve, but we know that we’ll find our way through it. We can trust that. So I love that so much, and thank you. Thanks so much to you both for having this conversation. I feel like we touched on a lot of interesting pieces, so I hope people find it helpful. Thanks so much to all our listeners for joining us. We hope you enjoyed this dive into the second stage of the de-schooling phase of our journey as we challenge some of our conventional beliefs about parenting, and we invite you to join us in the Living Joyfully Network to continue the conversation. It is a warm and welcoming online community of like-hearted parents, a non-judgmental space where you can steep in these unconventional unschooling ideas, and just explore what they might look like day-to-day in your uniquely wonderful family. And your first month is free, so you can get a sense of whether the community is a good fit for you. We are very excited to welcome you. To learn more and join us, just follow the link in the show notes or go to livingjoyfully.ca and choose Network in the menu. Wishing everyone a lovely day. Thanks so much. Bye!

Send Dr. Li a text here. Please leave your email address if you would like a reply, thanks.Ever wonder why you struggle to finish what you start? In this episode, Dr. Christine Li reveals the common reasons tasks remain unfinished—from distractions and overwhelm to the "murky middle" of messy projects. She shares practical strategies and mindset resets to help you finally close those open loops, boost your self-trust, and become someone who completes what matters most.Timestamps00:00:00 Introduction and episode overview00:01:39 Importance and complexity of finishing tasks00:02:34 Reasons we don't finish things00:03:33 Team dynamics and "open loops"00:04:36 The messy “middle” of a task00:05:20 Decluttering as an example of losing momentum00:06:55 Difficulty reorienting after distraction00:07:15 Concrete techniques: lists, brain dumps00:08:17 Timers and music for focus00:09:35 Subtle factors in finishing projects00:10:25 Allowing yourself to be a beginner00:12:01 The importance of strategic rest00:13:18 Commitment and honest self-assessment00:14:49 Strengthening the value of the end goal00:15:57 Visualizing the finished result00:16:49 Practicing the identity of an accomplished person00:18:02 Quick summary of core strategies00:19:20 Invitation to connect and further resources00:20:08 Closing remarksTo get the free download that accompanies this episode, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/finishedTo sign up for the Waitlist for the Simply Productive Program, go to: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SPFor more information on the Make Time for Success podcast, visit: https://www.maketimeforsuccesspodcast.comGain Access to Dr. Christine Li's Free Resource Library -- 12 downloadable tools and templates to help you bypass the impulse to procrastinate: https://procrastinationcoach.mykajabi.com/freelibraryTo work with Dr. Li on a weekly basis in her coaching and accountability program, register for The Success Lab here: https://www.procrastinationcoach.com/labConnect with Dr. Christine LiWebsite: https://www.procrastinationcoach.comFacebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/procrastinationcoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/procrastinationcoach/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@procrastinationcoachThe Success Lab: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/labSimply Productive: https://maketimeforsuccesspodcast.com/SP

In this episode, Bradley interviews Tim and Michelle George about their mission work in Mozambique, focusing on church leadership training, language challenges, and the impact of their Bible school. Discover how their ministry is transforming communities one leader at a time.

7/16/2026 POSTERITY OVER AUSTERITY: INVESTING IN WHAT LASTSEPISODE 1825“Having been raised with a poverty mindset, I deeply understand the complexity of redrafting the perception surrounding wealth.” J Loren Norris Posterity over Austerity: Investing in What LastsThere is a dramatic contrast between a culture of fear-based cost cutting and legacy-minded investing.  There is also a dramatic contrast of belief about whose role it is to manage wages, prices, productivity and profits. Some research done for you: https://youtu.be/zxVoCw3P1Gc?is=eEFSIfSDR0wGek_NConsider the advice of Robert Reich vs Thomas Sowell when making decisions about your financial strategies. Consider Cash Flow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki or Money Master the best Game by Anthony Robbins. Leaders safeguard the future of their organization during tight seasons. One way they do this is building the legacy of their people.  Strengthening posterity, the hope of those who will become your successors, this is the greatest return on investment possible. IMHO If the government is given that choice, if the government makes the investment, the government expects the rewards. If the people make that investment, the people should get the reward. Whoever takes the greater risk should receive the greater benefit. Become your own best benefactor. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO:

Today on series two of Tales of a Nuffield Scholar supported by NFU Mutual we continue looking ahead to the 2026 Nuffield Farming Scholarships Conference in Leeds

On this episode of C-Speak, Alastair Bell, president and CEO of Boston Medical Center Health System, discusses BMC's history and mission as an academic medical center serving underserved communities. He also explores the operational, financial and policy complexity of leading a mission-driven nonprofit focused on health equity.“Trying to think about how to create an environment for all of the people that are part of BMC Health System to show up, do their best work against our mission and maintain a trust as we navigate some difficult choices,” Bell says.Subscribe to C-Speak so you never miss an episode. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

How Mindful Retreats Transform Women's Lives with Hattie HawksThis time, I sit down with Hattie Hawks to talk about the power of emotional intelligence, her Mindful Retreats, storytelling, and how we can create more mindful, connected, and nurturing spaces—both at work and at home.5 Keys You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe Power of Storytelling for Healing - Hear how Hattie Hawks uses storytelling in her podcast and retreats to foster connection and help others process life's ups and downs (01:03).Breaking the Cycle of “Busy” - Discover how learning to slow down and care for your nervous system can dramatically improve your well-being—especially if you're used to putting everyone else's needs first (05:02).Why Environments Matter - Eric Pennington and Hattie Hawks explore how leaders (and all of us, really!) can create spaces that are both productive and nurturing, and why that's absolutely vital—especially for women in high-stress roles (25:20).Intentional Connection in the Tech Age - As life gets busier and technology takes over, intentional relationships become harder…and even more important. Learn simple ways to foster real connection with loved ones and coworkers (35:07).The Stories We Tell Ourselves - Both Eric Pennington and Hattie Hawks get real about how inner narratives (sometimes totally made up!) can hold us back—and how awareness can help us move forward with courage (47:29).This conversation is jam-packed with insights, plenty of laughs, and some touching realness about healing, leadership, and living with intention. Whether you're a leader, a parent, or just someone trying to keep your head above water, there's something here for you.Moments00:00 Exploring mindfulness and stress relief05:25 Creating a calming environment15:08 Balancing dreams with business reality20:09 Importance of self-care and relaxation26:11 Understanding Gender Perspectives on Safety27:20 Discussing safety and trauma impacts37:24 Strengthening intentionality with AI efficiency39:50 Importance of Meaningful Connections45:03 Hesitations about reaching out to guests50:12 Second-guessing and overthinking ideas59:09 Being a mentor and disciplinarian01:04:39 Embracing Uncertainty and Faith01:06:28 Facing challenges head-onHere are a few key takeaways for anyone looking to deepen their own EQ journey or support others:Genuine Connection Beats Busyness: Many of us are feeling more disconnected than ever, even as we scramble to keep up with packed schedules and endless demands. Making time for real conversations and meaningful connections—with family, friends, colleagues, and ourselves—can transform our quality of life and our ability to handle challenges.Psychological Safety Breeds Potential: Creating nurturing environments is not just a “nice to have”—it's essential, especially for women and anyone facing high expectations at work. When we feel safe (emotionally and psychologically), our nervous systems can rest, our creativity thrives, and we're more likely to show up authentically and compassionately.Rewrite Your Inner Narrative: The stories we tell ourselves—about what's possible, what we deserve, what's “normal”—shape our choices and our wellbeing. By being curious and intentional about these stories and having the courage to question them, we open ourselves to transformation. It may feel uncomfortable, but growth starts when we challenge old patterns.In each episode, Jeff and Eric will talk about what emotional intelligence, or understanding your emotions, can do for you in your daily and work life. For more information, contact Eric or Jeff at info@spiritofeq.com or visit their website, Spirit of EQ.You can follow The Spirit of EQ Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Android, or on your favorite podcast player.New episodes are available on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays every month!Please review our podcast Music from Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/roo-walker/deeperLicense code: PEYKDJHQNGSZXDUEhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/Spirit of EQMentioned in this episode:Thanks for listening to Spirit of EQThis podcast was created to be a tool to primarily help you to discover and grow your EQ. Science and our own lived experiences confirm that the better we are at managing our emotions, the better we're going to be at making decisions. Which leads to a better life. And that's something we all want. We're glad that you've taken the time today to listen. We hope that something you hear will lead to a breakthrough. We'd really appreciate a review on your podcast platform. Please leave some comments about what you heard today, as well as follow and subscribe to the podcast. That way, you won't miss a single episode as we continue this journey.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act expanded the Federal Pell Grant, a subsidy for undergraduate students, to cover short-term workforce training programs for the first time. Native education advocates view the new Workforce Pell Grant program as a positive initiative that could help more low-income adults get into high-demand jobs while boosting enrollment at tribal colleges and universities. The program went into effect this month so it's still too early to tell how tribal institutions will benefit. We'll discuss the viability of vocational school and training and how the Workforce Pell Grant will take effect at tribal post-secondary institutions. GUESTS Leander McDonald (Dakota, Arikara, Hidatsa, and Hunkpapa), president of the United Tribes Technical College Nyree Kedrowski (Ho-Chunk Nation), managing partner for Five Skies Moriah O'Brien, vice president of congressional and federal relations at the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Break 1 Music: Brown Eyed Handsome Man (song) The Wingate Valley Boys (artist) Navajoland U.S.A. Country Happening (album) Break 2 Music: In the Time of Chiefs (song) Estun-Bah (artist) From Where the Sun Rises (album)

Is your workout helping your posture or making it worse?In this Q&A episode, Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher tackle one of the most common fitness questions: What are the best exercises for posture correction?They unpack the everyday habits that lead to rounded shoulders, forward head posture, and anterior pelvic tilt. They also explain how targeted strength training and stretching can help correct these imbalances and support a healthier spine. Tune in to hear why your posterior chain is essential for good posture, the role of hip flexors and core stability, and why training only your "mirror muscles" can make posture worse.Dr. Fisher explains the most common causes of poor posture, from forward head position to rounded shoulders and anterior pelvic tilt. Learn why everyday habits like sitting at a desk and looking down at your phone gradually reshape your spine over time.Discover why resistance training is one of the most effective ways to improve posture. Strengthening the muscles that support your spine can help reverse common postural imbalances while promoting long-term joint health.Learn why your posterior chain deserves more attention in the gym. Dr. Fisher explains how strengthening your glutes, hamstrings, lower back, and upper back can improve posture, reduce strain on your spine, and enhance everyday movement.Amy and Dr. Fisher discuss how personal training can help identify muscle imbalances that contribute to poor posture. A structured program ensures you're strengthening the right muscles instead of reinforcing unhealthy movement patterns.Dr. Fisher explains why strengthening your lower back is just as important as training your abs.Amy explains why focusing only on the muscles you can see may actually make posture problems worse.Discover how personal training encourages proper posture during every exercise. Maintaining an active core throughout your workouts helps reinforce healthy movement patterns that carry into daily life.Amy explains why weak hamstrings often contribute to more than sports injuries. Learn how strengthening and lengthening these overlooked muscles can improve flexibility, posture, and overall movement quality.Dr. Fisher discusses why posture isn't just about appearance. Poor spinal alignment can place extra stress on your joints, affect movement efficiency, and increase discomfort if left unaddressed over time.Learn why improving posture requires addressing both muscle strength and muscle length. Dr. Fisher explains how combining resistance training with strategic stretching produces better and longer-lasting results than relying on either approach alone.Amy and Dr. Fisher explain how personal trainers help clients develop healthier exercise habits beyond individual workouts. Consistent coaching can reinforce proper posture, improve exercise technique, and reduce the risk of developing movement compensations.Discover why better posture is about more than standing taller. Dr. Fisher and Amy explain how strengthening neglected muscles, improving mobility, and correcting daily movement habits can help you move more comfortably and confidently for years to come.Mentioned in This Episode:The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions!Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.comThis podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

President Donald Trump slashed the size of two national monuments in Utah Monday. The sites feature ancient cliff dwellings and scenic canyons, as well as coal and uranium deposits. As Chris Clements of KNAU reports, the move comes over the objections of tribal nations and conservation groups. President Trump issued proclamations that reduce Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante by about 90% each. At a signing event with Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT), Trump said the reduction gives the land “back” to the people of Utah. Trump tried shrinking the monuments during his first term, but former President Joe Biden reversed the decision. Tim Peterson with the conservation nonprofit Grand Canyon Trust says the tribal nations that consider the monuments culturally significant were not consulted. “That lack of consultation represents a violation of federal trust and treaty obligations to tribes.” A survey of Utah residents commissioned by the trust in 2024 shows support for keeping both monuments at the size President Biden determined. Connecticut Justice Alliance (CTJA) Executive Director Christina Quaranta speaks in support of a state senate bill raising the age of arrest in CT and restricting the use of handcuffs on young children in March 2025. (Courtesy CTJA / Vimeo) Connecticut juvenile justice advocates want the state to halt plans for a new youth detention center, as Edwin J. Viera reports. The latest Re-entry, Goal-oriented, Individualized Opportunity to Nurture Success (REGIONS) center is slated to fulfill a 2018 law when the state's last large youth prison closed. Christina Quaranta with the Connecticut Justice Alliance says that was eight years ago and the state should invest in alternatives to incarceration instead. “Opening a new facility would be taking many steps backwards. It would be the opposite of progressive and doing what's right for young people. So, I encourage lawmakers to think about that. The barrier there, folks are like, ‘this is in state statute, this is what we have to do,' and we really need to get rid of that barrier.” In considering alternatives to incarceration, Quaranta says the state must ask young people what they need to be engaged and have the programs and services they require, but there is a disconnect between what policymakers know needs to be done and what families and communities are asking for. Given the short legislative session this year, the state was not able to address alternatives to incarceration. At the start of the session, Quaranta wanted to see lawmakers review the state Department of Corrections budget to find ways to further alternatives to incarceration for youth, but she says the state must keep investments moving forward rather than stalling. “As folks are stopping to make policy decisions, or wait for the elections to come and go, whatever the hiccup is, the dollars need to be bound and moved because it's an urgent issue.” State lawmakers made some youth justice progress in the 2025 legislative session by approving the Raise the Age law. The bill raises the age of arrest for children from 10 to 12 years old under certain circumstances this year. The law will raise the age of arrest again in 2028 from 12 to 14, and restrict the use of handcuffs on children under 14. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribal Council. (Courtesy Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has filed a federal lawsuit against the Kansas Lottery, alleging the state is violating tribal sovereignty by selling lottery tickets and operating lottery machines on the Nation’s reservation. Tribal leaders say the lawsuit seeks to protect treaty rights and enforce the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. (Courtesy U.S. Bureau of Land Management) In California, tribal leaders continue to oppose a federal roundup of wild horses near Mono Lake. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management says the gather is needed because of drought and overgrazing, while tribal leaders argue the horses are culturally significant and want greater tribal involvement in managing the herd. The Cherokee Nation has awarded nearly $1.9 million in public health and wellness grants to dozens of organizations across its reservation. Tribal officials say the funding will support community health programs, mental health services, and wellness initiatives throughout northeastern Oklahoma. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Tuesday, July 14, 2026 – Strengthening the tribal workforce: trade school and a new federal grant program

It's been a while. Thank you for sticking with us while we've been gone.Dozens of countries have started taxing sugary drinks over the last couple of decades. You can see the reasoning: if they cost companies more to make, then companies will pass that cost on to consumers, who will buy less, and hopefully get less fat and then die less often of diabetes and heart disease.But does that actually work? We had a look at the studies behind it.This podcast is sponsored by Works in Progress magazine. Find endless fascinating pieces on human progress at worksinprogress.co.Show notes* Germany's planned tiered sugar levy — the announcement (and a bit more detail on the €0.26/€0.32-per-litre thresholds)* The WHO's Global report on the use of sugar-sweetened beverage taxes, 2025* The World Bank's Global SSB Tax Database, the source for the “100+ jurisdictions” figure* Chris Snowdon / IEA's case against sugar taxes: the classic Sugar Taxes: A Briefing and, more recently, The bitter truth about the sugar tax in The Critic* Andreyeva et al.'s 2022 meta-analysis in JAMA Network Open.* Scarborough et al.'s 2020 PLOS Medicine paper on UK reformulation.* The UK Government's November 2025 Strengthening the Soft Drinks Industry Levy consultation* The substitution question:* 2021 Seattle study (difference-in-difference vs Portland; drinks sugar down, sweets up a bit)* 2025 Chinese modelling paper (the +2.57% total-calorie result in low-income families)* The IZA discussion paper on the UK levy (no substitution to other sweet drinks)* The modelling studies:* 2017 Mexico paper (86–134k diabetes cases “prevented” by 2030)* Scarborough et al.'s 2024 PLOS Medicine PRIMEtime model* Sánchez-Romero et al.'s 2016 PLOS Medicine Markov cohort simulation * The direct, empirical outcome studies:* The 2024 Philadelphia BMI study (the one that found only six prior studies; null panel sample)* The 2025 California study (small effects, wide error bars)* The Mauritius study (no significant BMI association)* The big one — Rogers et al.'s 2023 PLOS Medicine interrupted time series on English schoolchildren (the 8% relative reduction in year 6 girls; 5,234 cases “prevented”)* Chris Snowdon's demolition of it, including the 2013–2018 counterfactual buried in the supplementary material* Gallup on the recent US obesity decline coinciding with GLP-1 drugsCreditsThe Science Fictions podcast is produced by Julian Mayers at Yada Yada Productions. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sciencefictionspod.substack.com/subscribe

As questions about vaccines, evolving recommendations, and public health policy continue to grow, healthcare professionals and patients alike are seeking trusted information and guidance. In this episode, ASHP Executive Vice President and CEO Sam Calabrese is joined by Anna Legreid Dopp and Vicki Basalyga to discuss ASHP's position on vaccines, the advocacy and partnership efforts underway, and the resources available to support pharmacists and patients. Tune in for a conversation about how pharmacy professionals can help advance evidence-based patient care and informed decision-making. The information presented during the podcast reflects solely the opinions of the presenter. The information and materials are not, and are not intended as, a comprehensive source of drug information on this topic. The contents of the podcast have not been reviewed by ASHP, and should neither be interpreted as the official policies of ASHP, nor an endorsement of any product(s), nor should they be considered as a substitute for the professional judgment of the pharmacist or physician.

Treasury technology is moving fast, but the real value comes from knowing what problem you are trying to solve before choosing the system, tool, or innovation to help you solve it.In this returning guest episode, host Mike Richards welcomes back Séverine Le Blévennec, Global Head of Treasury at Aliaxis.On this week's podcast we welcome back Séverine Le Blévennec, Global Head of Treasury at Aliaxis, for an update on her treasury transformation journey. Having joined the show previously, Séverine returns to share what has changed over the past few years, how the treasury function at Aliaxis has evolved, and why technology, AI, governance, and data quality must all be connected to real business needs.Séverine discusses the progress made in building a more mature global treasury function, including the creation of a global treasury community, the implementation of treasury technology, the rollout of a payment hub, improved cash visibility, stronger governance, and the importance of developing treasury talent. She also shares her views on AI in treasury, explaining why teams need to balance opportunity with risk, and why clean data, transparency, and strong fundamentals matter more than ever.Main topics discussed:Aliaxis' treasury transformation journey and progress toward greater maturity.Building a clearer global treasury community with stronger ownership.Choosing treasury technology based on real problems, not buzzwords.Rolling out treasury systems, payment hubs, and cash visibility tools.Strengthening governance, policies, controls, and treasury processes.Supporting regional treasury teams while respecting local complexity.Managing AI opportunities, risks, governance, and data quality.Developing treasury talent through learning, cross-training, and knowledge sharing.Challenging the status quo and expanding treasury's business value.Keeping treasury strategic while embracing technology and innovation.You can connect with Séverine Le Blévennec on LinkedIn.---

The Rebbe writes about the joy of hearing that the recipient succeeded in publishing his father's manuscript, encourages him to influence fellow Jews to study it, and stresses that strengthening Judaism in America will positively affect Jews everywhere, even behind the Iron Curtain. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/017/010/6398

How Should God's Children Fast?Strengthening Faith 6 FastingBrian UyedaOriginal Air Date: 2026.07.12We believe The Bible, God's word, is inspired by Him, through the Holy Spirit and is sufficient for everything you need in life – guidance, wisdom, strength, encouragement and HOPE. His word reveals His nature and character and His plan of redemption through His Son Jesus Christ, through whom we can have eternal salvation when we choose to follow Him. We also believe the Bible remains relevant in our world today and its power is experienced when personally and consistently applied and practiced.Part of your journey may include choosing a Bible translation and there are many. To help you choose, it is important to know that a “translation” is word-for-word while a “paraphrase” is thought- for- thought. If you are new to Bible reading or don't yet have one, we offer FREE Bibles that are English Standard Version translation – a very easy to read Bible. Other options are Bible Apps you can download to your phone, or sites like: www.Bible.org, www.biblegateway.com or www.blueletterbible.org.We invite you to join us for weekend services:Saturday Evening at 5:30pm. Question and Answer period after service.Morning Social at 10:00am: A time to connect with others over coffee and donuts.Sunday Morning at 10:30amPromiseland Kids' Ministry: Toddler – Sr. High, Sunday at 10:30 am, offers Christian education and worship for children and youth.If you have missed a message or are viewing from home, you can catch weekend services on our Facebook page and YouTube by going to www.crossroads-ridgecrest.org, or through the church app. We also have podcasts available by looking up Crossroads Community Church - available on several podcast apps.Have a question for one of our Pastors? Submit your questions via text at: (760) 301-4840 for our Ask It! Your Questions Answered segment every week. Watch or Listen what others ask!If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (760)384-3333 Weds. – Fri. 10am-4pm, text (760)301-4840, or email ccc@ccc-rc.org

Season 16, Episode 402 explores the Brain's Operating System for Human Performance, focusing on Phase 3: movement, adaptation, and performance. Andrea Samadi explains how movement triggers neurochemicals and blood flow, recovery enables adaptation, and measurable performance follows. The episode shows how consistent, purposeful movement plus prioritized recovery creates lasting biological change—improved sleep, lower resting heart rate, higher VO2 max, and clearer thinking—and offers simple strategies to build the movement loop into daily life. EP 402 — Introducing Phase 3 Movement, Adaptation & Performance Watch Andrea teach this episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/Btaihnb5HPs   On EP 402, We'll Cover: Why movement is the missing link in human performance—and why the brain evolved to move before it learned. The Brain's Operating System for Human Performance—how the first three phases connect to create lasting change. The Movement Loop—my new framework explaining how movement leads to adaptation and ultimately performance. The science of adaptation—why the workout isn't what changes you, but the body's response during recovery is. My personal performance experiment—how tracking recovery, resting heart rate, heart rate variability, VO₂ Max, sleep, body composition, and biological age revealed measurable evidence of neuroscience in action. How the world's leading experts helped build this framework—and how their research fits together into one repeatable system. A preview of Phase 3—what you'll learn from Dr. Chuck Hillman, Dr. John Ratey, Kristen Holmes, Dr. John Medina, Jason Whitrock, and the bonus episodes throughout this season. Practical strategies you can begin using immediately to help your brain learn more effectively, your body adapt more efficiently, and your performance improve over time. Opening Welcome back to Season 16 of the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast. I'm Andrea Samadi, and this is where we bridge neuroscience, social and emotional learning, and human performance so we can create measurable improvements in our well-being, achievement, leadership, productivity, and results. Seven years ago, when we launched this podcast, I started with one simple question: If results matter—and they matter now more than ever—how exactly are we using our brain to create those results? This question stemmed from the fact that very few of us were ever taught how the brain actually learns. How motivation begins. How emotions shape decisions. How relationships influence performance. Or how movement changes the brain. That single question has taken us on an incredible journey through neuroscience, psychology, education, leadership, and human performance. But something unexpected happened along the way. I thought I was collecting interviews. Instead... I discovered that I was uncovering a system. Looking back now, over the past 7 years, I realized every expert was describing the same mountain (or obstacle to overcome) but just from a different side (or with a different strategy). One explained motivation. Another explained attention. Another explained learning. Or repetition. Another explained recovery. Another explained movement. None of them contradicted each other. They completed each other. That was the moment I realized... I wasn't collecting interviews. I was assembling a blueprint. A Personal Discovery But there was still one question I couldn't answer. How would these ideas actually work together in everyday life? Could they work for anyone? Not a pro athlete who has all day to train, but a regular person, like me, who was determined to improve their health, well-being and productivity and results. That's when I stopped being just the interviewer... and participated in the experiment. Over the past year, I wasn't trying to become younger. I think our 50s, 60s and beyond, are an incredible time to practice and perfect our health beyond what we might have been able to do without as much effort in our 40s or younger. Looking back, I can honestly say that I wasn't trying to lower my resting heart rate. It just started to show up in my data when I did certain things, in a certain way. I wasn't trying to improve my WHOOP age (with my wearable device) or optimize my daily recovery score. I was simply trying to answer another question. If movement really changes the brain... Could I actually measure this? Can how much I move improve my data, and can I move too much (push too hard) and measure that as well? So I began paying much closer attention to my own data, and looking at what it meant. Not because I wanted better numbers. Well I did want better numbers, but I also wanted evidence. Something that could be replicated for others. There's lots of ways to measure our data with wearable devices. I used the Whoop wearable, something I have been wearing for the past 5 years. I was focused on my daily recovery. My resting heart rate. Heart rate variability. VO₂ Max. Sleep (specifically how much stress I had while sleeping), REM sleep, and restorative sleep. Body composition (how much fat and how much muscle) Then I looked at my hiking performance (did I need to run fast with a weighted vest to get zone 4 and 5), or could I walk along the canal with my dogs, and get my heart rate up that high without having to drive to the mountain. I looked at how high my heart rate went up with strength training. Week after week... Month after month... A pattern began to emerge. The improvements weren't random. They were connected. When I moved consistently...some easier workouts walking with one or two harder push hiking days, with some days at the gym on the stair climber, and others on the elliptical. My recovery improved. My resting heart rate dropped. My biological age became younger. My body became stronger. My mind became clearer. Long hikes felt easier. The numbers weren't the story. Adaptation was. For the first time, I wasn't just reading neuroscience week after week. I was watching it happen inside my own body. And that's when something clicked. Movement starts the change. Recovery allows the change. Adaptation becomes the change. And performance is simply the evidence that the change occurred. That realization became the foundation for everything you're about to hear this season. The Brain's Operating System As I reviewed hundreds of conversations with world-leading researchers over the past seven years, I realized these ideas weren't isolated discoveries. They fit together. Like pieces of one much larger puzzle. Today, I call that framework... The Brain's Operating System for Human Performance. It's built on five interconnected phases. Each one depends on the one before it. Phase 1 — Regulation & Safety[i] Before the brain can learn... it must first feel safe. Phase 2 — Neurochemistry & Motivation Meaning creates motivation. Motivation creates action. Action begins change. Phase 3 — Movement, Adaptation & Performance Movement changes the brain. Adaptation changes the body. Together they create lasting performance. Phase 4 — Perception & Social Intelligence Understanding ourselves. Understanding others. Building trust. Strengthening relationships. Phase 5 — Integration & Meaning Where knowledge becomes wisdom. Experience becomes insight. Performance becomes purpose. Performance doesn't begin at the finish line. It begins with the foundations. And every phase strengthens the next. Why Phase 3 Matters For decades we've treated learning as though it happens inside classrooms... inside books... inside meetings... inside our heads. But evolution tells a very different story. The brain didn't evolve to sit still. It evolved to move. Movement came first. Learning followed. Every step we take increases blood flow. Releases powerful neurochemicals like BDNF. Sharpens attention. Improves executive function. Creates the biological conditions for learning. Movement isn't simply exercise. It's the input that begins one of the most remarkable biological cycles in the human body. The Power of Loops I had to create another loop to show how this works. Nature rarely works in straight lines. Our hearts beat in rhythms. Our lungs breathe in cycles. Sleep follows repeating stages. The seasons repeat. Life itself is built on loops. Human performance is no different. The greatest mistake we've made is thinking performance is a destination. Or an end result that we will celebrate when we get there. Neuroscience shows us it's actually a cycle. One that repeats every single day. I call it... The Movement Loop. One of the biggest shifts I've made while building this framework is changing the way I think about exercise. Most of us think the workout is the goal. Or we think “I've got to go the gym” and I'm not sure about you, but my old way of thinking used to be something along the lines of “to burn fat, or calories, or so I can create a deficit with the workout.” But Neuroscience—and exercise physiology—tell us something very different. The workout is only the beginning. Think of it by looking at the movement loop. Movement is the Input Every system begins with an input. For our bodies, that input is movement. Whether it's a walk around the neighborhood, a strength-training session, a yoga class, or a hike in the mountains, movement sends a message to the brain and body. It says: "Something is being asked of you." The brain responds immediately. Blood flow increases. Attention sharpens. Neurochemicals like BDNF are released. The nervous system begins preparing for change. Movement isn't what changes us. Movement is what tells the body that change is needed. Adaptation is the Process This is where the real transformation happens. Not while we're exercising. But afterward. During recovery. While we sleep. While proteins rebuild muscle. While neural pathways strengthen. While the cardiovascular system becomes more efficient. While the brain reorganizes itself through neuroplasticity. Adaptation is the body's remarkable ability to respond to the demands we've placed upon it. If we repeat the right inputs consistently, the body doesn't simply recover. It becomes more capable. This is why recovery isn't the opposite of growth. Recovery is the process that makes growth possible. Performance is the Output Performance is simply the visible result of this successful adaptation. It's thinking more clearly during an important meeting. Remembering information more easily. Feeling stronger day to day. Recovering faster after stress. Leading with greater confidence. Sleeping more deeply. Seeing your resting heart rate decline. Watching your VO₂ Max improve. Noticing your biological age become younger. Performance isn't one great day. Or one workout. It's the evidence that your brain and body have adapted over time to your repeated efforts. Then the Cycle Begins Again The beautiful part is that the process never ends. Today's performance becomes tomorrow's starting point. As you become more capable, your brain and body are ready for the next challenge. So you move again. You recover again. You adapt again. You perform at an even higher level. This is why I call it The Movement Loop. It's not a one-time event. It's a lifelong cycle of growth. Every walk. Every workout. Every good night's sleep. Every recovery day. Every healthy habit. You're sending your brain and body another message: "I'm becoming a little more capable than yesterday." That's how sustainable human performance is built. Not through one extraordinary effort. But through thousands of ordinary repetitions that, over time, create extraordinary results. Movement The body moves. The brain responds. ↓ Brain Activation Blood flow increases. BDNF and other neurochemicals are released. The brain becomes ready to learn. ↓ Attention Executive function improves. Focus sharpens. Mental readiness increases. ↓ Learning New neural pathways strengthen through repetition and experience. Knowledge becomes skill. ↓ Recovery Sleep, regulation, and restoration allow the brain and body to rebuild. Recovery isn't the opposite of growth. Recovery is what makes growth possible. ↓ Adaptation The nervous system becomes more efficient. The cardiovascular system becomes stronger. Metabolism improves. The brain becomes more resilient. The body becomes more capable. ↓ Performance Performance isn't a single event. It's a capacity. The ability to think clearly. Learn faster. Recover better. Move more efficiently. Lead with greater confidence. ↓ Confidence Success reinforces belief. Belief increases motivation. Confidence encourages us to move again. And the cycle repeats. The Movement Loop doesn't end with performance. Performance creates confidence. Confidence inspires more movement. And every repetition builds a stronger brain and a stronger body. Throughout this phase we'll explore every step of this loop with some of the world's leading experts.   Movement changes the brain. Adaptation changes the body. Performance changes your life.   The Experts EP 403 — Dr. Chuck Hillman & Paul Zientarski Movement is the Trigger We'll discover why exercise is one of the most powerful ways to prepare the brain for learning through BDNF, executive function, cognition, and academic performance. Key takeaway: Every adaptation begins with movement.   EP 404 — Dr. John Ratey The Brain Adapts We'll revisit the groundbreaking work from his book Spark to understand how exercise literally rewires the brain through neuroplasticity and prepares us for learning. Key takeaway: Exercise changes the brain before it changes performance. EP 405 — Kristen Holmes Adaptation Happens During Recovery We'll explore why sleep, recovery, nervous system regulation, and capacity building determine whether the body actually adapts. This is also where I'll share my own WHOOP data—including recovery trends, resting heart rate, and biological age—to show how adaptation becomes measurable. Key takeaway: Recovery builds capacity. Consistency creates adaptation. EP 406 — Dr. John Medina Learning Creates Better Performance Attention, memory, and learning science come together to explain how movement-supported learning becomes real-world performance. Key takeaway: What we learn shapes how we perform. EP 407 — Jason Whitrock Adaptation Changes the Body We'll explore metabolic health, brain energy, body composition, VO₂ Max, and performance capacity while connecting the neuroscience of movement with measurable physiological adaptation. This is where I'll bring together my own data on muscle gain, fat loss, cardiovascular fitness, and healthy aging. Key takeaway: Movement changes the brain. Adaptation changes the body. Together they transform performance. Bonus Episodes Throughout Phase 3 I'll also be sharing several bonus episodes using my own health data as a living case study. We'll explore: Why recovery is built—not found (so we need to build it into our day strategically). The story behind my resting heart rate. How adaptation changed my body. How it works when you Move Today so you can become Younger Tomorrow. Restorative Sleep Sleep Stress These episodes connect neuroscience to real-world data and show what happens when consistent habits become measurable biological change. Because neuroscience isn't just something we study. It's something we can measure. It's something we can experience. And ultimately... it's something we can use to become healthier... stronger... more resilient... and more capable throughout every stage of life. Key Takeaways for Today Movement is the input. (what we do) Every meaningful change begins with movement. It prepares the brain for learning by increasing blood flow, oxygen, and neurochemicals like BDNF that support attention, learning, and neuroplasticity. The actions we choose every day that provide the brain and body with a stimulus for change. Movement Exercise Walking Strength training Recovery habits Nutrition Sleep Adaptation is the process. The workout doesn't change you. Your body's response during recovery does. Every period of quality sleep, recovery, and restoration is an opportunity for your brain and body to become stronger and more efficient.          Adaptation — What Happens         The brain and body respond to those inputs by becoming more efficient and more capable. Neuroplasticity Increased BDNF Stronger neural pathways Improved cardiovascular fitness Muscle repair and growth Better metabolic health Nervous system regulation Performance is the output. High performance isn't something we find—it's something we build. Every repetition of the Movement Loop increases your capacity to learn, lead, recover, and perform.           Output — The Result          The measurable improvements we experience because of adaptation. Better focus Faster learning Higher energy Greater resilience Lower resting heart rate Improved VO₂ Max Better body composition Higher performance Greater healthspan What gets measured becomes visible. Tracking meaningful metrics—such as recovery, resting heart rate, VO₂ Max, sleep, or body composition—helps you see adaptations that would otherwise go unnoticed and reinforces the habits creating them. Your brain and body are one interconnected system. Better thinking, stronger physical health, emotional resilience, and sustained performance all emerge from the same biological process of movement, adaptation, and continuous growth.   Tips to Implement This Week ✓ Move with purpose every day. Aim for 30–60 minutes of purposeful movement—whether it's a brisk walk, strength training, cycling, yoga, or hiking. Remember, consistency matters more than intensity. Every movement is a signal to your brain and body to adapt. A walk after dinner, when kept consistent, can have an incredible impact on your overall health improvement. You don't need to go all out for results to show up. Start paying attention to your body's signals. You don't need a WHOOP or smartwatch to begin. Simply notice how you feel before and after movement. Ask yourself: Do I think more clearly? Is my mood better? Do I have more energy? Am I sleeping better? Your body is always giving you feedback. Learn to listen. ✓ Protect your recovery. Treat tonight's sleep as part of today's workout. Prioritize restorative sleep, manage stress, and allow your brain and body the time they need to repair, rebuild, and become stronger. We are all at different stages here. This one is always a work in progress for me. I ran into someone I used to see every Saturday on the hiking trails this morning, and I asked him where he had been, or if he was hiking at a different time. I used to see him like clockwork and I noticed he wasn't there as usual. He told me that he was protecting his sleep, and worked out indoors more when the weather was getting hot. In order to beat the heat in AZ, early mornings are the best time for this, but this guy knew to protect his recovery. I thought it was brilliant that he was able to practice what he knew to be important. ✓ Measure one meaningful metric. Choose one health measure—such as your resting heart rate, sleep quality, daily steps, recovery score, or VO₂ Max—and observe how it changes over time. You're not looking for perfection; you're looking for patterns that reveal adaptation. I'll share what I noticed over time on our bonus episodes by watching certain metrics. This has been one of my biggest discoveries. For years I assumed harder was always better. But when I compared my data…you can see 2 of my data charts in the show notes. I found something surprising. A long hike and a morning walk created very different responses. My hikes pushed my cardiovascular system into higher heart-rate zones. My walks kept me primarily in Zone 1 while reducing stress and supporting recovery. Both improved my health. They simply trained different systems. Instead of asking… “Was today's workout hard enough?” Ask… “What system am I training today?” ✓ Move before you think. Before beginning a challenging project, studying for an exam, or making an important decision, spend five to ten minutes moving your body. Then notice how your focus, mood, creativity, and mental clarity improve. ✓ Think in loops, not isolated workouts. Instead of asking, "Did I exercise today?" ask yourself: "How did I support tomorrow's brain today?" Every walk. Every workout. Every healthy meal. Every recovery day. Every night of restorative sleep. Each one is another step around the Movement Loop—helping your brain learn, your body adapt, and your performance improve over time. Review & Conclusion Review and Conclude EP 402, Phase 3: Movement, Adaptation & Performance. As we close today, I hope you're (like I did) beginning to see movement differently. Not simply as exercise. Or to burn calories. Not simply as another item on your to-do list. But as the biological signal that tells your brain and body it's time to grow. Throughout Phase 3, we'll discover that movement does far more than strengthen muscles. It sharpens attention. It accelerates learning. It builds resilience. It strengthens the nervous system. It improves recovery. And over time, it transforms both the brain and the body through the remarkable process of adaptation. This season isn't about becoming an elite athlete. It's about becoming someone who understands how lasting performance is built. Together, we'll explore one simple but powerful truth: Movement is the input (what we do) Adaptation is the process (what happens when we do it) Performance is the output (what we get from doing it) Then the cycle begins again. That's the Movement Loop. Every walk. Every workout. Every night of restorative sleep. Every healthy choice. Every recovery day. Each one is another opportunity to build a stronger brain, a healthier body, and a greater capacity to learn, lead, and perform. Because when movement changes the brain... the brain changes the body. And when the brain and body begin working together... performance is no longer something we chase. It's something we build— one movement, one recovery, one adaptation, one day at a time. Next week, we'll begin our journey around the Movement Loop with EP 403, revisiting Dr. Chuck Hillman and Paul Zientarski, where we'll discover why every lasting transformation begins with movement—and why a single step today can change the trajectory of our brain, our health, and our performance tomorrow. Thank you for joining me, and I'll see you next week. RESOURCES: Phase 1 Anchor Episodes Episode 384 — Dr. Baland Jalal Curiosity, Sleep & Imagination → How curiosity, sleep, and imagination prepare the brain for learning and creativity. Episode 385 — Dr. Bruce Perry Trauma, Rhythm & Relational Safety → Why regulation and safety are the foundation for learning and performance. Episode 386 — Thoryn Stephens Biometrics & Performance → Turning HRV, sleep, and metabolic data into actionable performance strategies. Episode 387 — Dr. Sui Wong Lifestyle Medicine & Brain Health → How autonomic balance and healthy habits build long-term brain resilience. Episode 388 — Rohan Dixit HRV & Self-Regulation → Developing nervous system awareness through real-time biofeedback and HRV. Phase 2 Anchor Episodes Episode 393 — Bob Proctor Belief → Why our beliefs determine the actions we take and the results we create. Episode 394 — Dr. Caroline Leaf Thought Patterns → How our thoughts shape neurochemistry, behavior, and long-term performance. Episode 395 — Dr. John Medina Attention & Reward → Why attention determines what the brain values, remembers, and learns. Episode 396 — Dr. Anna Lembke Neurochemistry & Reinforcement → How dopamine reinforces behavior and why sustainable motivation matters more than borrowed dopamine. Episode 397 — Dr. Chuck Hillman Movement & Brain Activation → How physical movement prepares the brain for learning, focus, and performance. Episode 398 — Dr. Friederike Fabritius Neuroleadership & Energy → How to manage brain energy and sustain high performance over time. REFERENCES: [i] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 384 “How Learning Begins in the Brain: Sleep, Safety and Curiosity (Revisiting Dr. Baland Jalal) https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/hypnagogic-genius-capture-your-best-ideas-at-the-edge-of-sleep/    

The government's celebrating the relationship with India, after a historic trip by its Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Trade Minister Todd McClay spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Strengthening A Suffering Church Pastor James Burke

Did England's greatest architect help shape modern Freemasonry?For generations, many Masons believed that Sir Christopher Wren served as the bridge between the medieval operative builders and the emerging speculative fraternity.But does the historical evidence support that claim?In Episode 217 of Masonic Muscle: The Origin War, we investigate Theory #11 from Brother Kenneth R.H. Mackenzie's Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia (1877) and examine why Wren became one of the most enduring figures in Masonic origin literature.More importantly, we ask whether admiration has sometimes been mistaken for evidence.In This EpisodeTheory #11 of the 12 Origin Theories of Freemasonry• Sir Christopher Wren• The Great Fire of London (1666)• St. Paul's Cathedral• The rebuilding of London• Anderson's Constitutions• The transition from operative to speculative MasonryWhy association is not the same as causationBattlefield QuestionDid Sir Christopher Wren help create speculative Freemasonry......or did later generations of Masons place England's greatest architect into their origin story because he represented everything the Craft admired?Continue the InvestigationRoyal Masonic Cyclopaediahttps://archive.org/details/royalmasoniccycl00mackAnderson's Constitutions (1723)https://archive.org/details/constitutionsoff00andeThe Origins of Freemasonry — David StevensonThe Craft — John HamillThe Pocket History of Freemasonry — Pick & KnightInternet Archivehttps://archive.orgSacred Textshttps://www.sacred-texts.comNext BattlefieldNext we conclude Brother Kenneth Mackenzie's twelve origin theories with one of the most important figures in early speculative Masonry:Dr. John Theophilus Desaguliers.The Origin War continues.Strengthening the Craft... one degree at a time.

In this session, we explore how persistent identifiers and open research infrastructure are transforming research visibility and discoverability across Africa.Mohamad Mostafa (DataCite) opens with an overview of the 2021 UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science, particularly its second pillar on open research infrastructure and explains how tools like DOIs, ORCID IDs, and ROR IDs work together to make research outputs findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR). He walks through DataCite's global community of over 1,700 member organizations across 69 countries, its Fabrica platform for DOI registration, and the consortium model that makes adoption cost-effective for institutions across Eastern and Southern Africa through the UbuntuNet Alliance.Ahmed Siyad (CEO, SomaliREN) then shares the story behind SORER — the Somali Research and Education Repository — a centralized, multi-institutional platform built to address low research visibility, plagiarism concerns, and limited access to global scholarly infrastructure. He covers how SomaliREN integrated DOI minting through the DataCite/UbuntuNet consortium, adopted ORCID IDs, established the Somali Identity Federation (SIF), and achieved FAIR compliance — making Somali research outputs accessible and interoperable on a global scale.The session also touches on the importance of hosting research infrastructure on the African continent itself, in line with the CARE Principles and the mission of AfricArXiv.This webinar is part of the AfricArXiv Open Science Webinar Series, supported by Invest in Open Infrastructure and co-organized by UbuntuNet Alliance and Access to Perspectives.Learn more and access past webinars at www.africarxiv.orgFollow for future sessions on open access, persistent identifiers, open science policy, and more.#openscience #PersistentIdentifiers #openaccess #data #research

This session provides an overview of the history of African Journals Online (AJOL), highlighting key milestones and lessons learned from supporting scholarly publishing across Africa. Participants are expected to gain insight into the Journal Publishing Practices and Standards (JPPS) framework and its role in strengthening quality assurance, transparency, and best practices in scholarly publishing. The session also showcases AJOL's advocacy for Diamond Open Access to promote equitable and sustainable scholarly communication. Finally, the presentation highlights the ALMASI Project, and explores opportunities for continued collaboration and capacity strengthening within the African research and publishing ecosystem.#AJOL#AfricanResearch#OpenScience#OpenAccess#DiamondOpenAccess#ScholarlyPublishing#AcademicPublishing#ResearchInAfrica#Research#Science

If your church disappeared tomorrow, would your town even notice? In this episode of The Magistrate, Josh Howard and James Baird discuss biblical localism and what faithful Christian influence looks like in everyday life. Rather than chasing national change while neglecting what is near, Christians are called to begin with personal faithfulness, the household, the church, and the local community. From raising godly families and serving the church to attending city council meetings, building Christian networks, and strengthening local institutions, this conversation presents a practical vision for lasting kingdom influence—one faithful step at a time.Watch all of our videos and subscribe to our channel for the latest content >HereHere

How many maize seeds should farmers plant in each hole? Ask the farmers and they say two or three. Agronomists can show them more reliable seeds, where they only need one. But change the seed and everything else changes too; the fertiliser, the spacing, the whole system. This is why getting better technology into the hands of African farmers, and helping them to find ways to improve their profits, is so much harder than it looks.Rachid Laajaj (Universidad de los Andes) and Karen Macours (Paris School of Economics) tell Tim Phillips about an experiment in Kenya in which farmers ran trial plots on their own land for three seasons, comparing input combinations side by side, and were followed for five seasons more.Farmers adopted the new inputs and their profits fell. But they kept experimenting anyway, season after season, until the losses became gains. The most skilled farmers went first, made the most mistakes, and paid the highest price; their neighbours watched, copied, and adopted at a fraction of the cost.Each failed attempt costs a farmer a season. Lower that cost, Laajaj and Macours argue, and you change what is possible for millions of farming households.The research behind this episode:Laajaj, Rachid, and Karen Macours. 2026. "The Complexity of Multidimensional Learning in Agriculture." Econometrica 94 (2): 465-503. To cite this episode:Phillips, Tim, Rachid Laajaj, and Karen Macours. 2026. "Why farmers struggle to adopt new agricultural technology" VoxDev Talks (podcast). About the guestsRachid Laajaj is Associate Professor of Economics at Universidad de los Andes in Bogota, with research spanning technology adoption in agriculture, corruption, and human capital, studied from a micro-development perspective with particular attention to the role of information. He received his PhD in Agricultural and Applied Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.Karen Macours is a professor at the Paris School of Economics, a senior researcher at INRAE, and a Research Fellow of the Centre for Economic Policy Research in the Development Economics programme. Her research spans agricultural productivity, rural poverty, social programmes, and early childhood development. She chairs the Standing Panel on Impact Assessment of the CGIAR and is co-editor of the Journal of Development Economics.Research and concepts cited in this episodeThe trials. In 48 randomly selected villages in Kenya, ten farmers per village were invited to run a three-season agronomic trial on a small parcel of their own land, guided by an agronomist. Each trial plot was divided into six subplots; five tested different combinations of modern inputs and one served as a control. The trials occupied a tiny share of each farm, so the direct economic effect was negligible; the point was the opportunity to learn. A further 48 villages served as controls, giving a sample of 960 farmers followed across six seasons of data collection.Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM). The input combinations tested in the trials followed ISFM principles; a sustainable intensification approach that combines improved seed with mineral fertiliser and organic inputs, adapted to local conditions. Its logic is precisely the multidimensionality the paper studies; the components work through their combination, not in isolation.The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) provided the agronomists who guided farmers through the trials. The paper builds on joint work with IITA.The target-input model. The workhorse theory of learning in agriculture, in which farmers learn the optimal quantity of a single input through experience; it dates to work by Foster and Rosenzweig in 1995 and underlies much of the literature on social learning, including Conley and Udry's study of pineapple farmers in Ghana. Laajaj and Macours extend it to many interdependent inputs, where adopting one requires re-optimising the others; what Laajaj calls the curse of multidimensionality.Measuring farmer skills. The origin of this project; Laajaj and Macours spent years developing measures of farmers' cognitive, non-cognitive, and technical skills, work that circulated as CEPR Discussion Paper 13271, "Measuring Skills in Developing Countries" (gated). Asking farmers agronomic questions revealed that many had no single right answer; the answer depended on everything else the farmer was doing.Employment in agriculture. Macours notes in the episode that agriculture accounts for half of employment in sub-Saharan Africa, rising to as much as two-thirds when the wider agro-food sector is included.Conservation agriculture. A prominent example of a knowledge-intensive sustainable practice; it combines minimal tillage, crop rotation, and the retention of crop residues, so a farmer must learn several new practices at once and find a combination that works.More VoxDev Talks episodesAfrican agriculture's underappreciated supply side. Hope Michelson on the other half of the adoption puzzle; the markets and firms that supply seeds, fertilisers, and pesticides to smallholders.Strengthening climate resilience in agriculture. Tavneet Suri on how small-scale farmers respond to extreme weather, and the seed varieties that protect crops against floods and droughts.Combining improved seed varieties and index insurance to address drought losses. Paswel Marenya on a trial in Mozambique and Tanzania that paired drought-resistant seeds with insurance.Related reading on VoxDevAgricultural Technology in Africa, the VoxDevLit surveying the evidence on what drives, and blocks, technology adoption by African farmers.Improving agricultural extension and information services in the developing world, drawing lessons from nearly fifty randomised evaluations of constraints on smallholder productivity.Encouraging agricultural technology adoption through autonomy: evidence from Mexico, on how giving farmers ownership of the adoption process makes new practices stick.Harnessing the benefits of digital agriculture for smallholder farmers in East Africa, on text-message-based extension programmes evaluated in Kenya and Rwanda.

Climate change is rapidly reshaping the future of coffee. Rising temperatures, shifting growing regions and increased pressure on yields are creating significant risks for producers, livelihoods, and supply chain stability. As a result, incorporating regenerative agriculture practices into coffee supply chains is no longer a distant sustainability goal, but a core business imperative. From farm-level adaptation and investment to sourcing strategies and supplier partnerships, companies are rethinking how to secure supply while supporting livelihoods and long-term sustainability goals. What we discussed: What regenerative agriculture means in practice for the coffee sector, from farm to commercial strategy How producers and supply chain partners are responding, including the support structures, partnerships and investment models driving impact How brands and retailers are integrating regenerative agriculture into sourcing decisions The role of traceability and certification in driving accountability across the supply chain

Strengthening Faith 5 Serving as Jesus ServedDionne SalmondsOriginal Air Date: 2026.07.05We believe The Bible, God's word, is inspired by Him, through the Holy Spirit and is sufficient for everything you need in life – guidance, wisdom, strength, encouragement and HOPE. His word reveals His nature and character and His plan of redemption through His Son Jesus Christ, through whom we can have eternal salvation when we choose to follow Him. We also believe the Bible remains relevant in our world today and its power is experienced when personally and consistently applied and practiced.Part of your journey may include choosing a Bible translation and there are many. To help you choose, it is important to know that a “translation” is word-for-word while a “paraphrase” is thought- for- thought. If you are new to Bible reading or don't yet have one, we offer FREE Bibles that are English Standard Version translation – a very easy to read Bible. Other options are Bible Apps you can download to your phone, or sites like: www.Bible.org, www.biblegateway.com or www.blueletterbible.org.We invite you to join us for weekend services:Saturday Evening at 5:30pm. Question and Answer period after service.Morning Social at 10:00am: A time to connect with others over coffee and donuts.Sunday Morning at 10:30amPromiseland Kids' Ministry: Toddler – Sr. High, Sunday at 10:30 am, offers Christian education and worship for children and youth.If you have missed a message or are viewing from home, you can catch weekend services on our Facebook page and YouTube by going to www.crossroads-ridgecrest.org, or through the church app. We also have podcasts available by looking up Crossroads Community Church - available on several podcast apps.Have a question for one of our Pastors? Submit your questions via text at: (760) 301-4840 for our Ask It! Your Questions Answered segment every week. Watch or Listen what others ask!If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (760)384-3333 Weds. – Fri. 10am-4pm, text (760)301-4840, or email ccc@ccc-rc.org

What are you carrying that God never asked you to hold? Are your hands clenched tightly around an outcome? A relationship, a situation, or a prayer you've been waiting on? In this REVING the Word workout, Jennifer Allen invites you to discover the freedom of holy indifference—the practice of caring deeply while releasing control to God.   Rooted in James 5 and 2 Peter 1, this REVING the Word experience invites you to move your body as you engage with Scripture through prayer, reflection, and worship. Open your hands and move your body as you hear this Good News that will shape you from the inside out, discovering that true strength isn't found in controlling the outcome. This is a practice of remaining faithful and firmly rooted in God's love, even as the story is still unfolding.   Open your hands. Release the outcome. Stay faithful. Strengthen your heart.   Anchor Scriptures James 5:7–8 2 Peter 1:5–8 Matthew 26:36–46 Romans 12:18–19   New to REVING the Word? Your body was made to move! So move it, any way you want as you listen. Walk the dog, mow the lawn, listen as you lift weights in the gym, or dance in the kitchen. There isn't one right way. Just move, breathe, and as your body moves, let His Word move in you. This is how we stay whole in body, soul, and spirit.  

In this episode, we'll explore a groundbreaking new study that redefines the role of chiropractic in strengthening rehabilitation within health systems. Rather than being limited to spine care or isolated interventions, chiropractors have a unique opportunity to be recognized as essential members of the rehab workforce, addressing the growing global need for functional restoration and disability reduction.Research:Chiropractic's role in strengthening rehabilitation in health systemsSpecial Offers for Listeners:TURN YOUR CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE INTO A 7-FIGURE REVENUE MACHINE: The 'Hybrid Practice Model' That Helps Chiropractors & PTs Generate $40K-$200K Per Month While Taking FEWER AppointmentsSave $500 and Get a Free Cart- Learn more at Shockwave Center of America Today!Leander Tables- Save $750 on the Series 950 Table using the code EBC2026 — their most advanced flexion-distraction tableNovoPulse OA Recovery Program- learn more herePatient Pilot by The Smart Chiropractor is the fastest, easiest to generate weekly patient reactivations on autopilot…without spending any money on advertising. Click here to schedule a call with our team.Our members use research to GROW their practice. Are you interested in increasing your referrals? Discover the best chiropractic marketing you aren't currently using right here!

Strong public health preparedness depends on sustained investment long before an emergency occurs. In this Federal Health Policy Update, Catherine Jones, senior analyst of Government Affairs at ASTHO, explains what congressional preparedness hearings revealed about the nation's readiness for major events like the FIFA World Cup, while highlighting why recent disease threats underscore the need for continued vigilance. She also breaks down the key HHS preparedness programs that support state and territorial health agencies and discusses why consistent federal funding is essential to maintaining the workforce, laboratories, data systems, and partnerships that protect communities before, during, and after a crisis.Shared Strategies that Promote Well-Being and ResiliencePolicy Institute for STI and Infectious Disease Prevention | ASTHOASTHO Policy Institute Lunch & Learn: Preserving Institutional Knowledge for STI & ID Programs

SummaryThis episode explores the life of the Apostle Peter to understand how to maintain lifelong zeal for Christ. We discuss key lessons from Peter's highs and lows, emphasizing repentance, courage, correction, and perseverance in faith.Chapters00:00 Lifelong Zeal for God03:17 The Life of Peter: Highs and Lows06:07 Courage and Correction in Zeal08:53 Strengthening and Restoring Zeal11:40 Serving Others and Boldness14:40 Humility and Accountability in Zeal17:35 Finishing FaithfullyConnect with Me! Newsletter and Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠https://icandopodcast.com⁠⁠⁠Blogs: ⁠⁠⁠https://benjaminlee.blog⁠⁠⁠Books: ⁠⁠⁠https://benjaminlee.blog/books-2/⁠⁠⁠Apparel: ⁠⁠⁠https://benjaminlee.blog/resources/#!/⁠⁠⁠Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@icandopodcast?si=h9-JkT27jwynZZ-X

Continuing through the book of Acts, Pastor Luke focuses on the beginning of Paul's third missionary journey, where the emphasis shifts from simply planting churches to strengthening the disciples already in them. The big idea driving the sermon is that the gospel doesn't just save — it transforms every part of our lives. Pastor Luke illustrates this first through the story of Apollos, a brilliantly educated man from Alexandria who nonetheless lacked a full understanding of the gospel. When Priscilla and Aquila — ordinary tentmakers — took him aside privately and explained the way of God more accurately, Apollos humbly received their correction. That humility, Pastor Luke argues, is what made him teachable, and his teachability is what made him wise and ultimately one of the most impactful teachers in the early church. The second half of the sermon turns to the Ephesian believers and the contrast between genuine and counterfeit spirituality. When the seven sons of Sceva tried to invoke Jesus's name as a spiritual technique without any real relationship with Him, they were overpowered and publicly shamed. The Ephesian believers, by contrast, responded to what they witnessed with deep repentance — publicly confessing their practices and burning their magic books, valued at the equivalent of several million dollars. Pastor Luke draws a clear line between syncretism — treating Jesus as one spiritual resource among many — and true discipleship, which declares Jesus as Lord alone. He closes by calling the congregation to ongoing repentance and surrender, reminding them that transformation isn't a one-time event but a lifelong process powered by Christ Himself.

[This episode originally aired on July 29, 2024] Hi everyone, welcome to another episode of The Chai on Life Podcast. I'm Alex Segal and today, we are speaking with Dr. Hilla Aboody, an amazing teacher, mother, wife and mentor currently living in Eretz Yisrael who I invited to come on to speak about this heavy time on the Jewish calendar.Hilla has such a beautiful way of explaining things — it's so deep and profound yet easy to comprehend at the same time.A little background on her:She is a wife and mother of five, living in Eretz Yisrael after making Aliyah 7 years ago from Brooklyn, NY. She is a teacher and Em Bayit (house mother) at Midreshet Eshel, a Sephardic seminary for post High school students from around the world. Her educational background includes studying at Michlalah and receiving her bachelor's degree from Bar-Ilan University and a Master's and PhD in Jewish History from New York University. She has published her study on Eliyahu the Prophet in Talmudic literature and midrashim in her book, “Through the Prism of Wisdom”. As an educator and kallah teacher, Hilla dedicates her time in guiding students to creating a relationship with Hashem and tips and tools to thrive in their marriages and in life.In our conversation, we speak about:-What the Jewish perspective is on sadness and pain-How we can connect to Hashem during this time and in this unique way, especially if it feels daunting for you right now-Why this particular time period brings about more heaviness and actually the reason why we take more precautions-The rich energy that lies in the months of Tammuz and Av — what the letters associated with each month mean, why the sense of each month is important and what we can individually and collectively take from all of that-Why crying is actually a sign of bravery-Practical things you can do now to get through this time with more faith, in a more connected way to yourself, Hashem and those around you-How to deal with difficult emotions with your kids…and SO MUCH MOREThis podcast with Hilla is basically an hour long shiur. I got chills like 17 times as I was listening to her and it's definitely one of the most important ones I've done so far in terms of our spirituality.If there is someone you want to see on The Chai on Life Podcast, email me at ⁠alex@chaionlifemag.com⁠ or send me a DM @chaionlifemag. Thanks again, see you next week!

What are you carrying that God never asked you to hold? Are your hands clenched tightly around an outcome? A relationship, a situation, or a prayer you've been waiting on? In this REVING the Word workout, Jennifer Allen invites you to discover the freedom of holy indifference—the practice of caring deeply while releasing control to God.   Rooted in James 5 and 2 Peter 1, this REVING the Word experience invites you to move your body as you engage with Scripture through prayer, reflection, and worship. Open your hands and move your body as you hear this Good News that will shape you from the inside out, discovering that true strength isn't found in controlling the outcome. This is a practice of remaining faithful and firmly rooted in God's love, even as the story is still unfolding.   Open your hands. Release the outcome. Stay faithful. Strengthen your heart.   Anchor Scriptures James 5:7–8 2 Peter 1:5–8 Matthew 26:36–46 Romans 12:18–19   New to REVING the Word? Your body was made to move! So move it, any way you want as you listen. Walk the dog, mow the lawn, listen as you lift weights in the gym, or dance in the kitchen. There isn't one right way. Just move, breathe, and as your body moves, let His Word move in you. This is how we stay whole in body, soul, and spirit.  

Love isn't just a feeling—it's a decision rooted in the example of Jesus Christ. In this powerful Bible message, discover the difference between human love and God's agape love. Through John 13:15, Jesus calls His followers to do as He has done, serving others with humility and grace. In Romans 13:8, we're reminded that the only lasting debt we owe is to love one another. This message explores: What agape love really means Why Jesus washed Judas' feet Loving people who hurt you Forgiveness, sacrifice, and servant leadership Strengthening marriages and relationships through biblical love Following Christ's example in everyday life Key Bible Verses: John 13:15 Romans 13:8 John 3:16 1 John 3:18 John 13:34-35 Matthew 5:44 Luke 6:27-36 Ephesians 5:25 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Proverbs 31:10 If this message encouraged you, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share so more people can discover the life-changing love of Jesus. #LoveLikeJesus #AgapeLove #BibleSermon #ChristianLiving #John13 #Romans13 #Faith #JesusChrist #BiblicalTruth #Forgiveness

EVEN MORE about this episode!Julie Ryan welcomes Jasmine, Erica, and Candace—the gifted sisters behind Trinity Oracles—for a fascinating conversation about intuition, psychic gifts, and learning to trust divine guidance.The sisters share incredible stories from childhood, including hearing voices, sensing spirits, and receiving unmistakable guidance from Archangel Michael years before they understood their gifts. Together, they explain how Spirit communicates through thoughts, feelings, symbols, dreams, imagination, and everyday experiences—and why so many people dismiss these messages.Julie and the sisters also discuss common blocks to intuition, the role of past-life experiences, oracle cards, angel numbers, and practical ways to develop greater confidence in your own spiritual abilities. Whether you're just beginning your spiritual journey or looking to deepen your connection with Spirit, this episode offers inspiring stories, practical tools, and the reassurance that intuition is a gift available to everyone.Guest Biography:Trinity Oracles is the world's only trio of psychic sisters—Erika, Candace, and Jasmine—known for their intuitive readings, celebrity predictions, and direct channeling with angels, spirit guides, God, Jesus, and departed loved ones. Having discovered their psychic gifts early in life, they've spent more than a decade helping over 7,000 clients worldwide through readings, teachings, and their popular YouTube channel. Their mission is to empower others to trust their own intuition while providing compassionate spiritual guidance, practical wisdom, and meaningful connections with the spirit world.Episode Chapters:(0:00:39) - Introduction and How Spirit Communicates(0:06:57) - Intuition vs. Imagination(0:11:32) - Misinterpreting Signs from Spirit(0:14:24) - What Blocks Intuition(0:26:05) - Strengthening and Grounding Your Intuition(0:29:22) - What Changes When You Trust Your Guidance(0:31:59) - Why So Many People Are Awakening(0:35:19) - Oracle Cards and Channeling(0:48:09) - Messages from Spirit(0:56:35) - Why We Incarnate➡️ Subscribe to Ask Julie Ryan YouTube➡️ Julie's Intuitive Trainings✏️ Ask Julie a Question!

Indefinite IDF Deployments in the Levant and the Strengthening of Turkey. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer explains that the IDF will remain in Lebanon and Syria indefinitely to destroy Hezbollah's massive underground tunnel complexes. He notes that Marco Rubio negotiated a framework emphasizing Lebanese sovereignty. Additionally, Ambassador Tom Barrack is reportedly pressuring Israel while seeking to empower Turkey as Iran's regional influence weakens. 2

SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-30-261893 HMS INFLEXIBLEThe Sloppy Memo of Understanding and Iran's Control of the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer.Batchelor and Schanzer discuss a "sloppily" written Memo of Understanding that allows Iran to project control over the Strait of Hormuz. Schanzer notes that while shipping continues, markets remain anxious because Iran is effectively holding international energy hostage. He criticizes the international community's lack of response to this global threat. 1Indefinite IDF Deployments in the Levant and the Strengthening of Turkey. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer explains that the IDF will remain in Lebanon and Syria indefinitely to destroy Hezbollah's massive underground tunnel complexes. He notes that Marco Rubio negotiated a framework emphasizing Lebanese sovereignty. Additionally, Ambassador Tom Barrack is reportedly pressuring Israel while seeking to empower Turkey as Iran's regional influence weakens. 2Volkswagen Layoffs and the Debate Over German Military Conscription. Guest: Judy Dempsey and Thaddeus McCotter. Judy Dempsey reports on the crisis at Volkswagen, where 100,000 workers face layoffs due to the global shift toward electric vehicles and Chinese competition. These layoffs will ripple through Germany's network of small suppliers. Thaddeus McCotter and Dempsey discuss how these economic shifts compare to the American auto industry's transformation. 3The Ankara NATO Summit and Ukraine's Offensive Against Russia. Guest: Judy Dempsey and Thaddeus McCotter. Dempsey and McCotter preview the NATO summit in Ankara, which Donald Trump may attend to reward President Erdoğan with fighter jets. The conversation highlights Ukraine's successful drone strikes on Russian refineries and resupply lines. Putin faces pressure from both domestic hawks and a population suffering under war-induced rationing. 4The Escalating Persecution of Christians Within the Islamic Republic of Iran. Guest: Mariam Wahba. Mariam Wahba describes how the Iranian regime is using current regional tensions as a pretext to clamp down on domestic Christians. The regime specifically targets converts, labeling them as "Zionist" mercenaries and national security threats. Imprisonment of Christians has surged sixfold as the regime seeks scapegoats for its international military setbacks. 5Iranian Drones and the Proxy War in the Sudan Conflict. Guest: Mariam Wahba. Wahba reports that Iranian drones are fueling a stalemate in Sudan's brutal civil war. Iran sells these weapons for revenue and to gain potential port access on the Red Sea near the Houthis. Egypt is intervening to prevent Islamist victories on its border, while the conflict devolves into a multi-power proxy war. 6Critiquing the 14-Point Memo of Understanding and Operation Epic Fury. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. Peter Berkowitz analyzes the 14-point Memo of Understanding, contrasting Secretary Marco Rubio's "peace through strength" approach with Vice President JD Vance's "restraint." He argues "Operation Epic Fury" failed because it did not secure the Strait of Hormuz before the ceasefire. Berkowitz notes that the administration's goals for the Iranian people became confused during operations. 7Diplomatic Failures and the Unsuccessful Campaign to Quell Iran. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. Berkowitz criticizes the administration for failing to prepare the American public for the Iranian conflict through major policy speeches. He highlights a split between Vance's negotiations with Iran and Rubio's Israel-Lebanon framework. Finally, he compares the current MOU to failed Gaza deals, suggesting the IRGC will never abandon its core mission of war. 8The UK's Changing Guard: Andy Burnham and the Defense Budget Black Hole. Guest: Gregory Copley. Gregory Copley discusses the rise of Andy Burnham in Britain following Keir Starmer's "complete detachment" from the electorate. Burnham must address a massive 45-million-pound black hole in the defense budget. The discussion also covers the intractable problem of illegal immigration across the English Channel and the lack of cooperation from France. 9Chilly Conflicts and Fractured Leadership in the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley describes the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz as a "chilly conflict" where Iranian leadership remains fractured and indecisive. While supertankers sail through, both the US and Iran are using the ceasefire to rebuild their depleted arsenals. Copley notes that the IRGC is increasingly taking power away from Iran's clerical leadership. 10Global Defense Shifts in a Multipolar World and the End of Intervention. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley examines the shift toward a multipolar world as countries like Canada and Turkey reduce their dependency on US weapon systems. This "reversion to sovereignty" allows middle powers to play a more independent role. Copley observes that the US is stepping back from its role as the "cop on the beat" except in existential matters. 11King Charles III and the Revitalization of the Royal Navy. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley highlights King Charles III's personal connection to the Royal Navy and his efforts to revitalize the service. Despite budget constraints, the UK is building new capital ships and submarines to maintain maritime power. The King's involvement is seen as crucial for maintaining military morale and national defense during periods of governmental incompetence. 12Disparate Impact, Merit-Based Admissions, and Federal Contracting Reforms. Guest: Michael Toth. Michael Toth discusses the historical use of "disparate impact" as a mechanism for discrimination in university admissions. He details the current administration's efforts to root out racial preferences in federal contracting. Toth argues for a return to merit-based standards to restore the principle of equal justice. 13The Mystery of Third-Party Litigation Finance and its Taxation. Guest: Michael Toth. Toth explains the emergence of third-party litigation finance, where external financial institutions fund tort cases against American companies. He notes this practice is uniquely American and creates a new market for legal conflict. Toth recommends that the Treasurytax these business gains at ordinary income rates rather than treating them as capital gains. 14Domestic Politics, Midterm Perils, and the SAVE Act. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. Thaddeus McCotter analyzes the upcoming midterms, noting that Democrats have reframed "inflation" as "affordability" to distance themselves from economic policies. He discusses the internal "civil wars" within both parties, including the rise of Democratic Socialists and divisions within the MAGA movement. The "SAVE Act" is highlighted as the president's primary political solution. 15Affordability, Energy Prices, and the Short-Term Gains of Midterm Politics. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. McCotter observes that all foreign policy eventually becomes domestic, especially through the lens of energy costs. He warns that the administration might prioritize short-term gas price relief over long-term strategic interests in the Middle East. Consequently, providing sanctions relief to Iran could allow the regime to continue funding global terrorism and its nuclear program. 16

Rev. Kenneth Bomberger gives today's prayerful thought based on the day's Scripture readings. Begin your morning in word and prayer with Rev. Kenneth Bomberger, who shares scripture, hymns, prayers, and texts for the day, and also gives a short meditation on the day's scripture lessons. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

1. Religious Liberty Commission A commission formed in 2025 to evaluate threats to religious freedom. It conducted hearings and gathered testimony from over 100 witnesses. Its final report was delivered to President Trump, outlining proposed reforms. 2. Healthcare Sector Implications The report recommends expanded protections for healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) who object to certain medical procedures on religious or moral grounds. Proposed actions include: Strengthening enforcement of federal “conscience laws” Supporting specific legislation (e.g., Conscience Protection Act) Increasing investigation and legal defense of religious rights The debate: Supporters: Say workers should not have to choose between their beliefs and careers. Critics: Argue this could limit patient access to services. 3. Military Implications Focuses on service members who refused COVID-19 vaccines for religious reasons. Many were denied exemptions and suffered consequences (e.g., dismissal, lost benefits). Recommends: Improving the process for religious accommodations Offering stronger protections for service members’ beliefs 4. COVID-19 Vaccine Context The pandemic is a key example of government overreach. Religious exemption requests were often denied Individuals were forced to choose between compliance and employment However, the commission does not call for banning vaccine mandates, but rather for more meaningful accommodation processes. 5. Policy and Legal Proposals “Know Your Rights” campaigns Hotlines and reporting systems for violations Honors/awards for defending religious liberty These proposals could be implemented through: Executive action Congressional legislation Legal challenges Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Industrial Talk is onsite at Penn State and talking to Victor Okhuysen, Professor with Cal Poly Pomona about "Strengthening the future of manufacturing". Overview Scott Mackenzie from Industrial Talk discusses the importance of training the next generation of industrial leaders with Victor Okhuysen from Cal Poly Pomona. The Penn State Erie campus hosts the METAL program, which aims to inspire and educate students in metallurgy and manufacturing. Victor, a principal investigator, highlights the program's hands-on approach, including boot camps and workshops, to expose students to potential careers. The program has conducted four boot camps and ten workshops, using a system called Foundry in a Box. Victor emphasizes the need for skilled workers in an increasingly automated industry and the role of community colleges in providing relevant training. Outline Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast and IRISS Technologies Scott Mackenzie introduces himself and the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.Scott highlights IRISS Technologies, a global leader in electrical maintenance safety, and their patented infrared and ultrasonic inspection windows.IRISS Technologies' solutions help in detecting issues early, boosting reliability, and protecting workers from unplanned failures.Scott encourages listeners to learn more about IRISS Technologies at their website. Introduction to the METAL Program and Victor Okhuysen Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast and highlights the importance of celebrating industry professionals.Scott introduces the METAL program at Penn State Erie, an acronym for Metallurgical Engineering Trade Apprenticeship Learning.Victor Okhuysen from Cal Poly Pomona is introduced as a key figure in the METAL program, focusing on exchanging ideas to improve curriculum and delivery.Victor explains his role as a principal investigator at Cal Poly Pomona, working on a curriculum developed by Penn State. Discussion on the Importance of Training the Next Generation Scott and Victor discuss the critical need for training the next generation of industrial leaders.Victor emphasizes the importance of having a trained workforce despite advancements in automation.Scott shares his personal experience of being inspired by educational films about manufacturing during his childhood.Victor explains the current state of manufacturing, noting the increase in automation and efficiency, and the need for skilled workers. Victor's Background and the METAL Program at Cal Poly Pomona Victor provides a brief overview of his background, including his role as a professor at Cal Poly Pomona and his expertise in metal casting and manufacturing.Scott praises the quality of instructors in the METAL program, noting their extensive experience and passion for their fields.Victor explains the purpose of the METAL program, which is to expose students to potential careers in metallurgy and related fields.The program includes boot camps and workshops, using a system called Foundry in a Box to engage students in hands-on activities. Challenges and Opportunities in Manufacturing Education Scott and Victor discuss the challenges of keeping up with the rapid changes in manufacturing technology.Victor highlights the need for continuous training and education to maintain professional currency.Scott emphasizes the importance of employers investing in their workforce to stay competitive.Victor mentions the issue of skilled workers leaving for better opportunities, which can be a challenge for employers. The Role of Community Colleges and Apprenticeship Programs Scott and Victor discuss the role of community colleges in providing manufacturing education and training.Victor explains that community colleges offer programs in welding, machining, and metallurgical technician, among others.Scott shares his positive experience with an apprenticeship program, which provided hands-on training and real-life education.Victor notes the decline in apprenticeship programs and the need for individuals to be proactive in pursuing their career goals. The Importance of Hands-On Training in Manufacturing Scott and Victor discuss the importance of hands-on training in manufacturing education.Victor shares an example of a boot camp where students were given the opportunity to pour their own molds, providing a valuable hands-on experience.Scott emphasizes the need for students to see and experience the practical aspects of manufacturing to understand its importance.Victor highlights the benefits of hands-on training in making students more knowledgeable and skilled. Future Plans for the METAL Program at Cal Poly Pomona Victor outlines the future plans for the Metal program at Cal Poly Pomona, including expanding the program and reaching more people.The program aims to attract more high school and college students, as well as industry professionals.Victor mentions the potential for the program to include more boot camps and workshops to provide additional exposure to students.The program also aims to strengthen the manufacturing base by educating more people about the industry. Conclusion and Call to Action Scott wraps up the conversation by emphasizing the importance of supporting the next generation of industrial leaders.He encourages listeners to connect with Victor and the METAL program at Cal Poly Pomona for more information.Scott highlights the role of Industrial Talk in promoting industry professionals and their stories.He encourages listeners to support the METAL program and other initiatives aimed at training the next generation of industrial leaders. If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy! VICTOR OKHUYSEN'S CONTACT INFORMATION: METAL Website: https://www.metalforamerica.org/ LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-okhuysen-26bb0423/ Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/school/cal-poly-pomona/ Company Website: https://www.cpp.edu/ PODCAST VIDEO: https://youtu.be/3qxigN0h18E THE STRATEGIC REASON "WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST": OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES: NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/ Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/ Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/ Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html Industrial Marketing Solutions:  https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/ Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/ Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/ We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/ YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX: LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/ Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/ Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader):

In the final installment of this series on healthy organizational systems, Trisha and Mac unpack the last three practices from Peter Steinke's work on strengthening an organization's "immune system." Together they explore why healthy leaders focus on process along with content, the entire system, not just symptoms, and direction, not just current condition. Through stories from ministry and organizational leadership, they show how these shifts help leaders move beyond blame, navigate discouragement, and create lasting health instead of chasing quick fixes. Conversation Overview Look Beyond Symptoms Avoid the Trap of Blame Treat Symptoms Like Smoke Alarms Focus on Direction More Than Condition Stay the Course Through Discouragement Lead with Conviction, Not Anxiety Practice Before You Need It Resources How Your Church Family Works - Peter Steinke Healthy Congregations - Peter Steinke Strengthening Your Leadership Immune System - Episode One Growing Through Challenge Over Comfort - Episode Two Find Us On YouTube

Strengthening Defense Ties Between the Philippines and Canada. Guest: Charles Burton and Gordon Chang.Canada is deepening security cooperation with the Philippines to counter Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea. This partnership includes logistical agreements and military training, even as Canada faces challenges protecting its own Arctic sovereignty against increasing Russian and Chinese strategic reach in the North. 4MEXICO CITY

Michael McFaul recommends helping Ukraine win the war to undermine Putin's grip on power, as a democratic Ukraine directly contradicts Putin's narrative that Russians require a strong dictatorship. He also stresses the importance of competing for talent by attracting educated Russian and Chinese citizens to the United States through smarter immigration policies. During the Cold War, the ability to draw in the world's smartest people was a major American advantage that is currently being hindered by restrictive visa rules. Strengthening this "brain drain" from autocracies is vital for long-term technological and economic competition. (7)1900 BAKU