Podcasts about succeed

Recorded in 2023 pre Antwerp World Championships AA final, where Simone finally beat Larisa Latynina's record. We update and revisit some of our favorite busted gymnastics myths—and bust some new myths as well Myths that sound too crazy to be true, naked gymnastics edition Dumb crap left over by haters about periods, height, and lines Who REALLY scored the first perfect 10? The myth of the "candle" mount and the "Liukin" Fighting for justice for Olga Mostepanova, Kerri Strug, Larissa Libby and more Who REALLY won the world all-around title in 2005? Is gymnastics a sport dominated by high schoolers? Was the Sydney vault REALLY set wrong? Was Olga Korbut REALLY the first to do the Korbut? Is Simone Biles the most decorated gymnast of all time? SUPPORT OUR WORK Join Club Gym Nerd: https://gymcastic.com/club/ Merch: https://gymcastic.com/shop/ Headstand Game: https://gymcastic.com/headstand-plugin/ Forum: https://gymcastic.com/community/ Thank you to our Sponsor: "Broken to Unbreakable" by Lori Vollkommer available on Amazon or wherever you buy your books Buy a Ticket to the Live Show with Cecile Landi and Levi WATCH REPLAY HERE : Buy a ticket now or buy it as a gift! If you purchased a ticket to the live show with Cecile Landi and Levi Jung-Ruivivar benefitting The National Eating Disorder Foundation you can still watch the replay.  Watch highlights before you buy here. 2026 LIVE SHOW SEASON PASSES ARE NOW AVAILABLE That's 4 live show passes for the price of 3! Season passes will be available up until the week of the first show. Buy a 2026 season pass here. UP NEXT: College & Cocktails: January 2nd around 8pm Pacific after we watch Minnesota, Iowa @ Utah (ESPN+) CHAPTERS 00:00 – The Myth: Our Work Busting Gymnastics Myths is Done 00:17 – 2025 Simone Most Decorated Update 01:01 – The Myth: The Beam Is Four Inches Wide 01:24 – The Myth: Gymnastics Myths Are Already Settled 02:13 – The Myth: No One Has Ever Competed Naked at a Meet 04:53 – The Myth: An Active Ceiling Leak Would Stop a World Championship 06:21 – The Myth: Gymnasts Don't Get Periods 08:44 – The Myth: You Have to Be Short to Succeed in Gymnastics 11:22 – The Myth: Tall Gymnasts Have "Better Lines" 15:18 – The Myth: Power Only Comes From Being Small 16:38 – The Myth: The Beam Is Four Inches Wide 18:17 – The Myth: Nadia Was the First Perfect 10 Ever 21:24 – The Myth: Shannon Miller Has Multiple Skills Named After Her 24:08 – The Myth: The "Candle Mount" Has Always Been Required 28:24 – The Myth: The Onodi Is Named for the First Person to Do It 30:01 – The Myth: The Liukin Skill Is What the Code Says It Is 32:31 – The Myth: Removed Skills Were Never Valuable 34:39 – The Myth: The FIG Likes Gymnastics 43:53 – The Myth: Chellsie Memmel Beat Nastia Liukin in 2005 47:45 – The Myth: Gymnastics Careers End After High School 49:30 – The Myth: College Gymnasts Can't Make Olympic Teams 52:05 – The Myth: Elite Gymnasts Peak as Teenagers 54:28 – The Myth: Olga Korbut Was First to Do a Back Tuck on Beam 56:27 – The Myth: Korbut Was the First to Do the Korbut 58:08 – The Myth: The Sydney Vault Was Set Incorrectly 01:02:50 – The Myth: Scores Were Changed in Mexico City 1968 for a Soviet Victory 01:06:08 – The Myth: Simone Biles Held  the All-Time Medal Record pre Antwerp Worlds 01:09:14 – The Myth: Obsolete Events Don't Count Historically 01:15:47 – The Myth: All Gymnastics Myths Are Already Busted 01:16:02 –  Other Myth Busters Episodes RELATED EPISODES & RESOURCES Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments Part 1 Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments Part 2 Myths, Legends, and Unexpected Moments Part 3 Romanian Gymnastics Secret Police Files Project K Episode 2 Project K Episode 1 Gymnastics History and Code of Points Archive from Uncle Tim  

Sometimes we are our own biggest roadblocks on this journey through entrepreneurship. We have big ideas, we dream up big plans, but then our own self-doubt and fear of failure creeps in and we hold ourselves back. I was chatting with a prospective CPSM student who expressed that her only hesitation in enrolling in the program is the business piece. She has never started her own business and that feels scary and overwhelming. She knows she will be great at supporting families, and she is passionate about healthy sleep habits for children, but what if she fails? Well, you can't succeed if you don't even try! On this episode of the Becoming a Sleep Consultant podcast, I share: - That the irony around fear of failure is that if you are so afraid to fail that you don't even try, then you failed before even getting started! - How we can relate these feelings we have as sleep consultants back to our clients. When our clients are finally ready to make a change, and try to teach their child to fall asleep in a new way, that's when they can have a really meaningful transformation! - When you say yes to yourself, that's the very first step on your new adventure. It's sometimes scary, always thrilling, and entirely worth it!  If you'd like to learn more about becoming a Sleep Consultant, please join our Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/becomeasleepconsultantCPSM website: https://thecpsm.com/Book a free discovery call to learn how you can become a Certified Sleep Consultant here: https://jaynehavens.as.me/CPSM-Inquiry 

If you've ever looked at Amazon and wondered how some brands scale effortlessly while others disappear into a sea of competitors, you're not alone. Amazon can feel like an unpredictable giant—full of opportunity, but also packed with complexity. And as more entrepreneurs jump in, the brands that win aren't the ones chasing trends…they're the ones building with intention. Today's guest, Pasha Knish, has lived through every era of Amazon—from the Wild West days of early e-commerce to today's data-driven, hyper-competitive marketplace. With more than 13 years of hands-on selling experience and over $30M in revenue generated across dozens of categories, Pasha has mastered the science and art of sustained Amazon success. In this episode, Pasha pulls back the curtain on product selection, brand-building, organic ranking, and the future of AI-driven e-commerce—and what sellers must get right to scale smarter. Building an Amazon Brand That Solves a Real Problem Pasha's journey into Amazon began with experimentation—selling random products, discovering early opportunities, and launching a successful private-label brand long before the platform became saturated.  But the landscape has changed dramatically. Today, sellers can't simply pick a trending item and hope for the best. Amazon rewards solutions, not commodities. According to Pasha, the first step to a scalable product isn't creativity—it's clarity. Successful sellers reverse-engineer demand by digging into negative reviews, identifying gaps in the market, and building a product that solves a meaningful, proven problem. That's the difference between a product that launches and one that lasts. The New Era of Amazon Advertising and Organic Growth Beyond product strategy, Pasha shares how Amazon's ad platform has transformed and why focusing on Amazon's built-in tools is more effective than spreading efforts across outside channels. Instead of relying on other platforms to drive traffic, he uses Amazon's own customer data to reach buyers who are already interested and ready to take action. But ads are only one piece of the puzzle. Pasha explains why organic visibility matters just as much, especially now. Many sellers overlook the backend fields of their listings, yet these details are what help Amazon understand exactly what a product is and who should see it.  This philosophy inspired the software Pasha is building: a tool that simplifies and automates backend updates so more sellers can improve organic performance without drowning in technical work. At the heart of it all, Pasha believes Amazon success comes from constant learning and resilience. Every setback becomes a lesson, and every lesson creates an opportunity to grow stronger. Enjoy this episode with Pasha Knish… Soundbytes 10:59 – 11:16 "If you can give Amazon the most accurate representation of your product in those backend fields, you're going to show up better organically." 28:13 – 28:19 "If people like you and they find out you have a product, they'll probably buy it because they like you." 30:15 – 30:20 "You have to know exactly who you're advertising to. In a saturated market, going after top keywords will just lose all your money." Quotes "If you don't have a product differentiator, you'll spend all your money and never succeed." "The failures are what pave the way to success." "Backend optimization matters. Amazon is a categorizing system, and you need to fit cleanly into it." Links mentioned in this episode: From Our Guest Website: https://amzoptimized.com/ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pasha-knish Connect with brandiD Find out how top leaders are increasing their authority, impact, and income online. Listen to our private podcast, The Professional Presence Podcast: https://thebrandid.com/professional-presence-podcast Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website? Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/

I've had hundreds of conversations about New Year's fitness goals, and I'm seeing the same patterns repeat. In this episode, I'm sharing the three biggest reasons most women fail their goals (even when they're motivated) and exactly how to do it differently this year. If you're tired of starting over every January, this one's for you!Fit For Hiking Guides  — Workouts to get you trail-ready.Mountain Metabolic Coaching — Fat loss, body recomposition, nutrition, hormones, performance, all with full 1:1 coach support. More Resources — Wellness tips, hiking + travel guides, and blogs.Shop My Favorite Gear — Amazon storefrontFit For Hiking Instagram Bradee Instagram 

What does it take for students to flourish academically and holistically during their college years? Carroll Crowson, Director of Academic Support Programs at Baylor's Paul L. Foster Success Center, shares how Baylor provides personalized resources—from tutoring and supplemental instruction to academic mentoring and resiliency training—that empower students to succeed in the classroom and beyond. Families have made a significant investment in their student's time at Baylor, and the University has built a culture of care that helps those students reach their full potential.

Opposition parties are calling for a British-Egyptian dissident to be stripped of his citizenship following the emergence of tweets against British people where he also called for the killing of zionists. We're joined by Emily Thornberry who says citizenship cannot be taken away "willy-nilly". President Trump says "Russia wants to see Ukraine succeed". Does this statement encapsulate the anxiety that Ukraine will not be able to secure a "just peace"? Erin Doherty, the actress who plays a young Princess Anne in The Crown says she gets served quicker when she puts on a posh accent. In what way have you been judged for your accent?

#731 What if the only thing standing between you and your next level of success isn't strategy — but the way your mind handles pressure, uncertainty, and fear? In this episode, host Kirsten Tyrrel sits down with Itamar Marani — former Israeli special operations and undercover agent turned elite performance coach — to unpack how high achievers unlock their next level when pressure is high and clarity is low. Itamar shares his surprising path from special ops to running a marketing agency, to being urged by successful founders to “ditch the agency and coach,” ultimately leading to his coaching-and-consulting business. He breaks down the three “success killers” that quietly cap an entrepreneur's growth and how to shift from emotion-driven decisions to strategy-driven action so you can stop procrastinating, stop playing small, and start performing like the version of you who already has the results! What we discuss with Itamar: + Special ops to entrepreneurship + Mindset under pressure + From agency to coaching + Elite performance principles + Imposter syndrome & discomfort + Three “success killers” + Playing not to lose + Emotion vs strategy + Permission to take action Thank you, Itamar! Check out Itamar Marani at ItamarMarani.com. To get access to our FREE Business Training course go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MillionaireUniversity.com/training⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To get exclusive offers mentioned in this episode and to support the show, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠millionaireuniversity.com/sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last time on the Six Figure Trucker, we were introduced to Jaboris Christian, a six-year veteran of driveaway trucking. We're pleased to welcome him back today to dive a little deeper into his personal life. On today's episode, Jaboris shares how he seeks to manage his time in order to prioritize his wife and two precious daughters. His 7 and 3-year old girls keep his wheels spinning in more ways than one! He also sheds light on his academic background in Computer Graphics Technology at Purdue University and how he and his wife have leveraged their degrees and skills to start two businesses: 'A Michelle Designs' focusing on web development and brand promotions, and 'Ambitious Mentality,' a clothing brand aimed at promoting inspiration through catchy slogans like “Live Ambitious” or “Do what you Love and Succeed”. All this and more as we peek behind the scenes into the life of Jaboris Christian on today's edition of the #SixFigureTruckerShow Notes:Welcome Jaboris Christian back to the show! (0:43)Balancing Time between Family and Freeways (1:22)Both Graduates of Purdue, Jaboris and his wife both employ their degrees and skills toward creative entrepreneurial ends (2:25)Marriage, Daughters, and Disney! (9:00)Keep Trucking, Jaboris! The Six-Figure Trucker is a weekly podcast about driveaway trucking brought to you by Norton Transport. For more information or to subscribe, please visit Six-FigureTrucker.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New Year's resolutions don't fail—unrealistic expectations do. In this episode of The Fitness Beginner, we break down what New Year's resolutions really are, why they can help or hurt your fitness journey, and how to use them the right way. You'll learn the best type of resolution for getting started in fitness, how to implement it without burning out, and simple strategies to stay consistent long after January ends. If you're tired of starting over every year, this episode will help you build habits that actually last.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Root—an award-winning sales representative who has raised the bar across the furniture industry. Known for continually sharpening his marketing expertise, Mike is endorsed by some of the most elite retailers in the country and widely regarded as an indispensable partner to his dealers. Passionate about lifting up fellow reps and helping retailers grow, he has become a trusted resource for business development and strategy. We also dive into his book, From a Sales Rep's Perspective, which is taking the industry by storm and reshaping how professionals think about sales, relationships, and long-term success.  

Former BYU basketball coach Steve Cleveland joined DJ & PK to talk about Kyle Whittingham's move to Michigan and also looking at Big 12 basketball beginning this weekend.

Longtime college football analyst Yogi Roth joined DJ & PK to talk about Kyle Whittingham's hire at Michigan, Morgan Scalley taking over at Utah and what the future holds.

Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu: Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- Have you ever realized that the very things that lead to success, purpose, and fulfillment are the things nearly everyone runs away from? Discomfort, hard work, uncomfortable situations and conversations, are the things that no one desires more of, and yet… The ability to build a wildly successful and scalable business is within reach for nearly everyone reading this, and yet through self-selection on the few will do what needs to be done to rise to the top. Of the few that rise to the top, even fewer will do so feeling fulfilled in their life. It takes much more than skills and relationships to be successful. It takes grit and determination to do the hard things. It requires you go through emotionally taxing, ego killing moments of failure, humility, and self-realization to become adaptable and become who you want to be. In this keynote, Tom reveals the hard facts of entrepreneurship and what it takes to be in the 1%. “If you're only good in the beginning you lack grit.” After watching this it's time for a hard self-talk and challenge to yourself. It's time for a no B.S. approach of what will it take to build yourself into the person you desire to be. Don't underestimate what you are capable of, stop thinking too small and get uncomfortable. “To those human beings who are of any concern to me I wish suffering, desolation, sickness, ill treatment, indignities - I wish that they should not remain unfamiliar with profound self-contempt, the torture of self-mistrust, the wretchedness of the vanquished: I have no pity for them, because I wish them the only thing that can prove today whether one is worth anything or not - that one endures.” -Nietzche SHOW NOTES: 0:00 | Introduction to The Journey Is the Win 0:22 | Entrepreneurs Survive Rock Bottom 9:12 | Connect to Purpose (Not Money) 16:41 | Develop Your Mindset First 24:16 | 6 Ways to Develop New Skills 37:13 | How to Develop Grit 46:16 | Identify Your Passion & Develop It 51:03 | Building a Scalable Business 1:01:29 | Value of Online Community 1:14:17 | Success Requires Clear Goals Are You Ready for EXTRA Impact? If you're ready to find true fulfillment, strengthen your focus, and ignite your true potential, the Impact Theory subscription was created just for you. Want to transform your health, sharpen your mindset, improve your relationship, or conquer the business world? This is your epicenter of greatness.  This is not for the faint of heart. This is for those who dare to learn obsessively, every day, day after day. Subscription Benefits: Unlock the gates to a treasure trove of wisdom from inspiring guests like Andrew Huberman, Mel Robbins, Hal Elrod, Matthew McConaughey, and many, many, moreNew episodes delivered ad-freeExclusive access to Tom's AMAs, keynote speeches, and suggestions from his personal reading listYou'll also get access to an 5 additional podcasts with hundreds of archived Impact Theory episodes, meticulously curated into themed playlists covering health, mindset, business, relationships, and more:⁠Legendary Mindset⁠: Mindset & Self-Improvement⁠Money Mindset⁠: Business & Finance⁠Relationship Theory:⁠ Relationships⁠Health Theory⁠: Mental & Physical Health⁠Power Ups:⁠ Weekly Doses of Short Motivational Quotes  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3PCvJaz⁠ Subscribe on all other platforms (Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Downcast, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic, Podkicker, and more) : ⁠https://impacttheorynetwork.supercast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have another special episode for you today, three of my fav episodes bringing together a conversation on standing out, being seen and setting boundaries. IF you'd like to listen to the full episodes, you can find them here: 678 -Seen & Paid: How to Build a Personal Brand That Gets You Known, Valued & Paid with Taylor Smith - Founder of Powertable 672 - She's Made for More - Cristal Jacobo Founder of She's Made for More Live 630 - Save 15 hours a week with AI and Em Gee - Marketing, AI & Business Consultant Download: Consistent $10K Month Method WORK WITH CHRISTINE: Buy my new book: Turn Impostor Syndrome Into Your Superpower Download: Consistent $10K Month Method Connect with Christine on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/christinecorcoran_coach/ Book a Discovery Call with Christine here Join the waitlist for the next round of Unstoppable Sales HERE Join the waitlist for the next round of NEXT LEVEL Mastermind HERE Christine's website https://christinecorcoran.com.au/

What if the reason you are not living your dream has nothing to do with your ability and everything to do with a few invisible forces quietly working against you? In this mashup episode, I go deep on what I believe are the five biggest dream killers that stop people right before they break through. This is not a surface level conversation about motivation or habits. This is about the internal battles that quietly steal your future if you do not recognize them early. I sit down with Lewis Howes to unpack the real reasons talented, driven people stall out, lose momentum, or walk away from the life they were meant to live. We talk about discouragement and why it often shows up the moment you are closest to something meaningful. I explain how discouragement removes courage from your decision making and how awareness alone can strip it of its power. Lewis shares his own experiences with setbacks, self doubt, and learning to stay in belief even when results are not immediate. This is the kind of conversation that reminds you that feeling challenged does not mean you are off track. It often means you are exactly where you need to be. We also dive into doubt and delusion, two dream killers that work quietly but relentlessly. We break down how doubt is fueled by lies about your worth and ability, and how delusion distorts reality by making problems feel bigger or success feel farther away than it actually is. I share why most breakthroughs are closer than people think and how one decision, one conversation, or one moment of courage can change everything. Finally, we tackle what I believe is the most dangerous dream killer of all: delay. I explain why waiting for perfect conditions is one of the fastest ways to guarantee regret. Lewis and I talk about the cost of hesitation and why successful people move with urgency, even when they do not have every answer. If you have been telling yourself you will start someday, this episode is your wake up call. Dreams have an expiration date, and the time to act is now. Key Takeaways from this Episode: The real reason discouragement shows up right before breakthroughs How to identify and eliminate doubt before it kills your confidence Why delusion makes success feel farther away than it really is The hidden cost of delay and how waiting quietly destroys dreams Why awareness is one of the most powerful tools for personal growth How to move forward even when conditions are not perfect This episode is not just meant to inspire you. It is meant to confront you. You were not created to live small, wait forever, or doubt your worth. Recognize the dream killers, take your power back, and go all in on the life you were meant to live. ⁠⁠

A DELUSIONAL Amount Of Self Belief Is Required In Today's World To Succeed

Lost At Christmas: Part 1 His First Christmas away from home, & His best gift ever. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts. Listen to the Podcast at My First time. After my first semester in College, I was eager to go home for the holidays. I was going to school in Rochester, New York, and anybody who'd experienced the lake-effect winters on the Great Lakes would understand my desire to get to somewhere warmer. For me, that somewhere warmer was a long ways away. As a military brat, home was often a moving target, and that winter it was Santiago, Chile, where my father was stationed and where I'd graduated high-school. It was summer in Santiago, and I was looking forward to a pool-party with my old school mates for the Holidays. We didn't have a lot of money, but I was allowed to travel space available on a military flight as a Navy ROTC student. I had to get down to Charleston, South Carolina, and catch an international C1 41 flight that made a loop through Latin America. After finagling a ride to Virginia followed by a very long bus trip down the coast, I finally made it to Charleston AFB. ROTC travel orders in hand, I checked in at the desk, and verified I was on the standby list for the flight leaving on the 23rd. I wouldn't get home until Christmas Day, but better late than never. With pockets nearly empty, a hotel room was out of the question so I slept in the terminal and snacked on the cheapest eats I could get away with. There was a festive mood in the terminal, so many people rushing to get home for the holidays, and I was getting caught up in the feeling, eagerly looking forward to that very long plane ride, first to Panama, then Lima, and finally Santiago. After what seemed an interminable wait, we were an hour away from boarding when I got bumped off the flight by a group of Marines headed to Panama on Active Duty travel orders. I was devastated. The next flight left early the morning of the 26th. At least that one was a huge plane, and nearly empty so I was virtually guaranteed to get aboard, but what was I going to do for Christmas? Looking up at the outgoing flight schedules, I saw a flight listed for Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida. "When is the flight to Tyndall headed out?" I asked the airman behind the desk. "In an hour-and-a-half, and it's all but empty. You want on?" He asked, offering some recompense for my last minute bump. I'd lived in Panama City during 9th and 10th grade, and still had some close friends there, many I still kept in touch with. Maybe I could find someone to spend Christmas with there. It had to be better than sleeping in the terminal for 2 more days. "Please," I told him, "but hold my space for Santiago. I'll be back for that flight." I recalled there being a pretty big Greyhound station in Panama City, so I called Greyhound and checked on a bus being able to get me back in time for the flight. They had one, a 7:30 am bus on Christmas morning would get me back before midnight on Christmas. I could easily make the flight the next morning, even if it were delay a few hours. I bought a ticket, using the emergency Am Ex card my parents had given me when I headed off to college. I'd explain the $67.00 to my parents. I called my family in Santiago with the news. It had to be short call because of the expense, so I let them know I had been bumped but would be there on the 28th. I told them I was headed to Panama City, and would be taking a bus back in plenty of time for my flight. My mother cried, and my father told me to go ahead and use the credit card, but to try to keep the expenses reasonable. By the time I hung up I was pretty depressed, but at least I had a plan. Before I could try to contact anyone in Panama City, an announcement was made and suddenly I was on my way to Florida for Christmas, with no place lined up to stay, and practically broke. I was feeling a bit melancholy, but was determined to make the best of it. So there I was, at Tyndall Air Force Base, at 11:20 pm on December 23rd. I was debating who to try first. I had several close friends nearby and I expected they'd all be home for Christmas. After a short internal debate, I had narrowed it down to two. I had always gotten along well with their entire families, and I was still in pretty regular contact with both of them. Mike lived the nearest to me in the old days. He came from a big family, with 6 siblings, including Peggy, who'd been one of my first real deep infatuations. When I had been in 9th grade she'd been a senior, and was pretty and sophisticated. My yearning for her was unrequited, but I relished the idea of seeing her again after four years. She was a college senior, and would probably be home. I knew they'd welcome me, but I was concerned it would be an inconvenience. They did not have a large house, and it was bound to be crowded, particularly with three college kids home for the holiday. On top of that who knew if they had anyone else in tow? Tommy on the other hand came from a relatively well-off family who always lived well within their means. He had an older brother, who was working in Japan and unlikely to be home, a sister, Sheri, just a year behind us in school, and two much younger siblings, who I guessed would be around 9 and 10 by now. They had a spacious house, each kid had their own room, and I wouldn't be putting anybody out if I stayed there. I'd always had a crush on Sheri, but although I'd dated her best friend, I'd never gone out with her. Getting a chance to see her again would be an extra bonus. Feeling nervous and awkward, I dialed Tommy's number from memory, and luckily got him on the first call. If I'd gotten somebody else, I would have really felt uncomfortable. Tommy's answer was unmistakable. He had a funny way of saying hello when he answered the phone, and the sound of his voice took me straight back down memory lane. "Hee-ello," he answered. "Tommy! Guess who?" I asked. I guess my voice must have been similarly recognizable, since he didn't hesitate a second. "Steve-o! What are you up to? Where're you at?" He answered eagerly. It put a smile on my face. Nice to hear a happy, upbeat voice that seemed genuinely pleased to hear from me. "Funny you should ask. It's a long story, but I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm at Tyndall, and stuck here until Christmas Day." I told him. "What happened to Chile, and Rochester?" He asked. "I was on my way home to Chile, when I lost my seat on the plane in Charleston. I couldn't get out again until the 26th, so when I saw an empty plane headed this way, I just hopped on and hoped for the best." I explained. "That's Great!" He almost shouted. "Not great that you couldn't get home, but great that you're here. You want to stay with us? You can have Greg's room, he won't be here, and I'm sure Sheri and Mom would love to see you. The place is kind of 'down' with Greg canceling his trip home at the last minute. Having you here should cheer things up a bit." He did sound enthused, and I couldn't help grinning in reply. "Don't you think you should check?" I laughed. A scream in my ear was the answer, as I heard half of a shouted conversation. "Mom! Guess Who's In Town." "No, Not Greg." "No, Go Ahead Guess." "Guess Again." "Ok, Ok - Steve." "Yeah, Steve Pelland. He's Stuck Here In Town 'Til Christmas Day." "Of Course I Told Him He Should Come Here, I'll Go Get Him." "I Will." "Yes Mom; Yes; I Won't; I Will." I was holding the phone a little away from my head, and almost missed it when he came back on. "Where should I pick you up?" He asked. "The Main Terminal, you know where that is right?" I answered. "Sure - be there in about 30 minutes. Man, this is Great!" I hung up with a big smile on my face, feeling 100% better than I had just 10 minutes earlier. I stood outside waiting for him, and about 20 minutes later the strings of Christmas lights shut off one at a time, as the place closed up for the night. It was dark and quiet, and I started to get nervous again, wondering if this had been such a good idea. I was 500 miles from my flight home and completely at the mercy of old friends. But as far as friends go, I couldn't do much better than mine, and figured at the least I wouldn't be sleeping in a lonely terminal in Charleston for two days, slowly eating my way through my meager funds. When Bob pulled up around midnight, I could see he'd gotten rid of the VW Bug he'd inherited from his mother upon turning 16, and was now driving his brother's old Two-tone Cougar. We spent a minute saying hi, and loading my gear into the trunk, and then we headed back into town, catching each other up on history. When I had first moved to Santiago, I used to write about once every couple of months, as well as call a couple of times a year. In the beginning I'd written Sheri a lot as well. She was one of the most prolific writers among my old friends, and would typically write twice to me for every one I wrote to her. Over the years, that had degenerated into holiday cards and a surprise call maybe once a year. I knew he was attending Florida State, and that Greg had graduated from Georgetown, and had moved to Japan on business. That was about it. Tommy told me all about the old gang, who was in town, who was going to what schools, what people had been up to. I told him a lot more detail about what I'd been up to. "So," he asked, "Got a girl?" "Not now. Thought I had one after the ROTC Christmas ball, but that seems to have been my mistake." I admitted. "Hard to believe. You always had someone. Every letter, every phone-call, just seems like they didn't stay the same all that long." He teased. "I don't know. I had several relationships last pretty long. Two were more than 6 months long." I argued. "Oh! Six Months!" He laughed. "How about you then," I asked in defense. "Still Erin. Almost two years now." He asked. "Shit. What does she see in you? She could do so much better." I teased. "Oh really? Like how?" "Like me!" I laughed. "Right, like that would ever happen! Don't even think about it, or you'll be sleeping in the street." He was laughing as well. "Not if I called Erin I wouldn't," I shot back. I thought it was a great comeback, but it earned me a sock in the arm. We pulled up to his house, which still looked exactly the same, and things were pretty quiet. They used the same window lights, same roof lights, same bush trimmings year after year. It was just as I remembered. Who says you can't go back? "Mom's got to work tomorrow, so I'm sure she's in bed, and you know Dave crashes early, so we better keep it down. We've got lots to do tomorrow anyway." We entered quietly and put my bag in Greg's old room. Tommy stayed and chatted for a few minutes then bid me good night, telling me to sleep in as long as I wanted, as long as it wasn't past 9:00 am, and left me to get settled. Past 9:00? Now I remembered, they'd always been an early-bird household. For me 9:00 am Was the crack of dawn. Tommy and I had breakfast at about 9:30. He was already chiding me for sleeping in and missing the whole family. We had the house to ourselves. He'd been on the phone arranging our day, and once we'd finished the pancakes, we were off to see Mike and his family. Entering Mike's house was the same as it had ever been, but more-so. People everywhere, noise, laughter, roughhousing, it was all taken in stride by Mrs. Frey. We spent a few hours visiting, and getting fed again before we could leave. Mike's older sister Peggy still looked cute to me, but not the amazing creature my memory had somehow stored away. I had to tease her about the Christmas gift she'd given me three years earlier. She'd bought me a Richard Pryor tape, thinking it was Bill Cosby. When I played it for her in my car, she exploded, calling me names and accusing me of vile intent. At the time I had felt bad, confused, angry and a host of other feelings, now thankfully we could laugh at it. When I'd been 16 I'd been somewhat in awe of her, now things were comfortable. Mike's older brother was home as well, with his live-in girlfriend who seemed awfully ill-at-ease, and must have been at least 5 years older than Dan, maybe more. That was a story I'd have to hear more about. The biggest surprise was Alice. She'd been a few years younger than us. I wasn't sure if she was 16 or 17 now, but she was a bombshell. And she was coming on to me like gangbusters. I was really nervous, with her acting all touchy-feely with her mother and Peggy there. I was suddenly glad I had chosen to stay over with Tommy. With a pretty, stacked girl that seemed so infatuated with me around, I'm afraid I might have gotten into a whole lot more trouble than I needed. When we left there Mike joined us, and it was off to see Jack and Russ. They were a year apart in age. Russ had been in our class, and we'd been friendly with him, but Jack, although a year younger was our buddy. We played on the basketball team together, and when Tommy and I formed our first band, Jack was our bassist. At the Chambers house, we once again reminisced, and had to relive our first 'gig'. We had decided to play in the school talent show. With Tommy on piano and Jack on bass, I played guitar. We had a fourth guy on drums we'd all lost contact with. We had played Elton John, Deep Purple, The Eagles, and The Beatles. We had opened with the opening riff of "Smoke on the Water", and had been a hit. We were pretty lousy, but the audience was our friends, our parents and the parents of our friends, and at the end the parents even took up a collection for us. Pretty heady stuff. We'd called ourselves Bronze Myth, and had already designed our first three album covers before we had our first birthday party gig. Jack had been tall then, and had not stopped growing; he was now 6'7" and was attending University of Florida, playing basketball. He reminded me of the time when we went on our first dates together. I had gone with Kathryn Best, easily the most lusted after girl in the whole school, who was in Jack's class a year behind me. Jack, on the other hand, had gone out with our "Valentine's Day Queen", Anne, who was in my class and almost two full years older than Jack. He was always precocious. There had been a third couple with us, Dennis and Suzanne, and Jack broke the news that Suzanne had gotten knocked up, just before I left to go overseas, and she and Dennis had gotten married. There was a huge scandal, but they stuck together, and had the baby. They lived with Suzanne's parents. Dennis was doing alright, working for Suzanne's father. While we were visiting, several friends dropped in, including the aforementioned Kathryn who lived one street over. Kathryn, the stunning brunette who had the body of a 20 year old when she was 15, and had a beautiful face with features that just slayed me. Kathryn, the very first girl I had gotten to Third Base with. She was as pretty as I remembered, and I found out she was going to be attending Mt. Holyoke the following year, which was an odd coincidence since my girlfriend from High School was a sophomore there. Going out with Kathryn, a year younger than me had been a total fiasco. We'd sat together on an out-of-town bus trip and ranked high enough in the pecking order that we got the right hand seat second from the back. These trips were our biggest dates back then. Ours was a small parochial school, and on the bus trips, the athletes, cheerleaders and student fans all rode the same bug. The 30-90 minute trips were like pep rallies on the way out, and like the back of movie theatres on the way back. There were frequent "hand-checks" and the lights would come one as our coaches would walk the aisle, but it seemed like after our wins, the checks would be a little less frequent. Our win at Pensacola was my first real 'make-out' session, as we cuddled and kissed the whole trip home. I even got a chance to play with her breast through her sweater. Less than a week later I asked her to the movies, and we sat in the back with the two other couples, probably both scared spitless and nervous as goldfish in a blender. We'd started necking, which got more and more intense, and my hands boldly went where no hands had gone before. An hour into the movie I was almost out of control, and feverish with desire, and it seemed she was willing to let me do whatever I wanted. If I'd had a little more confidence, or a little more knowledge, who knows what might have happened? As it is, I went pretty far, probably too far, and I was scared to death afterwards. She was the first girl whose flesh I'd touched underneath her clothing. I didn't call her for several days, and even avoided her at school, not knowing what to say. In short I was a total jerk. Everyone thought we should be together, she was the pretty captain of the cheerleaders, with the big boobs, and I was the Big Jock, playing all the sports, while at the same time excelling in school. She was voted "Most Popular." I was "Most Likely to Succeed." However, in this case it turned out she was "Most Slighted", and I was definitely "Most Inept." After waiting several days, amazingly patient in retrospect, she had tasked her best friend Sheri, Tommy's sister, with letting me know that she thought we shouldn't go out. Next thing you know, she was going out with some geeky looking kid, and she dated him for the rest of the school year. I'd changed schools at the end of that year, and had seen her only infrequently the following year, before moving to Santiago. Outside in the backyard, Kathryn and I walked off together and finally had a few minutes alone. "You know Kat, I don't think I ever apologized for being such an idiot, after our first date. I really am sorry." She was quiet for a while. She had a sad little look. "You know, I waited by that phone night after night, crying myself to sleep. I saw you dodging me at school and it broke my heart." "I was young and stupid. I'd never done Anything with a girl before, and could hardly even believe I was with the hottest girl in school. After all the stuff I did, God, I was so embarrassed that I'd overstepped the boundaries, and I had no idea what to say." She sat down underneath the big tree in the backyard and I sat beside her on the circular bench around it. "You could have said something to Jack maybe, or Tommy, and let them tell me. At least let me know that you liked me, or had fun. Something." She looked on the verge of tears, even 3 years later, and I felt even worse. "I know. I kept kicking myself over it. I was so angry with myself and jealous when you went out with Ricky." I admitted. "He was nice to me when I needed it." "But it seemed such an odd fit. He was a nobody; the only thing he ever did noteworthy was date you." I told her. "He lived two houses down. We'd grown up together, and when my heart was broken he picked up the pieces. He could tell something was wrong, and really made me feel a lot better." She confessed. That brought on a short period of silence. It did let me think better of Ricky, who wasn't just lucky or an opportunist. "You know, that was one of the most memorable moments in my life. Touching a girl like that for the first time. I had no idea what I should do, or what I could do, but I kept looking down the row at Dennis and Suzanne, and figured I should be able to do that too. I was in heaven; you were so amazing to be with." I told her, reaching out and taking her hand in mine. Her palm was moist. "You're telling me? You were the big 9th grader with the learner's permit and motorcycle. Big Man on Campus. The guy every girl wanted. And you wanted me. I had no idea what we should or shouldn't do on a date. I was hoping you knew." We laughed at that, remembering the intensity of those feelings. "Given a chance to do it over, I'd have camped out on your doorstep and professed my undying, eternal love the moment you walked out the door." I told her, half serious. "As I recall, you professed your love for me that evening, just before opening the top of my pants." She said with a wicked grin. I'm sure I blushed mightily. "I can't really ask forgiveness, but I really am sorry. Sorry now and sorry then. I fantasized about you for years afterwards, thinking of what could have happened if I hadn't been such a jerk. You have no idea how many of my fantasies you starred in back then." "If only you'd have let me know. Ricky was my first. It could have been you. Given half a chance, it would have been you." She had moved close and was speaking softly. "And this is my punishment. Knowing how bad I fucked up. Seeing you here, as beautiful as in my dreams, and knowing I've screwed up any chance of being with you." I placed my hand behind her head, stroking her hair. "I wouldn't say you'd screwed up Any chance, but you certainly blew that one." We were looking deeply in each other's eyes, recalling strong, painful feelings. I wanted her now, as I'd wanted her then, with a deep burning need, and I leaned forward those last two inches, and captured her lips with mine. She slid forward and melted against me, kissing me with every emotion boiling to the surface. She took my hand and placed it on her incredible chest, and I squeezed her breast, my thumb reliving that first caress of her nipple from so many years earlier. We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and then broke apart. Her eyes glistened. "I've got a boyfriend." She confessed. I nodded understanding. "If I didn't?" I reached forward pressing my index finger to her lips. "I know. I missed my chance. It's my loss." We just sat side by side a minute, in silence. "You know," she said softly, "what you did to me that night, that was part of the problem." "I know. I'm sorry if I stepped over the line." I said, even now embarrassed at the liberties I'd taken. "No, not anything wrong. What you did to me, how you made me feel. You made me cream my jeans more than once that night. It was the first time I'd ever come. I'd heard about it, but it was almost unreal. Your fingers just drove me wild. It was over a year before another guy was able to do the same." She put her hand between her legs, seemingly remembering that first night. "That makes two of us. I don't know if you knew, but I came in my pants too, and you never even touched me there. By the time I got home I was a terrible sticky mess. I snuck out and threw that underwear away before my mother could find them and ask uncomfortable questions." I told her, laughing. She gave me an odd little look, and then slid around the tree, placing its 3 foot wide trunk between us and the house. She reached out for me, and of course I followed. "Could I, I mean would you mind?" She seemed lost for words. "What? Just ask. I certainly owe you one." I told her. She didn't ask, she just started unbuckling my belt. "I always wondered, and never really had a chance to find out." With the belt open she unbuttoned and unzipped my pants. "I mean, that night, you got to find out pretty much ALL about me, but I didn't; " I lifted my hips and let her pull my pants down a short ways, and then she reached up and pulled my underwear down exposing my fully erect monument to her sexiness. "I knew it, you bastard. Look at that." I didn't have to look. I knew it pretty well. And it was certainly standing tall and making me proud. She took me in hand and stroked me up and down, which after all the discussion and reminiscing was almost enough to get me off. "I just knew it. This should have been my first." She slowly stroked me up and down, and then she leaned over and took me in her mouth for just a second, sucking me deep and then releasing me. That was it. It was too much for me, and I stood up and shot my wad a good two feet out from where we were sitting. She giggled, as she helped me through my release, then pulled my underwear up back over my still dripping cock, and wiped her hand on the front of my briefs, before helping me pull my jeans back up. "If I wasn't tied up, I'd have you paying reparations," she told me as we both stood, and she slapped my hands away from my belt and finished straightening me out herself. "Let's consider it a delayed payoff. If things don't work out for you, maybe we can try it again. Rochester isn't That far from Amherst." Little did I know what the future held in store for us, but that's a different story. We walked back to the house hand-in-hand, laughing at the folly of youth, from the wizened experience of our 18 and 19 years. She had to leave shortly after, as did we, and I kissed her goodbye at the door. Once the door was closed I heard an exclamation from behind me. I turned to Tommy who said, "Now I've seen everything." "Amen," said Jack. "What?" I asked. "After how you treated her after our first date, I was certain you were on her shit-list for life." Jack explained. "Absolutely." Tommy chimed in. "Sheri said that Kathryn fantasized about doing mean and nasty things to you for years. I mean, hell, you did use her pretty bad." "I was a dope. I did some things I'd never done before, and was so embarrassed I didn't know how to even face her. So I screwed up and avoided her. I just made my apologies and we worked things out. I think she understands that I didn't try to be mean; I was just young and stupid. I didn't know what I was doing, and regretted it for years." I told them. "Geez. I always wondered how you could pass on that, when she was so available to you. You really did fuck up, didn't you?" Tommy pointed out. "Yep, not the first time, and I'm certain not the last. But we've buried the hatchet it seems." I answered "I'm just astounded that hatchet isn't in your back." Jack added. We left just a short while after that. We had one last visit to make. Teri Branson was passing through town, and wanted to see us if she could. She was just there for the day, and none of us wanted to miss out on that chance. The summer before 10th grade, I'd practically lived at Teri's. It was football time, and we were doing twice-a-days. We'd have morning practice, then a break so we wouldn't be out all day in the noon-time Florida summer sun. After the break it was afternoon practice. Teri was at our school and I never really knew her until that summer. She lived only a block from Mike, and we had run into her one day out washing the family car. We struck up a conversation, and the rest was history. I spent every football break at her house that summer. Mike didn't play football, but I'd pick him up on the way over there, and we'd hang out. She had a pool table, and a private rec-room with a stand-up arcade game. Her mother would always bring us snacks and drinks. Teri had not been popular, and was new to the school as well. But in a period of just a few months she went from a boyish figured tom-boy, to a devastatingly beautiful teen. Her breasts seemed to almost explode outwards, and once we'd met her mom, we knew where she got it from. She lost some weight, traded glasses for contacts, grew tits, lost the braces, and suddenly this beauty was in our midst, and nobody even knew about her but us. She was our secret. Tommy was going to a different high-school from me and Mike, but we still hung together most of the summer, and we had to let him in on our secret. The closest we'd come to having anything happen was a bizarre game of spin-the-bottle underneath the pool table. Mike, Tommy, me and Teri. Just an excuse for us to take turns kissing her. Her father was being transferred again at the end of the summer. I told her I was going to have a birthday party, and that we were going to play spin-the-bottle, I had hoped she'd be there, but now she was leaving. We were all upset. Tommy suggested we play now, since she couldn't make it then, and we did. It was strange but wonderful. Two weeks later she was gone. We met Teri at the mall, our planned rendezvous. We couldn't miss her; she was the center of a lot of attention. And still gorgeous. We ran up to her and had hugs all around. "I can only stay about 20 minutes," she told us with a pout. "Damn," was all I could say. So the three of us toured the mall, observing all the changes. It had been brand new the year we had been together. We grabbed some drinks, and wandered back outside, our time almost up, and barely even caught up. "Teri, I have a confession." I told her. "I know we acted pretty much like friends, but I was crazy about you. That summer I went home every evening and dreamed of you." "Hell, we all did." Tommy admitted. "We were such idiots," she said. She reached up to my collar and pulled me down for a kiss. Teri stood maybe 5 foot 1, so I had at least a foot on her in height. Bent over I let her kiss me, and I returned it eagerly. Finally she released me. "I was so confused. One day I'd like you, and then the next day you," she said nodding around the group, "and then you. I kept wondering who was going to be my first real boyfriend. I just knew it was going to be one of you. And then it was all over." She looked up at me. "I Still dream about you sometimes." All we could do was laugh it off, and say we'd get together sometime. She was living in Phoenix now, finishing high school, and it looked like she'd be going to Stanford. It was going to be hard to ever make that commute work out, not that she didn't seem like it would be worth the effort. Then her parents drove up. We said hi to her mom (who had been a secret fantasy of mine back then) and then with a last set of hugs it was goodbye to Teri. It was getting late so we dropped Mike back off at his house, driving mostly in quiet. I imagine we were all lost in thought over the quirks of fate and what might have been. For me, it was thoughts of Kathryn and Teri, two incredible opportunities that any teen would kill for, and I'd let them slip through my fingers. We dropped Mike off, but didn't go inside. As it was we were running late, and knew that if we went in, it would be a while before we got out of there. From Mike's it was a 5 minute drive back to Tommy's, but we drove past Teri's old house, just for nostalgia's sake. At Tommy's we were running late. Dinner was going to be at 6:00 pm, and somehow we'd burned the whole day. It was 5:45 before we even walked in the door, and we both wanted to clean up before dinner. The kid's rooms were served by two separate bathrooms, one at the end of the hall, and one off of Greg's room. So I stripped down to my shorts, and went to take my shower. I hadn't expected the bathroom to be full. Sheri was in their, applying the last of her makeup. Fortunately (or unfortunately) she was dressed. When I walked in, she gave a squeal, and came over and gave me a big hug. "I can't believe you're here! You're looking good." She said, stepping back and giving me the once over. "Wow, Sheri, you look great!" was all I could say. She had always been pretty. But the difference between a 15 year old Sheri and this one was night and day. The more mature Sheri was a beautiful young woman. "Thanks," she said, "I'll be out of here in a second, and you can have the place to yourself. I'm dying to talk to you." "I'll be here all night." I joked, stepping back into the room I was using, before my underwear had to undergo any more strain. I sat on the bed waiting, and after just a minute or so she poked her head in and said "It's all yours." She left the door open and walked out the other side of the bathroom. So that was one change at least that I hadn't noticed. Back in the day, this was Greg's bathroom. But since then someone had taken out the linen closet, and the old closet door now opened into Sheri's room. In retrospect it should have been obvious. With Greg away, the bathroom had a lot of stuff in it, although very neat. If I'd opened a cabinet or drawer, I would have seen all the makeup and girl's things. I was using Sheri's bathroom. I rapidly cleaned up and dressed. I was in a bit of a hurry, wanting to still wrap a couple of small presents for my hosts. I had bought several music tapes for my sister as a Christmas present, and decided to gift Tommy with one of them. I also had a photo in a frame for my mom, and decided to make the frame a family gift. It was simple, hand-made by yours truly from apple-wood. After borrowing some paper, tape, and scissors, I was ready to join everyone else just a few minutes later. To be continued in part 2. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts, for Literotica

Lost At Christmas: Part 1 His First Christmas away from home, & His best gift ever. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts. Listen to the Podcast at My First time. After my first semester in College, I was eager to go home for the holidays. I was going to school in Rochester, New York, and anybody who'd experienced the lake-effect winters on the Great Lakes would understand my desire to get to somewhere warmer. For me, that somewhere warmer was a long ways away. As a military brat, home was often a moving target, and that winter it was Santiago, Chile, where my father was stationed and where I'd graduated high-school. It was summer in Santiago, and I was looking forward to a pool-party with my old school mates for the Holidays. We didn't have a lot of money, but I was allowed to travel space available on a military flight as a Navy ROTC student. I had to get down to Charleston, South Carolina, and catch an international C1 41 flight that made a loop through Latin America. After finagling a ride to Virginia followed by a very long bus trip down the coast, I finally made it to Charleston AFB. ROTC travel orders in hand, I checked in at the desk, and verified I was on the standby list for the flight leaving on the 23rd. I wouldn't get home until Christmas Day, but better late than never. With pockets nearly empty, a hotel room was out of the question so I slept in the terminal and snacked on the cheapest eats I could get away with. There was a festive mood in the terminal, so many people rushing to get home for the holidays, and I was getting caught up in the feeling, eagerly looking forward to that very long plane ride, first to Panama, then Lima, and finally Santiago. After what seemed an interminable wait, we were an hour away from boarding when I got bumped off the flight by a group of Marines headed to Panama on Active Duty travel orders. I was devastated. The next flight left early the morning of the 26th. At least that one was a huge plane, and nearly empty so I was virtually guaranteed to get aboard, but what was I going to do for Christmas? Looking up at the outgoing flight schedules, I saw a flight listed for Tyndall AFB, Panama City, Florida. "When is the flight to Tyndall headed out?" I asked the airman behind the desk. "In an hour-and-a-half, and it's all but empty. You want on?" He asked, offering some recompense for my last minute bump. I'd lived in Panama City during 9th and 10th grade, and still had some close friends there, many I still kept in touch with. Maybe I could find someone to spend Christmas with there. It had to be better than sleeping in the terminal for 2 more days. "Please," I told him, "but hold my space for Santiago. I'll be back for that flight." I recalled there being a pretty big Greyhound station in Panama City, so I called Greyhound and checked on a bus being able to get me back in time for the flight. They had one, a 7:30 am bus on Christmas morning would get me back before midnight on Christmas. I could easily make the flight the next morning, even if it were delay a few hours. I bought a ticket, using the emergency Am Ex card my parents had given me when I headed off to college. I'd explain the $67.00 to my parents. I called my family in Santiago with the news. It had to be short call because of the expense, so I let them know I had been bumped but would be there on the 28th. I told them I was headed to Panama City, and would be taking a bus back in plenty of time for my flight. My mother cried, and my father told me to go ahead and use the credit card, but to try to keep the expenses reasonable. By the time I hung up I was pretty depressed, but at least I had a plan. Before I could try to contact anyone in Panama City, an announcement was made and suddenly I was on my way to Florida for Christmas, with no place lined up to stay, and practically broke. I was feeling a bit melancholy, but was determined to make the best of it. So there I was, at Tyndall Air Force Base, at 11:20 pm on December 23rd. I was debating who to try first. I had several close friends nearby and I expected they'd all be home for Christmas. After a short internal debate, I had narrowed it down to two. I had always gotten along well with their entire families, and I was still in pretty regular contact with both of them. Mike lived the nearest to me in the old days. He came from a big family, with 6 siblings, including Peggy, who'd been one of my first real deep infatuations. When I had been in 9th grade she'd been a senior, and was pretty and sophisticated. My yearning for her was unrequited, but I relished the idea of seeing her again after four years. She was a college senior, and would probably be home. I knew they'd welcome me, but I was concerned it would be an inconvenience. They did not have a large house, and it was bound to be crowded, particularly with three college kids home for the holiday. On top of that who knew if they had anyone else in tow? Tommy on the other hand came from a relatively well-off family who always lived well within their means. He had an older brother, who was working in Japan and unlikely to be home, a sister, Sheri, just a year behind us in school, and two much younger siblings, who I guessed would be around 9 and 10 by now. They had a spacious house, each kid had their own room, and I wouldn't be putting anybody out if I stayed there. I'd always had a crush on Sheri, but although I'd dated her best friend, I'd never gone out with her. Getting a chance to see her again would be an extra bonus. Feeling nervous and awkward, I dialed Tommy's number from memory, and luckily got him on the first call. If I'd gotten somebody else, I would have really felt uncomfortable. Tommy's answer was unmistakable. He had a funny way of saying hello when he answered the phone, and the sound of his voice took me straight back down memory lane. "Hee-ello," he answered. "Tommy! Guess who?" I asked. I guess my voice must have been similarly recognizable, since he didn't hesitate a second. "Steve-o! What are you up to? Where're you at?" He answered eagerly. It put a smile on my face. Nice to hear a happy, upbeat voice that seemed genuinely pleased to hear from me. "Funny you should ask. It's a long story, but I'm in a bit of a bind. I'm at Tyndall, and stuck here until Christmas Day." I told him. "What happened to Chile, and Rochester?" He asked. "I was on my way home to Chile, when I lost my seat on the plane in Charleston. I couldn't get out again until the 26th, so when I saw an empty plane headed this way, I just hopped on and hoped for the best." I explained. "That's Great!" He almost shouted. "Not great that you couldn't get home, but great that you're here. You want to stay with us? You can have Greg's room, he won't be here, and I'm sure Sheri and Mom would love to see you. The place is kind of 'down' with Greg canceling his trip home at the last minute. Having you here should cheer things up a bit." He did sound enthused, and I couldn't help grinning in reply. "Don't you think you should check?" I laughed. A scream in my ear was the answer, as I heard half of a shouted conversation. "Mom! Guess Who's In Town." "No, Not Greg." "No, Go Ahead Guess." "Guess Again." "Ok, Ok - Steve." "Yeah, Steve Pelland. He's Stuck Here In Town 'Til Christmas Day." "Of Course I Told Him He Should Come Here, I'll Go Get Him." "I Will." "Yes Mom; Yes; I Won't; I Will." I was holding the phone a little away from my head, and almost missed it when he came back on. "Where should I pick you up?" He asked. "The Main Terminal, you know where that is right?" I answered. "Sure - be there in about 30 minutes. Man, this is Great!" I hung up with a big smile on my face, feeling 100% better than I had just 10 minutes earlier. I stood outside waiting for him, and about 20 minutes later the strings of Christmas lights shut off one at a time, as the place closed up for the night. It was dark and quiet, and I started to get nervous again, wondering if this had been such a good idea. I was 500 miles from my flight home and completely at the mercy of old friends. But as far as friends go, I couldn't do much better than mine, and figured at the least I wouldn't be sleeping in a lonely terminal in Charleston for two days, slowly eating my way through my meager funds. When Bob pulled up around midnight, I could see he'd gotten rid of the VW Bug he'd inherited from his mother upon turning 16, and was now driving his brother's old Two-tone Cougar. We spent a minute saying hi, and loading my gear into the trunk, and then we headed back into town, catching each other up on history. When I had first moved to Santiago, I used to write about once every couple of months, as well as call a couple of times a year. In the beginning I'd written Sheri a lot as well. She was one of the most prolific writers among my old friends, and would typically write twice to me for every one I wrote to her. Over the years, that had degenerated into holiday cards and a surprise call maybe once a year. I knew he was attending Florida State, and that Greg had graduated from Georgetown, and had moved to Japan on business. That was about it. Tommy told me all about the old gang, who was in town, who was going to what schools, what people had been up to. I told him a lot more detail about what I'd been up to. "So," he asked, "Got a girl?" "Not now. Thought I had one after the ROTC Christmas ball, but that seems to have been my mistake." I admitted. "Hard to believe. You always had someone. Every letter, every phone-call, just seems like they didn't stay the same all that long." He teased. "I don't know. I had several relationships last pretty long. Two were more than 6 months long." I argued. "Oh! Six Months!" He laughed. "How about you then," I asked in defense. "Still Erin. Almost two years now." He asked. "Shit. What does she see in you? She could do so much better." I teased. "Oh really? Like how?" "Like me!" I laughed. "Right, like that would ever happen! Don't even think about it, or you'll be sleeping in the street." He was laughing as well. "Not if I called Erin I wouldn't," I shot back. I thought it was a great comeback, but it earned me a sock in the arm. We pulled up to his house, which still looked exactly the same, and things were pretty quiet. They used the same window lights, same roof lights, same bush trimmings year after year. It was just as I remembered. Who says you can't go back? "Mom's got to work tomorrow, so I'm sure she's in bed, and you know Dave crashes early, so we better keep it down. We've got lots to do tomorrow anyway." We entered quietly and put my bag in Greg's old room. Tommy stayed and chatted for a few minutes then bid me good night, telling me to sleep in as long as I wanted, as long as it wasn't past 9:00 am, and left me to get settled. Past 9:00? Now I remembered, they'd always been an early-bird household. For me 9:00 am Was the crack of dawn. Tommy and I had breakfast at about 9:30. He was already chiding me for sleeping in and missing the whole family. We had the house to ourselves. He'd been on the phone arranging our day, and once we'd finished the pancakes, we were off to see Mike and his family. Entering Mike's house was the same as it had ever been, but more-so. People everywhere, noise, laughter, roughhousing, it was all taken in stride by Mrs. Frey. We spent a few hours visiting, and getting fed again before we could leave. Mike's older sister Peggy still looked cute to me, but not the amazing creature my memory had somehow stored away. I had to tease her about the Christmas gift she'd given me three years earlier. She'd bought me a Richard Pryor tape, thinking it was Bill Cosby. When I played it for her in my car, she exploded, calling me names and accusing me of vile intent. At the time I had felt bad, confused, angry and a host of other feelings, now thankfully we could laugh at it. When I'd been 16 I'd been somewhat in awe of her, now things were comfortable. Mike's older brother was home as well, with his live-in girlfriend who seemed awfully ill-at-ease, and must have been at least 5 years older than Dan, maybe more. That was a story I'd have to hear more about. The biggest surprise was Alice. She'd been a few years younger than us. I wasn't sure if she was 16 or 17 now, but she was a bombshell. And she was coming on to me like gangbusters. I was really nervous, with her acting all touchy-feely with her mother and Peggy there. I was suddenly glad I had chosen to stay over with Tommy. With a pretty, stacked girl that seemed so infatuated with me around, I'm afraid I might have gotten into a whole lot more trouble than I needed. When we left there Mike joined us, and it was off to see Jack and Russ. They were a year apart in age. Russ had been in our class, and we'd been friendly with him, but Jack, although a year younger was our buddy. We played on the basketball team together, and when Tommy and I formed our first band, Jack was our bassist. At the Chambers house, we once again reminisced, and had to relive our first 'gig'. We had decided to play in the school talent show. With Tommy on piano and Jack on bass, I played guitar. We had a fourth guy on drums we'd all lost contact with. We had played Elton John, Deep Purple, The Eagles, and The Beatles. We had opened with the opening riff of "Smoke on the Water", and had been a hit. We were pretty lousy, but the audience was our friends, our parents and the parents of our friends, and at the end the parents even took up a collection for us. Pretty heady stuff. We'd called ourselves Bronze Myth, and had already designed our first three album covers before we had our first birthday party gig. Jack had been tall then, and had not stopped growing; he was now 6'7" and was attending University of Florida, playing basketball. He reminded me of the time when we went on our first dates together. I had gone with Kathryn Best, easily the most lusted after girl in the whole school, who was in Jack's class a year behind me. Jack, on the other hand, had gone out with our "Valentine's Day Queen", Anne, who was in my class and almost two full years older than Jack. He was always precocious. There had been a third couple with us, Dennis and Suzanne, and Jack broke the news that Suzanne had gotten knocked up, just before I left to go overseas, and she and Dennis had gotten married. There was a huge scandal, but they stuck together, and had the baby. They lived with Suzanne's parents. Dennis was doing alright, working for Suzanne's father. While we were visiting, several friends dropped in, including the aforementioned Kathryn who lived one street over. Kathryn, the stunning brunette who had the body of a 20 year old when she was 15, and had a beautiful face with features that just slayed me. Kathryn, the very first girl I had gotten to Third Base with. She was as pretty as I remembered, and I found out she was going to be attending Mt. Holyoke the following year, which was an odd coincidence since my girlfriend from High School was a sophomore there. Going out with Kathryn, a year younger than me had been a total fiasco. We'd sat together on an out-of-town bus trip and ranked high enough in the pecking order that we got the right hand seat second from the back. These trips were our biggest dates back then. Ours was a small parochial school, and on the bus trips, the athletes, cheerleaders and student fans all rode the same bug. The 30-90 minute trips were like pep rallies on the way out, and like the back of movie theatres on the way back. There were frequent "hand-checks" and the lights would come one as our coaches would walk the aisle, but it seemed like after our wins, the checks would be a little less frequent. Our win at Pensacola was my first real 'make-out' session, as we cuddled and kissed the whole trip home. I even got a chance to play with her breast through her sweater. Less than a week later I asked her to the movies, and we sat in the back with the two other couples, probably both scared spitless and nervous as goldfish in a blender. We'd started necking, which got more and more intense, and my hands boldly went where no hands had gone before. An hour into the movie I was almost out of control, and feverish with desire, and it seemed she was willing to let me do whatever I wanted. If I'd had a little more confidence, or a little more knowledge, who knows what might have happened? As it is, I went pretty far, probably too far, and I was scared to death afterwards. She was the first girl whose flesh I'd touched underneath her clothing. I didn't call her for several days, and even avoided her at school, not knowing what to say. In short I was a total jerk. Everyone thought we should be together, she was the pretty captain of the cheerleaders, with the big boobs, and I was the Big Jock, playing all the sports, while at the same time excelling in school. She was voted "Most Popular." I was "Most Likely to Succeed." However, in this case it turned out she was "Most Slighted", and I was definitely "Most Inept." After waiting several days, amazingly patient in retrospect, she had tasked her best friend Sheri, Tommy's sister, with letting me know that she thought we shouldn't go out. Next thing you know, she was going out with some geeky looking kid, and she dated him for the rest of the school year. I'd changed schools at the end of that year, and had seen her only infrequently the following year, before moving to Santiago. Outside in the backyard, Kathryn and I walked off together and finally had a few minutes alone. "You know Kat, I don't think I ever apologized for being such an idiot, after our first date. I really am sorry." She was quiet for a while. She had a sad little look. "You know, I waited by that phone night after night, crying myself to sleep. I saw you dodging me at school and it broke my heart." "I was young and stupid. I'd never done Anything with a girl before, and could hardly even believe I was with the hottest girl in school. After all the stuff I did, God, I was so embarrassed that I'd overstepped the boundaries, and I had no idea what to say." She sat down underneath the big tree in the backyard and I sat beside her on the circular bench around it. "You could have said something to Jack maybe, or Tommy, and let them tell me. At least let me know that you liked me, or had fun. Something." She looked on the verge of tears, even 3 years later, and I felt even worse. "I know. I kept kicking myself over it. I was so angry with myself and jealous when you went out with Ricky." I admitted. "He was nice to me when I needed it." "But it seemed such an odd fit. He was a nobody; the only thing he ever did noteworthy was date you." I told her. "He lived two houses down. We'd grown up together, and when my heart was broken he picked up the pieces. He could tell something was wrong, and really made me feel a lot better." She confessed. That brought on a short period of silence. It did let me think better of Ricky, who wasn't just lucky or an opportunist. "You know, that was one of the most memorable moments in my life. Touching a girl like that for the first time. I had no idea what I should do, or what I could do, but I kept looking down the row at Dennis and Suzanne, and figured I should be able to do that too. I was in heaven; you were so amazing to be with." I told her, reaching out and taking her hand in mine. Her palm was moist. "You're telling me? You were the big 9th grader with the learner's permit and motorcycle. Big Man on Campus. The guy every girl wanted. And you wanted me. I had no idea what we should or shouldn't do on a date. I was hoping you knew." We laughed at that, remembering the intensity of those feelings. "Given a chance to do it over, I'd have camped out on your doorstep and professed my undying, eternal love the moment you walked out the door." I told her, half serious. "As I recall, you professed your love for me that evening, just before opening the top of my pants." She said with a wicked grin. I'm sure I blushed mightily. "I can't really ask forgiveness, but I really am sorry. Sorry now and sorry then. I fantasized about you for years afterwards, thinking of what could have happened if I hadn't been such a jerk. You have no idea how many of my fantasies you starred in back then." "If only you'd have let me know. Ricky was my first. It could have been you. Given half a chance, it would have been you." She had moved close and was speaking softly. "And this is my punishment. Knowing how bad I fucked up. Seeing you here, as beautiful as in my dreams, and knowing I've screwed up any chance of being with you." I placed my hand behind her head, stroking her hair. "I wouldn't say you'd screwed up Any chance, but you certainly blew that one." We were looking deeply in each other's eyes, recalling strong, painful feelings. I wanted her now, as I'd wanted her then, with a deep burning need, and I leaned forward those last two inches, and captured her lips with mine. She slid forward and melted against me, kissing me with every emotion boiling to the surface. She took my hand and placed it on her incredible chest, and I squeezed her breast, my thumb reliving that first caress of her nipple from so many years earlier. We stayed like that for a couple of minutes, and then broke apart. Her eyes glistened. "I've got a boyfriend." She confessed. I nodded understanding. "If I didn't?" I reached forward pressing my index finger to her lips. "I know. I missed my chance. It's my loss." We just sat side by side a minute, in silence. "You know," she said softly, "what you did to me that night, that was part of the problem." "I know. I'm sorry if I stepped over the line." I said, even now embarrassed at the liberties I'd taken. "No, not anything wrong. What you did to me, how you made me feel. You made me cream my jeans more than once that night. It was the first time I'd ever come. I'd heard about it, but it was almost unreal. Your fingers just drove me wild. It was over a year before another guy was able to do the same." She put her hand between her legs, seemingly remembering that first night. "That makes two of us. I don't know if you knew, but I came in my pants too, and you never even touched me there. By the time I got home I was a terrible sticky mess. I snuck out and threw that underwear away before my mother could find them and ask uncomfortable questions." I told her, laughing. She gave me an odd little look, and then slid around the tree, placing its 3 foot wide trunk between us and the house. She reached out for me, and of course I followed. "Could I, I mean would you mind?" She seemed lost for words. "What? Just ask. I certainly owe you one." I told her. She didn't ask, she just started unbuckling my belt. "I always wondered, and never really had a chance to find out." With the belt open she unbuttoned and unzipped my pants. "I mean, that night, you got to find out pretty much ALL about me, but I didn't; " I lifted my hips and let her pull my pants down a short ways, and then she reached up and pulled my underwear down exposing my fully erect monument to her sexiness. "I knew it, you bastard. Look at that." I didn't have to look. I knew it pretty well. And it was certainly standing tall and making me proud. She took me in hand and stroked me up and down, which after all the discussion and reminiscing was almost enough to get me off. "I just knew it. This should have been my first." She slowly stroked me up and down, and then she leaned over and took me in her mouth for just a second, sucking me deep and then releasing me. That was it. It was too much for me, and I stood up and shot my wad a good two feet out from where we were sitting. She giggled, as she helped me through my release, then pulled my underwear up back over my still dripping cock, and wiped her hand on the front of my briefs, before helping me pull my jeans back up. "If I wasn't tied up, I'd have you paying reparations," she told me as we both stood, and she slapped my hands away from my belt and finished straightening me out herself. "Let's consider it a delayed payoff. If things don't work out for you, maybe we can try it again. Rochester isn't That far from Amherst." Little did I know what the future held in store for us, but that's a different story. We walked back to the house hand-in-hand, laughing at the folly of youth, from the wizened experience of our 18 and 19 years. She had to leave shortly after, as did we, and I kissed her goodbye at the door. Once the door was closed I heard an exclamation from behind me. I turned to Tommy who said, "Now I've seen everything." "Amen," said Jack. "What?" I asked. "After how you treated her after our first date, I was certain you were on her shit-list for life." Jack explained. "Absolutely." Tommy chimed in. "Sheri said that Kathryn fantasized about doing mean and nasty things to you for years. I mean, hell, you did use her pretty bad." "I was a dope. I did some things I'd never done before, and was so embarrassed I didn't know how to even face her. So I screwed up and avoided her. I just made my apologies and we worked things out. I think she understands that I didn't try to be mean; I was just young and stupid. I didn't know what I was doing, and regretted it for years." I told them. "Geez. I always wondered how you could pass on that, when she was so available to you. You really did fuck up, didn't you?" Tommy pointed out. "Yep, not the first time, and I'm certain not the last. But we've buried the hatchet it seems." I answered "I'm just astounded that hatchet isn't in your back." Jack added. We left just a short while after that. We had one last visit to make. Teri Branson was passing through town, and wanted to see us if she could. She was just there for the day, and none of us wanted to miss out on that chance. The summer before 10th grade, I'd practically lived at Teri's. It was football time, and we were doing twice-a-days. We'd have morning practice, then a break so we wouldn't be out all day in the noon-time Florida summer sun. After the break it was afternoon practice. Teri was at our school and I never really knew her until that summer. She lived only a block from Mike, and we had run into her one day out washing the family car. We struck up a conversation, and the rest was history. I spent every football break at her house that summer. Mike didn't play football, but I'd pick him up on the way over there, and we'd hang out. She had a pool table, and a private rec-room with a stand-up arcade game. Her mother would always bring us snacks and drinks. Teri had not been popular, and was new to the school as well. But in a period of just a few months she went from a boyish figured tom-boy, to a devastatingly beautiful teen. Her breasts seemed to almost explode outwards, and once we'd met her mom, we knew where she got it from. She lost some weight, traded glasses for contacts, grew tits, lost the braces, and suddenly this beauty was in our midst, and nobody even knew about her but us. She was our secret. Tommy was going to a different high-school from me and Mike, but we still hung together most of the summer, and we had to let him in on our secret. The closest we'd come to having anything happen was a bizarre game of spin-the-bottle underneath the pool table. Mike, Tommy, me and Teri. Just an excuse for us to take turns kissing her. Her father was being transferred again at the end of the summer. I told her I was going to have a birthday party, and that we were going to play spin-the-bottle, I had hoped she'd be there, but now she was leaving. We were all upset. Tommy suggested we play now, since she couldn't make it then, and we did. It was strange but wonderful. Two weeks later she was gone. We met Teri at the mall, our planned rendezvous. We couldn't miss her; she was the center of a lot of attention. And still gorgeous. We ran up to her and had hugs all around. "I can only stay about 20 minutes," she told us with a pout. "Damn," was all I could say. So the three of us toured the mall, observing all the changes. It had been brand new the year we had been together. We grabbed some drinks, and wandered back outside, our time almost up, and barely even caught up. "Teri, I have a confession." I told her. "I know we acted pretty much like friends, but I was crazy about you. That summer I went home every evening and dreamed of you." "Hell, we all did." Tommy admitted. "We were such idiots," she said. She reached up to my collar and pulled me down for a kiss. Teri stood maybe 5 foot 1, so I had at least a foot on her in height. Bent over I let her kiss me, and I returned it eagerly. Finally she released me. "I was so confused. One day I'd like you, and then the next day you," she said nodding around the group, "and then you. I kept wondering who was going to be my first real boyfriend. I just knew it was going to be one of you. And then it was all over." She looked up at me. "I Still dream about you sometimes." All we could do was laugh it off, and say we'd get together sometime. She was living in Phoenix now, finishing high school, and it looked like she'd be going to Stanford. It was going to be hard to ever make that commute work out, not that she didn't seem like it would be worth the effort. Then her parents drove up. We said hi to her mom (who had been a secret fantasy of mine back then) and then with a last set of hugs it was goodbye to Teri. It was getting late so we dropped Mike back off at his house, driving mostly in quiet. I imagine we were all lost in thought over the quirks of fate and what might have been. For me, it was thoughts of Kathryn and Teri, two incredible opportunities that any teen would kill for, and I'd let them slip through my fingers. We dropped Mike off, but didn't go inside. As it was we were running late, and knew that if we went in, it would be a while before we got out of there. From Mike's it was a 5 minute drive back to Tommy's, but we drove past Teri's old house, just for nostalgia's sake. At Tommy's we were running late. Dinner was going to be at 6:00 pm, and somehow we'd burned the whole day. It was 5:45 before we even walked in the door, and we both wanted to clean up before dinner. The kid's rooms were served by two separate bathrooms, one at the end of the hall, and one off of Greg's room. So I stripped down to my shorts, and went to take my shower. I hadn't expected the bathroom to be full. Sheri was in their, applying the last of her makeup. Fortunately (or unfortunately) she was dressed. When I walked in, she gave a squeal, and came over and gave me a big hug. "I can't believe you're here! You're looking good." She said, stepping back and giving me the once over. "Wow, Sheri, you look great!" was all I could say. She had always been pretty. But the difference between a 15 year old Sheri and this one was night and day. The more mature Sheri was a beautiful young woman. "Thanks," she said, "I'll be out of here in a second, and you can have the place to yourself. I'm dying to talk to you." "I'll be here all night." I joked, stepping back into the room I was using, before my underwear had to undergo any more strain. I sat on the bed waiting, and after just a minute or so she poked her head in and said "It's all yours." She left the door open and walked out the other side of the bathroom. So that was one change at least that I hadn't noticed. Back in the day, this was Greg's bathroom. But since then someone had taken out the linen closet, and the old closet door now opened into Sheri's room. In retrospect it should have been obvious. With Greg away, the bathroom had a lot of stuff in it, although very neat. If I'd opened a cabinet or drawer, I would have seen all the makeup and girl's things. I was using Sheri's bathroom. I rapidly cleaned up and dressed. I was in a bit of a hurry, wanting to still wrap a couple of small presents for my hosts. I had bought several music tapes for my sister as a Christmas present, and decided to gift Tommy with one of them. I also had a photo in a frame for my mom, and decided to make the frame a family gift. It was simple, hand-made by yours truly from apple-wood. After borrowing some paper, tape, and scissors, I was ready to join everyone else just a few minutes later. To be continued in part 2. Based on a post by Tx Tall Tales, in 2 parts, for Literotica

Since Silvia teaches as a business school, I'll address a leadership aspect of our interaction. I skimped on a leadership step, so we did an episode 1.5, which is my lingo for redoing episode 1 when the person wasn't able to fulfill his or her commitment. That's my responsibility as leader of the interaction.Silvia and I had a wonderful first conversation that led to a commitment that sounded like she'd enjoy it and doable, but in the end wasn't quite. Even if a quick hike north of the city would be enjoyable, catching a Metro-North train from Columbia University isn't that convenient and her schedule may not have bee as flexible as she suspected in our first conversation.For those listening to these conversations to learn the Spodek Method, in our first conversation I didn't check with her how practical the commitment was given her constraints. As the leader of the interaction, I should have asked ahead to imagine her schedule, the logistics of catching the train, and so on. The key measure the first time someone acts on their intrinsic motivation isn't how big it is. It's if they person does it.When someone acts on intrinsic motivation, they'll find it rewarding. If they feel reward, they'll want to do it again and the next time will be bigger, especially if they've always considered acting on sustainability a sacrifice or something that has to be big or any of the other myths people propagate. Sadly, even ardent environmentalists lead people to think of acting more sustainably as something they won't like or won't find rewarding when they use tactics like trying to convince, cajole, coerce, or seek compliance.In this double episode we hear how she did something more practical. At the end, note that she's open to doing more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Cooper Flagg bring the Mavs back to prominence? Will the Knicks make the Finals? Does Giannis to Orlando make sense?

Have you ever realized that the very things that lead to success, purpose, and fulfillment are the things nearly everyone runs away from? Discomfort, hard work, uncomfortable situations and conversations, are the things that no one desires more of, and yet… The ability to build a wildly successful and scalable business is within reach for nearly everyone reading this, and yet through self-selection on the few will do what needs to be done to rise to the top. Of the few that rise to the top, even fewer will do so feeling fulfilled in their life. It takes much more than skills and relationships to be successful. It takes grit and determination to do the hard things. It requires you go through emotionally taxing, ego killing moments of failure, humility, and self-realization to become adaptable and become who you want to be. In this keynote, Tom reveals the hard facts of entrepreneurship and what it takes to be in the 1%. “If you're only good in the beginning you lack grit.” After watching this it's time for a hard self-talk and challenge to yourself. It's time for a no B.S. approach of what will it take to build yourself into the person you desire to be. Don't underestimate what you are capable of, stop thinking too small and get uncomfortable. “To those human beings who are of any concern to me I wish suffering, desolation, sickness, ill treatment, indignities - I wish that they should not remain unfamiliar with profound self-contempt, the torture of self-mistrust, the wretchedness of the vanquished: I have no pity for them, because I wish them the only thing that can prove today whether one is worth anything or not - that one endures.” -Nietzche SHOW NOTES: 0:00 | Introduction to The Journey Is the Win 0:22 | Entrepreneurs Survive Rock Bottom 9:12 | Connect to Purpose (Not Money) 16:41 | Develop Your Mindset First 24:16 | 6 Ways to Develop New Skills 37:13 | How to Develop Grit 46:16 | Identify Your Passion & Develop It 51:03 | Building a Scalable Business 1:01:29 | Value of Online Community 1:14:17 | Success Requires Clear Goals Are You Ready for EXTRA Impact? If you're ready to find true fulfillment, strengthen your focus, and ignite your true potential, the Impact Theory subscription was created just for you. Want to transform your health, sharpen your mindset, improve your relationship, or conquer the business world? This is your epicenter of greatness.  This is not for the faint of heart. This is for those who dare to learn obsessively, every day, day after day. Subscription Benefits: Unlock the gates to a treasure trove of wisdom from inspiring guests like Andrew Huberman, Mel Robbins, Hal Elrod, Matthew McConaughey, and many, many, moreNew episodes delivered ad-freeExclusive access to Tom's AMAs, keynote speeches, and suggestions from his personal reading listYou'll also get access to an 5 additional podcasts with hundreds of archived Impact Theory episodes, meticulously curated into themed playlists covering health, mindset, business, relationships, and more:⁠Legendary Mindset⁠: Mindset & Self-Improvement⁠Money Mindset⁠: Business & Finance⁠Relationship Theory:⁠ Relationships⁠Health Theory⁠: Mental & Physical Health⁠Power Ups:⁠ Weekly Doses of Short Motivational Quotes  Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://apple.co/3PCvJaz⁠ Subscribe on all other platforms (Google Podcasts, Spotify, Castro, Downcast, Overcast, Pocket Casts, Podcast Addict, Podcast Republic, Podkicker, and more) : ⁠https://impacttheorynetwork.supercast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 54 of Tahrir Podcast, Killian Clarke joined to discuss his new book, "Return of Tyranny: Why Counterrevolutions Emerge and Succeed" (Cambridge University Press, 2025)⁠.The book offers one of the first systematic studies of counterrevolution. Drawing on global data since 1900 and new evidence from Egypt's 2011 revolution, the book explains why counterrevolutions emerge and what enables them to succeed. It advances a movement-centric argument, showing how the strategies revolutionary leaders adopt—both during their campaigns and after taking power—shape a regime's vulnerability. Violent, ideologically radical movements tend to build regimes that are hard to overturn, while democratic revolutions like Egypt's face greater risks, though they can still avert counterrevolution by preserving elite coalitions, maintaining broad support, and mobilizing the public when threatened.Killian Clarke is an Assistant Professor in the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, affiliated with the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies. This is his first book.Link to book (use offer code REOTY2025 for 20% discount): https://www.cambridge.org/ga/universitypress/subjects/politics-international-relations/comparative-politics/return-tyranny-why-counterrevolutions-emerge-and-succeed?format=HB&isbn=9781009646901Link to Clarke's website: https://www.killianclarke.com/Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CVIPKrsBn6sStreaming everywhere! ⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/TahrirPodcast⁠⁠⁠Reach out! TahrirPodcast@gmail.comSupport us on Patreon for as low as $2 per month ($20 per year)! / tahrirpodcast

After several months of event play and list experimenting, the guys are back to answer the big question at the heart of the purpose of this podcast. How did we go at getting better at Marvel Crisis Protocol? We also discuss what we have learned, big take aways and what we are thinking about moving into the year to come? Are we going to continue this journey? Listen to find out!

Most people think the upside of building a tech company comes after success. Turns out, a lot changes long before that. The moment you start building something technical, your professional gravity shifts. Doors open. Conversations change. People listen differently. In this solo episode of Tech for Non-Techies, Sophia breaks down the benefits that show up early — before scale, exits, or headlines. Not hype. Not hustle culture. Just the quiet upgrades that compound over time. This episode is for experienced operators and business leaders who sense a gap in their market and are wondering whether it's worth acting on. In this episode, you will hear: Why building a tech product instantly reframes how others see your judgment and credibility The CEO-level skills you develop early and why they raise your earning ceiling How becoming "harder to bullshit" saves time, money, and bad decisions The social and professional compounding effect most people never see coming Resources from this Episode  FREE class: From Business Owner to Tech Founder, without the $100,000 developer disaster Join this class to learn: The 2-step framework to go from idea to scalable tech product Why smart business owners waste $100k+ on their first tech venture—and how to avoid it When AI helps vs. when it destroys products (and your ROI) Sign up here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/january Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/284-the-unexpected-upside-of-becoming-a-tech-founder-before-you-ever-succeed  

What if the thing holding you back isn't fear of failure, but fear of uncertainty?In this episode, I break down why most people avoid starting not because they'll fail, but because they don't yet have clarity, confidence, or a map. You'll learn why waiting to feel “ready” keeps you stuck, and how taking action is the fastest way to dissolve fear.We talk about how uncertainty shows up in weight loss, habits, and relationships, and why confidence doesn't come before action, it comes from action.If you're ready to do whatever is required to succeed for your health goals, then book a free consult with our team to talk about making that a reality.https://fitwithplants.com/schedule-your-call-6

We're told to “follow our passions” — but no one explains how to actually do that and succeed without burning out, going broke, or spiraling every six months.In this episode, I'm breaking down what passion really is, how people genuinely discover it, and why clarity doesn't come from overthinking — it comes from movement. We're talking curiosity over perfection, discipline over motivation, and how to build a life that feels aligned and sustainable.If you've ever felt stuck, behind, or overwhelmed by the pressure to “figure it all out,” this episode is your permission slip to start where you are and trust that nothing you try is wasted.

A birth chart shows you more than just personality traits, it shows you your life story, your natal promise. In this episode, I'm getting on the mic in Thailand and sharing with you how I've used astrology in my life to pivot, change course, redirect my energies and not shame myself over some of my more challenging astrological placements.  When I started using my birth chart intentionally and started leaning on certain aspects and configuartions to guide my course, that's when a lot of my success and more ease (and fun!) started to flow in my life. Life started feeling more effortless, less stagnant. Knowing your birth chart can help you remember who you are: your strengths, your talents, your weaknesses. It also shows you your callings, passions and purpose.  You can watch the full video episode of this on youtube here

1. Click Here to Register for The 2026 Money Reset Workshop 2. Click Here to book your Complimentary Wealth Building Strategy Consultation. 3. Interested in The Stop Overspending Course? Click here to learn more & to get started! 4. Follow Me on Instagram → @germainefoleycoaching

Queen P.R. and Brian H. Waters are closing 2025 by looking back at a few things they did this year, starting with the book's they've read. They briefly discuss them and share the link to all in the description below. Nattie Neidhart: The Last Hart Beating: From the Dungeon to WWE https://www.amazon.com/Last-Hart-Beating-Dungeon-WWE/dp/163774787X Robin L. Carroll-Waters: The Tears Behind My Smile: A Tribute to my brother, Michael A. Carroll, Sr. https://www.amazon.com/Tears-Behind-My-Smile-Tribute-ebook/dp/B0DCQMJNRX The Life and Longing of Luther Vandrosshttps://www.amazon.com/Luther-Life-Longing-Vandross/dp/0060594187 Jemar Mills: Pinpointhttps://pinpointcomic.com/classic-cap-hpeszv Saraya Hell in Boots: Clawing My Way through Nine Liveshttps://www.amazon.com/Hell-Boots-Clawing-Through-Lives/dp/1668027844 Whitney James West: How You Wait Matters: A Resource Guide for Faith, Patience, and Prayer in Your Waiting Seasonhttps://www.amazon.in/How-You-Wait-Matters-Resource/dp/1955297754 Alyson Lyn Miller Rough House: A Father, a Son, and the Pursuit of Pro Wrestling Glory https://www.amazon.com/Rough-House-Father-Pursuit-Wrestling/dp/1324086580 This Book Is All Elite: The Inside Story of All Elite Wrestling - Keith Elliott Greenberghttps://a.co/d/aluNN3x Nicole Lynn: Agent You: Show Up Do the Work and Succeed on Your Own Terms https://www.amazon.com/Agent-You-Show-Succeed-Terms/dp/0785238042 The Residence Inside the Private World of the White Househttps://www.amazon.com/Residence-Inside-Private-World-White/dp/0062305204 Marc Raimondi Say Hello to the Bad Guys: How Professional Wrestling's New World Order Changed Americahttps://a.co/d/fdhO42Z Original Sin: President Biden's Decline, Its Cover-Up, and His Disastrous Choice to Run Againhttps://a.co/d/0YTrcyy Get Happy: The Life of Judy Garland https://a.co/d/cPxhNSi Irresistible Force: The Life and Times of Gorilla Monsoon Brian Solomonhttps://a.co/d/2Rpvcxy Game of Shadows: Barry Bonds, BALCO, and the Steroids Scandal that Rocked Professional Sports https://a.co/d/5aloDre I'm That Girl: The Heartfelt Memoir from Olympic Gymnast Jordan Chileshttps://a.co/d/aV8FwMz Boys Will Be Boys: https://a.co/d/dmUwAW4 Cudi: The Memoirhttps://a.co/d/0VUSqRb

Did you like the episode? Send me a text and let me know!!How to Hire Remote Workers: Why 73% Fail & How to Succeed | Nearshore Staffing with Luis DEpisode DescriptionSerial entrepreneur Luis D reveals why 73% of offshore hiring fails and how his REMOTE Intelligence Framework achieves 95% success. Learn to hire Latin American talent at 60-70% cost savings, avoid AI resume fraud, and scale your startup faster. Luis built the first Latin American tech startup to get US VC funding and pioneered distributed teams in 2003—before Zoom or Slack existed.Key Takeaways✅ The 7 Offshore Team Death Traps killing remote hires ✅ REMOTE Framework: Rigorous selection, Expert onboarding, Managed support, Optimized performance ✅ How to spot AI deepfake interviews and fake identities ✅ Nearshore vs offshore: Time zone advantages ✅ "Ideas aren't unique. Execution is key" ✅ When to hire earlier than you think you can affordTime Stamps00:00 Mexican candy smuggling to tech entrepreneur 04:00 Building distributed teams before remote work existed 08:00 73% of offshore projects fail—here's why 09:00 7 Death Trap components (Talent Mirage, Cultural Chasm, Hidden Costs) 14:00 REMOTE Intelligence Framework explained 19:00 Rigorous talent vetting process 22:00 AI fraud: Deepfakes and fake accents 28:00 "Ideas aren't unique. Execution is key" 30:00 Zone of genius: Hire earlier with 70% savings 35:00 95% success rate vs 27% industry averageGuest: Luis DFounder of Near You (NIR-U) Nearshore Staffing | First Latin American tech startup with US VC funding | 14-year CEO | Remote work pioneer since 2003Company: Near You—helps $1M-$25M companies hire Latin American talent Success Rate: 95% (vs 27% industry standard) Cost Savings: 60-70% compared to US hiringResources

In today's episode of my MythBuster series, I'm talking about one of the most persistent beliefs in the interior design industry: that you need design school to succeed. This one hits close to home for me, because I didn't go to design school — and for a long time, I carried that quietly, wondering if it would eventually expose me as someone who didn't belong. What I've learned over the years, though, is that this myth doesn't just affect designers without formal education. It affects everyone. What I see again and again is this gap — the gap between learning how to design and learning how to run a business. And no matter how you entered this industry, almost every designer hits it eventually. In this episode, I talk about: Why not going to design school does not disqualify you — and why going doesn't automatically prepare you either The real gap most designers face between creativity and business ownership How education and preparedness are often confused (and why that leads to self-doubt) The emotional weight of business ownership that no one warns designers about Why burnout is usually a systems problem, not a personal failure The identity shift required to move from "designer" to confident business owner At the end of the day, designing beautiful spaces is only part of the job. Running a sustainable interior design business requires an entirely different skill set — one that can be learned intentionally, without shame, and without burning yourself out in the process. If you've ever felt like everyone else has a manual you never received, I want you to hear this clearly: you're not behind, you're not missing something, and you're not failing. You've simply reached the part of the journey where leadership matters more than talent. If this episode resonated with you, I hope it gives you permission to release the idea that there was one "right" path into this industry. There are just different roads, and they all eventually lead here — to learning how to build a business that supports your life instead of consuming it. RESOURCES:   INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS BAKERY - Our year-long mentorship and coaching program: https://thedesignbakehouse.com/interior-design-business-bakery   SIMPLIFY YOUR MARKETING, SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE. All-in-one software that organizes sales, marketing, and business services all in one convenient location. https://mysidemark.com/   MARKETING MEMBERSHIP - Join our hands on marketing & visibility program, no contract, only $59/month. https://thedesignbakehouse.com/lead-lab   Stay in touch with Michelle on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedesignbakehouse/   Join our Free Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/idbizlaunchpad    Get clarity on your next best step today! https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/reviewguide   Have ideas or suggestions or want to be considered as a guest on the show? Contact me! https://www.DesignedForTheCreativeMind.com/contact  

Mel Mah was born and raised in Toronto, and she moved to Los Angeles in 2011 to pursue a professional dance career. During her time as a performer, she had the privilege of working with top artists such as Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, and Kanye West. In 2017, Mel has now transitioned into filmmaking and she's pursuing her passion as a writer, director and producer. She's created 6 short films which has screened at festivals such as Cannes, the LA Asian Pacific Film Festival and the Cleveland International Film Festival, and she was anassociate producer on Sony's BIG GEORGE FOREMAN (2023).Mel is also a passionate yoga and meditation teacher, and she's been teaching since 2012. She has her 200 hour certification in Vinyasa Yoga from CorePower Yoga, her 200 hour certification in Hot Power Fusion from CorePower Yoga, and an additional 500 hour certification in Tantric Hatha Yoga from The Practice Bali. Mel currently teaches for the mindfulness app Calm where she produces, writes, and hosts a show called the Daily Move. Her mindfulness videos have garnered over 1 million views and she was also featured on THE TODAY SHOW for her work onCalm (watch video here). In addition, she's the founder and director of an empowerment company called ANVITA (https://anvitacommunity.com). Anvita's mission is to help others cultivate their authentic voices and uncover their purpose through mindfulness. With Anvita, she facilitates online coaching programs, retreats, mentorships, and community events for individuals all around the world.Support the show

The Steelers dominated the Lions rushing attack and didn't let them get any momentum. In the short term, the Steelers have a chance to go into the playoffs and win a couple playoff games. It's ok to change your mind that the Steelers can succeed in the playoffs.

Hour 3 with Joe Starkey: The Lions decided to go for it on 4th and goal from the three-yard line. Dan Campbell should have just put points on the board. The New England Patriots decision to trade Kyle Dugger to the Steelers was puzzling but great for the Steelers. In the short term, the Steelers have a chance to go into the playoffs and win a couple playoff games. It's ok to change your mind that the Steelers can succeed in the playoffs.

In this episode, Pete welcomes Scott Vaughn, owner of Wingo Coaching, for a special “Ask Scott” conversation focused on real-world challenges faced by store owners. Scott brings his deep expertise in coaching, leadership development, and strategic business operations to answer questions directly from business owners. From building a strong company culture to leading with clarity and purpose, this episode delivers practical insights and actionable advice for creating a thriving, sustainable business.  

Steve Cleveland joined PK to talk about the transition from the high school level to college as a coach and look at the upcoming Big 12 slate for BYU and Utah.

In order to achieve success in your calling, you first have to believe you deserve success. However, many people feel like they are unworthy of success due to past sins, mistakes, and/or missteps. Most of us have done things we are not proud of, but God stills finds you worthy of success. You are worthy of achieving the calling that He has placed in your heart. James 1:6–8 KJV, Isaiah 53:4–5 KJV, 2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV, Romans 8:1 KJV, Galatians 2:16 KJV, Luke 22:60–61 KJV, Luke 22:31–32 KJV, Acts 7:58 KJV, Acts 8:1,3 KJV, 2 Corinthians 7:2 NLT, 1 Corinthians 15:9–10 NLT __________ Partner with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/partner Connect with Us: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com Leave a Comment: https://churchforentrepreneurs.com/comments __________    

Ben Rosenbach of MixedMetalsOutdoors.com Dropping December rivers means steelhead! // Don't miss Three Rivers Marine's Northwest Outdoor Report! // Duckworth Wheelhouse: David Troutt Nisqually Natural Resources Director on the short and long-term implications of the 2025 floods on south Sound salmon // The Outdoor Line's Really? Where? The hottest report we've heard all week and the techniques YOU need to Succeed!

Get AudioBooks for FreeBest Self-improvement MotivationWhy Only 2% Succeed While 98% Fail — Motivation SpeechDiscover the brutal truth behind success. This powerful self-improvement speech reveals why only 2% win—and how you can break free from the 98%.Get AudioBooks for Free⁠We Need Your Love & Support ❤️https://buymeacoffee.com/myinspiration#Motivational_Speech#motivation #inspirational_quotes #motivationalspeech Get AudioBooks for Free Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, David Rice and Pam Maragliano are joined by the multi-talented Dr. Karla Soto, a third-generation dentist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience and educational leadership. Recorded on a Friday when everyone is finally at home, the conversation takes a laid-back but inspiring look at dentistry careers, lifelong learning, and what it takes to stay passionate and innovative in the dental field. Key Topics Covered 1. Dr. Karla Soto's journey & philosophy Transition from residency to joining her mother's startup practice in Boca Raton, Florida as a young mom Passion for comprehensive, patient-focused dentistry, and why she became “addicted” to continuing education Emphasis on saying “yes” to new opportunities and immersing fully into each experience 2. The power of continuing education (CE) Discussion on how the right CE can ignite passion, confidence, and new skills, especially when surrounded by like-minded peers Both Dr. Karla Soto and Dr. Pam Maragliano reflect on the formative impact of early mentors and immersive CE experiences. The challenge is that only about 4% of dentists actually implement advanced CE learnings in daily practice. 3. Making education practical (and bringing your team) Pam and Dr. Soto and  stress the importance of practical, real-world workshops, and learning side-by-side with team members. Examples of how having your “ride or die” implementer (office manager or assistant) makes integration more successful. 4. Favorite tools & techniques Full digital workflow for consults, patient engagement, and clinical procedures Love for certain products: Ultradent Optrasculpt, OptiGate, Variolink cements, Ivoclar products, and Emax for ceramics Practical tips from mission trips—why certain tools become absolute MVPs when resources are limited, and how these experiences inform what's essential in regular practice 5. Fostering team investment & growth   •Dr. Karla Soto's educational platform, Key Elements, focuses on bringing whole teams together, sharing the journey, and creating retention through shared development wins. Notable Quotes “When your circle is at that level, it's almost contagious—you want to keep elevating together.” —Dr. Karla Soto “You have to be comfortable being uncomfortable if you want to grow in this profession.” —Dr. Karla Soto “I love CE that inspires me to want to change how I practice.” —Pam Maragliano Connect with Dr. Karla Soto Instagram: @Dr.KarlaSoto Educational Platform: keyelements.co Dr. Karla Soto is based in South Florida and always happy to connect with curious colleagues!  

What if growth isn't about grinding harder, but carrying less? In this episode, we explore Joseph's surprising blueprint for success: first, name your pain to release its hold, then build from a place of freedom. By examining why Menashe ("God made me forget") precedes Ephraim ("God made me fruitful"), we uncover a timeless principle that turns spiritual insight into daily strategy.We bridge this ancient narrative with lived experience. The Sforno interprets "forgetting" as the ultimate release from past troubles—a capacity we all possess but seldom use. Rambam takes this further, describing repentance (teshuvah) as the act of becoming "a different person," breaking the cycle that keeps us tethered to yesterday's failures. We'll apply this to real-world scenarios: the difficult client you still resent, the project that imploded, the habit you can't seem to break. The aim isn't amnesia; it's the disciplined choice to stop letting the past dictate your next move.You will leave with a clear, actionable approach: hold onto your principles, but drop the baggage. Cultivate a short memory where it serves you, like an athlete who takes the eleventh shot with the same confidence as the first, despite missing the previous ten. Crowd out rumination with forward-pulling goals and redirect your focus to where it truly belongs—the work that bears fruit. Detachment precedes growth, not because the pain wasn't real, but because your future cannot flourish while the past occupies center stage.Ready to travel lighter and build stronger? Listen now, subscribe for more practical Torah wisdom, and share with us: What are you choosing to set down today?Support the showJoin The Motivation Congregation WhatsApp community for daily motivational Torah content!------------------Check out our other Torah Podcasts and content! SUBSCRIBE to The Motivation Congregation Podcast for daily motivational Mussar! Listen on Spotify or 24six! Find all Torah talks and listen to featured episodes on our website, themotivationcongregation.org Questions or Comments? Please email me @ michaelbrooke97@gmail.com

The Packers may not have as straight of a path to the top as they did, but it would be a mistake to just lay down and wait for the end.GET IN TOUCHLeave us a voicemail and hear yourself in a future episodehttps://www.speakpipe.com/thepowersweepPrefer more old-school contact? Reach out here:https://thepowersweep.com/contactSUPPORT BLUE 58Donate to our Patreon - For as little as $1 per month, you can access Patreon-only content and get access to our private Discord server.https://www.patreon.com/thepowersweepSubscribe to The Power Sweep's Substack to stay in touch and get content beamed straight to your email inboxhttps://thepowersweep.substack.com/Buy a T-Shirt or Sweatshirt - Look good while supporting The Power Sweep.https://www.teepublic.com/stores/the-power-sweep?ref_id=25927Leave us a 5-Star Review on iTunes - It helps more people find the show!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/blue-58. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most teams aren’t broken because of individual incompetence. They’re struggling because the group itself isn’t set up to thrive. In this episode, author and researcher Colin Fisher joins Brian to reframe how we think about team performance, conflict, and psychological safety through the lens of real science, real practice, and a little jazz.

In 2025, Ukraine is facing unprecedented pressure from one of its key partners, the United States. The Trump administration has chosen not to act as Ukraine's ally, but rather as a mediator between Ukraine and Europe on the one hand, and Russia on the other. This shift has fundamentally changed the geopolitical framework of Russia's war against Ukraine. Around the world, the language of victory has largely been replaced by the language of peace. Yet under current conditions, “peace” often implies that Ukraine will not regain its occupied territories—and such a peace may, in fact, amount to Ukraine's defeat. In this episode, we explain why this is a dangerous path. We also look back at 2025 and summarize its key developments *** Host: Volodymyr Yermolenko, a Ukrainian philosopher, editor-in-chief of UkraineWorld, and president of PEN Ukraine. Guest: Tetyana Ogarkova, a Ukrainian journalist and public intellectual, the head of the international department at the Ukraine Crisis Media Centre, and author of the podcast “L'Ukraine face a la guerre”, “Ukraine facing the war”, in French. *** Explaining Ukraine is a podcast by UkraineWorld, an English-language media platform about Ukraine, run by Internews Ukraine. Listen on various platforms: https://li.sten.to/explaining-ukraine UkraineWorld: https://ukraineworld.org/en *** SUPPORT: You can support our work on https://www.patreon.com/c/ukraineworld Your help is crucial, as we rely heavily on crowdfunding. You can also contribute to our volunteer missions to frontline areas in Ukraine, where we deliver aid to both soldiers and civilians. Donations are welcome via PayPal at: ukraine.resisting@gmail.com. *** CONTENTS: 00:00 - Introduction 01:46 - US's shift from ally to mediator in Russia-Ukraine war. The impact of the Trump administration's approach to military aid. 06:13 - Trump and Putin's similar world vision regarding spheres of influence. 07:03 - Key elements of proposed peace plans: territorial concessions, security guarantees, and military withdrawal. 08:38 - Ukraine's public opinion against territorial concessions. 13:55 - The "fog" of peace negotiations occurring amidst ongoing total war and Russia's strategy of buying time. 17:33 - Legal and moral challenges of territorial concessions and skepticism about the legitimacy of peace plan negotiators. 20:48 - The escalation of the war, increased civilian suffering due to infrastructure bombardments, and Ukraine's strategy to target the Russian economy. 25:01 - Ukraine's dilemma in peace talks and Russia's strategy of worsening conditions over time. 29:04 - Donald Trump's political weaknesses and Zelenskyy's strategy 30:57 - The security situation on the front line: the rise of drone warfare, its increasing danger to civilians, and the expanding "kill zone." 39:07 - Ukrainian internal politics: the war against corruption, the role of civil society, and Zelenskyy's responsiveness to public opinion. 46:45 - Concluding remarks and a call for support for UkraineWorld.

Most entrepreneurs love vision and strategy. Dreaming is fun. Designing the future is exciting.But the moment the conversation shifts to systems, structure, and process, energy drops.Austin Netzley has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs scale from six figures to seven figures by solving this exact problem. In this conversation, we break down why vision must come first, how systems actually unlock creativity, and why founders become the bottleneck without realizing it.We also dive into:Why entrepreneurs get stuck at multi six figuresThe real reason delegation feels uncomfortableHow systems create freedom instead of killing creativityThe mindset shift required to scale without burnoutWhy control is not the same as leadershipHow to turn vision into execution without losing your edgeIf you are a founder, creative, or entrepreneur who feels energized by big ideas but resistant to structure, this episode will change how you see systems forever.

In 2018, Andrew Davie survived a ruptured brain aneurysm and hemorrhage. Now…he recently graduated with a clinical mental health counseling degree, practices as a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor LGPC, consults for James Mason University about brain injury assessments, and, before her passing, cared for his mother while she had ALS. He learned how to turn a terrible situation into something good with the desire to help others who may be struggling. Andrew Davie has worked in theater, finance, and education. He taught English and creative writing at the middle, high school, and college levels for students with learning difficulties and ADHD. He taught English as a second language in the United States and abroad in Hong Kong. He has written short stories and novellas, co-hosts a music review show, and volunteers.  During the second year of his recovery, when the physical part tapered off and the emotional part began, he decided to publish a book that would somehow transform his life, and it didn't. But...that's not the end of the story.     Even though his ability to experience emotional connections was blunted, the thought of being in a romantic relationship and starting a family suddenly seemed impossible. But he persevered and became a success. His story will encourage and inspire you to succeed at every challenge. Remind yourself that even moving an inch a day is still progressing!   XXXX       Read His Book Series Here From Beyond: In the aftermath of the second opium war in Southeast Asia, Declan Malcolm, the newly elected captain, must navigate the treacherous high seas. Meanwhile, Civil War veterans Ridley and Dranoff are adjusting to post-reconstruction and become mercenaries for hire. Their paths cross by chance, but soon a celebration of good fortune turns into a fight against a supernatural foe. Further Beyond: Phineas O'Hanlon has spent the last few years of his life attempting to discover the cause of the reanimation. While reading over a journal from ancient Rome, O'Hanlon is visited by two law enforcement agents. As secrets are uncovered, can O'Hanlon discover the reason behind the resurrection of the deceased and move on with his life? Remote Beyond: On a small farm, four survivors of an apocalypse fend off the undead. As Tyler and his crew adjust to the new normal, the story covers ancient Rome, Norfolk, England, in the swinging '60s, Egypt in 524 B.C., and one of the original American colonies. But will the answer to the resurrection of the undead ever be discovered?   Connect with Andrew Here INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK X   YouTube    

Advertising guru – and the Spectator's Wiki Man columnist – Rory Sutherland joins Damian Thompson for this episode of Holy Smoke. In a wide ranging discussion, from Sigmund Freud and Max Weber to Quakers and Mormons, they discuss how some religious communities seem to be predisposed to success by virtue of their beliefs. How do spiritual choices affect consumer choices? Between Android and Apple, which is more Protestant and which is more Catholic? And what can modern Churches learn from Capitalism?Produced by Patrick Gibbons.Become a Spectator subscriber today to access this podcast without adverts. Go to spectator.co.uk/adfree to find out more.For more Spectator podcasts, go to spectator.co.uk/podcasts. Contact us: podcast@spectator.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Advertising guru – and the Spectator's Wiki Man columnist – Rory Sutherland joins Damian Thompson for this episode of Holy Smoke. In a wide ranging discussion, from Sigmund Freud and Max Weber to Quakers and Mormons, they discuss how some religious communities seem to be predisposed to success by virtue of their beliefs. How do spiritual choices affect consumer choices? Between Android and Apple, which is more Protestant and which is more Catholic? And what can modern Churches learn from Capitalism?Produced by Patrick Gibbons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken Carman and Anthony Lima explain why they believe Shedeur Sanders won't have enough time to prove himself as the future quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, and why it is not all his fault.

Hour 2: Why Shedeur Sanders won't get enough time to succeed for the Browns full 2244 Mon, 15 Dec 2025 15:42:06 +0000 HtV9JTisZpLvas5I7ZK1KEdLkZoZ33Ti sports The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima sports Hour 2: Why Shedeur Sanders won't get enough time to succeed for the Browns The only place to talk about the Cleveland sports scene is with Ken Carman and Anthony Lima. The two guide listeners through the ups and downs of being a fan of the Browns, Cavaliers, Guardians and Ohio State Buckeyes in Northeast Ohio. They'll help you stay informed with breaking news, game coverage, and interviews with top personalities.Catch The Ken Carman Show with Anthony Lima live Monday through Friday (6 a.m. - 10 a.m ET) on 92.3 The Fan, the exclusive audio home of the Browns, or on the Audacy app. For more, follow the show on X @KenCarmanShow. 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Sports False https://player.am