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In this week's episode of Where We Roam, John is joined by Shawn and a very special guest—his son Jack—for a lively family recap of their London and Scotland adventure. From the Tower of London to Ted Lasso's Richmond, and from black cabs to black pudding, they cover the highlights (and a few surprises) of traveling with kids in the UK. The spotlight, though, is on their overnight ride aboard the Caledonian Sleeper—a bucket list train journey from London to Edinburgh. Hear their honest take on cramped cabins, splitting train cars, Wi-Fi on board, scenic Scottish arrivals, and whether the experience is truly worth it for families. Along the way, Jack gives his candid 12-year-old reviews (spoiler: he has strong feelings about bunk beds, pigeons, and the London Eye). If you've ever wondered what it's really like to trade a hotel night for a rolling train cabin through the British countryside, this episode has you covered—plus a few laughs, some sibling misadventures, and maybe even a little haggis.
This week we dive into episodes 2 and 3 of The Paper! We join the staff of TTT as they find stories to fill Ned's first issue as editor, and then again for a budget meeting and undercover mattress sting. We discuss the storylines and character development and give some impressions after the first 3 episodes. And of course we highlight all of the dogging, old popcorn, and cupcake visionaries that go into these episodes. For the lunch, do you like shellfish, or are you a sausage boy? Support our show and become a member of Scott's Tots on Patreon! For only $5/month, Tots get ad-free episodes plus exclusive access to our monthly Mailbag episodes where we casually pick through every single message/question/comment we receive. We also have bonus series available to our Patrons, like our White Lotus Christmas Special, Party Down, Ted Lasso, Survivor, and unreleased episodes of this show. Oh, and Tots get access to exclusive channels on our Discord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does it really mean to accept your weaknesses and still move forward with strength?In this episode of Two Pastors and a Mic, Cory and Channock dive into Chapters 6 & 7 of Enough Already - The Power of Integration and You've Worn These Shoes Well. Together, they explore what it looks like to accept negative realities, share vulnerably, and ultimately make choices from freedom instead of pressure.You'll hear:
Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: stand-up comedian Chris Duffy! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals such as “Ask AI” and audio rebuses. Subscribe to The Puzzler podcast wherever you get your podcasts! "The Puzzler with A.J. Jacobs" is distributed by iHeartPodcasts and is a co-production with Neuhaus Ideas. Our executive producers are Neely Lohmann and Adam Neuhaus of Neuhaus Ideas, and Lindsay Hoffman of iHeart Podcasts. The show is produced by Jody Avirgan and Brittani Brown of Roulette Productions. Our Chief Puzzle Officer is Greg Pliska. Our associate producer is Andrea Schoenberg.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Olá, míopes!No episódio de hoje do Miopia, falamos sobre obras que nos marcaram de formas diferentes: do olhar sonhador de A Vida Secreta de Walter Mitty, ao suspense real de O Caso Evandro, passando pelo terror instigante de Corra! e pelo otimismo inspirador de Ted Lasso. Uma conversa sobre como o entretenimento pode nos emocionar, surpreender e até transformar.Míopes do mundo, uni-vos! Junte-se ao grupo mais divertido, embaçado e modesto do WhatsApp. Venha para o grupo de ouvintes do Miopia, o podcast mais embaçado do Brasil! (clique aqui)
"That's right, I remember them asking Phyllis if she wanted to move to Toledo. Ha! Can you imagine? Leave Scranton for Toledo? Make me laugh." After all the wait and anticipation, this week we're talking about The Paper! We spend the full episode on the pilot episode of the newest series from Greg Daniels and Michael Koman that takes us back to Scranton—for just a moment—before moving to Toledo and the staff at the Toledo Truth Teller! We talk about the cast, characters, and potential storylines of this new series, all while a building burns right beside us. Then we head to the Conference Room for where we talk about some Dunder Mifflin memorabilia and discuss songs we'll always associate with The Office! Support our show and become a member of Scott's Tots on Patreon! For only $5/month, Tots get ad-free episodes plus exclusive access to our monthly Mailbag episodes where we casually pick through every single message/question/comment we receive. We also have bonus series available to our Patrons, like our White Lotus Christmas Special, Party Down, Ted Lasso, Survivor, and unreleased episodes of this show. Oh, and Tots get access to exclusive channels on our Discord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send us a textJay is out this week and is replaced by Philadelphia Radio Legend Glen Macnow!The new King of the Hill reboot is an immense success. Why do audiences complain about reboots when they end up being a success more often than not? What is it about reboots that make them so popular? Are reboots an indication that the audience doesn't know what they want? Should we demand more?We break down the current landscapes of TV critics. How much power do they really have today and which platforms do we trust the most? Is the audience vote on Rotten Tomatoes a better gauge on shows than the critics themselves. What does it take to really be a TV critic? This great article explains more We discuss the mini trend of upbeat sports shows. It started with “Ted Lasso”, with “Stick” ( Prime Video) being the latest rendition. What about these shows make them so popular? Is it comfort food or something more?THEN: BRITISH CORNER: Rhea reviews “Thursday Night Murder Club” on Netflix. This show blends mystery with a heartfelt charm. The powerhouse cast along with it's storyline will leave you intrigued and wanting more.Glen gives us a collection of his favorites he is watching right now. These include “North of North” on Netflix, “Unforgotten” on PBS, and “Sunday Best” on Netflix. You will want to hear why these shows are a must watch. Lastly, leading up to the start of the NFL season, Angelo gives us his favorite football movie of all time. The answer might surprise you.LISTEN NOW to stay up to date on all you need to know regarding the latest and greatest in television and the big screens.MAKE SURE TO VISIT OUR SPONSOR: Steven Singer Jewelers!The TV Show is a weekly podcast hosted by Jay Black, with regular guests Angelo Cataldi and Rhea Hughes. Each week, we dive into the new Golden Age of Television, with a discussion of the latest shows and news.
Bill Childs, accomplished marketing leader, author, designer, and mentor, talks about his journey to becoming a teacher and why Dead Poets Society means so much to him.-Bill Childs is an accomplished marketing leader with a history of award-winning ideas brought to life through the skillful and creative translation of strategic business objectives, creating revenue-generating campaigns. A collaborative mentor, champion of fearless creativity, Bill celebrates and develops talent in the classroom as a teacher and mentor at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute. His book "Childs Play" serves as a guide for reigniting your creative potential, with real-world examples of innovation in both personal and professional spheres.https://www.billchilds.com/https://www.instagram.com/wpchilds/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wpchilds/-Robin Williamshttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000245/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/06/02/movies/review-film-shaking-up-a-boys-school-with-poetry.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/12/movies/robin-williams-oscar-winning-comedian-dies-at-63.html-Dead Poets Society (1989)https://www.delawareonline.com/story/pulpculture/2014/04/03/dead-poets-society-delaware-anniversary/7252149/ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097165/https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/59232/15-facts-about-dead-poets-society https://scriptmag.com/features/dead-poets-society-retrospective-with-tom-schulman-peter-weir-and-ethan-hawke -Permission to be creative, Ethan Hawkehttps://youtu.be/WRS9Gek4V5Q?si=USFgd3nHPZ4P7VJ8-Teachinghttps://cte.rice.edu/blog/2017/ghost-mr-keating https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1991/07/24/teacher-who-inspired-dead-poet-is-dismissed/ -Time to Thank, by Steve Guttenberghttps://www.amazon.com/Time-Thank-Caregiving-My-Hero/dp/B0CTGC826P -If you're facing a personal crisis, or are having unsafe thoughts, speak with somebody by calling 988, available 24 hours a day.-Other movies and shows discussed, alphabetical listBack to School (1986)The Holdovers (2023)Summer School (1987)Ted Lasso (2020-)The World According to Garp (1982)-Have something to share? Use the DESIGNERS ON FILM hotline, call 704-681-6880 and leave a voicemail, or send a text message.
Ever find yourself gearing up to prove you're right... instead of being curious? Andrew Hasty throws some metaphorical (and literal) darts at the ego
The latest In Touch With iOS with Dave he is joined by Jill McKinley, Chuck Joiner, Jeff Gamet, Eric Bolden, Marty Jencius. We cover the Vision Pro developer beta, iOS 26 updates, redesigned icons, and the new AirPods camera control feature. We also dive into macOS Tahoe enhancements, Xcode's AI integration, and the upcoming September 9th Apple event. Finally, we discuss Apple TV+ pricing changes, Apple Music's expansion, and shifting streaming strategies. The show notes are at InTouchwithiOS.com Direct Link to Audio Links to our Show Give us a review on Apple Podcasts! CLICK HERE we would really appreciate it! Click this link Buy me a Coffee to support the show we would really appreciate it. intouchwithios.com/coffee Another way to support the show is to become a Patreon member patreon.com/intouchwithios Website: In Touch With iOS YouTube Channel In Touch with iOS Magazine on Flipboard Facebook Page BlueSky Mastodon X Instagram Threads Summary We start with discussions around the Apple Vision Pro developer beta, its stability improvements, and how developers are preparing ahead of the September 9th Apple Event. The team also unpacks the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 betas, exploring performance, subtle refinements, and the heated debates around redesigned app icons — sparking an insightful conversation on usability, branding, and generational design preferences. A highlight of the episode is Apple's new AirPods feature that lets users remotely control the iPhone's camera via simple stem gestures. We explore its impact on photography, family shots, and even discuss the privacy implications this capability raises. Next, we shift to macOS Tahoe, including the much-anticipated addition of the Journal app to Mac, improvements in cross-device workflows, and Xcode's new AI integration, which now supports GPT-5 and Claude models. We discuss how Apple is quietly opening doors for developers while possibly sidestepping antitrust concerns. The conversation wraps with thoughts on the streaming landscape, including Apple TV+'s price increase, Apple Music's expansion to TuneIn, and the broader implications of rising subscription costs. As always, the panel shares candid takes, bold predictions, and personal workflows that Apple power users will find invaluable. Topics and Links In Touch With Vision Pro this week. visionOS 26 developer beta 8 now available visionOS 26 Beta 8 Release Notes | Apple Developer Documentation Beta this week. Apple Seeds Eighth Developer Betas of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 Apple Releases Fifth Public Betas of iOS 26 and More iOS 26 Beta Testing Likely Complete After Apple Seeds Beta 8 iOS 26: Capture iPhone Screen Content in HDR Apple Seeds Eighth watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 Developer Betas iOS 26 vs iOS 18: Five new icons you may not recognize after updating iOS 26: Remotely Control iPhone Camera With Your AirPods Apple Releases Xcode 26 Beta 7 With GPT-5 Support and Claude Integration In Touch With Mac this week Apple Seeds Eighth Beta of macOS Tahoe to Developers Parallels Desktop 26 Adds Support for macOS Tahoe and Windows 11 2025 Update macOS Tahoe adds three new apps to your Mac, here's what's coming Other Topics Apple Event Announced for September 9: 'Awe Dropping' Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple on August 24, 2011, citing that he could no longer fulfill his duties and expectations. He was replaced by Tim Cook, Apple's chief operating officer, and was elected Chairman of the Board. - Remembering News Apple Offers 54% Off Apple TV+ for Two Months to Stop Cancellations Apple TV+: Romantic drama with Ted Lasso's Brett Goldstein gets first trailer Apple Music Radio Stations Now Available via TuneIn Announcements Macstock 9 has wrapped for 2025. Attendees will receive a link for the session recordings when they're ready in 30-45 days. If you missed Macstock we missed you! Why not purchase a digital pass to relive all the amazing presentations? Click the link below to purchase the digital pass. Macstock X has already been announced July 10,11,12, 2026 hopeful you all can join us. Macstock IX Digital Pass Our Host Dave Ginsburg is an IT professional supporting Mac, iOS and Windows users and shares his wealth of knowledge of iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and related technologies. Visit the YouTube channel https://youtube.com/intouchwithios follow him on Mastodon @daveg65, , BlueSky @daveg65 and the show @intouchwithios Our Regular Contributors Jeff Gamet is a podcaster, technology blogger, artist, and author. Previously, he was The Mac Observer's managing editor, and Smile's TextExpander Evangelist. You can find him on Mastadon @jgamet Pixelfed @jgamet@pixelfed.social and Bluesky @jgamet.bsky.social Podcasts The Context Machine Podcast Retro Rewatch Retro Rewatch His YouTube channel https://youtube.com/jgamet Marty Jencius, Ph.D., is a professor of counselor education at Kent State University, where he researches, writes, and trains about using technology in teaching and mental health practice. His podcasts include Vision Pro Files, The Tech Savvy Professor and Circular Firing Squad Podcast. Find him at jencius@mastodon.social https://thepodtalk.net Eric Bolden is into macOS, plants, sci-fi, food, and is a rural internet supporter. You can connect with him by email at eabolden@mac.com, on Mastodon at @eabolden@techhub.social, on his blog, Trending At Work, and as co-host on The Vision ProFiles podcast. Jill McKinley works in enterprise software, server administration, and IT A lifelong tech enthusiast, she started her career with Windows but is now an avid Apple fan. Beyond technology, she shares her insights on nature, faith, and personal growth through her podcasts—Buzz Blossom & Squeak, Start with Small Steps, and The Bible in Small Steps. Watch her content on YouTube at @startwithsmallsteps and follow her on X @schmern. Chuck Joiner is the host of MacVoices and hosts video podcasts with influential members of the Apple community. Make sure to visit macvoices.com and subscribe to his podcast. You can follow him on Twitter @chuckjoiner and join his MacVoices Facebook group.
Caitlin Cannon on "Slut Energy," Her 'Love Addict' Album, and Songwriting in PrisonsDive deep with Americana artist Caitlin Cannon as she joins Jason English for a raw and unfiltered conversation. Caitlin opens up about her provocative appearance on the Kill Tony show, the "slut energy" she brings to her music, and navigating the industry in her forties. She discusses the inspiration behind her powerful new album, "Love Addict," exploring themes of loneliness, relationships, and self-discovery. Caitlin also shares the profound story behind her work with the Beyond Bars program, teaching songwriting to inmates, and how her brother's incarceration has shaped her art. This is a can't-miss episode about music, trauma, and radical honesty.Proposed Chapters:00:00 - Life on Tour & ADHD02:30 - That Kill Tony "Slut Energy" Moment06:30 - Trauma, Religion & the Americana Scene09:00 - Rebelling Against Industry Ageism13:30 - Inside the "Love Addict" Album15:15 - "You're Losing Me": Loneliness & Divorce22:15 - Relationship Status: "Married to the Music"28:15 - The Story Behind "Jesus Is My Lover"38:30 - The Terrifying Intimacy of Co-Writing47:00 - Beyond Bars: Teaching Songwriting in Prisons52:30 - "Waiting": A Song for Her Brother58:00 - What Caitlin Cannon is Most Curious About
"It makes perfect sense that it would happen today, because I just received this in the mail: a thousand business cards with this address and phone number." Here, replenish your fluids—this week we're talking about Branch Closing! We dedicate this episode to a classic from Season 3 that goes from Scranton to Stamford to David Wallace's house, all while Jan drives something like 400 miles. We dive into the characters' reactions and plans for the future after the branch closes, Dwight and Michael's stakeout, and the fax from the future from future Dwight Jim. Then (47:20) we head to the Conference Room where we talk about the sneak peek of The Paper! With the debut just a week away we talk about our thoughts and expectations and discuss the news that the show will now be released all at once on Peacock! Cordially, Future MSPC Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/SCOTT #rulapod Support our show and become a member of Scott's Tots on Patreon! For only $5/month, Tots get ad-free episodes plus exclusive access to our monthly Mailbag episodes where we casually pick through every single message/question/comment we receive. We also have bonus series available to our Patrons, like our White Lotus Christmas Special, Party Down, Ted Lasso, Survivor, and unreleased episodes of this show. Oh, and Tots get access to exclusive channels on our Discord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This month we are delighted to welcome Olissa Rogers to our Modern Class of Casting Visionaries!Olissa Rogers is an Emmy Award-winning freelance Casting Director. She began her career in Germany in 2008, focusing on TV series until 2016. After moving to the UK, she worked as a casting assistant to Jeremy Zimmermann and later Kharmel Cochrane. In 2019, she became an associate to Theo Park on major TV projects like Ted Lasso, followed by roles with Amy Hubbard and Fiona Weir. Since April 2022, Olissa has led her own casting projects, including Royal Mob, African Queens, and My Friend Misty.In this episode we discuss...How she didn't want to go to uni in Germany so moved to Munich to join a directing program and got put in castingCasting in Germany and how a fate meeting with Jeremy Zimmerman ended up moving her to LondonAny differences she sees between casting in London and GermanWe dive into the casting of Ted Lasso. Who was attached and who auditioned.What creating a football team was like and how the roles shifted and changed to suit the actors/charactersWhat she has on the horizonWhat it's been like be a small part I developing the global CSA chapterHer talent crushesHow she finds and cultivates talentMake sure to subscribe, rate and review! Follow us @tipsycastingResources: Olissa Rogers IMDBOlissa's InstagramOlissa's X────────────────────────────Stay Tuned with Tipsy Casting on IGWatch the Tipsy Casting YouTube ChannelFollow Jessica & Follow Jenn Learn More About Jess & Jenn's Casting Journeys Get Casting Life Away Merch here!
In todays episode of Negroni's With Nord, James digs into California Governor Gavin Newsom's new social media strategy, why it works, and how to use/copy other people's voice as a guide to finding your own.Later, James talks about companies protecting human creators vs AI, and creator's red flags, and getting your boss to sign off on episodic content like Ted Lasso.
When Kelly volunteered to be the head coach for his son's baseball team, he was nervous. He had no formal training, but he knew he wanted his players to have equal playing time—and have fun. Which they did, until the yelling started and the season ended in a stunning loss (and quite a few tears). What can Kelly do better next season? In this encore episode of How To! from 2021, Amanda Ripley connects Kelly with Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion and The Coach's Guide to Teaching. Doug shares some fantastic advice for commanding attention (and managing failure) that we can all learn from, on or off the field. If you liked this episode, check out Congrats, You Won the Olympics. Now What? Do you have a question that requires Ted Lasso-grade inspiration? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. This episode was produced by Derek John and Rosemary Belson. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Kelly volunteered to be the head coach for his son's baseball team, he was nervous. He had no formal training, but he knew he wanted his players to have equal playing time—and have fun. Which they did, until the yelling started and the season ended in a stunning loss (and quite a few tears). What can Kelly do better next season? In this encore episode of How To! from 2021, Amanda Ripley connects Kelly with Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion and The Coach's Guide to Teaching. Doug shares some fantastic advice for commanding attention (and managing failure) that we can all learn from, on or off the field. If you liked this episode, check out Congrats, You Won the Olympics. Now What? Do you have a question that requires Ted Lasso-grade inspiration? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. This episode was produced by Derek John and Rosemary Belson. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Kelly volunteered to be the head coach for his son's baseball team, he was nervous. He had no formal training, but he knew he wanted his players to have equal playing time—and have fun. Which they did, until the yelling started and the season ended in a stunning loss (and quite a few tears). What can Kelly do better next season? In this encore episode of How To! from 2021, Amanda Ripley connects Kelly with Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion and The Coach's Guide to Teaching. Doug shares some fantastic advice for commanding attention (and managing failure) that we can all learn from, on or off the field. If you liked this episode, check out Congrats, You Won the Olympics. Now What? Do you have a question that requires Ted Lasso-grade inspiration? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. This episode was produced by Derek John and Rosemary Belson. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When Kelly volunteered to be the head coach for his son's baseball team, he was nervous. He had no formal training, but he knew he wanted his players to have equal playing time—and have fun. Which they did, until the yelling started and the season ended in a stunning loss (and quite a few tears). What can Kelly do better next season? In this encore episode of How To! from 2021, Amanda Ripley connects Kelly with Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion and The Coach's Guide to Teaching. Doug shares some fantastic advice for commanding attention (and managing failure) that we can all learn from, on or off the field. If you liked this episode, check out Congrats, You Won the Olympics. Now What? Do you have a question that requires Ted Lasso-grade inspiration? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show. Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen. This episode was produced by Derek John and Rosemary Belson. Get more of How To! with Slate Plus! Join for exclusive bonus episodes of How To! and ad-free listening on all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe from the How To! show page on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/howtoplus for access wherever you listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Keeley Hazell has lived a life that would make great television – which is probably why she inspired the beloved character Keeley Jones on Ted Lasso. In her new memoir, “Everyone's Seen My Tits,” Keeley chronicles her chaotic childhood, her conflicted experience as one of Britain's famous Page 3 topless models, and her journey to shed internalized shame as she reclaims her narrative. In this episode, Keeley gets real about her internal battle between empowerment and objectification, the time she went to jail at age 14 for punching a cop, and the disastrous interview that launched her journey to become an “unlikely feminist.” Here are her songs. Pulp - Common People Mariah Carey - Hero Eminem - Criminal So Solid Crew - 21 Seconds Fish Go Deep ft Tracey K - The Cure and The Cause Sheryl Crow - All I Wanna Do Father John Misty - When You Are Smiling And Astride Me Listen to Keeley Hazell's playlist on Spotify. Find the transcript of this episode at lifeinsevensongs.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at lifeinsevensongs@sfstandard.com.
This week we talk about what we always talk about when it comes to the Chicago Bears...the audacity of hope! Is it for real this time? Bears in the Neighborhood is your weekly insight into the Chicago Bears in under 30 minutes, a podcast hosted by Samir Patel and Chirag Rathod! Bears in the Neighborhood is part of the “Mr. Rathod's Neighborhood” network of podcasts!---Music: “Juicy Booty” by Subpar Snatch – used with permission from the bandVideo: Created using Luma Dream Machine and ClipchampPodcast Art: Created using CanvaOpening Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_TJHIV5vDsCheck out Samir on the Bears on Tap PODCAST (Shout out Q!): https://x.com/OnTapSportsNet/status/1958334720120606881---Pulse of the People 2!!!Record your responses to each of the questions below (30 seconds each) and submit to be included in an upcoming episode! What is your definition of success for the Bears this season?What would have to happen for you to hit the panic button this season?Give us one bold prediction for the upcoming season You can submit your responses 2 ways:Text Samir and Chirag if you have their numberSubmit your responses to mrrathodsneighborhood@gmail.com with the subject line “Pulse of the People 2”---*Samir Patel*Samir is a contributing author for On Tap Sports Net and a lifelong Chicago Bears fan.Website: https://www.mylifewithme.com/Article: https://ontapsportsnet.com/nfl/chicago-bears/what-to-watch-for-bears-vs-bills-preseason-week-2/IG and X @smpatel06 *Chirag Rathod*Chirag is host of the podcast Mr Rathod's Neighborhood, an improvisor and a lifelong Chicago Bears fan.Website: https://www.chiragrathod.com/IG @mrrathodsneighborhoodIn the Lab Cookin' with Me & Zazzle: https://youtu.be/MWPkDf2P0Co?si=MZbZhGDY0GJRLpn1---Check out the podcast Mr Rathod's Neighborhood on all streaming platforms to listen to episodes of “Bears in the Neighborhood”. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6CWTRtL5dizA1iyS2O7qeN?si=573ff211b80c4d8aApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mr-rathods-neighborhood/id1445766040Video: Episodes available on YouTube! https://youtu.be/kQuJ-3yARIk ------ChiragRathod.comIG: @mrrathodsneighborhoodYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chiragrathod9882
Get in the spaceship and hide that baby—this week we're talking about Fantastic Four! As the next (and last?) chapter in our Superhero Summer series, we dive into the latest entry from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We cover the storyline, casting, and planet-eating villains that go into this movie, highlighting its unique aesthetic. And of course we also get into the molemen, Silver Surfers, and home cooked meals that make up the film. Look, I know you don't want to say it, but it's clobbering time. Support our show and become a member of Scott's Tots on Patreon! For only $5/month, Tots get ad-free episodes plus exclusive access to our monthly Mailbag episodes where we casually pick through every single message/question/comment we receive. We also have bonus series available to our Patrons, like our White Lotus Christmas Special, Party Down, Ted Lasso, Survivor, and unreleased episodes of this show. Oh, and Tots get access to exclusive channels on our Discord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
#What'sHappening / Motivational Monday
It's standard fare to say beliefs have consequences. But where do those beliefs come from? Where do they begin? They begin in the mind, in our thought processes. That's why it's so important to not only be aware of them but control them, says Pastor Max Lucado. Pastor Lucado is a popular Christian minister and international best-selling author.. He's sometimes called the "Ted Lasso of ministry" because of his upbeat nature and positive approach to understanding God's purposes for us. On this episode of the Lighthouse Faith podcast, Pastor Lucado discusses his newest book, Tame Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind and Transform Your Life, and how he's drawing on scripture to help people manage their thoughts in a world that heavily influences their beliefs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Host Jason English sits down with Virginia native and Nashville-based artist Levi Foster, a traditional country voice with an old soul. Levi shares his incredible journey from living in his van to signing a publishing deal and writing over 300 songs. He discusses the inspiration behind his debut album, "We Made Fire," the classic country vibes of his duet "Emerald Eyes," and how a spontaneous TikTok video of him singing pop songs as Johnny Cash unexpectedly launched his brand. In an exciting announcement, Levi reveals his dream collaboration—an upcoming full-length record produced by the legendary Shooter Jennings. This is a conversation about chasing a dream with conviction, the surprising paths to success, and staying curious through it all.Chapters:[00:00:00] - Welcome to Curious Goldfish[00:01:15] - Growing Up in the Shadow of Liberty University[00:02:45] - The "On a Whim" Move to Nashville[00:04:10] - Making a Pact: Living in a Van to Chase the Dream[00:04:45] - How a Publishing Deal Changed Everything[00:06:15] - The Songwriter's Grind: Writing Over 300 Songs[00:11:15] - Behind the New Album: "We Made Fire"[00:14:15] - The Story of "Emerald Eyes" with Gloria[00:17:05] - Reluctantly Embracing TikTok & Social Media[00:20:05] - What He Thinks of Brendan Abernathy's Viral Moment[00:23:30] - The Dream Collaboration: Recording with Shooter Jennings[00:25:20] - Be Curious: What Drives Levi Foster?
Not Today Jenn and Eddie realize people listen to podcasts on YouTube. So what are you doing here? Is Not Today the Ted Lasso of podcasts? Eddie comes out as a feminist. Would you rather be happy or content? Should Eddie make "get ready videos"? Plus, Florida Man Friday! #podcast #funny #comedy #women #tedlasso #happiness #floridaman #florida #sports #sportstalk
Millie Bobbie Brown and Jake Bongiovi are now parents! AppleTV+ is now 30% more expensive. They are losing Friday night baseball, but are now seriously in the game with their TV shows - including Ted Lasso, which is returning for Season 4! Netflix will now recommend shows based on your horoscope. Nick Cage is supposedly in talks for True Detective Season 5. Don't miss your chance to adopt Scott Budman (the dog)! Are people still using travel agents? Or mainly YouTube? OR family and friends? Tik Tok? Vinnie's got some anti-shark propaganda, and a deep dive into Godzilla's ancestry.
Sarah and Vinnie have the good vibes in their veins today. Erik Menendez was denied parole. His brother, Lyle, is up next. Hulk Hogan's death may have been related to medical malpractice. It's SO HOT in the Bay. Have you ever done something evil? New movies out this weekend! Bob's already seen one of them. True Crime fans have a full plate of content for the weekend: New Amanda Knox, Jussie Smollett, and more! Daniel Day Lewis's new movie will have to compete with Taylor Swift. Lil Nas X is in the news, but it certainly isn't for his music. Football season is just around the corner. Embryo adoption leaves us with more questions than answers. Scientists discovered Uranus has a 29th moon - smaller than the size of San Francisco. A mysterious light is coming towards us from outside the solar system. Probably aliens. Millie Bobbie Brown and Jake Bongiovi are now parents! AppleTV+ is now 30% more expensive, but they are serious about their TV shows - including Ted Lasso, which is returning for Season 4! Netflix will now recommend shows based on your horoscope. Nick Cage is supposedly in talks for True Detective Season 5. Don't miss your chance to adopt Scott Budman (the dog)! Are people still using travel agents? Vinnie's got some anti-shark propaganda, and a deep dive into Godzilla's ancestry. Brent Hinds, who co-founded the heavy metal band Mastodon, died in a car accident at just 51 years old. Taylor Swift dropped another set of special edition vinyls. An 85 year old veteran sold his $15M house to Katy Perry and now refuses to leave. You can learn anything on YouTube: Including how to steal a train!
Send us a textLyndsey Ratchford, World VisionWhat if God is calling us beyond “making a difference” to eradicating injustice?In this episode, I talk with Lyndsey Deane Ratchford (LDR), World Vision's Senior Director of National Donor Engagement. Lyndsey's passion is to see everyday men and women recognize their own power and leverage it for the betterment of the world. A graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary, Lyndsey has an MA in Intercultural Studies and a concentration in International Development. LDR is an avid proponent of high fives, Ted Lasso, and Trader Joe's Chai Tea Latte Mix. She is currently living the dream in Cleveland Heights, OH, with her incredible life partner, George, and 6-year-old daughter, Thea.What happens when passion collides with purpose? Meet Lyndsey - a catalytic leader whose journey has taken her through deep valleys of struggle and doubt, as well as mountaintop experiences of faith and transformation. Her story reveals what radical love looks like in action. She also invites us to rethink our own role in God's vision for justice. Join us on a journey that explores extreme poverty, cultural and generational injustice, the power of proximity, and the greatness of God breaking through it all.This conversation will stir your imagination for what God can do when ordinary people believe transformation is possible.WorldVision.org
With Alex away this week Sean and Edwin spend this episode talking about…Alex! That is, Pam's friend from art school played by Rich Sommer, who appears in only a few episodes. We go through the entirety of his arc on the show, including touching on the original intention of his character and how it was impacted by fan response. Then we head to the Conference Room where Sean and Edwin talk about Michael's condo being on Zillow and—as a surprise replacement segment—Edwin and Alex answer a couple listener questions! Support our show and become a member of Scott's Tots on Patreon! For only $5/month, Tots get ad-free episodes plus exclusive access to our monthly Mailbag episodes where we casually pick through every single message/question/comment we receive. We also have bonus series available to our Patrons, like our White Lotus Christmas Special, Party Down, Ted Lasso, Survivor, and unreleased episodes of this show. Oh, and Tots get access to exclusive channels on our Discord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Building a successful business often means solving problems nobody else sees coming. In this episode of Building Texas Business, I sit down with Merrilee Kick, founder of BuzzBallz, to talk about how she transformed a poolside idea into a ready-to-drink cocktail empire she sold to Sazerac in 2024. Merrilee shares her journey from high school teacher to manufacturing pioneer who bootstrapped through engineering challenges and suppliers who refused to sell her essential components. Her approach demonstrates that when traditional paths close, entrepreneurs must forge their own. We explore how Merrilee built a family-like culture with minimal turnover through practical benefits like daily cooked meals and extended holiday breaks. She discusses why fairness matters more than equality in building loyal teams. During COVID, she created an on-site school for employees' children and manufactured hand sanitizer for hospitals, showing how adaptability serves both business continuity and community needs. Merrilee reflects on mistakes that shaped her success, from coconut cream that solidified at room temperature to trusting the wrong people. She emphasizes that entrepreneurs must trust their gut instincts and move quickly when something isn't working. Her discussion about selling to Sazerac reveals the cultural shifts that come with acquisition and why selecting the right buyer matters as much as the price. The conversation reveals how a teacher's frustration with glass by the pool became a multi-million dollar business through relentless problem-solving and genuine employee care. Listen to discover why sometimes the best business education comes from cleaning your own warehouse bathrooms. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS "S#@t doesn't smell any better with age" - why firing fast is critical to maintaining culture and performance When suppliers demand hundreds of thousands for R&D, sometimes you have to source from Canada and figure it out yourself A $10 daily lunch investment eliminated production delays and built the family culture that kept turnover near zero Creating an on-site school during COVID kept the production lines running when competitors shut down People quit managers, not companies - know your employees' kids' names and eat lunch with them Trust your gut over resumes - the West Point MIT grad who couldn't deliver taught her that credentials don't guarantee performance LINKSShow Notes Previous Episodes About BoyarMiller About BuzzBallz GUESTS Merrilee KickAbout Merrilee TRANSCRIPT (AI transcript provided as supporting material and may contain errors) Chris: In this episode, you'll meet Merrilee Kick, founder of BuzzBallz. Merrilee shares her story of going from a high school teacher grading papers to a multimillion dollar manufacturer of ready to drink cocktails by trusting her instincts, being honest and fair, and keeping sales concepts funny. Merrilee, I want to welcome you to Building Texas Business. Thank you for taking the time to come on in the podcast. Merrilee: Thanks Chris. Chris: So let's start. You founded a very interesting company called BuzzBallz. Love the name. Tell the listeners what is BuzzBallz, what is the company and what's it known for? Merrilee: So BuzzBallz is a ready to drink cocktail company. It's a manufacturing company based in Texas, and I started it back in 2009. Our first sale was in 2010 and I sold it. I ran it for 15 years and then I sold it last year, may of 2024 to Sazerac, a big company, one of the world's largest manufacturers of bourbon and alcoholic spirits. And they were very interested in us because it was the convenience store channel and it was ready to drink. And so it was a little bit different twist for them. Chris: Very good. So what was the inspiration for you in 2009 to start a alcoholic beverage company? Merrilee: I was going through some hard times with my marriage and I was a high school teacher at the time and I wanted to be more financially independent. And my high school that I was working at said that they would give me a teacher's enrichment program to where I could go get my master's in administration and be a principal. And I was like, oh my God, no, I don't want to be a principal. No, I want to go into my own field, which was business because I taught entrepreneurship, business law, international business marketing, computer science, all those kinds of wonderful subjects to high school kids, and I wanted to get my degree and get my MBA in that. So I convinced them to let me do it. Got my MBA and BuzzBallz was my master's degree thesis project. I was grading papers by the pool thinking of what should my project be for my capstone, my final project for my MBA and I had a little vo of candle with me and drinking a cocktail like a good teacher would, and I should probably not have a glass glass out here by the pool where I'm grading papers. I need to have something plastic. So I came up with the idea and the concept of a little party ball, a little ready to drink cocktail in a ball shape. Then my family and I, we sat down at dinner and we came up with the name Buzzballz. I love it. So catchy. And so that's where it came from and it stuck, you know, and it's one of those names you don't forget. So, that's the genesis of it all. Chris: What a great story. So high school teacher grading papers by the pool comes up with a cocktail and turns it into a wildly successful business. That is a coolest story I think I've ever heard. Merrilee: Yeah, we started out with six different flavors and they were pretty edgy. I'm a pretty edgy person, I guess. So, we came out with names like OJ Screamer because it was right when OJ Simpson was on trial and we had an orange juice and vodka screwdriver and we thought, okay, this will be funny, and funny sells, and it makes people laugh again. It makes it fun. So, We came up with some funny, funny names, strawberry Rum job, you know, like kind of edgy, dirty names, but funny and people loved it. Since then, it's kind of calmed the waves a little bit. We've mellowed it down a little bit, toned it down for the general grocery store shoppers, and more more family focused. But we've been through many renditions, many different flavors and sizes and things over the years. Yeah, Chris: It is really cool. Let's go back to kind of that 2009 or maybe time period. So I guess you had your MBA and you had this idea, but what did you do to get this off the ground and what kind of hurdles were you facing in order to do that? There Merrilee: Was so many hurdles. I didn't know anything manufacturing. I didn't know anything business. I was told by bankers all around Texas that I've applied for loans with that you're just a teacher, you don't have any experience, you don't have any collateral, you don't have any knowledge of manufacturing, how are you going to pull this off? And I just googled everything. Google was a really good friend, but I was looking at how many pounds per square inch does a Coke have on the inner walls of its container and will my container hold that and will this plastic have BPA in it and will it leach into my product? And what is the oxygen scavenging ratio of will oxygen permeate this plastic and degrade the product and what kind of petaloid base do I need on this? So there's a lot of engineering involved to create the container because it is a custom container. And then I was almost to the finish line and then a company, I wanted to put these metal lids on the container and a company came to me and they said, we want you to pay us hundreds of thousands of dollars so that we can r and d and see if your product really can be a good product for the market. And I couldn't afford it, so I just did it myself and I had to launch it myself and they said they wouldn't sell me any lids because of it. So I had to buy 'em from Canada. I had to buy 'em from overseas and then do it myself. So one of the things I learned is you just have to do everything yourself. You have to clean the bathrooms, you have to clean the warehouse, you have to set up the equipment, you have to do all the QuickBooks, you have to do the shipping, you have to do the billing, you have to understand all the details of this business inside now before you can pass it on to anybody. Chris: That's a very common theme amongst entrepreneurs, especially in the startup. You have an inspiration or a passion or something or idea that you believe so much in and are so passionate about that despite all the hurdles you run into, you just figure out ways over the hurdles. Merrilee: That's because if you don't, your failure to do anything and try to get it right means bankruptcy. And most entrepreneurs are going on their last thread, maxed out their credit cards. They can't afford a complete and utter failure. They can afford mistakes, but they quickly pivot and fix it and keep going. They keep swimming Chris: To that point. So you said you have to be able to do everything to get it going. Those are early days. How do you then transition once you've got some legs underneath it to start letting go of some things and bringing people in because it's your baby and you have to learn to trust some people to take care of it, Merrilee: And you make a lot of mistakes trusting people too. So you'll have a lot of duds people that you hire, some family and friends I would steer away from as much as possible unless that family is under your control, like cousins, aunts, uncles, those are more difficult to work with than your own sons because your sons will do whatever you tell 'em to do. Chris: And I know you have your sons in the business, Merrilee: But it was difficult when I hired friends because they were entitled. They thought they would be able to have more. So it's very different when you're having to hire people that are friends, Chris: That's having a strong team around you is so critical to the success of any business. What did you learn along the way? And aside from maybe don't hire friends to really hone in on your process to improve your hit rate on making sure you were hiring people that you could trust and they could do the job Merrilee: Well, sometimes you hire somebody based on their resume or their referrals or whatever, and that's a good first step, but you're going to still make mistakes. I remember I had a guy that had all the accolades in the world. He was a West Point grad, he was MIT, he had all these accolades, but he couldn't seem to get anything done and talk about delegation. I had to have my son because I was out of town. I was like, Hey, you get to fire this guy and here's this guy that's 30 years his senior and my son has never fired anyone before. And he had to have that experience. It was difficult. But one thing I've learned is crap doesn't smell any better with age. So you've got to get rid of people that are toxic or that even if you have a relationship, a friendly relationship with them, sometimes it just isn't going to work for whatever reason. Either something legal that they did or something that was immoral that they did or just basic laziness or in capability to get the job done. So sometimes if you don't feel it, it's almost like a gut feel. If it's not working right, then there's something wrong and you got to make moves. A Chris: Couple of things there, right? First I think the adage of hire slow fire fast is very true. Easier said than done. I Merrilee: Don't hire slow. I don't like that. I don't like that saying because I think sometimes you hire fast and it's okay. I think the important thing is fire fast if you have grounds to do so and try to get somebody to replace them as quickly as possible. You got to do everything fast when you're an entrepreneur. Chris: So on the fire fast side, right? I mean I think it's whether it's performance or cultural fit, if it's not working, the sooner you move, the better your organization's going to be. Merrilee: But on the cultural fit too, that's a big one because they may have the capability to do it, but maybe at their own pace or maybe not at your pace or maybe they just have a different idea of work altogether. Chris: And one of the things we say here, it doesn't necessarily make 'em a bad person. This isn't the right organization for them and they need to go find that organization that will fit them better. But speaking of culture, how would you describe the culture that you built at BuzzBallz? Merrilee: Okay, so my culture at BuzzBallz, we hardly had any turnover because I treated it like family. I think that people quit managers, and I've heard that before, but people do quit, managers and they quit companies that don't believe in them. And I think that is a big cultural learning. You've got to do things together, you got to take them to lunch, you got to talk to them, you got to get involved with their family life, know their kids' names. You need to know something about the people that report to you. Now when you have a thousand people reporting to you can't possibly do all that, but you can have parties and you can have celebrations and you can recognize people at every level of the totem pole. And I think some of the things to do to build culture, we would have a cook on staff that cooked for everybody every day because that $10 a day savings meant more to, and it meant a lot to me because they could start the lines on time. I didn't have to wait for somebody to go get a burrito down the street and come back. They could just go ahead and keep together. And it built culture that way too. They started to trust each other, they started to rely on each other. And the other thing that we did was we all rolled up our sleeves. It didn't matter whether you were the lead accountant or if you were the CEO, if something needed to get done, you go do it. Chris: I think Merrilee: That's great. So it's not that it's above you or it's somebody else's job. Chris: Yeah. Kind of lead by example, right? No task is above anyone. It's all about getting the job done. Merrilee: Correct. Chris: And I think to your point of knowing your people as best you can, when you start to scale the business as you did, I think it breaks into tier. So within your direct reports or a level or two, you have the ability to get to really know them. And then I think it's important to teach them that they take it another level down and really have good connections within their direct reports and then you can layer that through the organization so that people feel connected. And so Merrilee: One thing I learned too, Chris, is I learned that people are better managers than me. I'm more of an inventor. I'm an entrepreneur. I'm not really a good manager of people. I'm a good people person and I'm a good salesperson, but I don't like doing the management of the day to day of my car broke down or I'm sick or I need PTO approved or I need blah, blah, blah, blah. I don't like doing any of that. All the administrative stuff that comes with management I'm terrible at. It's not that I'm terrible, it's just that I don't want to do it. I would rather have somebody that's better at it do it. I think that it's really important that people see your genuine self and that you're honest and fair to them more than equal. Equality is different than fairness. And I think fairness trumps equality, fairness. Somebody who comes to work every day works their butt off every day, takes care of you, always says they're going to get it done. That person is a person I want to hire versus somebody who's complaining and moaning about equality. If you gave them a day off, I want a day off, I need a PTO day just because I just need a de-stress day, it's buzz off. I don't need you to complain about your daily work. Chris: Everybody has stuff. So despite that, we still have to get a job done and that gets lost sometimes. And that just goes back to the hiring process and making sure, and I agree with you, no hiring process is perfect. It's more of an art than a science, but if you really focus on some of the right things, you're going to have better hits. But again, like we said earlier, once you realize you've made a mistake, you got to make a move. Merrilee: And also about the speed of hiring. When you said hire slow, I've been with companies that hire too slow and they drag prospective employees on for so long doing too many rounds and they lose them Chris: For sure. I guess it slows relative, but yes, if you drag it out immersively long, if you have a good process, you know what you're looking for. And within a couple rounds of an interview, you should know whether that person's going to hit fit or not. We talked a little bit about culture and I guess one thing would be interesting is how do you believe that you've been through a transition in the last 12 months? Has that culture been impacted by that Merrilee: Tremendously? Yeah. Culture is completely different with a big company versus a small entrepreneurial company. Entrepreneur companies are more freewheeling, more giving in terms of the things they allow people to do. They help people more. Bigger companies are more rigid. They have more rules because they have to, they're just bound by more legal problems if I could say. So just they've got more issues to have to Chris: Worry, maybe legal hurdles and regulations and such, Merrilee: And they have just a bigger spotlight on them. So people are always looking at them trying to find fault and trying to sue them for anything possible. There's rules and regulations that they have to abide by that I didn't. So culture has changed also with they had to let go a lot of people and that was really hard because these are people that I loved and people that I cared very dearly about that helped me build the business, but they had their own internal structure and people already filling some of those roles so it didn't make financial sense or business sense to string them along and have two people doing the same thing. So there were some business decisions that were made that affected culture. Yes, Chris: It's almost inevitable when that type of combination happens, right? Because there's going to be some overlap and a business has to run efficiently and can't have two people doing the same thing Merrilee: And they just run it differently. It's not that one's better or one's worse. They just are different. And I tried to pick a company to buy us that would be as close as possible to our culture and I tried to pick one that was privately owned and family owned and manufacturing instead of some other kind of company. I didn't want private equity or anything like that. I wanted somebody that held some of the same beliefs I did and I think I did a good job with this company. I really like them and I think they have a lot of great ideas, but it's different than how I would've done it. Chris: Hello friends. This is Chris Hanzlik, your building Texas business host. Did you know that Boyer Miller, the producer of this podcast is a business law firm that works with entrepreneurs, corporations and business leaders. Our team of attorneys serve as strategic partners to businesses by providing legal guidance to organizations of all sizes. Get to know the firm@boermiller.com and thanks for listening to the show. So let's talk a little bit about innovation because what you did there was nothing like it on the market. Obviously the initial concept seems unique and novel As you grew the company over those 15 years, how did you incorporate or encouraged innovation within the company to keep it going? Merrilee: We would have so much fun together. We always had happy hours after work and we would sit and brainstorm with a cocktail in our hand and just anything goes. We would talk about anything and everything and we would do fun marketing things too. Things that were a little edgy maybe too far. Like we had Buzz Ball condoms for spring break and we had crazy stuff for marketing and now the marketing is a little more toned down because it's going to the general populace instead of just craziness. So I think that that's changed for sure. Tell me again what you were asking about Chris: Kind of incorporating innovation into Merrilee: Innovation. Yeah, so it's just Chris: Propelling success. Merrilee: We would try different flavors and this tastes gross or this tastes like medicine or no, I don't like it or I don't like the color of it or whatever. So we had an r and d team and they were fun people and that was really important to me. I wanted the ability to have the science aspect of it, but I also wanted the ability, we had a good formulation going so that we could do that. Now, one thing we decided when it was around, I don't know, four or five years in, we were thinking, oh, sales are starting to slump a little bit, wonder what's going on. We should start our own vodka and our own rum and our own gin and our own bourbon and start making those. We could do that. And so we started doing that. The thing we didn't do well was marketing of those products. So those products felt flat over two or three years. We had distribution, but we didn't know how to sell it because we had been selling in a different channel in a different way. So we went back and focused on our core learning from that mistake, just innovation is something else. Do you want to make things in a different shaped container? So we came out with the biggie, the giant biggie, and I had always wanted to make a big bowling ball sized buzz ball and everywhere I went, they were like, no, the Chris: Party size, we Merrilee: Can't do it party size, we can't do it. That's what they kept saying, you can't do it, you can't make it. It won't work. We found a way to make it work and it's one of the coolest looking things on the market and we've got witches potion coming out pretty soon. We've got biggie, BuzzBallz everywhere. Chris: I think one of the things you mentioned there, just it's okay to try new things and expand, but you've got to stay on top of 'em and I guess you said with the vodka and the bourbon and whatnot, eventually we're not as good at this. So you have to know just higher or firing fast, you have to know when to cut that off and go back to your core to really just focus on what you're good at and be the best at that. Merrilee: And so what we did with all that excess booze that we made is we just drank it in our bar. We had it at our bar at work. We had a nice big bar at work, so we would Chris: Some cost savings. We had to go buy support Merrilee: Our habits. Chris: So I'd be interested to know, you said you were in the Dallas area when you started this company. Do you feel that being in Texas as a entrepreneur and startup business had its advantages that allowed you to achieve the success that you have? Merrilee: I knew that Texas is a little bit cheaper than some of the other big cities out there, la, New York, and it's centrally located, so that helps a lot in terms of shipping, but I don't think that Texas particularly helped me other than this is where I grew my family and it was home Chris: Cheaper real estate. I think typically a legislature at the state level that's business friendly. Merrilee: Yeah, yeah, it is. I think that the other thing I wanted to make a point of is we have a big labor pool, not necessarily good though, it's a big labor pool, but sometimes you have to go through a bunch of people to find the right kind of people. What's that work ethic thing? Chris: Of course. So let's talk a little bit then about leadership and how you would describe your leadership style and how you think that evolved over time. Merrilee: I'm a hugger. I walk down the hall, I smile at everybody, I talk to everybody. I give them a hug, I eat lunch with 'em. It's an open door. So I think that is one thing that's different about me. I care about my employees so much. When COVID hit, one of the things we did that I'm especially proud of was we started our own little school. So I knew I needed employees to show up for a manufacturing plant, but how could they do that if they had to stay home to take care of their kids? Their kids' school was closed, so I was like, I'll start a school. And so I started a school onsite, a buzz ball school, hired a Texas education, the agency teacher and an aide, so a TE, a certified teacher and an aide, and we converted a conference room, big conference room into a kids learning center and we got headphones and we had them get their PCs from all their different schools. We had kids' books, we had play mats, we had tents, we had all kinds of stuff. We cooked breakfast for 'em, we cooked lunch for 'em, we gave them a snack, we helped them with their homework and then their parents could bring 'em to work at 6:00 AM before school starts, but 6:00 AM We had somebody there to greet those kids when their shift started, the people working and we'd help the kids, give them a snack, give them their homework, make sure they got everything done, and then their parents could eat lunch with them if they wanted to during that day and then pick 'em up at two or three o'clock in the afternoon when their shift was over. But that's one of the things I'm really proud of. That's like a different thing that we had to do for COVID. So we did a lot of things like the lunches, the free lunches. We also gave everybody time off between Christmas and New Year's, right around December 22nd to January 2nd, I just said everybody gets that time off because of when I was a teacher. That was really important to have that family time and when you're working your job for your first year when you're out of college, or even if you never went to college, you get two weeks vacation. That's not enough for the whole year. So two weeks vacation plus a week of PTO for sick time, and then you get this extra 10 days off paid and you don't have to come to work. You can make that plan and go to New York for your family. And then we also give them a bonus at Christmas so that they could buy some Christmas presents. Some of them were paycheck to paycheck and so it meant lot. Yeah, just little celebrations, chili cook-offs and dinosaur races and silly stuff, but it was good. It was a good relationship, good culture. Chris: What you just mentioned about the school during COVID is fascinating to me and brilliant by the way, so kudos to you that would fit within my definition of innovation. Thinking outside the box and going, one, you have to keep your business going and so how can I do this given what my workforce is dealing with? And you found that is an amazing solution. Merrilee: We also decided that we would be an essential business, so we made BuzzBallz, hand sanitizer, we took some of our spirit based vodka and rum and gin and put these little toppers on them instead of the 50 ml size that's on the airplane that had a screw cap, put these tops on 'em and then made hand sanitizer, gave it out to all the lab corps, all the hospitals in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, all of the grocery stores, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, spirit Airlines, we gave it out to so many people and all the hospitals and everything. So that was one way that we could stay in business made us essential. Chris: It's funny, I had some clients do some similar things with hand sanitizers during that time. Of course, looking back, if you remember the spike in alcohol cells during COVID, it seems like it would've been a natural essential business anyway, right? Merrilee: Straight answer from any kind of government saying essential business or not. I was like, we're going to make ourselves essential, and people wanted to buy our hand sanitizer and I'm like, no, we're giving it for free. We're not doing it for money. We're doing it for the betterment of mankind. Chris: At that point, it was so uncertain, right? Merrilee: Yeah, we thought we were going to die, we're going to all Chris: Die. Thank goodness that didn't happen. We've suffered that. I think there's been a slow progression back to normalcy in the business world as a result of COVID. You see it more and more the work remote versus now just this year a lot more about five days a week back in the office, which four or five years ago, you never thought that would happen. Merrilee: That really made me mad too, that everybody was expecting to work from home forever, and I was just like, that's not real life people. You need to collaborate with other people. You need to get things done. And you can't do it in a bubble unless you're like a computer programmer and that's all you do all day is sit in front of your pc. It doesn't make any sense if you're in a people oriented business. Chris: I couldn't agree with you more. And that's what our firm is, people oriented, customer service, customer facing professional services, and we say we're better together and the collaboration is key. It's where learning and training and development come from, and we think where our best client service comes from. So we got to be together. We actually got back in the office in May of 2020 in a smart and safe way, but it was that critical. Merrilee: It's changed time and leveraging technology. I've just noticed such a flowing in customer service and an accountability and when you call somebody to set up an appointment for something, you get some robot on the phone and you push one and you push two and then you push one and then you push three and then you get somebody that's a voicemail or whatever. It's so frustrating. There is such a decline in accountability. It's like somebody's always passing the buck to somebody else or that's not my department. I don't do that. And companies have gotten so big, and I'm talking about the big at ts, the big companies that don't ever answer their phone, they don't have a human that answers their phone. You can't get support. And I think that when it's just so refreshing when you have a company that actually answers their phone, that actually responds to your email that you sent, even if it's a complaint, somebody listened. Somebody responded, oh crap, I'll buy their stuff forever because of that. I was mad, but now I'm happy. Chris: So true. So you mentioned something, it was a while back, but you talked about making mistakes along the way. Can you give us an example of maybe one or two where you're like failure or mistake, but that you learned through persevered through made you better because you had that experience? Merrilee: Yeah, so I had so many mistakes. I think that it's so important to make mistakes because you don't get better unless you make mistakes. Mistakes don't mean failure. Overall. Mistakes mean it's an opportunity to change it for the better, to make your product better, to make it more solid. One of the things early on that I did was I was making a pina colada and I was using real coconut cream. A lot of these entrepreneurs come to me, I'm going to do everything with real stuff. It's healthy, it's this, it's that. It's whatever. I'm not going to use anything artificial. That's great. Okay, go for it. Is it shelf stable? Was it going to rot on the shelf? All those kinds of questions I have that come up when you do a commercial product. But anyway, I was making this pina colada coconut cream. What I didn't know, what I didn't Google was that coconut cream freezes and turns solid at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. So I'm sitting here making this coconut cream. Oh my gosh, taste is so good. The pina coladas were so awesome. And then after that sat there on the shelf for about two or three months, it started to clump up and it looked like cottage cheese in the container. So when people would open it up, they're like, so that was one mistake that I learned from and had to fix, and we did and it's awesome. Another mistake I made was I was using real orange juice in my, instead of triple suck, I was using some orange juice in my tequila, Rita, it was a margarita, and I wanted just a little tad of orange juice in there. That orange juice pulp turned brown over time and you don't notice it when you make it. You don't notice it when you test it, but it looked like fish food floating around in the bottom of my container. You could see through my container Chris: Once it goes on the shelf and sits for a while right then, Merrilee: And people are going, I'm shaking it and there's brown specks going around in here. What is that? So these were all early lessons learned, just things you learned just by running the machinery or by cleaning products or by making the containers. I can't even tell you how many mistakes I've made, but I think most of my mistakes were later on more with people than with product And also just learning who to trust. Trusting your gut instinct I think is one of the most important things entrepreneurs have to do. When you feel something's wrong, it is wrong. Even if you meet somebody that seems to be nice or really important, they might just be weird or they might have a problem. So got to keep your distance. Chris: That's good. On that point, any advice you received along the way from someone that really stuck with you and helped you through the journey? Merrilee: There was lots of times I had advice, but it wasn't really framed in terms of advice. I remember when it was pretty early on, my dad came to see me and it was before we knew any level of success and he sat there and he looked at the buzz ball and he goes, I think you might have something here. And that just felt so good to me to hear that from someone else. And it wasn't because he was my dad, it was just like he was just a normal person looking at a normal product and he was judging it and I thought, wow, okay. He said that. Another one that comes to mind is Blair Casey. He was an original distributor for me, and he was the first guy to bring in my buzz ball product into Texas. He worked for Glazer's at the time, and then I hired him in 2017. He came on board and became my head of sales. Anyway, this guy was always positive. I relate him to Ted Lasso, but he's just so positive. But he always was, glass is always half full with that guy, and I always remember his way of being more than him saying the glass is half full, but the glass was always half full with Blair. And even when you focus on how it's half empty, you got to remember that it's also half full. Chris: Look for the positives in the learning though. That's great. Great stuff. Merrilee really appreciate your insights and sharing your story. A couple of things just to maybe wrap things up more Texas specific. Is there anything, having been in Texas for a long time, any traditions or things that you and your family like to do in the state or in the dallas Fort Worth area? Merrilee: I like to go to Stars games and things like that. My husband loves to play golf. My kids, I've got five grandkids now, so home is special to me. My home is the most important place to me and there isn't really, I can't say I like State Fair of Texas or the PBR Rodeo or anything like that is sticking out in my mind. I like to go occasionally, but I like to stay home a lot and I like to spend time at work a lot and I love Christmas holiday lights. Just the holiday season, seeing all the lights, it just warm my heart. It just makes me feel good. Chris: That's great. Okay. Here's a question for you. Do you prefer TexMex or barbecue? Merrilee: TexMex with lots of cheese. Chris: Lots of cheese. I can relate to that. Merrilee. This has been great. I really appreciate your time. Congratulations on just what a cool story coming from a teacher to a very successful alcoholic beverage manufacturer. Merrilee: Oh, thank you. Thank you. I'm on my new things now and I'm actually making some barbecue sauce and doing some other things with gourmet land that's a completely different new products, new company, and that's where I'm spending a lot of my time now. And RAC is carrying the torch for BuzzBallz and they're doing a great job. Chris: Well, it sounds like you meet the definition of some of my favorite people, which is serial entrepreneur onto the next thing. Merrilee: Can't stop. Chris: I love it. I love it. This has been a pleasure. Thanks again and wishy continued success. Merrilee: Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Chris: And there we have it. Another great episode. Don't forget to check out the show notes at boyer miller.com/podcast and you can find out more about all the ways our firm can help you@boyermiller.com. That's it for this episode. Have a great week and we'll talk to you next time. Special Guest: Merrilee Kick.
Welcome to Week In Geek Wednesday for our quick-hits segment of entertainment and interesting bits of internet debris for you... the people! In this episode, we talk about "Avengers: Doomsday", season four of "Ted Lasso", and a bunch of "Star Wars" goodness! FULL VIDEO EPISODES! That's right folks, you can see our bright smiling idiotic faces in full color on our YouTube channel. Full episodes available as well as clips. LINKS OF INTEREST: - Interesting Avengers Doomsday Rumor involving Captain America - Ted Lasso Season 4 Finally Gets a Release Window - The Real Symbolism of Darth Vader's Destroyed Helmet - Jon Favreau's impact on Star Wars returns next year with Mando and Grogu and a Mando episode that Favreau directed points to great things ahead ...AND ANOTHER THING: The Man They Call Tim suggests watching "The Blues Brothers" on Netflix Uncle Todd suggests trying out gluten-free non-alcoholic beer from Go Brewing FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIAL MEDIAS: Facebook - http://facebook.com/freerangeidiocy Instagram - http://instagram.com/freerangeidiocy YouTube - http://youtube.com/@freerangeidiocy
Look to the sky and engage your T-circles—this week we're talking about Superman! We dedicate this week's episode to James Gunn's DC superhero spectacular and the newest adaptation of this classic character. We cover the casting, action sequences, comic book elements and a whole lot more over the course of our discussion. And we make sure to hit all of the photon rivers, Mighty Crabjoys, and alien babies along the way. It's another fun chapter in our superhero summer, and we hope you join us! Also, we're considering changing our name to the Justice Gang. What? I think it sounds cool. Support our show and become a member of Scott's Tots on Patreon! For only $5/month, Tots get ad-free episodes plus exclusive access to our monthly Mailbag episodes where we casually pick through every single message/question/comment we receive. We also have bonus series available to our Patrons, like our White Lotus Christmas Special, Party Down, Ted Lasso, Survivor, and unreleased episodes of this show. Oh, and Tots get access to exclusive channels on our Discord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The fellas kick off season two of In the Lion's Den with Tennant McVea, ODU Men's Soccer Head Coach. The crew wraps up last season, discusses off-season priorities, recruiting, both returning and incoming players, and much more. Tennant answers Aaron's question of whether he's a soccer simp because he likes Welcome to Wrexham and whether Ted Lasso is a smash or trash. Strap in, it's going to be a fun ride this season. If you haven't subscribed, please smash that subscribe button to help us grow our YouTube channel and if you're not a member of The Pride of ODU yet, please consider joining at https://theprideofodu.com/pages/membershipsCHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:57 Last Season Wrap Up03:30 Off Season Priorities04:55 Returning Players06:30 Spring Goals - Development10:13 Incoming Class, Players to Watch For, and Recruiting Model24:45 Facility Upgrades 30:00 Building Schedules33:45 Diversity of Sun Belt Soccer Styles41:30 Welcome to Wrexham and Ted Lasso46:25 Tennant's Message to Monarch Nation
Meredith: I knew something bad was going to happen today. Oscar: You said that yesterday Meredith: Yeah, my neighbor got murdered. Mix yourself a one-of-everything and make sure to wear your bathing suit under your shirt—this week we're drafting Meredith moments! Joined by guest and friend of the pod Hannah, we go through and draft the best quotes, faux pas, and accidental flashes that make her one of our all-time favorite characters.But to kick off the pod, Alex and Edwin take a moment to react to the first trailer for The Paper. We give our first impressions, early predictions, and reactions to seeing Oscar Martinez back on screen. Stay tuned—we'll be talking a lot more about The Paper once it comes to Peacock on September 4! Support our show and become a member of Scott's Tots on Patreon! For only $5/month, Tots get ad-free episodes plus exclusive access to our monthly Mailbag episodes where we casually pick through every single message/question/comment we receive. We also have bonus series available to our Patrons, like our White Lotus Christmas Special, Party Down, Ted Lasso, Survivor, and unreleased episodes of this show. Oh, and Tots get access to exclusive channels on our Discord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Cougar Town looks so beautiful, if only it were real… Get in, loser! We're catching the next golf cart to a mythical town full of single older women! From the big bad comedy brain of Bill Lawrence (Scrubs, Shrinking, Ted Lasso) and dynamite performances by Courteney Cox, Busy Phillips, Christa Miller, Dan Byrd, Brian Van Holt, Ian Gomez, and Josh Hopkins. HostsGeoff KerbisMax SingerRich Inman
LOOK OUT! It’s only Films To Be Buried With! A REWIND CLASSIC! Join your host Brett Goldstein as he talks life, death, love and the universe with wonderful actor and improviser ZACH BRAFF! Dearest Films To Be Buried With crew! Last week was the Tony Hale Rewind Classic. This week we have the Zach Braff Rewind Classic. The season is indeed transmitting in a slightly different frequency to usual, but we truly appreciate your continued support and listening ears. Regular service will resume shortly, but for now we are on a bit of a Summer Holiday schedule! The podcast has thrown a tantrum and screamed and screamed and all of us involved in its making have had to sit it in the car with a lil' sippy cup, a lollypop, its favourite teddybear (a fluffy Simba of course), and throw on a ton of easy to sing-a-long playtime jams on the stereo, while we drive it to the seaside where heaven help us we may all get some peace. So thank you for being here, and for being cool and patient while we all resume our composure. Everyone exhausted after that extended metaphor? I can only assume so. X Each Rewind gets a mini brush-up and comb through too, so hopefully you'll be experiencing a "remastered" feel too - no quad-surround Dolby action unfortunately but just a slightly nicer iteration for 2025. Below is the original writeup: ––––––––––––––––––––––––– Actor, director, screenwriter, fake doctor. But REAL friend. You may of course know Zach from his full term shift as J.D. in Scrubs, or maybe you saw Garden State, or perhaps some more recent work altogether - well here's your perfect chance to catch up on everything Zach, which includes those fun packed back in the days nuggets, the Scrubs podcast, what the term 'execution dependent' could possibly mean, directing a Ted Lasso and becoming an inventor in the process, younger day sob-fests, and being an HSP! You'll find out. A lovely chirpy episode which you'll love! Video and extra audio available on Brett's Patreon! IMDB A GOOD PERSON FAKE DOCTORS REAL FRIENDS INSTAGRAM –––––––––– BRETT • X BRETT • INSTAGRAM THE SECOND BEST NIGHT OF YOUR LIFE TED LASSO SHRINKING ALL OF YOU SOULMATES SUPERBOB (Brett's 2015 feature film)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The guys are continuing their experiment this week, as it's Thomas' turn to take the week off. Deremy and special guest, AJ Klima, are teaming up to break down five essential Ted Lasso characters. This is a show that didn't quite pull Thomas in, but Deremy loves it and he found the right person to geek out with. Let us know what you think and send us a request!Twitter (X): @popculturefiveInstagram: Pop Culture Five PodcastEmail: popculture5pod@gmail.com
“The Ligament”, and Nate continue into Hour 2 talking Chiefs with Pete Sweeney from Arrowhead Pride recapping the chiefs first pre-season game over the weekend. The guys talk about the first look at Josh Simmons in game action, as well as what they saw from other players fighting for starting jobs. Also how much stock to put into what we saw on the field Saturday, and an injury update on some of the players who were hurt during the game. Next Todd and Nate get into the filming of the show Ted Lasso in Kansas City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have an episode suggestion? Text us!In this week's episode of Paige's Perspective, I unpack a quote from Ted Lasso that stopped me in my tracks: “This didn't happen to me; it happened for me.” I talk about what it's like to sit with anger, resentment, and grief (even after years of healing) and why it's okay to not be grateful for the pain itself, but still be proud of the person it shaped.From learning to trust your gut, to setting boundaries that actually protect your peace, to finally letting go of the belief that love is enough to fix addiction; I'm sharing the lessons that hit hardest and helped me grow. If you've ever questioned whether healing is working, or felt like you're back at square one, this episode will remind you: healing is messy, non-linear, and incredibly brave.Whether you're still in the thick of it or finding your way out, this is your reminder that it's okay to feel it all and still rise. You're not alone.Support the showFind video clips and full length video from this episode on YouTube and our other social media pages!On the web:www.twfo.comOnline Course: www.independentlystrong.comUse code WHEELIES75 for 75% off the entire course!Soberlink Device:www.soberlink.com/wheelsCheck out our blog:https://twfo.com/blogFollow us on TikTok:https://tiktok.com/@twfo_coupleFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/twfo_couple/Follow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TWFOCoupleFollow us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@twfo_coupleFind Taylor Counseling Group:https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/Donate to Counseling for the Future Foundation:Donate Here
The podcast is back, but Eddie's Whoop isn't working, and Frank might have something to do with it. England and India finished up a thrilling series of Test Match Cricket, but how did England throw away the 5th test, and who's to blame for their 2nd innings collapse? Plus, should babies be allowed in first class on flights? Donald Trump has chosen an interesting selection of athletes and coaches for his MAFA council. And is season one of Stick better than Ted Lasso?
"I wake up every morning in a bed that's too small, drive my daughter to a school that's too expensive, and then I go to work to a job for which I get paid too little. But on Pretzel Day... well, I like Pretzel Day." Plant that beet seed and get in the pretzel line—this week we're talking about Initiation! We dedicate this week's episode to this iconic episode from season 3. We cover all the major storylines, including Pam tracking Micheal's productivity, Stanley's love for pretzels, and Dwight and Ryan's sales call. And of course we mention all of the pretzel toppings, Cosby impressions, and Mose cameos that go into this episode. Then we head to the Conference Room where we talk jock jams and perfect personal pretzels before closing with a classic round of listener-submitted trivia! Look, just get in the coffin. Support our show and become a member of Scott's Tots on Patreon! For only $5/month, Tots get ad-free episodes plus exclusive access to our monthly Mailbag episodes where we casually pick through every single message/question/comment we receive. We also have bonus series available to our Patrons, like our White Lotus Christmas Special, Party Down, Ted Lasso, Survivor, and unreleased episodes of this show. Oh, and Tots get access to exclusive channels on our Discord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our guests in this episode are Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, the dynamic storyteller-and-strategist duo behind Lead It Like Lasso. They've channeled their passion for helping people find their path into a groundbreaking new book and AI-powered app called The Business of You. In our conversation, Marnie and Nick explored their brilliant framework for taking control of your personal and professional destiny.Key points discussed include:* Run your life like a business, taking charge of every personal 'department' to achieve your vision.* Uncover your unique story by connecting past experiences to present strengths to articulate your true value.* Leverage AI not as a crutch, but as a personal coach for accelerated self-awareness and growth.Listen to the podcast to find out more.Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Show Notes from this episode with Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, Lead It Like LassoIt was an absolute delight to welcome Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio of Lead It Like Lasso fame back to the Innovabuzz podcast. I always appreciate the energy they bring, and this conversation was no exception. They unveiled their powerful new project, a book and AI-powered app called The Business of You, which spawned from a moment of wonderfully blunt honesty in an airport lounge where Nick, after some thought, declared Marni's initial idea "terrible." That moment perfectly captures their creative magic: a process built on trust that transforms a simple concept into something truly impactful.Their new work tackles a feeling many of us know all too well: the sense that we're just a hamster on a wheel, blindly following a path that was laid out for us by someone else. Marnie shared how the protagonist in their book does all the "right" things, good grades, networking events, hundreds of applications, but feels stuck, seeing no real success. It's a state of aimless drifting, of putting in the effort without a clear, personal direction. This system is designed to be the antidote, helping people step off that wheel and start building a life with intention.Becoming the CEO of Your Life (And Head of Every Department!)The core idea Nick and Marnie propose is both simple and profound: start running your life like a well-managed business. At first, that might sound a bit cold or corporate, but as Nick explained, it's about adopting the positive traits of successful organizations. It means having a vision, setting meaningful goals, and understanding all the different functions that make you who you are. You aren't just the CEO of your life; you're also the head of every department, from HR, which defines your core values, to Marketing, which tells your unique story to the world.This isn't about spreadsheets and performance reviews. It's a framework for self-awareness and purposeful action. When you think about the "finance department" of your life, for instance, it's less about money and more about the critical investment of your time. By viewing your life through this structured lens, you can identify which areas are thriving and which have been neglected, allowing you to grow in a more balanced and holistic way.The Power of Your Story: Moving Beyond Facts to Find Your ValueOne of the most powerful parts of our chat was Marnie's story about a student she mentored. He was struggling in interviews, coming across as "all over the place" because he didn't know how to connect the dots of his own life. By guiding him to see the pattern between his experiences: from playing soccer as a seven-year-old to his approach to work today, he suddenly "lit up." He understood his story for the first time.That afternoon, he interviewed for a full-time job and the next day for an internship, and he got both. This is the "marketing department" of you in action. It's not about reciting a list of facts from your resume; it's about weaving those facts into a compelling narrative that shows the world the unique value you offer. As Nick wisely put it, "how you do anything is how you do everything," and learning to tell that story is transformative.Your AI Life Coach: How Technology Can Help Connect the DotsThis is where their innovative AI-powered app, "Blue," comes into play. It's designed to be the tool that helps you uncover these crucial insights. Instead of a dry questionnaire, the app uses engaging and playful games, taking inspiration from platforms like Duolingo, to help you identify your core values, motivators, and even your "kryptonite." It makes the process of self-discovery feel fun and interactive.The real magic, as Nick detailed, is how modern AI allows the app to function as an adaptive life coach. It's not a rigid, rules-based system. It can take your unique inputs and help you "connect the dots," offering personalized suggestions. Whether it's brainstorming an essay topic that aligns with your values or crafting networking starters for an event, the technology serves as a primer to help you articulate your best self.Data with a Conscience: Navigating AI Privacy and SecurityOf course, whenever we talk about AI and personal data, the elephant in the room is privacy. I was impressed with how seriously Nick and Marnie are taking this responsibility. Nick gave a firm assurance that their user data will be handled within a "secure, encrypted, and closed" ecosystem, meaning your personal information isn't being exposed to the outside world or used to train public models.Marnie also made the crucial point that we, as users, need to become more discerning. We have to get better at vetting the tools we use, asking critical questions about security and what's happening with our data behind the scenes. It's a shared responsibility, and it's refreshing to see builders in this space leading with such a conscientious approach.Your Action Plan: Stop Drifting and Start BuildingSo, what's the big takeaway? The foundation for everything is self-awareness. It's about understanding that a core value like "helping people" can manifest in countless ways, far beyond one specific career title. This understanding opens up your world to opportunities you may have never considered.The first step is to embrace the mindset of being the CEO of your life. As Nick urged, it's about consciously thinking what that means for you and accepting that it requires putting in the work. But as I've found in my own journey, when you're building something that is truly yours, that work starts to feel a lot like play.In Summary: Marnie and Nick have created a brilliant framework for intentional living. By treating your life as your most important business, uncovering the power of your personal story, and leveraging technology as a tool for self-discovery, you can move from passively drifting to actively building a life of purpose and fulfillment.The Buzz - Our Innovation RoundHere are Marnie and Nick's answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.* Most innovative use of AI to enhance human relationships – Use AI to create engaging icebreakers for teams or to find thoughtful ways to make loved ones happy.* Best thing to integrate AI and human connection – Write a book and build an app that help people connect with themselves and others.* Differentiate by leveraging AI – Adapt assessments and tools with AI to help people understand themselves and interact more effectivelyActionBe cautious and ask questions about the apps and tools you use, especially regarding privacy and data. Take responsibility for your own growth by thinking about what it means to be the CEO of your life, and commit to doing the work that self-awareness requires.Take time to truly think about what it means to be the CEO of your own life, and recognize that you must be prepared to put in the necessary work to make that vision a reality.Reach OutYou can reach out and thank Marnie and Nick on LinkedIn (search for their names), at thebusinessofyou.ai, or by subscribing to their newsletter at workinprogress.ai. You can also find them on all major social platforms under “Lead It Like Lasso,” and their book will be available on Amazon starting early August.Links:* Website - Lead it Like Lasso* LinkedIn - Marnie Stockman* YouTube - Lead It Like Lasso* Facebook* Twitter - @leaditlikelasso* Instagram - @leaditlikelasso* LinkedIn - Nick Coniglio* LinkedIn - Lead it Like Lasso* TikTok - @leaditlikelassoBooks* Lead It Like Lasso, Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio* The Business of You, Marnie Stockman and Nick ConiglioCool Things About Marnie and Nick* Their new book was born from a "terrible idea." The entire concept for their book, "The Business of You," started with Marnie having a thought, and Nick walking about 60 steps away in an airport, only to turn around and declare, "I think you had a terrible idea". This speaks volumes about their fun, honest, and dynamic creative partnership. It's a refreshingly real origin story.* They run a satirical career advice newsletter. As a side project, they created "Work in Progress," a newsletter they describe as "The Onion as your career coach". This is wildly unconventional for leadership experts and shows their witty, "jaunty" sense of humor and a unique approach to engaging with their audience on a very human level.* Their AI assistant has learned to mock them. In the process of training their AI on their writing style, it has picked up their habits so well that it now makes fun of Marnie for overusing the word "spiral". The fact that they have a running joke with their own technology is a funny, fascinating insight into what it's really like to work at the human-AI frontier.* They are turning pop culture into practical life frameworks. While many people enjoy TV shows, Marnie and Nick have built an entire brand around deconstructing the leadership lessons from "Ted Lasso". They now have a new framework with "You, Incorporated." This ability to see and translate profound lessons from popular culture into actionable advice is a unique and creative talent.Imagine being a part of a select community where you not only have access to our amazing podcast guests, but you also get a chance to transform your marketing and podcast into a growth engine with a human-centered, relationship-focused approach.That's exactly what you'll get when you join the Flywheel Nation Community.Tap into the collective wisdom of high-impact achievers, gain exclusive access to resources, and expand your network in our vibrant community.Experience accelerated growth, breakthrough insights, and powerful connections to elevate your business.ACT NOW – secure your spot and transform your journey today! Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel and get ready to experience the power of transformation.VideoThanks for reading Innovabiz Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit innovabiz.substack.com/subscribe
The hit series “Severance” managed to knock “Ted Lasso” out of its place as the most-watched show on Apple TV+. That's partly due to its unique premise, which explores a nightmarish experiment to enforce work-life balance by splitting a person's consciousness into two. There's the you that goes into work (your “innie”) and the you that lives outside of work (your “outie”). A few months ago, actors Tramell Tillman and Zach Cherry — also known as their characters Mr. Milchick and Dylan G. — sat down with Tom Power to discuss all things “Severance.”
Chip Conley is the founder of Joie de Vivre hotels, the second-largest boutique hotel brand in the world. At age 52, he joined Airbnb as Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, reporting to CEO Brian Chesky, who was 21 years younger. He earned the title of Airbnb's “Modern Elder” by guiding the young founders on leadership and culture while learning Silicon Valley's tech mindset himself. Today, Chip leads the Modern Elder Academy, the world's first midlife wisdom school, and is the author of best-selling books like Wisdom@Work and Peak. He champions the idea that age and experience are assets—and that midlife can be a launchpad for renewed purpose and impact.In this conversation, we discuss:1. The reality of Brian Chesky in “founder mode”—the good, bad, and stressful2. How Chip went from running 52 boutique hotels to becoming Airbnb's in-house mentor in his 50s3. The “mentor and intern” mindset: how to simultaneously teach others and stay curious like a beginner4. Why AI might actually favor older workers (hint: human wisdom vs. artificial intelligence)5. His framework for navigating midlife transitions and finding meaning after 406. Specific tactics for older professionals to thrive in tech companies7. Surprising data that midlife is often the happiest time of life—and how to leverage your 40s, 50s, and beyond8. Chip's formula for managing anxiety and fear (and how to regain control when worry strikes)—Brought to you by:Great Question—Empower everyone to run great research: https://www.greatquestion.com/lennyVanta—Automate compliance. Simplify security: https://vanta.com/lennyCoda—The all-in-one collaborative workspace: https://coda.io/lenny—Transcript: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/chip-conley —My biggest takeaways (for paid newsletter subscribers): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/i/168435278/my-biggest-takeaways-from-this-conversation—Where to find Chip Conley:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipconleysf/• Website: https://chipconley.com/• Modern Elder Academy: https://www.meawisdom.com/• Podcast: https://www.meawisdom.com/podcast/—Where to find Lenny:• Newsletter: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com• X: https://twitter.com/lennysan• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lennyrachitsky/—In this episode, we cover:(00:00) Introduction to Chip Conley(04:09) Chip's journey with Airbnb(10:35) Insights on working with Brian Chesky(19:56) The value of intergenerational collaboration(25:57) Addressing ageism in tech(41:33) Chip's early career and founding Joie de Vivre(43:54) A life-changing near-death experience(46:39) The importance of company culture(55:57) The Modern Elder Academy(59:21) The upside of aging(01:06:53) AI in daily life(01:09:14) Lightning round and final thoughts—Referenced:• Brian Chesky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianchesky/• Brian Chesky's new playbook: https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/brian-cheskys-contrarian-approach• Natalie Tucci on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalietuccishoff/• Laura Modi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurahughes6/• How to build a cult-like brand | Laura Modi (Bobbie): https://www.lennysnewsletter.com/p/from-growth-to-slowth-the-making• George Tenet: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Tenet• Joie de Vivre Hospitality: https://www.hyatt.com/jdv-by-hyatt/en-US• Fest300: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fest300• John Q. Smith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnqsmith/•Will A.I. Replace New Hires or Middle Managers?: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/business/ai-job-cuts.html• Burning Man: https://burningman.org/• Sheryl Sandberg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheryl-sandberg-5126652/• Bill Graham: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Graham_(promoter)• Maslow's hierarchy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs• Measuring what makes life worthwhile: https://www.ted.com/talks/chip_conley_measuring_what_makes_life_worthwhile• Jonathan Mildenhall on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mildenhall/• Becca Levy's website: https://becca-levy.com/• Kabuki Springs & Spa: https://kabukisprings.com/• How positive age beliefs can support positive health outcomes with Becca Levy, PhD: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/population-care/how-positive-age-beliefs-can-support-positive-health-outcomes-becca• The U-shape of Happiness Across the Life Course: Expanding the Discussion: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7529452/• The Midlife Unraveling: https://brenebrown.com/articles/2018/05/24/the-midlife-unraveling/• Four Seasons: https://www.fourseasons.com/• Blue Zones: https://www.bluezones.com/• The Esalen Institute: https://www.esalen.org/• Wisdom Well blog: https://www.meawisdom.com/wisdom-well/• Elizabeth Gilbert TED Talk: Your elusive creative genius: https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_your_elusive_creative_genius• Ted Lasso on AppleTV+: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/ted-lasso/umc.cmc.vtoh0mn0xn7t3c643xqonfzy• I'll Push You: https://www.illpushyou.com/• Vuori shorts: https://vuoriclothing.com/collections/shorts• Fly Ranch: https://flyranch.burningman.org/—Recommended books:• Wisdom at Work: The Making of a Modern Elder: https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Work-Making-Modern-Elder/dp/0525572902• Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World: https://www.amazon.com/Range-Generalists-Triumph-Specialized-World/dp/0735214484• Peak: How Great Companies Get Their Mojo from Maslow: https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Great-Companies-Their-Maslow/dp/0787988618• Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age: https://www.amazon.com/Learning-Love-Midlife-Reasons-Better/dp/0316567027• Man's Search for Meaning: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Viktor-Frankl/dp/0807060100/• Emotional Equations: Simple Steps for Creating Happiness + Success in Business + Life: https://www.amazon.com/Emotional-Equations-Creating-Happiness-Business/dp/1451607261/• Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Magic-Creative-Living-Beyond/dp/1594634726—Production and marketing by https://penname.co/. For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email podcast@lennyrachitsky.com.Lenny may be an investor in the companies discussed. To hear more, visit www.lennysnewsletter.com
BELIEVE! In trivia!Brendan Hunt is best known as Coach Beard on the Apple TV series “Ted Lasso.” He'll tell us about how the show got started, why they decided to put out another season, and why fans always recognize him in airports.Ashly Burch is a well-known part of gaming culture. She's voiced characters of such critically-acclaimed games like Horizon: Zero Dawn and Life is Strange. She'll demonstrate her voice work and tell us about her YouTube series “I'm Happy You're Here.”Areas of Expertise:Ashly: The show “Parks and Recreation” seasons 3 and 4, 2006's (aka 2005's) Pride & Prejudice, and aerial silks.Brendan: Elvis Costello's under-appreciated album Spike, the Beatles song “Hey Jude,” and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871What's the Difference: PaybackWhat's the difference between restitution and reparation?What's the difference between a spinal cord and a spinal column?Guest Experts:Jeri Heiden and John Heiden: Grammy-winning designers whose work included albums for Madonna, Pink, Elvis Costello, and more.Mara Marini: Actor who's appeared in shows like “Parks and Recreation,” “Schitt's Creek,” and “Blackish.”Natalie Morales: Actor who's appeared in shows like “Parks and Recreation” and films like My Dead Friend Zoe.Hosts: J. Keith van StraatenHelen HongCredits:Theme Song by Jonathan Green.Maximum Fun's Senior Producer is Laura Swisher.Co-Producer and Editor is Julian Burrell.Seeing our next live-audience shows by YOU!
This week's quickie is giving chaotic neutral in the best way possible. We're talking Backstreet Boys nostalgia (yes, they still have it goin' on), Scheana Shay's infamous “bedpost list” and the wildest celeb confessions, plus the airborne poster moment that almost decapitated Keltie. Oh, and a totally random but heartfelt detour into why Ted Lasso has us all crying into our throw pillows. It's a pop culture potluck — and everyone's invited.We have summer deals for YOU!!Old Navy: Need summer activewear? Shop in store OR online at OldNavy.com21 Seeds: The official tequila of LadyWorld! Discover more at 21seeds.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Get in the spaceship and hide that baby—this week we're talking about Fantastic Four! As the next (and last?) chapter in our Superhero Summer series, we dive into the latest entry from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We cover the storyline, casting, and planet-eating villains that go into this movie, highlighting its unique aesthetic. And of course we also get into the molemen, Silver Surfers, and home cooked meals that make up the film. Look, I know you don't want to say it, but it's clobbering time. Support our show and become a member of Scott's Tots on Patreon! For only $5/month, Tots get ad-free episodes plus exclusive access to our monthly Mailbag episodes where we casually pick through every single message/question/comment we receive. We also have bonus series available to our Patrons, like our White Lotus Christmas Special, Party Down, Ted Lasso, Survivor, and unreleased episodes of this show. Oh, and Tots get access to exclusive channels on our Discord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Lo LaBonta is joined by McCall Zerboni and Lisa Carlin to discuss the on-going Summer of Soccer. What has KC Current been up to while the EUROS, Copa America Femenina, and Women's AFCON have all been taking place? And what's it like from a players perspective when your domestic season gets cut in half by major international tournaments are taking place around the globe? We are up for nomination in the 2025 People's Choice Podcast Awards as Best Female-Hosted Podcast! You can show your support by helping us advance to the Finals. Register here: http://podcastawards.com/app/signup/ and select the best female-hosted podcast drop down and select Attacking Third! Watch USWNT and NWSL games on P+" with a link to https://www.paramountplus.com/home/ Attacking Third is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and wherever else you listen to podcasts. Follow the Attacking Third team on Twitter: @AttackingThird, @LisaCarlin32, @SandHerrera_, @Darian_Jenks, and @CCupo. Visit the Attacking Third YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/attackingthird You can listen to Attacking Third on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Attacking Third podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Once again we head to the phone lines for another classic voicemail episode! We take messages from our beloved listeners, including some long-time friends of the pod and some first time callers. Some of them are questions, and some contain pointed yet welcome feedback on our takes and past episodes. We talk about Michael's diet, who we'd cast to play us in a movie about the podcast, best ways to eat potatoes, and more. Support our show and become a member of Scott's Tots on Patreon! For only $5/month, Tots get ad-free episodes plus exclusive access to our monthly Mailbag episodes where we casually pick through every single message/question/comment we receive. We also have bonus series available to our Patrons, like our White Lotus Christmas Special, Party Down, Ted Lasso, Survivor, and unreleased episodes of this show. Oh, and Tots get access to exclusive channels on our Discord. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices