Podcasts about Synchrony

We have all worked at a place where we felt like just another number in a spreadsheet. It is incredibly frustrating when you offer feedback that seems to vanish into a black hole of corporate bureaucracy. But what if your company actually treated your voice like a strategic roadmap for the future? In this episode, DJ Casto, the EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer at Synchrony, joins us to explore how his team transformed their culture to become the number one best place to work in 2026. DJ shares the secrets behind their decade-long journey of separation from GE Capital and how they climbed the rankings by anchoring their identity in the concept of trust. We dive deep into their philosophy of co-creation, where active listening through quarterly pulse surveys and roundtables allows employees to directly design the culture they want to inhabit. Discover how Synchrony applies agile software principles to HR by launching minimal viable products for benefits like personalized wellness coaches and on-site therapists to see what truly resonates with the workforce. We also tackle the modern challenge of AI, moving past the doom and gloom to discuss how technology can actually unlock human creativity and fulfill more enriched roles. You'll learn how to foster employee accountability through a focus on critical experiences rather than rigid job paths. This episode unpacks how you can build a high-trust organization where continuous improvement is a lifestyle rather than a one-time goal. Watch the full video on YouTube ---------- Start your day with the world's top leaders by joining thousands of others at Great Leadership on Substack. Just enter your email: ⁠⁠https://greatleadership.substack.com/ Quick heads-up: my new book, The 8 Laws of Employee Experience, is a practical playbook for building an environment where people do their best work—order a copy here: https://bit.ly/8exlaws

Katie Osborne and Haley Shanley bring you everything you need to know before the gate drops on the Women's Motocross Championship powered by Synchrony.

Links For The Occult Rejectshttps://linktr.ee/theoccultrejectsOccult Research Institutehttps://www.occultresearchinstitute.org/Substackhttps://substack.com/@theoccultrejects?r=7auau0&utm_campaign=profile&utm_medium=profile-pageCash Apphttps://cash.app/$theoccultrejectsVenmo@TheOccultRejectsBuy Me A Coffeebuymeacoffee.com/TheOccultRejectsPatreonhttps://www.patreon.com/TheOccultRejectsPart 1: The Road of RhythmPart 1 focuses on the drum as an ancient technology of altered consciousness. The argument is not that every beat causes trance, or that neuroscience has proven spirits. The stronger argument is that rhythm enters the human organism through hearing, motor prediction, breath, movement, attention, emotion, expectation, culture, and social synchrony. The drum becomes powerful when sound, body, group, ritual frame, and meaning converge. These sources support the archaeology, neuroscience, EEG research, shamanic studies, possession studies, Indigenous and culturally specific drum traditions, ritual theory, placebo and meaning-response research, ceremonial magic, and modern witchcraft material used in the episode.Core Academic and Scientific SourcesHuels, Emma R., Hyoungkyu Kim, UnCheol Lee, Tirsa Bel-Bahar, Ana V. Colmenero, Alexandra Nelson, Stefanie Blain-Moraes, George A. Mashour, and Richard E. Harris. “Neural Correlates of the Shamanic State of Consciousness.” Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 15 (2021): 610466. Use for the strongest modern EEG anchor. This study used high-density EEG with shamanic practitioners and controls during rest, shamanic drumming, and classical music listening. It assessed altered-state reports alongside brain measures such as power, connectivity, signal diversity, and criticality. Use carefully: the study does not prove spirits or show that drumming mechanically causes trance in everyone. It supports the more careful claim that trained practitioners entering shamanic states with drumming show measurable brain-state differences.Gordon, Yoel, Golan Karvat, Noa Dagan, and Ayelet N. Landau. “Neural Tracking at Theta Predicts Drumming-Induced Altered States of Consciousness.” Scientific Reports 16, no. 1 (2026): Article 10204. Use for the strongest updated drumming/theta/neural-tracking source. This study tested drumming at theta, delta, and alpha-rate rhythms while recording EEG, and found that stronger rhythmic neural tracking at theta was linked to stronger altered-experience reports. Use carefully: this does not mean theta equals the spirit world or that one frequency opens a portal. The serious point is that altered experience may depend partly on how strongly the nervous system tracks rhythmic stimulation.Aparicio-Terrés, R., et al. “The Neurobiology of Altered States of Consciousness Induced by Drumming and Other Rhythmic Sound Patterns.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2025. Use for the newer review literature showing that rhythmic sound is now a serious altered-consciousness research topic. This supports the opening claim that modern academia is examining drumming, rhythmic sound, absorption, relaxation, cognition, and neural activity without reducing the subject to one simple “trance frequency.” The review is especially useful for framing the field as promising but still complex.Neher, Andrew. “Auditory Driving Observed with Scalp Electrodes in Normal Subjects.” Electroencephalography and Clinical Neurophysiology 13 (1961): 449–451. Use for the historical bridge between repetitive sound, EEG, auditory driving, and early scientific interest in rhythmic stimulation.Neher, Andrew. “A Physiological Explanation of Unusual Behavior in Ceremonies Involving Drums.” Human Biology 34, no. 2 (1962): 151–160. Use carefully. This is useful as an early attempt to connect ceremonial drumming and physiology, but it should be balanced with Rouget because the “drum simply causes trance” argument is too mechanical.Maurer, R., V. K. Kumar, L. Woodside, and R. J. Pekala. “Phenomenological Experience in Response to Monotonous Drumming and Hypnotizability.” American Journal of Clinical Hypnosis 40, no. 2 (1997): 130–145. Use for monotonous drumming, subjective altered experience, imagery, absorption, and hypnotizability.Maxfield, Melinda C. “Effects of Rhythmic Drumming on EEG and Subjective Experience.” PhD diss., Institute of Transpersonal Psychology, 1990. Use as older supporting context on drumming, EEG, imagery, body-image changes, and subjective altered experience. Do not make this the main scientific proof; use it as background.Nozaradan, Sylvie, Isabelle Peretz, and André Mouraux. “Tagging the Neuronal Entrainment to Beat and Meter.” The Journal of Neuroscience 31, no. 28 (2011): 10234–10240. Use for EEG evidence that the brain can track beat and meter. This supports the claim that the brain does not merely hear rhythm as background sound; it can represent rhythmic structure in measurable ways.Nozaradan, Sylvie. “Exploring How Musical Rhythm Entrains Brain Activity with Electroencephalogram Frequency-Tagging.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B 369, no. 1658 (2014). Use as broader rhythm/EEG entrainment support. This helps explain frequency-tagging, beat tracking, meter, neural entrainment, and the measurable relationship between rhythmic structure and brain activity.Thaut, Michael H., Gerald C. McIntosh, and Volker Hoemberg. “Neurobiological Foundations of Neurologic Music Therapy: Rhythmic Entrainment and the Motor System.” Frontiers in Psychology 5 (2015). Use for rhythm as motor-system timing information. This supports the claim that a beat can become bodily instruction, not just sound for the ear. Especially useful when discussing rhythmic auditory stimulation, motor planning, gait, entrainment, and the auditory-motor bridge.Ross, Jessica M., John R. Iversen, and Ramesh Balasubramaniam. “Time Perception for Musical Rhythms: Sensorimotor Perspectives on Entrainment, Simulation, and Prediction.” 2022. Use for rhythm, timing, prediction, sensorimotor entrainment, and the way musical rhythm interacts with time perception.Hove, Michael J., and Jane L. Risen. “It's All in the Timing: Interpersonal Synchrony Increases Affiliation.” Social Cognition 27, no. 6 (2009): 949–960. Use for synchrony and social bonding. This helps support the group-body argument: moving or acting in time with others can increase affiliation.Wiltermuth, Scott S., and Chip Heath. “Synchrony and Cooperation.” Psychological Science 20, no. 1 (2009): 1–5. Use for the claim that synchronized movement can increase cooperation and attachment among participants.Tarr, Bronwyn, Jacques Launay, and Robin I. M. Dunbar. “Music and Social Bonding: ‘Self-Other' Merging and Neurohormonal Mechanisms.” Frontiers in Psychology 5 (2014): 1096. Use for music, synchrony, bonding, endorphin/social mechanisms, and why group rhythm can feel like more than private listening.Fancourt, Daisy, Rosie Perkins, Sara Ascenso, Louise Atkins, Fatima Kilfeather, and Aaron Williamon. “Effects of Group Drumming Interventions on Anxiety, Depression, Social Resilience and Inflammatory Immune Response among Mental Health Service Users.” PLOS ONE 11, no. 3 (2016): e0151136. Use for modern group-drumming research showing psychological and physiological effects, including anxiety, depression, social resilience, wellbeing, and inflammatory immune response. Use carefully: this does not make group drumming a cure-all. It supports the more grounded claim that embodied rhythm and group participation can affect mood, social connection, and body chemistry.Bittman, Barry B., et al. “Composite Effects of Group Drumming Music Therapy on Modulation of Neuroendocrine-Immune Parameters in Normal Subjects.” Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 7, no. 1 (2001): 38–47. Use as older supporting material on group drumming and neuroendocrine-immune measures. Keep secondary. Fancourt is cleaner for the main script body.Archaeology and Deep History of DrumsLawergren, Bo. “Neolithic Drums in China.” In Music Archaeology in China. 2006. Use for clay drums in Neolithic China and the deep-history claim that drums are not just poetic symbols of antiquity. They appear in the archaeological record as instruments tied to early sound-making, ceremony, and social order.Both, Arnd Adje. “Music Archaeology: Some Methodological and Theoretical Considerations.” Use as general support for why ancient instruments should be treated as ritual and social evidence, not merely decorative objects.Anthropology, Ethnomusicology, Ritual, and TranceRouget, Gilbert. Music and Trance: A Theory of the Relations Between Music and Possession. Translated by Brunhilde Biebuyck. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1985. Essential source. Use for the caution that music does not mechanically or universally cause trance. Rouget helps keep the argument academically serious by emphasizing culture, ritual frame, meaning, and expectation.Becker, Judith. Deep Listeners: MAlso want to remind people about the website, if you're into reading we have tons of information by multiple contributors, and we got t-shirts up on the site if you're interested. Fun fact, the art is all based on the eyeball. A

Rebecca Matchett has spent over two decades building businesses, identifying underserved markets, and turning vision into reality. From launching fashion brands like alice + olivia to developing patented women's sizing systems, she's built a career around solving meaningful problems. Now, she's tackling something even deeper. As the co-founder and COO of Synchrony, Rebecca is helping create a safe, intentional platform designed specifically for neurodivergent adults to build friendships, community, confidence, and authentic connection. In this episode, George and Rebecca dive into entrepreneurship, community building, communication differences, loneliness, emotional safety online, and the power of building businesses slowly and intentionally. Whether you're neurodivergent, love someone who is, or simply want to become a more intentional entrepreneur and leader, this conversation will shift the way you think about connection and business. What You'll Learn In This Episode: What neurodivergence actually means Why traditional social platforms often fail neurodivergent adults How Synchrony was created to address loneliness and belonging Why communication differences don't mean people want less connection The importance of emotional safety in online communities How intentional verification builds trust and authenticity Why entrepreneurs should “build with” their audience instead of for them Rebecca's lessons from building multiple companies over 20+ years The power of entering industries without needing all the answers first Why slow growth can create more sustainable businesses How to stay mission-driven while scaling a company The importance of curiosity, experimentation, and resilience in entrepreneurship Key Takeaways: ✔️Neurodivergent individuals need connection just as deeply as anyone else. ✔️Communication differences are not a lack of desire for relationships. ✔️Community and belonging are essential human needs. ✔️Trust and safety are foundational to healthy online spaces. ✔️You don't need to know everything before starting something meaningful. ✔️Sustainable growth often comes from intentional growth. ✔️Building with your audience creates stronger businesses than building for them. ✔️Customer feedback is one of the most valuable assets in entrepreneurship. ✔️Some of the best business opportunities come from overlooked human needs. ✔️Taking the plunge before feeling “fully ready” is often how great businesses are born. Timestamps & Highlights: [00:00] – Why Rebecca built Synchrony for neurodivergent adults [03:15] – What neurodivergence actually means [05:10] – The loneliness epidemic and communication differences [08:30] – Why community matters more than ever [10:45] – Learning to serve a specific audience intentionally [14:00] – How Synchrony creates emotional safety and trust [17:00] – The role of AI as a social communication support tool [20:00] – Building businesses around underserved human needs [24:15] – Why customer experience and trust are everything [28:00] – Growing slowly and intentionally as a startup [31:30] – Lessons from launching multiple businesses over 20 years [35:00] – Why being inexperienced can sometimes become an advantage [39:00] – The value of entering industries without all the answers [43:15] – Staying mission-driven during growth [47:00] – Rebecca's reflections on mistakes, learning, and resilience [50:00] – Reframing how we think about neurodivergence and connection [53:00] – How to find Synchrony and who the app is for [56:00] – Rebecca's advice for entrepreneurs taking big risks   About with Rebecca Matchett She is a seasoned entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience building and scaling innovative companies across fashion, retail, and technology. She has founded and led several successful businesses, including alice + olivia, Rebecca & Drew, and TrioFit, where she developed a patented women's sizing system designed to better serve real body diversity. Today, Rebecca is the co-founder and COO of Synchrony, a platform designed specifically to help neurodivergent adults build meaningful friendships, community, and authentic human connection. Connect with Rebecca & Synchrony: Instagram: @joinsynchrony Website:  Synchrony Website TikTok:  Synchrony TikTok Facebook:  Synchrony Facebook If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation. Whether it's an entrepreneur building something meaningful, a friend navigating neurodivergence, or someone searching for deeper connection… this episode matters. Retreats & Live Events Want deeper connection, aligned growth, and real conversations with entrepreneurs who value relationships over vanity metrics? Stay tuned for upcoming live retreats and immersive events with George and the community: mindofgeorge.com/retreat Join The Alliance The Relationship Beats Algorithms™ community for entrepreneurs building sustainable businesses rooted in trust, connection, and intentional growth. Apply for 1:1 Coaching Ready to simplify your business, strengthen your leadership, and create sustainable momentum without burnout?Apply to work directly with George and his team.

Powersports dealers are introducing financing discussions earlier in the buying process as affordability concerns and economic uncertainty shape consumer behavior during the industry's peak selling season. May is one of the most important sales periods for powersports dealers as warmer weather drives demand for motorcycles, ATVs and side-by-sides, Synchrony Outdoors Senior Vice President and General Manager Susan Medrano told Auto Finance News during a special episode of “The Roadmap” podcast.  “It's important because that buying window for peak season is so narrow,” she said. “If the consumer doesn't purchase during that window, they may not purchase till next year.”  This year, affordability pressures are changing how consumers approach purchases, with about 81% of shoppers focused on financing options when making large purchases, Medrano said, citing Synchrony's 2025 Major Purchase Study, Modern buying trends Buyers also are researching financing options before visiting dealerships and are increasingly focused on monthly payments and loan terms, Medrano said. “The financing starts much sooner in the process,” she said. “Consumers are educating themselves before they ever get there.”  That has spurred dealers to discuss financing on the showroom floor instead of waiting until customers reach the finance office, Medrano said. “If it's the monthly payment, for example, they could talk about the different terms that would be available, whether it's 36 months or it's 84 months, and the difference that makes to the consumer,” she said. “The same with total ticket price.” Those conversations allow dealers to tailor promotional APRs, repayment terms and add-ons to that customer, Medrano said. Flexible financing Flexible financing is increasingly important as dealers work to convert shoppers during the compressed seasonal sales window, Medrano said. “The worst thing that can happen is you get a customer to a finance desk and then they get sticker shock over the payment,” she said.  Synchrony also encourages digital applications and mobile approval tools that allow customers to apply for financing before or during dealership visits, Medrano said. “We're trying to make the buying process as frictionless as possible,” she said. Subscribe to “The Roadmap Podcast” on iTunes or Spotify, or download the episode. 

Happy 100th Synchrony Podcast Episode! Thanks to the OG's who have been listening since the beginning--ya'll will have heavy crowns when you get to heaven. In this episode, Megan and Steven are joined by a very special guest host (who happens to be an eligible single, hint hint!) and she guides them down memory lane and helps them envision the future of Synchrony and Apostolic dating culture. Along the road, they spend some time talking about virtual dating faux pas, why the concept of soulmates is increasing loneliness, and why they are hopeful for the next generation of Apostolic young people. Interested in matchmaking? Ladies, our pipeline is currently closed to female applicants, but will re-open in the Summer. Visit our website to join the waiting list.Men can get started for free and meet their first match at no cost. Check https://www.synchronyproject.com to register.Men: Join the Discord server here! https://discord.gg/hqZmtuMws9Get the From Singles, to Shepherds Info Guide Here! https://the-synchrony-project.mykajabi.com/from-singles-to-shepherdsContact: If you want to join the conversation about this topic and give your thoughts, reach out on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or at questions@synchronyproject.com. Learn more about our matchmaking services and dating resources at https://synchronyproject.com.Intro/Outro music by: Balloon Planet, "Write Your Own Story," https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/write-your-own-story/135437

The national average F&I per copy in powersports is $370. Alex Reyes and his team are targeting $1,000 as their floor, not their ceiling.Alex is the General Manager at Broward Motorsports Treasure Coast in Hobe Sound, Florida, part of an eight-location group. He has spent the better part of the last decade building and running the F&I operation at one of the most active powersports dealer groups in the country. Three-time PSB Magazine 40 Under 40. MPN author. Featured on Auto Finance News with Synchrony. And he came from automotive at Hyundai Motor, which gives him a benchmark most powersports F&I people never had.This is the most comprehensive F&I conversation we have ever done on this podcast. We go from the product menu all the way to pay plans, lender strategy, the digital customer, and what metrics a GM should be watching every single week.What we cover:Why the $370 powersports average vs $2,500 automotive F&I gap comes down to habits, training, and focus, not talentAlex's first career move into powersports and why the emotional nature of the purchase changes the entire F&I conversationWhy financing is still an afterthought at too many stores and the simple script to shift that conversation at the point of saleThe 400% rule: offer every product, every customer, every time with 100% effortThe two non-negotiable products in any powersports F&I office and why ESC is not an upsell, it is a safety netWhy 85% of powersports repossessions trace back to mechanical failure and what that means for every service contract conversationThe GAP math: when to offer it at full LTV, what to say at 70% or under, and when to leave it outPrepaid maintenance as a VIP retention tool, saving customers 30-40% while bringing them back to your service bayHow Alex built a near-prime and subprime lending program at Broward from scratch and why a single-lender strategy is a one-hand-tied-behind-your-back problemThe Synchrony Outdoors card as a cross-departmental revenue tool that works across sales, parts, and serviceThe used bike lending reality: LTVs are different, CITs need to move fast, and MotoHunt helps you buy right in the first placeAlex's unorthodox F&I handoff: the business manager gets involved the moment credit is submitted, not at the endThe "tour de ride" concept and how Broward turns the wait time before the box into a dealership relationship builderHow to handle time in the box without killing the customer experience and the Jimmy at school storyThe baseball farm league approach to building F&I talent from the ground upWhy pay plans based on product mix produce better behavior than pay plans based on sheer PVR volumeThe three numbers a GM has to watch every week: cash to finance ratio, penetration by product, and CITWhat an F&I training program actually looks like and why Rob Greenwald gets the call when Alex needs outside helpThe CRM cadence for declined deals and why a no today is a lead for laterSoft pulls, VIP appointment setting, and where Broward draws the line on digital deliveryWhat Alex looks at first when a GM suspects their F&I department is underperformingWhy penetration rates tell a better story than PVR and what to do when they are out of balanceWatch on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dealershipfixit?si=xGw636a89UUDAK20⁠Connect with Alex Reyes: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-r-a97a321a0/⁠Broward Motorsports Treasure Coast: ⁠https://www.browardmotorsportstreasurecoast.com⁠PowerSports HQ (Alex's YouTube): ⁠https://youtube.com/@PowersportsHQAlex⁠Connect with Jacob: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jacob-b-berry⁠Follow the Fixit Online: ⁠https://linktr.ee/dealershipfixit⁠MotoHunt for Dealers: ⁠https://dealers.motohunt.com⁠

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when a seasoned entrepreneur steps away from building brands and decides to solve something far more human?In this episode, Rebecca Matchett shares her journey from launching fashion brands like alice + olivia to co-founding Synchrony, an AI-assisted platform designed to help neurodivergent adults build real connection. What started as a gap she couldn't ignore has turned into a mission-driven business tackling one of the most overlooked challenges in tech: social isolation.Rebecca breaks down why traditional platforms have failed this community, what it actually means to build with empathy, and how she's approaching growth in a way that prioritizes trust over speed. This is a conversation about seeing what others miss, building something that matters, and redefining what success looks like when the impact goes far beyond the product.Episode Notes Rebecca's path from advertising to building multiple fashion brands  Why she consistently builds in industries she doesn't know  The moment Synchrony became more than just an idea  The “gap” most of tech has ignored and why it matters  What people misunderstand about neurodivergent adults and connection  The concept of the “services cliff” and what happens after age 21  How Synchrony is designed differently from traditional social platforms  The role of AI and why it's built to support, not replace, human interaction  What it takes to build trust with an underserved community  The tension between intentional growth and scaling a social platform  Lessons from past partnerships and how she approaches them today  What success actually looks like for Synchrony users  Where the platform is headed and the bigger vision for impact About Rebecca MatchettRebecca Matchett is a seasoned entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience building and scaling brands across fashion and e-commerce. She has founded and led multiple companies, including alice + olivia and TrioFit, where she developed a patented women's sizing system.Her latest venture, Synchrony, launched in 2026 and is an AI-assisted social platform designed specifically for neurodivergent adults. Connect + Learn MoreWebsite: https://joinsynchrony.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-winn-matchett-6356481/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsynchrony/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@joinsynchrony---Subscribe and ReviewIf you loved this episode, drop us a review, share it with a badass woman in your life, and subscribe to Badass Women in Business wherever you get your podcasts.Stay badass. Stay bold. Build it your way.Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders  Instagram: @badass_women_in_businessLinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in BusinessWebsite: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.comAthena: athenaac.com

From tracking declined services to asking customers how they prefer to be contacted, Keith Mait, Senior Vice President and Auto Leader at Synchrony, outlines practical steps shops can take right now to turn one-time transactions into lasting relationships. He explains why loyalty isn't a program—it's a discipline—and how shops that stay connected between visits with timely, relevant communication will win in an increasingly competitive market.

Manisha Biswas danced her way into my heart. She was the 2025 social science category winner of the Dance Your PhD contest – a prize she won for her interpretative performance of her thesis, “The Powerful Outcomes of Collective Synchrony”. The Dance Your PhD contest was launched in 2008 to help educate people about complex theories through interpretive dance. I ask you: What is not to love about this idea??? Manisha Biswas: https://www.manishabiswas.com/ Theme music by Sean Balick; “Mind Body Mind” & “Partly Sage” by Bodytonic, via Blue Dot Sessions.

Patrice Boone from Synchrony Bank dives headfirst into the murky waters of homeownership costs in a riveting conversation with Eric G and John Dudley. Buckle up, folks, because the numbers she shares are not just eye-opening; they're downright jaw-dropping! Homeowners often underestimate the yearly costs of maintaining their abodes, with many thinking they'll spend around $1,000 to $5,000 annually. Spoiler alert: the actual average is more than $7,000! Patrice pulls back the curtain on the shocking realization that over a lifetime, homeowners can spend upwards of $339,000 just maintaining their homes. That's right, we're talking about a sum that could buy you another house! But it's not just about the big ticket items like HVAC systems or roof replacements. Patrice highlights how regular maintenance - that pesky caulking around the windows or cleaning out the gutters - can snowball into enormous costs if neglected. It's like that little drip in the plumbing that you think is no big deal until it turns into a full-blown flood. The conversation also meanders through the emotional landscape of homeownership, addressing how homeowners live with anxiety over unexpected repairs and financial strain. Patrice underscores the importance of budgeting and proactive maintenance, which many homeowners overlook. After all, it's not just about paying the mortgage; it's about keeping your sanctuary in tip-top shape without breaking the bank! As the episode unfolds, the trio discusses the lack of preparation homeowners have regarding these costs, revealing that 72% feel anxious about affording necessary repairs. This is where Synchrony Bank steps in, offering a lifeline through financing options like the Synchrony project card, which allows homeowners to manage those daunting bills without losing their minds. Patrice's insights, peppered with humor and relatability, transform what could be a dry topic into an engaging discussion that empowers listeners to take control of their home maintenance journey. So, if you're a homeowner—or plan to be—this episode is a must-listen. It could save you from future financial headaches and help you approach homeownership with a clearer, more informed mindset.Takeaways:Home maintenance costs average more than $7,000 per year, which can really add up.The lifetime cost of home repairs can shock you, averaging around $339,000 to $418,000.Many homeowners underestimate maintenance needs, often thinking they can just fix issues later.A staggering 78% of homeowners lack a formal budget for routine maintenance—yikes!Emergency repairs like HVAC system failures can cost upwards of $8,000 on average, so prepare accordingly.Most homeowners feel anxious about unexpected repairs, which is totally understandable given the costs involved.Links referenced in this episode:aroundthehouseonline.comCompanies mentioned in this episode:SynchronyThanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.Mentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the podcast Make sure and Subscribe on your favorite podcast player or the link below! Podcast Subscribe 2026Subscribe to our YouTube Channel to see every part of the project for Blacktail Ranch Exciting collaboration alert! This playlist documents our joint project renovating Cam Anderson's new farm property on Blacktail Ranch—the home base for his adventures beyond the workshop. Cam (the woodworking wizard behind Blacktail Studio, with millions of fans loving his epoxy tables, live-edge builds, and creative furniture tutorials) is stepping into brand-new territory: his first-ever full home renovation and remodel. From the charming (but dated) farmhouse with its "lead paint chic" vibes to tackling structural updates, layout changes, and modern upgrades, we're transforming this 17-acre property into a functional, beautiful living space. I'm Eric G from Around the House, bringing my remodeling, construction, and design expertise to guide the process—planning layouts, solving real-world renovation challenges, handling the practical home improvement side, and making sure the build is smart, efficient, and homeowner-friendly. Expect step-by-step progress, honest discussions on budgets/timelines/hiccups, tool tips, design decisions, and the fun dynamic of blending Cam's woodworking flair with pro remodeling know-how. Whether you're a Blacktail Studio fan curious about Cam's new chapter, a DIYer tackling your own home reno, or just love watching big transformations, this series is for you! https://www.youtube.com/@aroundthehouseEricG/playlistsBlacktail Ranch SiteHype Designs Visit SiteHype Designs and lets build a website that works as hard as you do! Use Promo Code "Eric G" for your free website audit and 30 minute consultation. Site Hype Designs Subscribe to the podcast Make sure and Subscribe on your favorite podcast player or the link below! Podcast Subscribe 2026Check out our New YouTube channel @AroundtheHouse HQ Make sure you subscribe and RING THE BELL for our brand new channel with 4k content! Click the link to take you there! YouTube Around the House HQROCK THE LOCKSThree full days of killer live rock with over 25 bands on two stages, camping, food, beer gardens, and riverfront vibes the whole family will love. And here's the best part — you can hang out with Eric G from Around the House! Tickets are on sale NOW at Rockthelocks.org. That's Rockthelocks.org.Rock the Locks InstaBid: Stop losing jobs to slow estimates Turn 3 hours of manual estimating into 5 minutes. Real material prices. Real labor rates. Professional PDF quotes delivered instantly. Try it free at instabid.pro. Use code ATH50 for 50% off your first month. That's instabid.pro — code ATH50Instabid

It's time to rethink how we approach healthcare affordability.  In this episode of Medical Spa Insider, host Alex Thiersch welcomes back "The Godfather of CareCredit," Beto Casellas, Executive Vice President and CEO of Synchrony Health and Wellness. As the aesthetic industry shifts toward a holistic model of longevity and wellness, the question of affordability becomes paramount. Beto discusses CareCredit's strategic collaboration with the Milken Institute, a non-partisan think tank, to research healthcare accessibility and financial literacy. They dive into the reality of American healthcare spending—noting that many consumers underestimate their costs by 1.5x—and introduce the concept of "Wealthspan," the financial stability required to support a long, healthy life. From new procedure calculators to fair financing principles, this conversation explores how transparency and planning can ensure patients get the care they need when they need it. Discussion points include: How CareCredit became partnered with the Milken Institute CareCredit's most recent statistics on patient costs and preparedness How longevity medicine has created a need for greater research into affordability A look at CareCredit's Procedure Calculator How to turn wellness from from an emergency expense into a regular budget item The principles and goals of CareCredit, Synchrony, and the Milken Institute moving forward

Segment 1: Stephen Kates, CFP, Financial Analyst, Bankrate, joins John Williams to preview tomorrow’s release of CPI data and talk about how sticky inflation is impacting homeowners. Segment 2: Scott Stein, Editor at Large, CNET, tells John about Artemis II astronauts using iPhones to capture stunning space images, and what we should know about Anthropic’s new AI model. Segment […]

Last week, Megan and Steven talked about the origins of Synchrony and how multigenerational blessings and values created room for the Project to unfold. But where should it go from here? In this episode, they discuss why the Project is on the cusp of a new season, and all of the questions that remain to be answered. Interested in matchmaking? Ladies, our pipeline is currently closed to female applicants, but will re-open in the Summer. Visit our website to join the waiting list. Men can get started for free and meet their first match at no cost. Check https://www.synchronyproject.com to register. Men: Join the Discord server here! https://discord.gg/hqZmtuMws9 Get the From Singles, to Shepherds Info Guide Here! https://the-synchrony-project.mykajabi.com/from-singles-to-shepherds Contact: If you want to join the conversation about this topic and give your thoughts, reach out on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or at questions@synchronyproject.com. Learn more about our matchmaking services and dating resources at https://synchronyproject.com. Intro/Outro music by: Balloon Planet, "Write Your Own Story," https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/write-your-own-story/135437

Adult loneliness in ADHD isn't about not caring—it's about how hard connection can actually feel. In this conversation, I sit down with Rebecca Matchett, Jamie Pastrano, and Brittany Moser, the team behind the Synchrony app, to unpack why so many neurodivergent adults feel socially exhausted despite genuinely wanting meaningful relationships.We explore rejection sensitivity, social anxiety, and the invisible “rules” of interaction that can leave ADHD adults feeling stuck or behind. We also dig into what happens when technology is designed for neurodivergent brains instead of against them—and how that shift could change the way we build friendships, confidence, and community.Episode Highlights[0:34] - Why adult loneliness in ADHD isn't talked about enough[2:01] - Social exhaustion: wanting connection but feeling overwhelmed[3:03] - The hidden need for structure in social interactions[6:36] - Why adult friendships feel harder (and the role of “baggage”)[8:40] - How rejection sensitivity distorts neutral interactions[10:23] - Slowing down communication and reducing pressure[12:27] - The paradox of texting back vs. forgetting to respond[15:16] - What makes Synchrony different from typical social apps[18:26] - Inside the AI social coach “Jesse” and how it supports users[21:05] - Neurodivergent vs. neurotypical communication dynamics[23:11] - How structure and support reduce social anxiety[24:23] - The fine line between support and dependence[29:19] - Social media, dopamine myths, and emotional crashes[30:45] - Why we replay conversations (hello, rumination)[34:02] - Are we shifting away from engagement-driven platforms?[35:59] - What real social progress looks like for ADHD adults[37:19] - Replacing negative social experiences with positive ones[38:31] - The bigger mission: building true community and belongingLinks & ResourcesRebecca Matchett – Serial Entrepreneur & Innovator | Co-Founder & COO, SynchronyJamie Pastrano, LMSW – Corporate Business & Executive Sales Director (20+ years) & autism parent | Co-Founder & Chief Sales & Business Development, SynchronyBrittany Moser – Educator & Autism Specialist | Co-Founder, SynchronyFollow: @joinsynchronyIf this episode resonated with you, I'd love your support—take a moment to rate, follow, share, and leave a review. It helps more people find the show and feel a little less alone in their ADHD journey. 

Synchrony is at a crossroads, and in part one of this two-part episode, Megan and Steven explain the history of how the project came to be in this unique moment. Strangely, the history starts three generations ago. Interested in matchmaking? Ladies, our pipeline is currently closed to female applicants, but will re-open in the Summer. Visit our website to join the waiting list. Men can get started for free and meet their first match at no cost. Check https://www.synchronyproject.com to register. Men: Join the Discord server here! https://discord.gg/hqZmtuMws9 Get the From Singles, to Shepherds Info Guide Here! https://the-synchrony-project.mykajabi.com/from-singles-to-shepherds Contact: If you want to join the conversation about this topic and give your thoughts, reach out on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or at questions@synchronyproject.com. Learn more about our matchmaking services and dating resources at https://synchronyproject.com. Intro/Outro music by: Balloon Planet, "Write Your Own Story," https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/write-your-own-story/135437

Alrighty, folks! Let's dive into the juicy bits of homeownership that might just have you clutching your wallet. Eric G is unpacking the shocking truth about average home maintenance costs, and spoiler alert: it's way more than what most homeowners think. While the average Joe expects to fork over around $70,000 over their lifetime, the reality hits like a rogue hammer at over $339,000! That's roughly $7,000 a year, which is enough to make anyone's heart skip a beat. So, if you've been living under the illusion that your home is a low-maintenance paradise, it's time to wake up and smell the leaky faucets. Tune in as we break down these numbers and throw some light on why saving for those unforeseen repairs isn't just a nice idea, it's a necessary survival tactic in the wild world of homeownership! Homeownership comes with a hefty price tag, and today's chat is all about uncovering the truth behind maintenance costs. Eric G dives into a recent study from Synchrony, which reveals that the average homeowner expects to spend around $70,000 on maintenance over their lifetime. Spoiler alert: they're way off. The reality? We're talking about a staggering $339,000. Yep, you read that right! That's more than $7,000 a year! Eric highlights the shocking disconnect between what people think they'll spend versus the actual numbers. He emphasizes that many homeowners delay necessary repairs due to financial constraints, creating a ticking time bomb for future expenses. We also delve into the skills gap among new homeowners, who often lack the DIY abilities that were once commonplace. With the average age of appliances and systems in homes decreasing, it's crucial to start planning and saving for these inevitable costs. Eric suggests creating a dedicated home maintenance fund, because let's face it: those surprise repairs won't fix themselves. So grab your piggy bank and tune in to learn how to keep your home in tip-top shape without breaking the bank!Takeaways:Homeowners vastly underestimate maintenance costs, expecting around $70,000 when the actual figure is over $339,000. That's a big gap, folks!Many homeowners delay necessary repairs due to financial pressures, leading to higher long-term costs. Don't be that person!The average homeowner spends more than $7,000 a year on maintenance, which can really add up over time. Start saving!New homeowners are often less skilled in DIY repairs, making them reliant on costly services. It's time to embrace the toolbox!With the repair market booming post-pandemic, homeowners need to budget wisely for inevitable expenses, or risk being blindsided. Who wants surprise costs?Most appliances don't last as long as they used to, so be prepared for replacements sooner than you think. Plan for that refrigerator apocalypse!Companies mentioned in this episode:SynchronyRed WingThanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.Mentioned in this episode:Subscribe to the podcast Make sure and Subscribe on your favorite podcast player or the link below! Podcast Subscribe 2026

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/f8EFwdoLkos   In this spotlight from episode 349, Charlie Malouf and Stacey McCormick discuss the thoughtful selection of six breakout sessions, each focusing on unlocking new ways to empower guests and boost business. The sessions ranged from increasing prequalification applications with Versatile, leveraging 60-month no-interest financing with Synchrony, and optimizing same-day credit lines. Peer panels featured Broad River legends, including top-performing managers and experts, who shared real-world strategies and insights, all based on feedback gathered from the Memory Makers themselves. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/f8EFwdoLkos   In this spotlight from episode 349, Charlie Malouf and Stacey McCormick discuss the thoughtful selection of six breakout sessions, each focusing on unlocking new ways to empower guests and boost business. The sessions ranged from increasing prequalification applications with Versatile, leveraging 60-month no-interest financing with Synchrony, and optimizing same-day credit lines. Peer panels featured Broad River legends, including top-performing managers and experts, who shared real-world strategies and insights, all based on feedback gathered from the Memory Makers themselves. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f8EFwdoLkos  Turning inspiration into action takes focus, collaboration, and a clear vision for empowering Memory Makers and guests alike. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, welcomes Stacey McCormick, EVP, Retail Performance, to reflect on the impact of the recent VIP Summit, an event designed to unlock the potential of consumer financing across Broad River Retail. Sparked by strategic conversations during a quarterly business review with Synchrony Financial, the summit brought nearly 400 Memory Makers together for three days of focused learning. Through six curated breakout sessions, partners and Broad River leaders shared practical strategies around prequalification with Versatile, Synchrony's 60-month no-interest financing, credit line optimization, near-prime and lease-to-own solutions, and tools like Podium to drive repeat engagement. Stacey also discusses the momentum following the summit and how the team is translating insights into measurable results. From navigating unexpected snowstorms that disrupted store traffic to launching the Forge Forward challenge tied to key financing metrics, the focus remains on helping Memory Makers move beyond applications to grow the overall finance percent of business. With improved dashboards, surveys, and ongoing coaching, the effort reinforces a simple but powerful strategy: empower Memory Makers with knowledge, give guests flexible options, and play the long game with financing to drive sustainable growth. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/f8EFwdoLkos  Turning inspiration into action takes focus, collaboration, and a clear vision for empowering Memory Makers and guests alike. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf, CEO, welcomes Stacey McCormick, EVP, Retail Performance, to reflect on the impact of the recent VIP Summit, an event designed to unlock the potential of consumer financing across Broad River Retail. Sparked by strategic conversations during a quarterly business review with Synchrony Financial, the summit brought nearly 400 Memory Makers together for three days of focused learning. Through six curated breakout sessions, partners and Broad River leaders shared practical strategies around prequalification with Versatile, Synchrony's 60-month no-interest financing, credit line optimization, near-prime and lease-to-own solutions, and tools like Podium to drive repeat engagement. Stacey also discusses the momentum following the summit and how the team is translating insights into measurable results. From navigating unexpected snowstorms that disrupted store traffic to launching the Forge Forward challenge tied to key financing metrics, the focus remains on helping Memory Makers move beyond applications to grow the overall finance percent of business. With improved dashboards, surveys, and ongoing coaching, the effort reinforces a simple but powerful strategy: empower Memory Makers with knowledge, give guests flexible options, and play the long game with financing to drive sustainable growth. Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

In this episode Rosy Boa interviews dance psychology science communicator and West Coast swing teacher Clara Deiters about applying psychology to dance. They discuss how dance differs from other movement activities through artistic expression, and how dancers can balance self-expression with external validation by recognizing multiple reasons for dancing beyond judges' approval. Clara suggests coping with post-competition disappointment by setting specific, measurable goals and evaluating them afterward to regain control in unpredictable competition settings like Jack and Jill. They cover the “glitter crash” after festivals, explaining it as a drop below baseline following high endorphin, oxytocin, and dopamine levels, and recommend gentle movement and light socializing. Clara shares implementation intentions/habit stacking for fitting short dance practice into daily transitions, and offers stepwise strategies to build improvisation comfort. They also address cautious science communication around claims about dance and depression, and mention research on synchrony increasing pain threshold as a proxy for endorphin release.Follow Clara: https://www.instagram.com/clara.deiters.wcsTry a sample class: https://mailchi.mp/slinkthroughstrength.com/free-pole-flow-class Are you a pole nerd interested in trying out online pole classes with Slink Through Strength? We'd love to have you! Use the code “podcast” for 10% off the Intro Pack and try out all of our unique online pole classes: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/catalog/25a67bd1/?productId=1828315&clearCart=true Chapters:00:00 Welcome and Teaser00:30 Membership and Free Class01:24 Meet Clara Dieters02:52 Dance as Art and Sport05:48 Validation and Belonging08:23 Post Competition Tools11:53 Glitter Crash Explained14:44 Habits When Life Is Hard17:49 Improv Confidence Building23:08 Dance and Depression Claims25:30 Science Communication Challenges28:09 Synchrony and Endorphins29:56 One Big Takeaway31:29 Where to Find Clara32:23 Final Wrap UpCitations:Prudente, T. P., Mezaiko, E., Silveira, E. A., & Nogueira, T. E. (2024). Effect of dancing interventions on depression and anxiety symptoms in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Behavioral Sciences, 14(1), 43.Tarr, B., Launay, J., & Dunbar, R. I. M. (2016). Silent disco: Dancing in synchrony leads to elevated pain thresholds and social closeness. Evolution and Human Behavior, 37(5), 343–349. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2016.02.004Teixeira-Machado, L., Arida, R. M., & de Jesus Mari, J. (2019). Dance for neuroplasticity: A descriptive systematic review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 96, 232-240.Mansfield, L., Kay, T., Meads, C., Grigsby-Duffy, L., Lane, J., John, A., ... & Victor, C. (2018). Sport and dance interventions for healthy young people (15–24 years) to promote subjective well-being: a systematic review. BMJ open, 8(7), e020959.McKenzie K, Bowes R, Murray K (2021) Effects of dance on mood and potential of dance as a mental health intervention. Mental Health Practice. doi: 10.7748/mhp.2021.e1522

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/7M114-FtZFI  Bringing a first-of-its-kind event to life requires collaboration, creativity, and a deep commitment to the Memory Maker experience. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf hosts Heather Greenwood, Director, People; Emelyne Henderson, Senior Manager, Experience & Events; and Debbie Ortega, Manager, Experience & Events, from the Experience and Events team to reflect on the inaugural VIP Summit at Broad River Retail's Fort Mill campus. Designed as a unique gathering focused on financial programs for the company's retail Memory Makers, the Summit was inspired by the success of the Sleep Summit and built to "unlock" new levels of performance through engaging training sessions, peer panels, and partnerships with Synchrony, Versatile, Fortiva, Qualifi, and Progressive. From navigating winter storms and shifting schedules to delivering warm meals, thoughtful swag, and seamless execution, the team shares what it took to make the event a success. With interactive rotations through six curated sessions and insights from top-performing Memory Makers, the Summit blended education, connection, and celebration. This episode highlights the teamwork behind the scenes, the impact on business goals, and the power of investing in experiences that put Memory Makers at the center.  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com     Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

AI in customer experience, fraud prevention, and back-office operations is moving fast in banking and financial services, and the firms that fall behind risk losing both customers and competitive ground. Tedd Huff, CEO of fintech advisory firm Voalyre and founder of Fintech Confidential, sits down with Mamta Rodrigues, Chief Client Officer of Banking, Financial Services and Insurance at TP, one of the largest employers in the world with over 500,000 people globally. Mamta brings decades of hands-on experience across American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Synchrony, and she holds a patent, a signal that she has spent real time building products, not just advising on them. The conversation covers practical AI use cases in fraud, collections, and compliance, along with what separates clients who get results from those who stall out after a pilot.The pressure on banks and fintechs right now comes from two directions at once. Consumer expectations keep rising because people interact with payment products every single day. At the same time, fraud is accelerating. Every time the industry catches up, fraudsters adapt faster and the cycle resets. That means fraud teams, product teams, and customer experience teams are all fighting for resources and attention at the same time. For treasury managers, CFOs, and compliance leaders, this creates a real tension: how do you invest in AI-powered fraud prevention and still deliver a smooth experience that keeps customers loyal?The numbers from inside TP's client work tell a clear story. Fifty percent of TP's solutions are now AI-led, with the heaviest concentration in back-office operations like fraud, financial crime, and claims management. Mamta describes a recent deployment of TP's AI blueprint, tp.ai fab, layered into an existing client's operations to prevent and predict fraud. The results showed significant improvement in key metrics. On the collections side, predictive analysis now arms agents before a call even starts with propensity to pay, likely timing, expected recovery percentage, and recommended remediation paths. That kind of preparation changes the entire tone of a collections interaction from adversarial to solution-oriented, and the outcome is measurable: increased repayment, stronger loyalty, product expansion, and reduced breakage.One of the clearest signals Mamta uses to gauge whether a client will actually get results versus abandon the effort after a test: the composition of who shows up. When the cross-functional team walks through the door, operations, product, IT, and data leaders together, that's when real progress happens. She describes a design thinking approach where the client provides a problem statement in advance, both sides bring the right people, and in a single day they can shape a solution direction. The typical pattern is that they start with one problem statement and end the session with additional problem statements and new opportunities they had not considered. Clients who send a single department to "explore AI" without bringing the other stakeholders rarely make it past the pilot stage.Looking three to five years out, Mamta expects advanced AI and predictive analytics to fundamentally reshape how customer experience operates, powered by stronger data foundations and more mature tech stacks. She predicts continued growth in AI-led back-office solutions, deeper fraud protection capabilities, and a rising focus on elevating talent rather than replacing it. The human factor, she says, will always remain because both the customers and the agents serving them are still people. Her single piece of advice to fintech executives and founders: "Be comfortable with the uncomfortable." The firms that try, pivot, learn, and avoid the belief that they already know everything will be the ones that pull ahead.Key HighlightsFraud Signals Your Phone RevealsEvery mobile transaction generates thousands of hidden data points including gyroscope movement, touch pressure patterns, key press timing, and screen angle behavior that machine learning models use to verify identity. IP address matching combined with geolocation checks can confirm whether the person making a payment is physically located where their device says they are, adding layers of fraud protection most consumers never realize exist.Automation Is Not Replacing AgentsTP proposes automation first in every client engagement, yet the goal is augmenting agent performance through AI-powered training, quality assurance, and workforce management tools. Mundane tasks like balance inquiries have already moved to apps, while new roles in data analysis, predictive modeling, financial crime investigation, and fraud prevention are growing faster than the positions being phased out.Consumer Behavior Now Drives FintechBanking and payments typically lead BFSI adoption cycles because consumers transact with payment products daily, while insurance interactions are infrequent and purpose-driven. That frequency gap means consumer expectations hit banking and fintech firms first, forcing faster response times and creating pressure that insurance companies eventually absorb as a fast follower.Living On Cash Taught Product ThinkingOne of the sharpest product leadership lessons came from spending an entire month using only cash, no cards, no checks, no electronic payments, to understand what consumers actually experience when they lack access to modern payment tools. That hands-on immersion shaped a framework for understanding customer pain points from the inside out, a method still applied today when onboarding new clients by finding internal employees who already use the client's products.The Real Meaning Of DataThe phrase "so what of the data" reframes the entire conversation around why raw data collection means nothing without a clear connection to personalization, spend analysis, and predictive outcomes. Combining multiple data sources with analytics can reveal buying power, transaction patterns, location behavior, and propensity to pay, turning passive information into active intelligence that drives customer engagement and retention.Storytelling Aligns Stakeholders FasterComplex enterprise sales involving operations, product, and executive teams require more than technical specs to move forward, and framing solutions around a clear North Star with a human impact story accelerates buy-in. Using a collections call as an example, the narrative centers on saving a customer relationship rather than recovering a balance, which reframes cost of acquisition against breakage and makes the ROI case emotionally and financially persuasive.Banks Now Seek Outside PerspectiveA year ago, most banking clients told TP they would solve AI and CX challenges internally within their own teams and systems. In the last twelve months, that posture has shifted sharply toward requesting peer group insights, consortium-style knowledge sharing across 350+ global BFSI clients, and collaborative problem solving that treats the current wave of change as an industry-wide learning curve.Culture Shapes Customer Experience StrategyThree years of living and working in India reinforced that cultural context directly affects how customers respond to service interactions, communication styles, and engagement approaches across different regions. Global CX strategies that ignore cultural layers risk delivering a technically sound but emotionally flat experience, which is why regional adaptation matters as much as the tech stack powering the interaction.Hidden Fraud Detection Through BiometricsBeyond standard two-factor and three-factor authentication, financial services firms are now layering behavioral biometrics that track how a person physically handles their device during a transaction. Screen touch patterns, movement signatures, and Face ID verification create a composite identity profile that runs silently behind every interaction, catching anomalies that traditional password-based security would miss entirely.Meeting People Where They AreCross-functional leadership across global teams starts with something as simple as asking a new direct report which communication channel they prefer, whether that is Viber, WhatsApp, text, or another platform. That small signal of respect sets the tone for a people-first management approach where multiple perspectives are actively solicited, because the operating principle is that one brain is never as effective as seven or eight working together.Five Key Takeaways1️⃣ Bring Cross-Functional Teams To Every PilotSending one department to evaluate AI or data analytics tools is how pilots die quietly after 90 days. Get your operations lead, product owner, IT or data leader, and digital officer in the same room with one shared problem statement before you commit budget. That combination forces the real blockers to surface early, things like legacy system constraints, rule adjustments, and use case selection, so you can design around them instead of discovering them after you have already spent the money.2️⃣ Use Your Own Products Before SellingThe fastest way to understand a customer's pain is to become one. Before pitching a solution or onboarding a new client, find people inside your own organization who already use that client's product and pull them into the conversation. You will learn more about friction points, feature gaps, and real user behavior in one week of hands-on product use than in six months of reading market research decks.3️⃣ Arm...

Watch full episode here: https://youtu.be/7M114-FtZFI  Bringing a first-of-its-kind event to life requires collaboration, creativity, and a deep commitment to the Memory Maker experience. In this episode of Stories from the River, Charlie Malouf hosts Heather Greenwood, Director, People; Emelyne Henderson, Senior Manager, Experience & Events; and Debbie Ortega, Manager, Experience & Events, from the Experience and Events team to reflect on the inaugural VIP Summit at Broad River Retail's Fort Mill campus. Designed as a unique gathering focused on financial programs for the company's retail Memory Makers, the Summit was inspired by the success of the Sleep Summit and built to "unlock" new levels of performance through engaging training sessions, peer panels, and partnerships with Synchrony, Versatile, Fortiva, Qualifi, and Progressive. From navigating winter storms and shifting schedules to delivering warm meals, thoughtful swag, and seamless execution, the team shares what it took to make the event a success. With interactive rotations through six curated sessions and insights from top-performing Memory Makers, the Summit blended education, connection, and celebration. This episode highlights the teamwork behind the scenes, the impact on business goals, and the power of investing in experiences that put Memory Makers at the center.  Visit https://www.storiesfromtheriver.com for more episodes.    Broad River Retail brought this show to you. Visit https://BroadRiverRetail.com     Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/broad-river-retail 

Did you know that Synchrony works with clients from four major Apostolic organizations and many independent churches? What does that even mean, and why does it matter when it comes to matching? In this solo episode, Megan explains a bit about how organizational and pastoral guidelines translate into the matching process. Interested in matchmaking? Ladies, our pipeline is currently closed to female applicants, but will re-open in the Spring. Visit our website to join the waiting list. Men can get started for free and meet their first match at no cost. Check https://www.synchronyproject.com to register. Men: Join the Discord server here! https://discord.gg/hqZmtuMws9 Get the From Singles, to Shepherds Info Guide Here! https://the-synchrony-project.mykajabi.com/from-singles-to-shepherds Contact: If you want to join the conversation about this topic and give your thoughts, reach out on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or at questions@synchronyproject.com. Learn more about our matchmaking services and dating resources at https://synchronyproject.com. Intro/Outro music by: Balloon Planet, "Write Your Own Story," https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/write-your-own-story/135437

Drivers underestimate the cost of owning a vehicle by nearly $4,500 a year, underscoring mounting affordability pressures across the auto market. There is a growing disconnect between consumer expectations and the rising expenses tied to maintenance, repairs, insurance and everyday vehicle use, Keith Mait, senior vice president and general manager of Synchrony Financial's auto business, told Auto Finance News during a special episode of the “Weekly Wrap” podcast. That was among results of the lender's survey, released Feb. 17, that polled 1,030 U.S. adults responsible for a vehicle's upkeep via the Ask Suzy online platform. “We see it every day in the average order values, or the transaction sizes, that find their way onto our cards. They haven't gotten smaller,” he said. “Over the last four or five years, we've seen continuous incline in the average transaction values, both the first time somebody engages with us and on the repeat side.”Evaluating affordabilityAs consumers grapple with elevated new-vehicle prices, many buyers opt for used vehicles, extend lease terms or hold on to their cars longer, Mait said. While today's vehicles last longer, they also feature more advanced technology, sensors and specialized components that can drive up repair costs, he said. “When we try to evaluate consumer affordability vis-a-vis how they want their mobility to occur, it leads you to believe that they expect better quality,” Mait said. “They expect more for their dollars and they expect to have these vehicles for a long time, so making sure that they're operating properly comes with [a] cost.”In this episode of “Weekly Wrap,” Auto Finance News Deputy Editor Johnnie Martinez II discusses trends affecting today's car buyers with Mait.  

In this episode of Trauma Rewired, Jennifer Wallace and Elisabeth Kristof welcome author, speaker, and embodiment coach Preston Smiles for a powerful conversation on the Father Wound — and how paternal presence or absence shapes the nervous system. Together, they explore how a father's regulation, emotional availability, and play patterns influence brain development, stress physiology, attachment, intimacy, and leadership. Drawing from both lived experience and developmental research, this episode examines the real impact of masculine containment — not through blame, but through understanding. From childhood patterning to adult relationships, parenting, and community repair, this conversation offers grounded insight, somatic depth, and a hopeful path toward nervous system healing. Timestamps: 00:00 –  Intro/The Good Boy Pattern 08:00 – The Father Wound 17:30 – Play and Masculine Energy 33:30 – Shame and Reclaiming the Masculine 52:30 – Capacity and Embodied Partnership Key Takeaways: The fatherwound isn't just emotional, it's neurological and somatic, shaping how we regulate stress, relate, and play. Healthy masculine presence supports brain development through movement, physical play, safety, and co-regulation. Many relational patterns come from what was never modeled, not from personal failure. Healing happens through embodied experience, safe relationships, and repeated nervous system repair, not just insight. Resources Mentioned: The Bridge Method – Workshops led by Preston Smiles: https://www.thebridgemethod.org/ Spiritual Millionaire, by Preston Smiles: https://preston-davis.mykajabi.com/book Instagram: @PrestonSmiles: https://www.instagram.com/prestonsmiles/ Call to Action: Neurosomatic Intelligence is now enrolling : https://neurosomaticintelligence.com/nsi-certification Learn to work with Boundaries at the level of the body and nervous system at https://www.boundaryrewire.com Get a two-week free trial of neurosomatic training at https://rewiretrial.com Sacred Synapse: an educational YouTube channel founded by Jennifer Wallace that explores nervous system regulation, applied neuroscience, consciousness, and psychedelic preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence.  Wayfinder Journal: Track nervous system patterns and support preparation and integration through Neurosomatic Intelligence. FREE 1 Year Supply of Vitamin D + 5 Travel Packs from Athletic Greens when you use my exclusive offer: https://www.drinkag1.com/rewired Sources: Flinn, M. V. & England, B. G. (2003). Social economics of childhood glucocorticoid stress response and health. Laurent, H. K. et al. (2013). Synchrony of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis activity in parents and infants. Feldman, R. et al. (2010). Parent–infant synchrony and the construction of shared timing. Amato, P. R. & Gilbreth, J. G. (1999). Nonresident fathers and children's well-being. Ellis, B. J. et al. (1999). Quality of early family relationships and timing of puberty. Meaney, M. J. & Szyf, M. (2005). Environmental programming of stress responses through DNA methylation.   Disclaimer: Trauma Rewired podcast is intended to educate and inform but does not constitute medical, psychological or other professional advice or services. Always consult a qualified medical professional about your specific circumstances before making any decisions based on what you hear. We share our experiences, explore trauma, physical reactions, mental health and disease. If you become distressed by our content, please stop listening and seek professional support when needed. Do not continue to listen if the conversations are having a negative impact on your health and well-being. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, or in mental health crisis and you are in the United States you can 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If someone's life is in danger, immediately call 911. We do our best to stay current in research, but older episodes are always available. We don't warrant or guarantee that this podcast contains complete, accurate or up-to-date information. It's very important to talk to a medical professional about your individual needs, as we aren't responsible for any actions you take based on the information you hear in this podcast. We invite guests onto the podcast. Please note that we don't verify the accuracy of their statements. Our organization does not endorse third-party content and the views of our guests do not necessarily represent the views of our organization. We talk about general neuro-science and nervous system health, but you are unique. These are conversations for a wide audience. They are general recommendations and you are always advised to seek personal care for your unique outputs, trauma and needs. We are not doctors or licensed medical professionals. We are certified neuro-somatic practitioners and nervous system health/embodiment coaches. We are not your doctor or medical professional and do not know you and your unique nervous system. This podcast is not a replacement for working with a professional. The BrainBased.com site and RewireTrial.com is a membership site for general nervous system health, somatic processing and stress processing. It is not a substitute for medical care or the appropriate solution for anyone in mental health crisis. Any examples mentioned in this podcast are for illustration purposes only. If they are based on real events, names have been changed to protect the identities of those involved. We've done our best to ensure our podcast respects the intellectual property rights of others, however if you have an issue with our content, please let us know by emailing us at traumarewired@gmail.com. All rights in our content are reserved.  

Rebecca Matchett is a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record in building brands that scale, resonate, and disrupt. She was a co-founder of alice+olivia, naming it after her mom Alice and her partner's mom Olivia, where she helped grow the company from a startup into a global fashion powerhouse. She went on to launch TrioFit, a patented bra-fitting technology that filled a gap in the market with the innovative problem-solving technology. Now, she's setting her sights on something far more personal: reimagining how neurodivergent adults find connection, friendship, and belonging.Her newest venture, synchrony, launching in January 2026, is the first app of its kind, a structured, AI-assisted social platform created specifically for neurodivergent adults. The app blends thoughtful technology with emotionally informed design to bridge one of the most overlooked social divides in the tech space today: the isolation many neurodivergent adults experience long after their support systems from school or family fall away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When you have a big vision but zero “formal” experience in the space, do you move forward anyway? In this powerful episode of She Believed She Could Podcast, host Allison Walsh sits down with serial entrepreneur Rebecca Matchett to talk about how she has repeatedly built successful companies by trusting her instincts, solving real problems, and building the right team around her.From co-founding iconic fashion brand Alice + Olivia, to reinventing women's sizing with TrioFit, to now launching Synchrony, an AI guided social app designed specifically for neurodivergent adults, Rebecca's journey is a masterclass in mission driven entrepreneurship. She shares how she moved from fashion to tech, why she believes lack of “traditional” experience can actually be an advantage, and what it really takes to bring a vision to life in a totally new industry.You will hear a candid conversation about trusting others with your ideas, navigating app development as a non technical founder, handling missteps as learning experiences, and staying anchored in your why when the path ahead feels unclear. If you have a mission on your heart but feel intimidated by everything you do not know yet, this episode will encourage you to take the next right step.In this episode, you will learn:How Rebecca went from co founding Alice + Olivia to building tech and AI enabled solutionsThe story behind Synchrony and how it supports neurodivergent adults who struggle with isolation and lonelinessWhy not having prior experience in an industry can help you see fresh solutions and gaps in the marketPractical ways to move through perfectionism and analysis paralysis so you can actually launchHow to build a trustworthy team around your vision and navigate the risk of outsourcing developmentWhy mission, focus, and taking one small step at a time matter more than a perfect long term planWhat confidence really means when the outcome is not guaranteed Connect with Rebecca:LinkedIn: @joinsynchronyWebsite: joinsynchrony.com 

In this episode of "The Fear Less Now," hosts Jamie Pastrano and Brittany Moser join me to discuss the launch of Synchrony's innovative AI-powered social support tool, Jesse. Designed specifically for neurodivergent adults, Jesse offers real-time conversation coaching to help reduce social anxiety and foster deeper connections.   The conversation will delve into the pressing issue of social isolation and loneliness among autistic individuals and those with other neurodevelopmental differences, particularly in early adulthood when traditional support structures often become less available. Recent research highlights the increasing prevalence of loneliness during this life stage.    Jamie and Brittany will explore how Jesse, while not a replacement for therapy, can act as a supportive coach to build foundational skills such as social confidence, resilience, and connection. By strengthening these everyday skills, Jesse can play an important role in fostering well-being and creating the conditions for meaningful, lasting friendships.   The discussion will also touch on the potential benefits and limitations of AI in supporting neurodivergent individuals, drawing on insights from various sources. For instance, AI can help with script practice, document drafting, and confidence building in social interactions. However, it's also important to consider the risks of over-reliance on such technology.   Tune in to this insightful conversation to learn more about how Jesse and similar tools might be shaping the future of support for neurodivergent adults.

Jamie Pastrano, Rebecca Matchett and Brittany Moser are the co-founders of Symphony, a platform pairing AI-powered social coaching with intentional interest-based matching, in a safe, simple, and supportive space for the neurodivergent. Jamie, inspired to build the new app by her son's autism, joined with serial entrepreneur Rebecca, COO, with a track record of building successful fashion companies, including alice+olivia and TrioFit, and Brittany Moser, an autism specialist and digital learning expert. The Synchrony app launches this month.

FREEDOM - HEALTH - HAPPINESSThis podcast is highly addictive and seriously good for your health.SUPPORT DOC MALIK For the full episodes, bonus content, back catalogue, and monthly Live Streams, please subscribe to either:The paid Spotify subscription here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/docmalik/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ The paid Substack subscription here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://docmalik.substack.com/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thank you to all the new subscribers for your lovely messages and reviews! And a big thanks to my existing subscribers for sticking with me and supporting the show! ABOUT THIS CONVERSATION: Amy began her career in computer science, earning a PhD from Stanford and working in artificial intelligence in Silicon Valley, before her life took a dramatic turn following her son's autism diagnosis. Refusing to accept that there was no cure, she researched alternative approaches and ultimately helped her son recover using homeopathy, leaving the tech world behind to focus on healing and consciousness.In this conversation we explore synchronicity, COVID, artificial intelligence, Silicon Valley culture, transhumanism, and the limits of modern medicine. If you are dealing with chronic illness, or questioning the direction modern medicine and technology are heading, this conversation and Amy's work are well worth your time.Enjoy!DocLinksWebsite ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amylansky.com⁠⁠⁠IMPORTANT INFORMATIONCONSULTATION SERVICEIn a world of rushed 7-minute consultations and endless referrals, I offer you something rare: time, context, and clear guidance.As your health advocate, I can help you:Understand your diagnosis and decode medical jargonBreak down treatment plans in plain, easy to understand non jargon EnglishPrepare for surgery, understand your risks, obtain true informed consent, and optimise yourself pre-op Recover from surgery, advise you how to heal faster and quicker and minimise post-op complicationsManage chronic illness with lifestyle, mindset, and dietary changesExplore holistic options that complement conventional careImplement lifestyle changes like fasting, stress reduction, or movementAsk better questions, and get real answersGet an unbiased second opinionReady to Take Control?If you're navigating a health concern, preparing for a big decision, or simply want to feel more confident in your path forward, I'd love to support you.Book here ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://docmalik.com/consultations/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SeagreenIf you want to support your health naturally, I highly recommend trying Sea Greens, a rich source of bioavailable iodine and trace minerals that nourish thyroid function, balance hormones, and provide a clean daily boost from wild ocean plants. Use the code DOCMALIK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://seagreens.shop/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heracles Wellness SaunaHeracles Wellness is a UK-based company and supporter of the show. They offer a fantastic range of beautifully crafted saunas and cold plunge systems, perfect for creating your own healing sanctuary at home.Use the code DOCMALIK3 at checkout to get 3% off all products. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://heracleswellness.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hunter & Gather FoodsCheck out the products from this great company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://hunterandgatherfoods.com/?ref=DOCHG BUY HERE TODAY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use DOCHG to get 10% OFF your purchase with Hunter & Gather Foods.IMPORTANT NOTICEIf you value my podcasts, please support the show so that I can continue to speak up by choosing one or both of the following options - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/docmalik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ If you want to make a one-off donation.

Send us a textIf you're parenting a neurodivergent teen and find yourself quietly wondering about their future friendships, independence, or sense of belonging—this episode is for you.In today's conversation, I'm joined by Jamie Pastrano, a licensed social worker, autism advocate, and the co-founder of Synchrony, a groundbreaking social app that officially launched in January 2026.Jamie's journey began as a mom raising her son Jesse, who is autistic. Like so many parents of neurodivergent kids, she worked tirelessly to support him through childhood—only to realize that as the teen years approached, one critical question remained unanswered:How will my child find meaningful connection as an adult?In this episode, we talk about:The often invisible loneliness many neurodivergent teens and adults experienceCommon misconceptions about autism, ADHD, and neurodivergenceWhy traditional social and dating apps often increase anxiety rather than connectionHow Synchrony is reimagining social connection through interest-based matching, built-in safety, and an AI-powered social coach designed to support confidence, independence, and belongingWhy friendship—not dating—is often the foundation neurodivergent adults need firstIf you've ever thought, I just want my teen to find their people and feel like they belong, you'll want to listen to this episode.To learn more about Synchrony or explore the app, visit joinsynchrony.com.Where to find Jamie and the app:Website: https://joinsynchrony.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-pastrano/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinsynchrony/Support the showCheck out What's Waiting For You At Moms of Tweens and Teens Find more encouragement, wisdom, and resources: Website: https://momsoftweensandteens.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Join our Community HERE. Find awesome resources HERE. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momsoftweensandteens/ Sheryl also has an Inner Circle weekly Parenting Program with a community of like-minded moms, personal coaching, and tons of resources to equip and support you to love well, navigate the challenges and meet your tween and teen's unique needs during these pivotal years.

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Delve into the nuance of annuities as we compare fixed, indexed, and fixed indexed annuities. Learn more about each type, including how to help your clients choose between the three. Read the text version   Get Connected:

In this episode of Walk In Victory, host NaRon Tillman sits down with Joshua Bernstein, author of The Age of Synchrony, for a deep conversation exploring the intersection of neuroscience, spirituality, and human connection.Joshua shares his personal journey from ministry and yoga into the study of neuroscience and mindfulness, explaining how practices such as meditation, interpersonal synchrony, and embodied awareness shape emotional connection and personal growth. Together, NaRon and Joshua explore the power of the “I Am” meditation, the science behind synchrony, and how deeper alignment within ourselves leads to more meaningful relationships with others.The conversation also highlights Joshua's frameworks — the Sync Protocol and Shift Code — as practical tools designed to foster deeper connection, presence, and relational intelligence in an increasingly disconnected world.⏱️ Episode Timeline 00:00 Introduction and Host's Background01:31 Discovering Yoga and Meditation02:12 The Power of “I Am” and Neuroscience05:29 Guest Introduction and Early Experiences09:30 Exploring Neuroscience and Spirituality16:46 The Sync Protocol and Shift Code31:39 The Future of Synchrony and Connection40:35 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionGuest links:https://www.vaultprofitpartners.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuabbernstein/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/walk-in-victory--4078479/support.

In this episode of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman sits down with Jamie Castano, LCSW, and Britt Moser, two of the co-founders of Synchrony, a first-of-its-kind social app designed to help neurodivergent adults build friendships, experience belonging, and strengthen social confidence. Inspired by Jamie's son and shaped by Britt's expertise as an autism specialist and educator, Synchrony goes beyond traditional dating apps by centering community, communication support, and safety.This conversation is especially relevant for parents of neurodivergent teens and young adults, therapists, educators, and anyone supporting autistic adults navigating friendship, dating, and real-life communication challenges. Vanessa and the founders explore what happens when childhood services fade, why social connection still matters deeply in adulthood, and how an AI-powered social coach can provide real-time, context-based support.EPISODE DESCRIPTIONA look at the gap in social resources for neurodivergent teens, young adults, and adults once childhood services endHow Synchrony uses AI as an on-demand social coach to support communication, not replace human connectionWhy interests and communication preferences are central to reducing ambiguity and anxiety when connecting with othersTUNE IN TO LEARNHow “aged-up” supports can help neurodivergent adults navigate real-world social situationsHow real-time support can help with expressive language, social decoding, and boundary settingWhat it looks like to bring an idea to life by knowing your lane, building the right team, and trusting the processTAKEAWAY MESSAGE Neurodivergent needs don't disappear in adulthood, and neither does the desire for friendship, belonging, and connection. Synchrony is a powerful example of what can happen when lived experience and professional expertise come together to address a real and often overlooked gap. If there's something you've been wanting to bring into the world - a project, a resource, or a new way of supporting others - this episode is a reminder that your ideas matter and your sazón is what makes them uniquely impactful.LEARN MORE ABOUT SYNCHRONYWebsite and waitlist: https://joinsynchrony.comSocial media: https://Send us a textSupport the show120 COPING SKILLShttps://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskillsGET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindfulUse this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.LET'S STAY CONNECTED:

What happens when autistic and neurodivergent adults lose built-in social supports but still need connection? In this episode, Stacy talks with Jamie Pastranao and Brittany Moser, co-founders of the app synchrony, about loneliness, rejection sensitivity, and why community, not dating, is the missing piece for neurodivergent adults. Inspired by Love on the Spectrum, they explore how repeated rejection reshapes confidence, what research shows about neurodivergent connection, and whether technology can help rebuild trust and belonging. A thoughtful conversation about adulthood, identity, and why everyone deserves a place to belong. 00:09 | Why community matters for neurodivergent adults 02:28 | Aging out of supports and the adult autism gap 04:54 | From parenting questions to building Synchrony 06:54 | Love on the Spectrum and visible belonging 10:00 | Rejection sensitivity and fear of social risk 16:52 | “The risk isn't worth the reward” 20:00 | Friendship-first design, common interests, and safety 29:20 | Community, health, and redefining success Find Synchrony: joinsynchrony.com instagram.com/joinsynchrony tiktok.com/@synchrony33 facebook.com/joinsynchrony Find Stacy: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠realeverything.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/realstacytoth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠missionmakersart.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠missionalchemists.com⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How does active listening build a culture of trust?Why is the employee experience as important as the customer experience?My guest on this episode is DJ Casto, CHRO, SynchronyDuring our conversation, DJ and I discuss the following:How adopting an agile mindset and methodologies transformed Synchrony's approach to HRHow Synchrony bucked the “return to office” trend by listening to employee feedback and maintaining a flexible, performance-based work model.Why they created a frontline experience team to invest in and improve the employee journey and customer experience.How Synchrony uses active listening to co-create the employee experience and shape the culture.Connecting with DJ:Connect with DJ Casto on LinkedInEpisode Sponsor:Next-Gen HR Accelerator - Learn more about this best-in-class leadership development program for next-gen HR leadersHR Leader's Blueprint - 18 pages of real-world advice from 100+ HR thought leaders. Simple, actionable, and proven strategies to advance your career.Succession Planning Playbook: In this focused 1-page resource, I cut through the noise to give you the vital elements that define what “great” succession planning looks like.

Matt Poepsel, PhD is author of "Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for Our New World of Work", VP of Talent Optimization at The Predictive Index, and part-time faculty at Boston College. Matt discusses how leaders must prioritise human systems to adapt their approaches amid ongoing turbulence and disruption. Drawing from his military background and psychology expertise, Matt breaks down how to shift from control to connection, fostering hope, mutual trust and commitment. He offers clear guidance on managing through volatility, aligning teams in hybrid settings, exploring how to sustain motivation, rethink productivity, and embrace the opportunities.     KEY TAKEAWAYS   CHAPTER 1: Psychology, Empathy, and the Foundation of Leadership [01:19] During a Marine deployment, Matt is drawn to human behaviour and psychology. [02:49] For high performance and intense situations, military entities have psychology wired in. [03:37] Empathy and cohesion are underappreciated drivers of military agility and effectiveness. [05:15] High stakes work recognise 'softer' factors. Employers often miss the essential social glue.   CHAPTER 2: Transitioning to Human-Centred Tech-based Coaching [06:21] Matt leaves the military focused on product but is drawn to team leadership dynamics. [07:27] After a PhD on technology-assisted coaching, Matt starts a company to scale the concept. [08:05] Early coaching efforts centred on behaviour change, connection building and achievement orientation. [08:40] Millennials', and later Gen Zers, arrival highlighted need for new leadership approaches. [09:12] Even early technologies held innovation possibilities to improve human connection.   CHAPTER 3: Technology Acceleration and the Human Impact [10:45] Today's technology has increased convenience and productivity as well as disassociation.   [13:10] Mandated and mismanaged tech rollouts generate fear and resistance in employees. [13:55] Leaders can push productivity too fast, miss reactions showing people aren't yet on board. [15:37] First Principles are vital to understand actionable and effective priorities.   [16:10] Leaders need to counter employees withdrawing and reverting to self-interest. CHAPTER 4: Core Leadership Strategies for Unstable Times   [17:05] Hope acts as social gravity for leaders to bring teams back together. [18:58] Mutual understanding and trust between employers and employees needs cultivating. [20:35] Empathising with others reduces people the misjudgement of motives that increase fear. [22:40] Hierarchical org structure and career progression are outdated and block upward mobility. [24:00] Organisations need to be creative, evolve structures and upskill workers for adaptability. [25:03] Commitment to shared goals builds cohesion and counters fragmentation [28:45] Leadership training must emphasize empathy and collaboration skills [30:47] Leaders who aren't supported must proactively learn and adapt.   CHAPTER 5: Building Cohesive Teams in a Fragmented World     [31:50] Synchrony—aligned workflows—strengthens team connection and performance [32:52] Poor communication and decisions often isolate rather than unify [34:54] Redesigning how work gets done can restore belonging and efficiency [35:56] Leaders must assess cohesion and identity to guide 2026 planning [36:58] Focus on collective progress as the pace of change increases [38:00] Strong teams come from intentional connection, not just output   IMMEDIATE ACTION TIP: "To manage successfully through 2026, first take stock of your team, You need to know how things are. Then focus on cohesion because the way you're going to get through it is together."       RESOURCES   Matt Poepsel on LinkedIn Matt Poepsel's website The Predictive Index website Matt's Book "Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for Our New World of Work"       QUOTES   "We can't succumb to the transactionalisation, the reductionism that's affecting the modern workplace. Because there are real economic consequences in terms of performance, but also human consequences in terms of our lived experience."   "The only way out is through."   "We have to take our people with us."   "I have to be the magnet rod that kind of draws us all back together through the way that I show up, the way that I diagnose problems, the way that I provide my coaching."   "Our human systems evolution is falling woefully behind our technology evolution."   "Let's try to get more creative… Let's emphasize those things that AI can't do and let's help our employees remain competitive and more valuable as a result."   "We have to check in with our teams and basically do that temperature check."

Razorbills, a cousin to the puffin, nest in colonies on cliffs. Before they lay eggs, Razorbills take part in two unique social behaviors. In one, the Razorbills swim round and round in a tight mass, then dive as one. Next, they surface with heads aligned and bills held open. In another behavior, dozens of birds swim in a line, then zig-zag in a synchronized pattern across the ocean's surface.More info and transcript at BirdNote.org.Want more BirdNote? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter. Sign up for BirdNote+ to get ad-free listening and other perks. BirdNote is a nonprofit. Your tax-deductible gift makes these shows possible.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on The Pet Buzz, Petrendologist Charlotte Reed speaks with Financial Pet Expert and SVP & GM at Synchrony, Jonathan Wainberg, about tools to help finance veterinary care, and veterinarian, Dr. Lori Teller, a Clinical Associate professor of Telehealth at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, about the benefits of telemedicine.

Send us a textMost founders compete by doing what already exists...just “better.” But what if the real opportunity is building what's missing? This conversation will stretch how you see market gaps, risk, and the kind of business worth betting your time on. Rebecca Matchett is a serial entrepreneur with a proven track record in building brands that scale, resonate, and disrupt.  From creating a patented sizing system in fashion to stepping into tech, Rebecca shares how she thinks about opportunity, mission, and the risks worth taking.And stay with us to the end, because Rebecca shares the pivotal lesson she wishes she had understood earlier… and it might save you years of building the right thing the wrong way. Today, Rebecca is setting her sights on something far more personal with the SynchronyApp: reimagining how neurodivergent adults find connection, friendship, and belonging.

Rebecca Matchett is a seasoned entrepreneur known for identifying market gaps and creating innovative solutions that transform industriesWith over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has founded and led successful fashion companies including the global powerhouse alice+olivia and the groundbreaking fitness apparel brand TrioFit. Driven by her passion for fostering inclusive communities, Rebecca co-founded synchrony, an innovative social app designed to empower neurodivergent adults through genuine connections and supportive technology. At synchrony, Rebecca blends her business acumen with her commitment to social impact, redefining the role of entrepreneurship in creating meaningful, inclusive spaces.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING TO THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER:Why the neurodivergent community has been overlooked by every major social app on the market and how synchrony finally fills that gap.The three essential elements Rebecca looks for in any venture (problem-solving, market gap, and mission) and why combining all three gave her the confidence to leave fashion behind and step into unfamiliar tech territory.How synchrony's verification process and AI chat assistant Jesse create authentic community and safe communication without replacing human connection and why this is "the proper use of AI" according to every developer they interviewed.The surprising reason Rebecca believes a little ignorance is bliss when launching in a new industry, and why not having all the technical expertise upfront allows you to stay nimble and responsive to real community needs.How to balance a big 10-year vision with intentional execution by perfecting one step at a time, even when it means saying no to opportunities that could compromise serving your community well.And while you're here, follow us on Instagram @creativelyowned for more daily inspiration on effortlessly attracting the most aligned clients without spending hours marketing your business or chasing clients. Also, make sure to tag me in your stories @creativelyowned.To get Wispr Flow the crazy handy voice-to-text AI that turns speech into clear, polished writing in every app. click here.Selling the Invisible: Exactly how to articulate the value of your cosmic genius even if your message transcends the typical “10k months” & “Make 6-figures” types of promises. Free on-demand training >>> https://www.creativelyowned.co/watchnow To find out how to own your unique edge, amplify who you truly are (& get paid for it), take your business to cosmic proportions, and have fun doing it, grab it here!! https://www.creativelyowned.com/quizOffer Architect: TURN YOUR ‘INVISIBLE' WISDOM INTO A COMPELLING OFFER THAT WILL SELL WITH A SINGLE EMAIL. >>>https://creativelyowned.com/offer-architectJoin the waitlist for the Selling the Invisible AI-Powered Conversion Copywriting System and be the first in line when the doors open again! >>>https://www.creativelyowned.co/waitlistTo connect with Megan Kaun: https://www.intothehumm.com/https://www.instagram.com/mysticdreamschool/

Send us a textWhat if social apps actually met neurodivergent needs? That question drives a warm, candid conversation with educator-turned-founder Brittany Mosa as we dig into Synchrony, a new social and dating app for autistic and otherwise neurodivergent adults. Brittany traces the journey from a rural Queensland classroom to a Manhattan charter school, where practical inclusion strategies showed that supports designed for autistic students often help everyone. Those lessons—visuals, social stories, structured coaching—evolved into a product built to solve a quiet but urgent problem: the moment when a promising connection stalls because the right words or clarity just won't come.Synchrony's heart is Jesse, an AI social coach named for Brittany's cofounder's autistic son. Jesse appears inside a live chat with three clear options: help me express myself, help me understand what's happening, and protect my comfort. Instead of generic advice, Jesse looks at the actual conversation, offers concise interpretations, and suggests language that users can personalize. The goal is not to script people into neurotypical patterns; it's to support authentic expression, reduce masking, and make room for different goals—whether that's platonic friendship, romance, or simply a safe way to practice. Independence matters too: users can explore questions privately without leaning on parents or therapists for every step.Safety and community design are built into the app. Synchrony uses government ID verification plus a vouching step from a trusted person to keep bad actors out and the culture strong. Available soon on iOS and Android, the team is focused on growing the waitlist so early members find real matches and conversations right away. We talk visibility, representation, and why autistic adults are not antisocial; they're often underserved by tools that ignore their communication styles. Brittany also shares hopes for supported in-person events and partnerships to bridge app-based gains into daily life.Want to help build an inclusive, responsive community from day one? Join the waitlist at joinsynchrony.com, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a quick review so more listeners can discover these conversations. Your support helps turn better design into better Happily Ever After CourseManifest your dreams with Happily Ever After: a cosmic toolkit for real life change.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showSJ CHILDS - SOCIALS & WEBSITE MASTER LIST WEBSITES - Stream-Able Live — https://www.streamable.live-COMING SOON - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.sjchilds.org - The SJ Childs Show Podcast Page — https://www.sjchildsshow.com YOUTUBE - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.youtube.com/@sjchildsshow - Louie Lou (Cats Channel) — https://www.youtube.com/@2catslouielou FACEBOOK - Personal Profile — https://www.facebook.com/sara.gullihur.bradford - Business Page — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsllc - The SJ Childs Global Network — https://www.facebook.com/sjchildsglobalnetwork - The SJ Childs Show — https://www.facebook.com/SJChildsShow INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/sjchildsllc/ TIKTOK - https://www.tiktok.com/@sjchildsllc LINKEDIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjchilds/ PODCAST PLATFORMS - Spotify — https://open.spotify.com/show/4qgD3ZMOB2unfPxqacu3cC - Apple Podcasts — https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sj-childs-show/id1548143291 CONTACT EMAIL - sjchildsllc@gmail.com

DJ Casto joined us on The Modern People Leader to share how Synchrony is co-designing the future of work with employees.We talked about active listening at scale, building trust by being great not perfect, rethinking leadership for a flexible workforce, and why treating the employee experience like a product creates real business impact.---- Downloadable PDF with top takeaways: https://modernpeopleleader.kit.com/episode271Sponsor Links:

In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik, MD is joined by sex coach Caitlin V Neal to explore practical strategies for improving sexual satisfaction, particularly for men with average or smaller penises. The conversation covers topics such as sexual positions, AB testing adjustments, masturbation techniques, and the importance of synchrony and self-care. Listeners will discover actionable tips for enhancing pleasure, lasting longer, and deepening connection in intimate relationships. Become a Member to Receive Exclusive Content: ⁠renamalik.supercast.com⁠ Schedule an appointment with me: https://www.renamalikmd.com/appointments ▶️Chapters: 00:00 - Stimulating Deeply with Average Size 00:07 - Sex Positions: Core vs. Acrobatic 01:15 - Micro-Adjustments and AB Testing 02:00 - Adjusting Lubrication for Sensation 02:38 - Leg Position and Orgasm 03:13 - Unique Anatomical Fits 05:04 - Porn vs. Reality in Positioning 06:12 - Importance of Synchrony and Warm-Ups 07:01 - Premature Ejaculation: Causes and Tools 12:45 - Masturbation as a Tool for Better Sex 18:05 - Reframing Masturbation and Self-Care  Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code RENA at https://branchbasics.com/Rena #branchbasicspod Stay connected with Caitlin V Neal on social media for daily insights and updates. Don't miss out—follow her now and check out these links! INSTAGRAM -⁠https://www.instagram.com/caitlinvictoriousx/?hl=en⁠ FACEBOOK - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/caitlinvspot/?locale=de_DE⁠ TIKTOK - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@caitlinvictoriousx_?lang=en⁠ X - ⁠https://x.com/caitlinvneal⁠ Caitlin's YouTube Channel if you want more free advice - ⁠http://youtube.com/caitlinv⁠ Caitlin's homepage where you can check out the programs she mention on the podcast - ⁠http://caitlinvneal.com⁠ Pre-Order Bonuses for Caitlin's upcoming book Harder Better Longer Stronger - ⁠https://harderbook.com⁠ Let's Connect!: WEBSITE: ⁠http://www.renamalikmd.com⁠ YOUTUBE: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@RenaMalikMD⁠ INSTAGRAM: ⁠http://www.instagram.com/RenaMalikMD⁠ TWITTER: ⁠http://twitter.com/RenaMalikMD⁠ FACEBOOK: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/RenaMalikMD/⁠ LINKEDIN: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renadmalik⁠ PINTEREST: ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/renamalikmd/⁠ TIKTOK: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/RenaMalikMD⁠ ------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is purely educational and does not constitute medical advice. The content of this podcast is my personal opinion, and not that of my employer(s). Use of this information is at your own risk. Rena Malik, M.D. will not assume any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this podcast including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

ND social isolation? Synchrony co-founders Jamie Pastrano (mom/CSW), Brittany Moser (M.A. autism specialist), and Rebecca Matchett (COO/entrepreneur) spill on their Jan 2026 launch: First AI-supported app for neurodivergent adults 18+—interest-matching, safety (ID/reference verification), and 'Jesse' AI coach for chats/boundaries (express feelings, decode flirty/friendly, protect comfort). From Jamie's son Jesse inspiring the vision to global goals (US-based, accommodations for nonverbal/spectrum), it's independence + community—no more cliffs, just synced belonging. For autistic/ADHD/AuDHD young adults grinding friendships/romance, parents supporting without overstepping, or OTs fostering skills, this ramble's your toolkit—AI as confidence builder, not replacement. Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: Synchrony Founders & ND Social Gaps 1:07 - Origin: Jamie's Son Jesse & Adulting Void 3:26 - App Features: Interest-Matching & Safety 5:59 - Jesse AI: Express/Understand/Protect Buttons 9:19 - Profile Building: Bio Gen & Independence 11:25 - Global Vision & Accommodations (Non-Verbal) 14:02 - Parent Role: Plant Seeds, Not Control 16:38 - Launch Jan 2026: Waitlist & Events 18:47 - Future: Offline Events/Employment Ties 20:35 - Why Now: Filling the 18+ Gap 22:12 - Where to Join: Socials/Waitlist 24:48 - Outro: Sync Up & Squad Perks Sub on Acast for Season 3 Jan drops (rate/review to grow the squad!), share w/ a connection-seeker—tag 'em! Holiday squad alert: 30% off pod merch w/ code BLACK25 at Linktree in notes—'Dynamite' tees for boundary bosses. Full promo for Synchrony (join waitlist at joinsynchrony.com). Keep fierce, keep focused, keep adulting with autism! #NeurodivergentSocialApp #AutisticFriendship #SynchronyApp #AdultingWithAutism #KeepFierce #NDAI #AutisticDating #NDCommunity #BTSARMY #AcastPodcasts Stuck in ND isolation? Synchrony co-founders Jamie Pastrano, Brittany Moser, and Rebecca Matchett unpack their Jan 2026 app for neurodivergent adults 18+: AI 'Jesse' coach for social support (expressive language, convo decoding, boundary-setting), interest-based matching (top 10 hobbies first, % common shown), safety (ID/selfie + reference vouch from trusted like mom/therapist), and profile ease (AI bio gen from questions). Origin: Jamie's 21-year-old autistic son Jesse's adult social gaps (no mom/teacher forever)—global vision (US launch, accommodations for nonverbal/spectrum, voice-to-text). For late-dx young adults practicing independence, parents encouraging (plant seeds, not sign up), or OTs for skill-building (in-app chats transfer to real life), Synchrony's 'syncmates' flips loneliness to belonging—no mainstream app fails, just ND-tailored human connection. Links: Full Episode: Acast (sub now!) Synchrony Waitlist: joinsynchrony.com Socials: @synchronyapp (IG/FB/TikTok—follow for launch) Merch: Linktree in notes (BLACK25 for 30% off holiday!) Your subs/ratings/shares amplify the squad—tag a sync-seeker! #AutisticSocialSkills #NeurodivergentAI #SynchronyLaunch #PodcastND #MentalHealthApp #UnmaskedConnections #ADHDIndependence #AutismAdulting #ResilienceApp #EmpathySquad Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rebecca Matchett is a serial entrepreneur, fashion innovator, and now tech founder who's built her career around solving real-world problems. From co-founding Alice + Olivia to developing a patented women's sizing system called TrioFit, Rebecca has consistently combined creativity and practicality to build impactful businesses. Now, she's channeling that same drive into Synchrony—a new social app designed to help neurodivergent adults connect and combat loneliness in meaningful ways. On this episode we talk about: How Rebecca transitioned from fashion and retail into tech entrepreneurship The story behind founding Alice + Olivia and what she learned about branding and innovation Why ideas alone aren't enough—and how to validate your market before launching The challenges and benefits of self-funding vs. outside investment How Synchrony is using technology to address the loneliness epidemic among neurodivergent adults Top 3 Takeaways Great businesses start by solving problems you truly understand—personal experience is a powerful indicator of market need. Validation matters more than inspiration. Don't build before you know who actually wants your product. Bootstrapping gives you control, focus, and creative freedom that investors often limit. Notable Quotes “Ideas are easy. Execution and validation are what separate entrepreneurs from dreamers.” “When you solve a problem for yourself, you're often solving it for thousands of others.” “Connection is the most human need we have—and we're building a tool to make that accessible again.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices