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Let's talk balance! What goes into creating a work-life system that honors and prioritizes all these hats we wear? Anne and special guest co-host Erikka J share their own methods for balancing the various elements of a successful voiceover business, and discuss how to maximize productivity using techniques that keep the whole self in focus. Stay tuned for great conversations about time management, rest and relaxation, technology tools, and so much more. Explore focus skills, and learn how balancing your personal life and work life can be the key to being the best #VOBOSS you can be… MORE: https://www.voboss.com/balance >> It's time to take your business to the next level, the BOSS level! These are the premiere Business Owner Strategies and Successes being utilized by the industry's top talent today. Rock your business like a BOSS, a VO BOSS! Now let's welcome your host, Anne Ganguzza. Anne: Hey everyone. Welcome to the VO BOSS podcast. I'm your host Anne Ganguzza, and today I am excited to start a brand new series with special guest co-host Erikka J. Woohoo! Erikka: Hey! Anne: Hey Erikka. Well, for those of you that don't know Erikka, she is a singer-songwriter and award-winning voice actor. She's voiced commercials, narrations, political campaigns, for top brands such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft, Apple, IBM, Discover, Black Lives Matter, and many more. She's also a product and project management professional with 15 years experience in various sectors, including state and federal government, contracting, eCommerce, software development, and automotive. Woo Erikka. That's a list. Wow. You do an awful lot. Erikka: I forgot most of that. Thanks for the reminder. Anne: And not only that you just came back from like an extensive learning experience, extraordinaire at one of the JMC Euro retreats in Barcelona. Erikka: Yeah. Yeah. That was awesome. Anne: You're doing it all. It's kind of crazy. I think, uh, how do you do it? How do you achieve a balance with all of that? Because it just seems like, you know, you and I both, I run multiple brands, and it's something that we deal with, I think, on a daily basis. I think it would be a great topic for today's episode to talk about how we can achieve balance in our VO careers. Erikka: Absolutely. Anne: Or lives, not just VO careers, right? Erikka: Right. Anne: Take that back. Erikka: Right. For sure. Like the whole life 'cause family too. Anne: That's right. Erikka: How about that? Anne: That's right. Erikka: Um, but key number one, the number one tool is coffee. Both: Anne: Oh my God. And I literally, before we came on, I filled my cup to the max. So yeah, I've got coffee, but don't forget, BOSSes, also have that big old jug of water in your studio. Erikka: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. Anne: Because I use that as a chaser so my vocal cords don't dry up, but yes, coffee. Erikka: I do both for sure. Not too much coffee. Just that one cup for me to get going in the morning. And if you wanna lay off that, green tea is a good alternate. You know? Anne: Yeah, absolutely. Erikka: It has caffeine. Anne: Absolutely. Erika: But yeah. You know, prioritization is a huge piece of how I handle all that. I don't get to every audition I want to sometimes, you know? Anne: Well, yeah. I remember that being my biggest hindrance, I think in progressing in my voiceover career back when I first started, because I had a very demanding tech job, and it pretty much took like all hours of the daytime for me. It wasn't just nine to five. I mean, a lot of times I was even working overtime, and I don't know if that's true with you, but it was hard for me to get to those auditions on time. Erikka: Yeah. So thank goodness I don't really have the overtime thing. Being able to work full-time from home kind of helps with that balance. So I know a lot of different places are offering that now, or maybe even just, you know, once or twice a week. So that helps a lot. But man, it is definitely a prioritization game, and to be able to accept and give yourself grace that you just can't do everything. Anne: Yeah. Erikka: So you do what's most important. Anne: Well, I think one thing that has changed well since the pandemic, right, the fact that you can potentially work from home, if that's a possibility, unless you work for Apple, right, at this point because Erikka: Right. Anne: Yeah. That's not gonna be a possibility, I don't think, but interestingly enough, our world has changed since the pandemic with people working from home and lots of companies offering their employees the ability to at least work remotely a portion of the time, or even sometimes forever. I know my husband can now work from home forever, and I actually really love that. I love having him home. I think he loves not having to sit in the commute for how many hours, which actually depending on how you use that time, I used to always listen to podcasts when I was sitting in traffic to try to make my time valuable in traffic. But yeah, it's so different now. So thankfully, if you work from home, you might be able to squeeze in and audition here or there. Erikka: Yeah. You know, I think corporations have increasingly become more aware of the benefits of balance to the corporate business. So people understanding that if I don't have to spend two hours of my day in traffic, maybe I'm more refreshed. Maybe I'm willing to spend an extra hour at work, getting that report done because I don't sit in traffic to do it. I can do a load of laundry or pick my kids up and come back and do a meeting. So I think that that's why a lot of them are increasingly okay with some remote work. Anne: And also there were some studies that were done that said that people were more productive at their home. Erikka: Absolutely. Anne: And I think for us as voice talent, because we primarily work from home anyways, if we're full-time, it makes all that much more difference to have that in-person kind of contact, which we get at conferences. But for the people who work full time, such as yourself and are voice actors and successful ones, not even just, oh, you're just starting out -- no, you're a very successful voice actor, not only finding time for auditions and work, but also escaping for a week or two to go to conferences and further your education. How are you working that with your job? I mean, is that something you have to beg for or I remember I was used to beg for time off. Erikka: Well, couple things. I think that just honestly, from a personality perspective, I'm not one that needs to be in the office and get the human interaction. I am a true textbook ambivert. I get my extrovert activities in, and I'll run to my bubble and you won't even know it. Like, you'll be like, where'd Erikka go? Like I needed to go recharge. So I don't necessarily need that, that touch. I get plenty just by doing live sessions and talking to people and the people in my home, and I'm good. But because a lot of my job is prioritization at work as a product owner, like I'm literally prioritizing work for my software developers, I just kind of make sure that I have everything done and ready to go if I know I'm gonna be out. And thank goodness I work for a wonderful company that has a great, flexible, unlimited PTO policy. So as long as your manager approves it and you know, your work is done, they're like, go ahead and take your time off and take care of yourself because that -- know that rested employees or employees that are able to live their lives and not have it all be about work are more productive and produce better work. Anne: Absolutely. And it really enables the creative aspect, I think of the profession to really shine if you have that time, that downtime. And I have to say that I do like the companies that enable the unlimited PTO. If you've got your work done, I know my husband has that same thing, and it's really, really made a difference. When I was working full time, it was one of those professions where I couldn't really work from home. And so it really was kind of prohibitive for me to do voiceover during the day, while I was at the job. But I think we have so many more opportunities these days, especially if you work in the tech sector. Right? And you don't necessarily have to be out in the field fixing computers or anything, but if you work and you have remote capabilities and so -- remote software capabilities and you know, there's Zoom. Thank God for Zoom and all the technological capabilities that help us to at least simulate a meeting with another person and see their faces, which I think is great. But yeah, I think starting out now in VO and working a full-time job, I think is a little bit easier. Erikka: Oh, absolutely. Anne: Yeah. Erikka: And like you said, there's more opportunities for remote work. It's, you know, more accepted and not as taboo and seen as, oh, you're gonna kind of, you know, screw up or at home and just not really do your work. That's not really the thought anymore. And even with voiceover has become increasingly remote. You know, it's not so much that you have to go into the studio for every single session or even for auditions. It's been more accepted that there's a lot of technology available where and, you know, knowledge where people can actually have broadcast quality studios from home. So I think on both sides of it, it makes it easier now that technology has advanced. Anne: And now let me ask you a question in regards to your , it's not even just a double life 'cause you do so many things. I feel like it's a triple, quadruple, like whatever kind of a life. Erikka: Yeah. Anne: Now do you tell your employer about the fact that you are a voiceover artist as well? And are you transparent with that? Or how does that work for you? Erikka: I'm so glad you asked that question because it was a little bit of a journey for me. So before I was really kind of doing voiceover to the magnitude I am now, it was more so music. And you know, I was writing at night and doing gigs on the weekends, and I was working for the government at the time. And you know, that just didn't really quite mix. And I wasn't really keeping it a secret, but I didn't broadcast it either. And the more I got uncomfortable with that, because I felt like I was hiding a piece of myself, I started to talk about it more. And then when I got this new job in the private sector, I was kind of really focused on corporate for a while and then pandemic hit. And you know, I started to say, you know what, this is me as a whole person. And I have a corporation that really values the whole person. And there are things that I learn in voiceover that help make me more creative at work. And it turns out I've actually done a couple of jobs for my company. Actually, they had a commercial that they ran here locally in Atlanta to try to get people to apply, you know, a lot of employment campaigns happening. So I was able to use that experience of literally the script was, we have multitudes and you know, people do all these other things. The visuals are showing people, doing all these other things outside of work. And I was like, that's me too. So I stopped hiding, and I actually have it on my LinkedIn. My headline is both of my titles. Anne: I love that. Erikka: And I love it. And I know that it's not comfortable for everybody, and not all corporations are quite that there yet, but I encourage some people to consider that. There was someone I was talking to and she's a doctor, and she had two separate profiles for her medical work and for her narration work. And I'm like, oh my goodness, do you know how much medical narration work you could get? Because you have the credibility of being a doctor. Anne: Oh, absolutely. Absolutely. Erikka: I say combine them if you can. Anne: Yeah. And be as transparent if you can. You know what's nice I think about voiceover is I feel like if there's a conflict of interest, , there's not high risk of that happening in your job, because there's really nothing else like voiceover. And, and I feel like, you know, unless of course maybe you're voicing a campaign for a competing company. Erikka: Yeah. Anne: That might be where some of the conflict of interest is, but in terms of actually having another career and being able to be transparent with your employer, I think that today it's even better than ever to have both. Right? You can have it all. Erikka: Absolutely. And I'm so glad you said that because that is one thing I did when I first got a job and they reached out to me, and it was actually my company as a whole separate media or creative agency, and they reached out to me for a job, they found me on 123. And I was like, whoa, I wanna make sure this isn't a problem. And I did reach out to our ethics and legal department, and they cleared it. They said, this is fine. Anne: Oh, that's great. Erikka: I think that's a great point to make sure you're not doing conflicts of interest. You don't wanna voice for, you know, a competitor and be the voice of. . Anne: Well, exactly. Erikka: That's probably not a good idea. So there are some considerations, but like you said, for the most part, it's pretty safe. Anne: Now, when you did your voiceover for your company, they did pay you, correct? Erikka: Yes. Anne: Separate? Erikka: They did. Anne: Yeah, okay. That's good. That's excellent. Now, was that something that you had to request? Because that's something I know a lot of people -- well, like myself and it was so long ago, it was just kinda like, oh yeah, you'll do those recordings for us. Right? You know? And it's part of your job, as part of your standard job. And, and at the time I don't think I was confident enough to like really stand up and say, hey, this is something that I get paid for. I think I used it as kind of a, a learning and a stepping stone as like here, because I hadn't really started working yet, but I wanted to. And I had been training. And so the timing for me was, oh, okay. This will be a good learning opportunity for me to voice some spots for the company and no, they're not gonna pay me, but that's okay because I'm on the job, then let me do it. And I'll consider this a learning on the job thing. Erikka: Yeah. I think that depends. So like in my case it was okay because it was actually a creative agency. It wasn't the company itself and they were hiring me. So it was fine for them paying me -- Anne: Okay. Erikka: -- you know, monetarily, but if a company that you're working for, and they're coming to you directly to, you know, voice a commercial that's going to put you in conflict and help sell something, I might not wanna do that, 'cause if you're without extra compensation, 'cause that takes you outta the running for other things. Anne: Sure. Erikka: But if it's like, you know, an e-learning or an explainer and it's not gonna take a lot of, and like it's, you're on the clock anyway, and you do kind of need the practice, I think that can be great. It's not necessarily a bad thing if it doesn't put you in conflict, but I think that's sort of a case by case, you know, see what feels right to you. I, I have heard of some people getting taken advantage, which I don't think is right. Anne: Yeah. I agree there. Yeah, I think that also, if it isn't a conflict of interest, I think it, it is something that you're talking about. I think it's also something that if we've not thrown the topic of you are worth it enough around in the industry, let's do it again. Right? You are worth getting paid. And I think that if you are transparent and your company finds that there's no real, you know, conflict of interest, you should mention, you know, if they ask you to do something for them, I think that you should absolutely stand up and, and say, yeah, absolutely. And will this be, you know -- for me, I was like, well, will there be an additional check for this? Or will there be additional money being allocated for this job? Because I would be happy to provide you with a quote. Erikka: Yeah. And the thing is that comes into that is it's not just your time. And it's really easy to just say, oh, we are just talking into a microphone, but who bought that microphone? Who bought the interface? Anne: Exactly. Erikka: Who bought the computer? Who paid for the training so that you had to do this in 30 minutes or whatever? You have a business; you have a media business. You're not just talking into a microphone, and you've invested in that. So they need to pay for part of that. Absolutely. Anne: So let me ask you a question, now, how are you prioritizing hours in your day? Is it possible for you to actually say, oh, here's I, I have an hour here that I can do auditions depending on the day, the schedule, the meetings? How do you organize your day with a full-time job and then working in full-time voiceover? Erikka: Yeah. So I have a lot of tools that I use, some new-school, some old. You know, I use things like ever node and -- Anne: Yep, yep. Erikka: Task List, Google Tasks and things like that. But I also, honestly, I'm really good about just paper and pencil, and I know that's old and I'm like an elder millennial and I still use it, but I do to-do lists. I, I use the calendar on my phone. Anne: me too. I love my calendar. Erikka: I love it. So it's like if I have auditions, and I know that they're coming in, you know, they're probably coming in from the west coast later in the day, I might try to record them that night if I have the energy for it. And maybe I'll edit them in the morning before my workday so that I can hear it again and see if I need to make adjustments. So I'll try to do that. I really try to get very efficient with my audition process and -- Anne: Yeah, that's key. Erikka: That is key. So that you're not spending 30 minutes on one audition. You don't have time for it. Anne: Gosh, yes. So here's just a little diversion into that world. And as a matter of fact, I've, I've talked to so many people that have been in the business for years, and auditioning is kind of a skill. It's like a muscle. And I think the more that you do it, the better you get at it. And also I think the more you realize that your first few takes are usually the ones that are the best, and it's not number 15 or 16 when you've rethought it or gone for a walk and come back and listened and said, oh God, no, it's horrible. Let me start again. Really, to be efficient, that I think is key to keeping a balance, right, to your work lives, you know, in multiple occupations. So don't spend an exorbitant amount of time on your auditions and just -- I always limit myself to three, takes three takes, done, send it and forget it. Erikka: Yep. Yep. And what I'll do too is like, if I it's a red flag to me, if I've been on something for more than 10, maybe 15 minutes, if it's a little longer, and I've have recorded auditions and not sent them, 'cause I was like, you know what? This just doesn't even feel right. This one isn't for me. Anne: I love that you said that because I have done that too. I always go by my gut instinct. And I feel that even if after the three takes, I'm not feeling it, I'm not gonna send it in. 'Cause you're right. Again, we are storytellers and we have to be able to envision the scene. We have to be in the scene to be real, to be authentic. And it has to feel right I think in order to really, I don't know, work. Erikka: Yeah. Yeah. That's part of the balance. And I think a lot of times we know, even before we get in the booth. Like I'll get that email and I'll get that gut. Like, Ooh, I can't wait to read this. You know? And then you get the one where it's like eeeehhh. Anne: Well, I think it's important to note though that when you read through it the first time, and just because you're efficient at auditioning doesn't mean that you're not reading through and doing a little bit of analysis now in the beginning. Because in order to know, if you wanna tell the story, you kind of have to know the story. So taking a look at that script and maybe doing a Google here and there for the company or the brand, if it's known, absolutely can help you. And it can speed up the process. Gosh, what did we do before the Internet, right, when we got an audition and we wanted to find out more about the product, or I'd never heard about the product and so oh, okay. I'm just gonna read these words. Erikka: I bow to the OGs that had to do that before me, 'cause I never had to, and I don't know what I would've done. Anne: Yeah. Just reading the words doesn't cut it these days. It just, it never really cut it before either, I don't think, but it really has to be something that organically comes from you. And to get to that position and to understand the story, you've gotta know a little bit about the story, and that takes more than a minute. Erikka: Yeah. Yeah. I'm so glad you said that. Efficient does not mean fast. They are not synonyms. It just means that you have a process down. You know, maybe you are speed reading, you know, you're not necessarily like really digesting and sitting with it for 30 minutes, but you are getting an idea of what the story is, how you might connect with it. And then sometimes I do come in the booth and cold read because for me it, sometimes it's more organic as someone who, who is literally anxious. Like I, I have anxiety and I get in my head and sometimes the cold read ends up being the best one. Anne: But a cold read doesn't always mean that you're not familiar with the words, either -- Erikka: The story. Anne: -- because there's a certain method to speed reading. And actually I just was reading about something called bionic reading the other day. Erikka: Yes. I read that too. Anne: Yes. Very interesting. Where you get certain letters highlighted in the words, because it says your brain -- Erikka: Brain fills them in for you. Anne: Yeah. Your brain is faster than your eyes. So I honestly am looking for that app so that I can put all of my scripts into it because I actually saw it and it worked for me that I was able to process the words faster and comprehend them. That's the biggest thing I think we need is comprehension. And if you can do that faster and more efficient, that's gonna again help you with the balance of managing everything that you have to do in any given day. So we've got your full time job, right? You've got your pretty much full time voiceover, I would say. And then now what else are you struggling with? Or we've got life actually. Right? We've gotta have that time, that downtime so that again, like we were talking about before, where we can refresh and reset. Erikka: Yeah. Yeah. I have this mantra when I was doing more so music, it was, I had these t-shirts that was like natural born hustler and that's still kind of my thing. I'm definitely of a strong work ethic. I love working, but as I've gotten older and had more things on my plate and been kind of forced into it, that has evolved into now that rest is part of the work. That's my mantra. Anne: You're right. Yeah. Rest is part of the work. I like that. Erikka: Because if you are not rested, you are not bringing your best self to that script. You are not bringing your best self to the booth, and you're not bringing your best self to yourself or your family. Anne: Agreed. Erikka: You've got to recharge. You can't keep using your phone. It's gonna die on you. you're no different. Anne: I love that. And I'll tell you, I was that person back in the day. I remember now I'm like, I feel like here I am, I'm old, but I used to be able to survive on four or five hours of sleep at night. I can't do that anymore. I need to rest and recharge. And my brain has to shut off. That I think is the most energetic part of me is my brain, all the time going. And that also kind of disrupts my sleep once in a while. Erikka: Well, yeah, I definitely have had issues with, with sleep. And the thing is that I had to learn that even being creative and balanced in all aspects of your life, even rest, it doesn't have to be the eight hours of sleep at night. I'm not one that can do the eight hours. Usually like a good night of rest for me is seven. But like I might catch a 15-minute power nap. I have a friend that lives by power naps and he's right. Like there are sleep cycles and you can research this. If you sleep in intervals of like, I think it's like 15, 30, 45 or an hour and a half, like that can give you an, like a boost literally. Where if you sleep, if an have an hour, like you interrupt a sleep cycle and it's not as efficient as if you had slept for 45 minutes, something like that. Anne: Sure. Erikka: And if you get creative about how you're resting, even not sleeping, if there's a way to just rest your brain, like silence, meditating, all those things count. Anne: Can I just say, as I've gotten older, a woman of a certain age, my sleep patterns have changed, where all of a sudden I'm up in the middle of the night for an hour or two. Erikka: Me too. Me too. Anne: So first of all, I'm so thankful and grateful that I have voiceover because I'm not paranoid about getting up, shower, dressed and out the door and fighting the traffic. I don't feel that pressure. So if I'm up for an hour or two in the middle of the night, I don't stress about it. I just am like, okay, that's my sleep pattern. That's just the way it is. If I'm not sleepy, I'm gonna, I don't know. I'm gonna, I don't know, watch some TV until I fall asleep. And so for me, I'm not stressing about the fact that I'm not sleeping and it's funny 'cause my doctor she's like, okay, okay. So I know you're probably stressed out that you have an irregular sleep pattern. I'm like actually no, I'm really fine with it. And hopefully it's the same with you because you have to maybe report to work at a certain time. But if you have flex hours, I mean, that's just an amazing thing that we can just not have to stress about that lack of sleep during the middle of the night or just different sleep patterns. One of my assistants, literally she works during the night and sleeps during the day. So. Erikka: Yeah. You have to learn yourself. Like that's the key to balance too is knowing what really works for you. Like I know me, even if I don't sleep well at night, I'm gonna probably be up before 8:00. My circadian rhythm just does not let me sleep late unless I am like really sick. If I'm in bed at 10:00, you need to check on me. Anne: Yep. Yep. Erikka: Because something is wrong. Anne: Same here. Same here. Erikka: So it's just about knowing, like if you're a night owl and you know that you're most creative and work well at night, then find work, whether that's voiceover or even corporate work, that's gonna match that. So that you can be your best self. Anne: Now, do you have any other, when you wanna come down and you wanna just refresh your creative, do you have any particular things that you do? Do you meditate? Do you exercise? Erikka: Yeah. So, I don't exercise as much as I used to or as much as I want to or should. Anne: Yeah, I know. I think, I think, I think we all go through that. Although I've come back to this point where I'm doing like little power bursts of exercise, because I have to. Like, we're talking like literally five minutes at a time. No, if I'm in between, let's say, students or in between a gig and I get outta my studio. I'm gonna do like my little squats. My arm movements, gonna grab a couple of weights and I'm gonna do like a power set for maybe five minutes. And I find that that really helps me a lot during the day. I feel much stronger now because before I was just sitting on my butt, and it was not doing me any good for sure. Erikka: For me, I had this little sticky note I wrote for myself 'cause I'm a sticky note-aholic and I called it 60 seconds of sunshine. So if I have sessions and meetings and all this stuff going on, I can give myself 60 seconds of sunshine. It gives me the fresh air to reset. It gives literally -- the sun is vitamin D and all these things and you know, it just kind of resets you. I would do that even when I was in the office, like I would just go outside for a minute. Even if I don't have time to really walk or do anything. Just finding little bursts, little things that you can do throughout the day to reset your brain. It does help. Anne: Yeah. I agree, that 60 seconds of sunshine, I like that. I think I'm gonna put that um, a sticky note on mine. That, and I love to just go and take a break and pet the fur babies. Erikka: Yes, oh my goodness. Anne: 'Cause that just releases my stress unbelievably well. Erikka: Absolutely, they're -- because they don't care about anything. They just want love and food and sleep. . Anne: That's it love, food, and sleep. Erikka: Love, food, and sleep. Don't we all just want love, food, and sleep at the end of the day? Anne: It's so true. Really. And that love includes ourself, right? And taking care of ourself and trying to achieve that balance -- where I know myself, I have fallen into this and anybody that knows me again, I am a little bit of a workaholic. And it's really become so important with me because I will say I've, I've encountered some health issues of late that have forced me to say, whoa, Anne. You are sitting too much. You're working too much and you need to really stop and take a look at -- now, I think it's one thing about me. I've always been super, uber focused. I mean, I play hard and I work hard. So I just got too many years during the pandemic of working way too hard and not necessarily playing. So I know myself, the balance has had to come back into play major, especially the older you get. I don't wanna sound like a, an old broken record, but I'll tell you what, it's so much more important as you age. That's that's all I can say. Erikka: You telling -- likewise, I told you, the natural born hustler. I still have some of those hats and shirts. People are wearing them. Like I was, I love working. I got that from my dad. Anne: Me too, me too. Erikka: It's true workaholic. Anne: And my dad too. Erikka: Yeah. However, like you said, especially as you get a little older and you start doing more things, and your body's going to tell you to sit down, and you don't do it voluntarily. It will do it for you. And I just, I'd rather make the choice. Anne: Absolutely, absolutely. So I think balance. So then if you had to sum it up, if we're working towards better balance in our lives with our careers and lives, what would be your recommendations? Erikka: Find something every day that gives you joy, because I think joy is something that is a super fuel. Anne: Super balancer. Erikka: Yeah. And if you have some -- I mean it could be something tiny. I mean, lately I've been more on like iced coffee. I don't know why, it's just been, maybe it's getting hotter. I'm usually like I want hot all year long, but the coffee is what gives you the joy in the first thing in the morning, it makes it help so much easier to cope with all the other things throughout the day and give you that balanced perspective of yes, maybe this thing is irritating me or hard right now, but I'm gonna be able to have coffee again tomorrow. Or, you know, whatever it is that brings you, that sort of sense of balance in your life. Prioritization is another huge one. You can't do it all. And if you're workaholics like me and Anne and you wanna do everything -- Anne: You think you can. Erikka: You think you can -- Anne: I found an app. Well, it's not even an app. You can go right online. It's called the Pomodoro technique. So literally I think it was developed and I don't know the name of the guy. Maybe it was Richard Pomodoro, but anyways, his mother had one of those old timers that was shaped like a tomato. And so he was a writer, and he was struggling to keep his focus. And so he decided that he would set the timer and focus only on his writing for a set number of time. So it turns out that 25 minutes was key for him. You do whatever you need to do for 25 minutes. And then for five minutes you take a break ,and then you come back. And you do it again. And you do four cycles of the 25 minutes focusing. And I'll tell you what. I started using it for my own writing. 'cause I write blogs, and I find, I love to write, but write writing takes me forever. And I get very distracted and I'm like, oh, I just got an email. Oops, just got a text. And so I literally this simple thing it's pomodor.app. I think you go there and it's a big timer on a webpage. You click on it to set it to 25 minutes and it does a little timer in your ear when it's all done. So I wear my headphones all day. And so it's literally click that 25 minutes and focus only on that one tab that I'm in or that application that I'm in. And it's really helped me. I have to say. Erikka: That is really a key to balance too, because one of the red flags that you're out of balance is burnout. When you're feeling burned out. And if you kind of iterate that way for yourself and make sure that you're setting aside some time for rest, then you can prevent yourself from burning out. There's a physical exercise sort of thing that approaches it that way called Tabata training where you work out for like four -- Anne: Oh yes, absolutely. Erikka: You work out for a few minutes and you have rest built into the routine. So that's awesome for your brain too. Anne: Absolutely. That's my husband, did Tatabatas in his spin class. Erikka: Yeah. It works. Anne: Exactly. You just, you give it your all for a few minutes, and then you rest and go back and do it again. So yeah. Pomodor, Pomodor technique. Yeah. BOSSes. We all need more balance, and I'm just so excited, Erikka, to have you for this new series. Really our theme is gonna be about balance throughout your career. And we're gonna be talking about all different things and how we can hopefully overall achieve balance and more success in life and in our career. Erikka: So let's do it, balance, baby. Anne: Yeah. So BOSSes, I want you to have a chance to use your voice to make an immediate difference and give back to the communities that give to you. If you wanna find out more, visit our newest sponsor, 100voiceswhocare.org to find out more. You can make a huge difference for just a small, quarterly contribution. And I'd like to give a huge shout-out to our sponsor, ipDTL. You too can connect and network like a BOSS like Erikka J and myself. Find out more at ipdtl.com. You guys, have an amazing weekend. We'll see you next week. Erikka: See you. Anne: Bye. >> Join us next week for another edition of VO BOSS with your host Anne Ganguzza. And take your business to the next level. Sign up for our mailing list at voBOSS.com and receive exclusive content, industry revolutionizing tips and strategies, and new ways to rock your business like a BOSS. Redistribution with permission. Coast to coast connectivity via ipDTL.

Closing Session - "My Spirit-given Function" Online Retreat with David Hoffmeister and Frances XuWhen you surrender, you're saying, whatever Your will is, God, I'm letting go of my expectation for an outcome. And the Course in Miracles adds; Let all things be exactly as they are, and all things work together for good. And if we need it just one more time, Jesus says; Without judgment, all things are equally acceptable. Wow! Without judgment, all things are equally good? What a state of mind. Nothing is out of place. Nothing's going wrong. Nothing's going right. Thank God. It's a world of illusion, so I don't need to judge it positively or negatively.Enjoy David and Frances's talk about surrender and engaging the participants in their Spirit-given Function.If you want to know more about David Hoffmeister and Living Miracles events, here is more information: https://circle.livingmiraclescenter.org/events.Recorded on July 3, 2022, at La Casa Quantico, Chapala, Mexico.

Mark Picchitti - I believe - Mark Picchiotti Extd remix (NEW) Bobby & Steve Johnnie Fiori - you will survive - Dr.Packer Main Mix (NEW) Crystal Waters Soul Central - Love one another - vocal mix (NEW) Jon Cut Jocelyn Brown - one - Se Denim mix (NEW) Roog Ron Carroll - wasn't for the music (NEW) Frank Savannah Venessa Jackson - I have a right - Extd mix (NEW) B.A.N.G! - give me (NEW) Da Lukas Suki Soul - searching for the one - Extd mix (NEW) Aldo Bergamasco Karla Brown - slap my biscuit ! - re-edit (NEW)

Brandon Schwab is based in Chicago where he specializes in boutique assisted living. Brandon who is, founder, and CEO of Shepherd Premier Senior Living and Boutique Senior Living Fund had experienced first-hand the deficient care of his grandfather at a large, industrial-type senior living facility, he vowed to make improvements in the industry by starting his own senior living company that provides better, quality care to the elderly. It seems that parts of the US are significantly under-served with this class of product. To learn more or to connect with Brandon tune in to today's podcast and you can set up a time to speak with him directly. Brandon talks about his unique business model of syndicating small senior living assets. Episode Link: https://boutiqueseniorlivingfund.com/ wwww.shepherdpremierseriorliving.com www.brandonschwab.com   Before we jump into the episode, here's a quick disclaimer about our content. The Remote Real Estate Investor podcast is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as investment advice. The views, opinions and strategies of both the hosts and the guests are their own and should not be considered as guidance from Roofstock. Make sure to always run your own numbers, make your own independent decisions and seek investment advice from licensed professionals.   Michael: Hey, everyone, welcome to another episode of the Remote Real Estate Investor. I'm Michael Albaum, and today I'm joined by Brandon Schwab, who is going to be talking to us about how he's turning the senior living facility industry upside down. So let's get into it…   Brandon Schwab, what's going on, man? Thanks so much for taking the time to hang out with me today. I appreciate you coming on.   Brandon: Hey, man, this year is awesome, man. Thank you for having me.   Michael: Oh, of course and I think we're gonna have a lot of fun today, talking about senior living, which is I don't think we've ever covered this topic on the show before. So I'm super excited.   Brandon: Never…?   Michael: I don't think ever I don't think ever and shame. I know, I know, I know. Shame on us, that's our bad but give us the quick and dirty. We're gonna get into senior living in just a minute. Give us we can do it, who you are, where do you come from and what is it that you're doing in real estate today?   Brandon: Down and dirty… I've been in Crystal Lake Illinois. For 35 years, I am 40. I've got two kids I got in real estate in 2010. But back before that, I actually opened up our own company at the age of about 15 years old. I did that for 14 years, until I figured out quickly that I didn't actually own anything. I thought I owned something the whole time. But I found out at the end, I didn't actually own any assets. So therefore, I  didn't actually have anything to own to actually have up for sale. So I got into this industry in 2010. After I got crushed after 2008 happened. I at the age of 15. I was cleaning cars in RVs for 14 years and I thought I was crushing it doing there. I was taking home 200 220,000 per year but I was probably working 7080 hours per week. So like wholesaling back in 2010. Because I was like dude, I got paid like $200 for each car and probably about 500 for each RV. So like wholesaling in our first deal was like $1,000 I was like, do you know that would take me like 40 hours just to like, even come close to that and I said I have to get into that business. So that's it, man, it's awesome. Fast forward to today I am changing the industry for how the elderly are taking care of totally upside down.   Michael: That's wait. So you're putting elders on their head? I don't think is that is that good for them?   Brandon: We obtained we are changing the whole and we're changing the whole industry of how everyone thinks of it because typically, if you think of the older industry, right? You think of 100 to 200 type with a ton of elderly in there, right? Tons of them, right and they typically have a pretty terrible odor and the odor isn't very good. It's the odor because people don't get any help and then there's also the atmosphere of everyone asking for help because the average caregiver has to care for 20 to 30 people. I don't know on you, but we are in the top country in this whole entire and if that's how we care for the elderly, I feel like we didn't do things properly and they have to be totally turned upside down because how they're currently doing it isn't able to operate. I had a thing happen in our family back in 2004 where there was a person in our family who was 85 who ended up in a place for 200 beds and we pulled the pull cord to have people come in there to help them and it took them 10 minutes 15 minutes by 20 minutes like I'm getting like pretty irritated by 25 minutes like I just lose my shit and I go out to get a them to help them and I can't say I handled it all that well because I kind of exploded but like that's how I was first exposed and it turns out that's actually common to how the industry is able to operate and I said that's terrible. I hate this industry, hate it, hate it hate it.   They bought 10 years after that I was down in Florida and I got exposed to a five a home that had five people in it and I was like what is this? You know at the time I had 23 homes in our total I began build In our portfolio in 2012, and by the end of 12, I had 23 homes and I had, I thought I kind of had everything figured out. Well, at the end of 14, I'm in this house down in Florida and I'm doing each one of these like arms kind of crossed, because I'm just looking at the place and I go, What is this? I haven't ever seen a home before that is it was probably a 2800 foot house. There was houses on each side, probably 10 or 12 feet from the house and I was just like, What is this because typically as I would go down to Florida, Kelly's dad would play his piano in the old folks home 328 times per year for 35 bucks and I hated going because it was typically in these huge in the elderly in the odor was just terrible and I was just like, if we can get out of that, is there anything that I can do that I don't have to actually, and I would offer to like cook to clean all of that just so I didn't have to go? Thank God, I didn't I didn't have any option because I was ill put this house and I was like, What is this? This is cool. It's it didn't have any odor. It had this awesome atmosphere and I was just like, how have I been in?   How have I been investing in assets and I don't have any clue what this is and I asked the girl in charge, and I said, hey, how much do these people pay to be here and I threw out a figure of like 1500 or $2,000 in this girl did this hurt? Like her eyes came down here and like this girl's answer was like, and just kind of kept on walking and I was like, Kelly, what the hell was that answer? She didn't even answer me. So I ended up calling her and the girl goes, Brandon, I am sorry, I thought that you were only kidding because they begin at $5,200 a month, what times five people I'm like, that's $26,000 and every home that I had all 23 Our highest was like $2,200 per month and our average was like 18 and I said holy crap that one house with five people in it was outperforming every house that I had two times each month. And I was like, I'm in the I have to get into that business and by the time I was able to come home, I found a house in a town of 832 people and it was the house was 4880 feet on three acres. So like we bought it for 250 and put $550,000 into it right over the top. I got this house full by February of 17 and we were gross and 55,000 of income within a cost of the expenses of like 30 to 32,000 a month. So this house was jam on month, one month, one house, we were changing the industry to and offered this cool option that people have never heard of.   Michael: So you're netting like 20 grand a month on this place.   Brandon: Per house, yes and I have homes that are 1015 and 20 each home. So that's the that's the entry level for us, is 10, so…   Michael: I mean, okay, I've like speeches, I have so many questions. So I've got to imagine caring for the elderly. This is a very medically intensive, medically heavy industry and so talk to us a little bit about how do you how do you get into this industry because I think there's so many barriers to medical and then care and I could go on but tell us how you how you got started.   Brandon: So when I got going, I had everything in the to open up the house, right, I was able to open it. I even got the first two or three people in there, right and when I quickly got past like two or three people, I quickly figured out that I didn't really have the experience to operate them, right. So I was doing what I was trying to do to get the house full was I was calling on churches, in particularly wanting to talk to the head of each church. Now, I found out quickly that churches are hard to call on because they don't ever answer and they don't tend to call you back but I finally got one and I called in I was talking to the church pastor and honestly, I think he felt terrible for me because he's like, Brandon, you aren't so good at this like this is this isn't going to be your thing, right? So like he goes Brandon, hi god, their closest friend was in health care for 38 years. She just retired in in. She was getting kind of anxious to like go in to do things. So they introduced me and she was in health care industry for 38 years I ended up taking You're out to eat every Tuesday for about six months and I finally got her on our team, I got her to invest, but I had her in charge of operations and that was back in 2015. So I basically was able to open up homes, but I quickly figured out that I needed a team of experts to actually operate them. So after I had her in, it was in 2015, I kind of had her handle the ops and I focus on opening up homes.   Michael: That is wild. So at the beginning, before you brought her up, where I mean, were you there at the home, cooking, cleaning, doing all that kind of stuff yourself?   Brandon: No, I only had to go there when people didn't come in. So there was a handful of times where a person called in, and I had to go in there. That wasn't very fun and I quickly figured out I need to have things in place that that isn't going to ever happen over because I found out quickly that I am not very good when it comes to cleaning and taking care of people I quickly said, you know, I had to get out early. So I found people, I did have to cover a handful of shifts and I did call in for help because there were some things I just couldn't do.   Michael: I can imagine, I can imagine. So when you're looking at properties, I mean, this first property, what about it kind of jumped out at you and said, Hey, this, this is a good candidate or a good prospect to purchase, you know, for this type of business.   Brandon: So when I was down in Florida, I saw a five bed house in the five bed house was great. But the five bed house wasn't. It was geared for like an owner operator, a person that was in a health care field and I quickly figured out that that wasn't going to be us that I couldn't do that personally. So I decided to exercise. So I was looking for a first floor house, it was like 5000 feet, first floor 5000 feet. That's hard to find. So when I came back home, I thought that they'd be everywhere because down in Florida, there's 1800 of these homes. California has 2800 out there close to you, I think Arizona has 3000, Texas has 15,000 back by us. There's 55 by five, so I said…   Michael: And when you say when you say these homes, you mean like single family homes in neighborhoods that are being used for senior care facilities.   Brandon: So I am talking about homes that are caring for the elderly under 10 people. It is under 15 people per home.   Michael: Okay, All right. So you had 55 in your market…?   Brandon: 55 not in and there's 18 in all of Florida, and there was only 55 here, right and I said, that's bingo. Perfect I'm in, so that's how I first jumped in but a thing a thing that happened is when I first got in, there wasn't a ton of other people out there doing this. So I had to kind of go teach people this concept. So the healthcare part was definitely challenging but the houses that I was trying to find where four to 5000 feet, first floor only our first house, it was on three acres. It was a financial planner that I purchased that bought our debt built in office on to his house. So I had to open things up, I ended up putting 550,000 into the first house. So I had four private bedrooms, and I had three bedrooms for two people each. So for privates, and then I had three for two. So I had a total of 10. Did I go over, did I go overboard? Absolutely but I feel like if you're going to do anything, you have to do it how it ought to and I put three ADA A's on the inside for people to go to the psych bathroom, I only had to have only one and I had 380 access points to get into the house and out of the house and we just did everything over the top. So that's how I first got in and then beyond that house, it was harder to find that type of house over. So fast forward to today I've got five homes up and operating. I got two homes opening up in quarter three this year. And then in 2000 are in I also have 7.2 acres of land that I bought before COVID that I was going to put our own homes on.   Michael: This is incredible. So what is the financing look like for these homes? I mean, can you go to a bank and say hey, I want the purchase. I want to purchase it at 20 and I want you to give me a line of credit for the construction for the rehab. I mean who's financing this type of stuff…   Brandon: I had a chance, dude when I went in there to talk to these guys, they thought I had like, they couldn't get it. These guys are used to like, easy, typical type deals, when I told them that, that I was going to 10 people each paying 5000 to 5500. Each month, their heads literally exploded. They're like, Hey, man, why don't you come back after you do your first house? Then I'll talk to you and I was able to do that and they're like, hey, why don't you come back when you have two houses and then at that, at that part, I am like, you know, I don't think I'm going to actually go ask him for anything anymore. But like, that's how it happens. So a thing that I do for financing is I actually brought in private capital, from investors on a per L for each home and that's, that is how we did, I had to offer some pretty high IRR hours. But when you're first getting things going, that is your only option and a thing that I found that I was really good at is when I was buying properties, I was buying like oddball type properties, not the typical like three to 2200.   So I was buying houses that were on properties that the typical family at the time weren't trying to buy, right. So I was buying houses that were on the app on the MLS for 200 days, 400 days, 500 days and what I would do is I would give them an offer for them to carry back financing at the full asking price. Or I would give them an offer for cash but the cash offer was like so like 50% and a lot of times I was just using that cash offer to help prop up the other offer but I've had a handful of times where when I was putting in those two offers, they would take the other one. So I bought one house off the MLS one time that was on for 2.4 million. I bought that for 750 cash and other time I bought one in Connecticut that was on the MLS for 2.1 million. I bought that one for 700,000.   Michael: Okay, you are not kidding, those cash offers 30, that's incredible a budget you're solving for someone's like, that's…   Brandon: Yeah, those are offers that as I was able to have them in I thought no ways anyone can ever take this off or like they are going to be like, click just kiss but they took him because our other offer was 1.8 million owner carry back financing and they just didn't take but that was probably only 30% of our upfront portfolio. The other ones, I've had them take the owner offer carrying back financing. So that so that is how we did hazing.   Michael: And then you bring in investor capital to do the rehab, whatever upgrades you need. Yep, amazing.   Brandon: Yes, sir.   Michael: So like, when you're looking at properties, there's got to be at Imagine zoning limitations or requirements or local licensures that you need to get what, like, what should people be on the lookout for or how should someone be thinking about those?   Brandon: Well, anyone that's thinking of getting into this themselves and having people operate it themselves, I would tell you don't do it. It is something that I casually got into it thinking that I could just figure it out and it's been one of the most challenging things I've done, where it's taken me eight years, open up five houses and it's challenging. But as I would look for houses, I would look for houses in an area where the household income, the average was over 80,000 and then one of the things that I would do is I would go to the population and I would look for a population of in each town over 65 years of age, I would look for like 10 to 12% plus, anything that was up over hire, that was awesome. I did buy the 7.2 acres of land, all of our first five homes, they're in towns where it's like, you know, 10 to 20 or 10 to 18% over the age right. And then the town that I bought this dirt in for 7.2 acres, we paid 220,000 per acre but it is located directly next to a Dell property.   That's that is 5500 homes that are all 55 plus. So our percentage of over 65 in this town of 26,000 people is 32% Wow. Let's go. All of us purchase that. Before COVID. We were finishing that we got through entitlements, we were going to build six homes, 20 beds each and in office, it was gonna cost us $15.5 million. We had the all of that done, we even had a closing in place for a family office down in Florida, actually to give us a 10 $10.86 million at 12% and they were going to close March 13 2020. We were going to begin pushing dirt April 1, 2020. If you think back to the time, a little COVID pandemic entered into this plan, and the family office were two guys that were probably in their 70s or 80s themselves that earned a bulk of their family office capital from offices and they were in the class a office industry, right and they were trying to take cash out of that inputted into any other asset class and they ended up pulling out two days before closing. Yeah, because they were having tenants that GSA weren't paying. So it wasn't ideal, the overall timing of it, but our things have changed where we aren't building today because cost the build is just too high, where we are holding off until that cost comes back down and we are doing other things today that that fit what is going on.   Michael: Okay, you should have told those guys look, you'll get a free room and board. Just give me the money. I'll build you a spot.   Brandon: I was trying. It just wasn't great timing. I was like, what COVID? Come on. That's fine. It was just too early for us to have any clue. So yeah, unfortunately, they passed but I'm gearing things today now to try to build those connections up with those guys, because a ton of those guys have capital galore. So much dry powder that's just sitting, where if they can find an asset class that is out there that can help the elderly that can help give them awesome IRR that's going to top inflation and also help have a tangible asset. That's what they are looking for today. I think the days where people earn in 200% 300% Kryptos those days are kind of over for some time now, where people are looking for tangible assets today and I have this, so…   Michael: That is amazing and so these houses, I would imagine they serve three meals a day, and they've got all the medical care and there's like it's like a proper business like you would expect to see if you went to a traditional elder care facility, you would have all those same amenities and sounds like and then more, right…   Brandon: So a thing that's different for us for a for every home that has 10 Total people in it, I have a caregiver to every five to eight, five to eight total people compared to the other. The other competition has a caregiver every 1520 to 30 people. That's the thing that causes the old the overall odor. So in a home for 10 total people, I've got two caregivers in there from 7am till 10pm and then I've got a RN that comes in in the am and in the evening just to have eyes on everybody and then I have… that comes each week or as he has to write. So I offer everything in a home that is very cozy that other places have in 100 to 200 type building. Now, with that being said, it's actually harder for us to be as efficient as everyone else. As I only have 458 homes, I actually need like 1020 3040 80 homes to actually have things be efficient. So I'll tell you 10 Plus, under 10, it's hard to be efficient and that's a thing that keeps other people from being able to get into this overall industry or if they do get in there.   They're the owner operator that owns a home or to homes but they're in it every day going 80 hours per week probably profiting 250 to 400,000 per year, but they're busy and I said you know I can't do that I'm going to operate a company that I can expand, to have time to go do other things. You know, I've our oldest is 14 years old and I openness that I could have time to coach him, right and I have been able to coach him playing baseball just since he was eight years old and that's only possible because everything here so time free is…   Michael: That's amazing, Brandon. I think my last question for you. I mean, I have a million more, let's be honest but we gotta keep this within time. How do you insure the thing, is it like us traditional long term rental? Is it insured like a medical office? I mean, what does that look like?   Brandon: Yeah, so the insurance is going to, you're going to have insurance on the overall asset but then you also have to have extra, the extra insurance for operating it for E and O for if anything is able to happen, if anyone's able to get hurt all of that. That's typically about $800 Each house each month but a thing for us, though, is because I haven't had any issues. Over the past eight years, we haven't had any, any type claims, whereas you're in a home with only 10 people, if you offer on if you offer awesome care, they don't tend to have any issues and that's what's awesome on this because typically at the other places for 100 to 200. They have a they've got a caregiver to every 20 to 30 people because the owners are trying to get it to earn extra money. The only avenue to do that is either to push up your income or to cut your expenses. That's the only thing to change the actual NOI. So what they typically do is they cut the care giver item, which is going to an increase the NOI. However, when people are able to have issues and they are able to pass, then you have their families, a attorneys after you and they're pissed, telling everyone how terrible you are. I always feel that it is better to do things how they ought to be done upfront, even if it's harder, because everything that I'm able to do is harder. Like this isn't easy by any means I would tell you, it takes you getting to like home tend to like really cover the overhead. The overhead I found to truly operate this properly, is over 500,000 per year and in order to pay for that you need enough houses paying towards that, to don't have each house covered in too much expenses that they just can't cover, so…   Michael: That makes total sense. Big numbers…   Brandon: Big numbers.   Michael: Yeah, awesome Brandon, this was so much fun, man. If people want to learn more about you reach out with additional questions. What's the best way for them to do that?   Brandon: They can they can call me or text me. So on my phone, you can call me at 815-790-2330 or else you can call our office of 847-380-8624, yes, 847-380-8624.   Michael: Amazing and do you have a website that people can check out as well?   Brandon: I do for our fund but our fund isn't for everyone or funds only for a for investors that are a core they are qualified purchasers. So it's a tear a BB it's a 506 C they can check that out their shepherd, our operating company, I can get you the page to put in there. So it is well just for anyone to put eyeballs on our actual homes or our fund is https://boutiqueseniorlivingfund.com/   Michael: Awesome.   Brandon: That is that as well, man. Thanks for taking time to talk with us today, man. This has been awesome!   Michael: It has been a pleasure, I am sure we'll be in touch soon and take care.   Okay, everyone, that was our show a big thank you to Brandon for coming on super, super interesting topic that like I showed at the beginning of the show. I don't think we've ever had someone on the show talking about this topic, so really interesting. Definitely go check out Brandon's fund, and it's an interesting asset class. See where it goes from here. As always, thanks so much for watching or listening, and we look forward to seeing the next one. Happy investing…

When you're remembering Love, it's only because Love is remembering you.Holding you.Healing you.Being you.You reaching for God is like a fish reaching for water.We're in It.He's everywhere.Thank God.I Love you,Niknikki@curlynikki.comToday's Quotes: "All your attempts to reach Me, are in reality My attempts to reach you."-Rumi"Sweet is the memory of Jesus, giving true joys to the heart; but sweeter beyond honey and all else is His presence." - from Aldous Huxley's 'The Perennial Philosophy'Bonus content:▶▶https://www.patreon.com/goodmorningsGo(o)d Mornings merch:▶▶https://www.patreon.com/goodmornings_______________________**I'm on vacation/pilgrimage/a self-care break! New episodes to resume in July!  I'll be checking in regularly on Patreon. I love you and we'll chat soon! Support the show

Daniel Sanchez, Camp Director at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about creating essential experiences for young people in church, including how his views of church work vocations were shaped as a child, why its important for him to help youth consider church work vocations, how he has opportunities to encourage youth in his vocation at camp. Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

In this podcast I share how the beast of Revelation, secular humanism, is in the last battles with Jesus and His people.  Secular humanism will be defeated and Christ will reign.   God wants to use you to stand for Jesus and to be cleansed from the corruption of secular humanism that are the tares of the last days that have infiltrated even the Body of Christ.  We are in a tremendous war to see who will dominate the world, Jesus or secular humanism.  Thank God we know Jesus has the victory for us!

Welcome back for part 2 of our interview with Viva Ruiz of Thank God for Abortion! Viva and Aspen continue to discuss the importance of abortion access, and how religion is not as cut-and-dry anti abortion as you may think. Thank God for Abortion can be found on Facebook, Instagram, or thankgodforabortion.com Image: Malvestida via Unsplash

RG AUDIO 062922   Hebrews 6:13-20 Jesus is good news for the world, but He is especially good news for Gentiles. The Jews were confident in their story, their history, and their covenant. Rightfully so. But Gentiles? Thank God for the work of the Spirit through Jesus Christ. Jesus, in Hebrews, is cast as the […]

Tiistaiaamussa iloittiin Iskelmäfestariviikosta ja käytiin Sukupuolten taistelu, jossa mies vaihtui viime metreillä!

After you see this movie, you'll thank God it's Saturday. 

Kevin Swanson provides a historical background on the modern abortion holocaust, beginning with the Bolsheviks in 1918. Will the social revolution continue with the vision of sex without procreation, sex without responsibility, 100- access to abortifacients, and homosexual sex without procreation- Will the dissolution of the family, of marriage, of sexuality continue- Will there be any curtailing of the kill pill by mail or the abortifacients that account for 90-95- of the abortions taking place in the world- Will the democracy vote pro-life, given that the US Supreme Court has turned things over to the populace- Will the churches engage a nationwide repentance on these matters- Thank God, three to five Supreme Court Justices went the right direction. But what will the voters do in November- --This program includes- --1. The World View in 5 Minutes with Adam McManus -Landmark religious liberty victory, Pro-abortion companies willing to pay for abortion tourism, Conservative Presbyterians leave leftist Nat'l Assoc. of Evangelicals- --2. Generations with Kevin Swanson

Thank God for all things

We celebrate our week of Vacation Bible School with our Children's Ministry Live streams available each Sunday at 9:45 & 11:00am on Vimeo at: https://vimeo.com/chippewaumc and on Facebook ChippewaUMC.org

Are our hearts divided? When it comes to our love for God, we'd say, “Absolutely not!” Wouldn't we? Reality Check: Yet, is it possible that, while we are zealous for God, we are still holding on to our own personal idols? Thank God for a Savior who loved and served the Lord alone!Support the show

Message by Pastor Stacey Shiflett Text: 2 Samuel 21 June 26, 2022 - 11AM

How often have we been ill, gotten well, and jump right back into life's routines? What about a prayer of gratitude for God's grace? We are witnessing the miraculous and not recognizing that it is God's grace that allow us to continue in this life.Thank God for the  grace of healing.Peace,Rev LeonPsalm 30

Read our negative glass door reviews: https://www.glassdoor.com/Reviews/My-Amazon-Guy--Reviews-E5219253_P2.htm?sort.sortType=OR&sort.ascending=true&filter.iso3Language=engApply to work at My Amazon Guy: https://myamazonguy.com/jobs/Here what our employees say is the real glass door at My Amazon Guy: https://myamazonguy.com/employee-reviews-of-my-amazon-guy/Dear Steven,I have been working with MAG for four months now. It was a life-changing experience for me and most importantly, for my family. In terms of learning. My skills are developing daily, and I love them. As far as earning is concerned, I am so grateful. Thanks for helping me along the way.Over the years, I have struggled to find a way to make a living to feed my family. I am a mother of four. I raise them from my sacrifices. It wasn't an easy task. Even though I finished college, I had a hard time finding a job during our time. Especially since we lived in a remote area. I even worked as a domestic helper abroad for several years just to support my children. I also experienced sadness and depression during those years. Not seeing my kids grow is the hardest part of motherhood. But I must stay strong for them. My first small business venture was selling cooked food (canteen) running a mini grocery and even selling street food just to support my family. Even so, it's not enough, especially since they are growing. When my 2 kids were about to go to college. I tried to support them because they are so eager to finish their schooling but it's heartbreak for me and them for I can't afford to send them to school. I'm earing not even enough to sustain our daily needs. So at a young age, they work early and find ways to support themselves. It's a good thing that we are now residing near a place where they can work as a call center agent. Though they did not finish college they can be hired. For so many years that's our routine.Thank God that He leads my way and guides me. God knows the pain and sacrifice I got through and He finally ends it and gave me a better way of living slowly but surely was trained to start when I taught as an ESL teacher and I continue and focus to learn more in different wayfinding where I'm fitted. Until I learned about Amazon VA. I enrolled and continuously developed myself. As so blessed that you gave me this opportunity to learn and earn.Since I was hired at MAG I already have 10 active referred interns and 2 copy writers working at MAG. Just like me, they are so thankful and so happy to be a part of this blessed company.I'm training people for free to learn about the basics and foundation of Amazon VA and encouraging them to enroll in MAG courses.With respect,As a newbie in Amazon world, I'm lucky enough to have someone who gave me an opportunity to share my passion for work and to be able to learn more deeper about the business.

Seb Skalski Carla Prather - closer than close (NEW) Darry'l D'Bonneau - let there be a way - Dr.Packer remix (NEW) Mr.Moon - love of mine - Richard Earnshaw SugarSoul remix (NEW) Miki Zara Mc D'Oro Morris Revy - where do we go (NEW) Rod Carrillo Katie Elle - mad love - Terri B! Soulful House mix (NEW) Boon Eddie Cane - something's missing - DJ Spen Re-edit (NEW) Seamus Haji Phebe Edwards - better come again (NEW) Platinum City Brian Lucas Suki Soul - can you dig it (NEW) DJ Czezre Heidi B - choose the love - Yuichi Inoue remix (NEW) Frankstar Sterling Void Louise Browne - super star - 4Q radio edit (NEW)

Saturday, 25 June 2022   But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! Acts 8:20   The previous verse cited Simon. He had offered money to Peter and then he said, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” With that, Luke records, “But Peter said to him.” From the coming words, it is evident that Peter completely flipped out at the offer. And more, he strongly rebukes him, saying, “Your money perish with you.”   More literally it reads, “Your money be along with you to destruction.” Today, to say this as forcefully as Peter, we might say, “Both you and your money can go straight to the pit.” This should not be taken as many do as Peter calling a curse down on Simon, although it would not be out of character for him. In his denial of Jesus, his words were packed with emotion, literally saying that he began to “anathematize.” It was as if he was calling down curses if he was lying, which of course he was.   In the case of his words to Simon, he is surely being expressive of contempt for the money more than contempt for Simon. We might say something like, “Even if you gave me a million dollars, it wouldn't matter.” The very fact that Peter tells him to repent of his thought in the coming verses shows that he is not adamant that Simon will, in fact, perish. For now, however, Peter continues to correct his thinking about what is happening by saying, “because you thought that the gift of God.”   Peter acknowledges exactly what Paul will later write in his epistles. A gift is something that cannot be purchased. It doesn't matter how good of a bargain it is, if it has a value attached to it, no matter how large or how small, it cannot be considered a gift. The giving of the Holy Spirit is called a gift.   As the Holy Spirit is something given upon belief, and as the Holy Spirit is considered a guarantee (see Ephesians 1:14), and because the guarantee is given as a mark of salvation (Ephesians 2:8, 9) which is also called a gift, then it clearly indicates that salvation is eternal. It is this matter that is being considered, and Simon thought it, as Peter says, “could be purchased with money!”   As one can see, Peter's words are more of an idiomatic expression than a curse directed toward Simon. “What God has offered as a gift, you are trying to pay for? You and your money can go to destruction together!” Peter is trying to wake Simon up to the process of salvation and what it ultimately means. If the “gift” can be purchased, then it is not a gift. Further, it would then mean that what occurred does not come with a guarantee. But the process is of God, and it is something that He will see through to the end.   Life application: The words of Peter cannot override the promises of God. If Simon believed (which he did as is recorded in verse 8:13), and if belief is what brings salvation (see Ephesians 1:13, 14, for example), then Simon was saved. The giving of the Holy Spirit through the apostle's hand has a purpose that is fulfilled in the act. It is not something that needs to be done again, as will be evidenced in Acts 10 with the conversion of Cornelius and those with him.   Peter is doing what is proper in rebuking Simon for his horrifying doctrine. He has fully misunderstood the process of salvation that takes place, and he is being corrected in his thinking. Later in the chronology of time, Paul will have to do this exact same thing to Peter –   “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.'” Galatians 2:11-16   Who is in the more damaging position from a theological standpoint, Simon Peter or Simon the Magician? Arguably, it is Simon Peter. Simon the Magician had no schooling on the matter, and what he was considering was not something that would keep a person from being saved, simply because what he was asking for was something that could not be granted.   On the other hand, what Simon Peter was doing was setting aside the grace of God which comes through the work of Christ through His actions (Galatians 2:21). He was falling back on the law in order to please men. This can, and it does, lead directly to the introduction of a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-8).   As this is so, and as Peter remained as saved after his actions as he was the day he was saved, it demonstrates to us that Peter's words to Simon are surely to be taken in the proper context of a sharp rebuke, but not a statement of condemnation. The grace of God, even in regard to the abject failure of Peter in His conduct before those in Galatia is a comforting reassurance that we are saved despite ourselves. Thank God for His grace in Jesus Christ!   Lord God, what a comfort Your word is. It shows us that even when we really botch things up, we are Yours because of Jesus. And more, we will remain Yours because of Jesus. Thank God for the eternal salvation that is found in Him. Amen.

ALERT! There's a Chicago tourist bus stuck on the street outside of the studio. Thank God we're here for the play-by-play.

Rev. Karl Bollhagen, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton Iowa, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about the need for church workers in the LCMS today, how pastors and congregation members shape the culture in a congregation to support young people pursuing church work vocation, what is key to cultivating a culture that raises up church workers, and how he and others in his congregation speak to youth about church work vocations. Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Saturday, 25 June 2022   But Peter said to him, “Your money perish with you, because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money! Acts 8:20   The previous verse cited Simon. He had offered money to Peter and then he said, “Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” With that, Luke records, “But Peter said to him.” From the coming words, it is evident that Peter completely flipped out at the offer. And more, he strongly rebukes him, saying, “Your money perish with you.”   More literally it reads, “Your money be along with you to destruction.” Today, to say this as forcefully as Peter, we might say, “Both you and your money can go straight to the pit.” This should not be taken as many do as Peter calling a curse down on Simon, although it would not be out of character for him. In his denial of Jesus, his words were packed with emotion, literally saying that he began to “anathematize.” It was as if he was calling down curses if he was lying, which of course he was.   In the case of his words to Simon, he is surely being expressive of contempt for the money more than contempt for Simon. We might say something like, “Even if you gave me a million dollars, it wouldn't matter.” The very fact that Peter tells him to repent of his thought in the coming verses shows that he is not adamant that Simon will, in fact, perish. For now, however, Peter continues to correct his thinking about what is happening by saying, “because you thought that the gift of God.”   Peter acknowledges exactly what Paul will later write in his epistles. A gift is something that cannot be purchased. It doesn't matter how good of a bargain it is, if it has a value attached to it, no matter how large or how small, it cannot be considered a gift. The giving of the Holy Spirit is called a gift.   As the Holy Spirit is something given upon belief, and as the Holy Spirit is considered a guarantee (see Ephesians 1:14), and because the guarantee is given as a mark of salvation (Ephesians 2:8, 9) which is also called a gift, then it clearly indicates that salvation is eternal. It is this matter that is being considered, and Simon thought it, as Peter says, “could be purchased with money!”   As one can see, Peter's words are more of an idiomatic expression than a curse directed toward Simon. “What God has offered as a gift, you are trying to pay for? You and your money can go to destruction together!” Peter is trying to wake Simon up to the process of salvation and what it ultimately means. If the “gift” can be purchased, then it is not a gift. Further, it would then mean that what occurred does not come with a guarantee. But the process is of God, and it is something that He will see through to the end.   Life application: The words of Peter cannot override the promises of God. If Simon believed (which he did as is recorded in verse 8:13), and if belief is what brings salvation (see Ephesians 1:13, 14, for example), then Simon was saved. The giving of the Holy Spirit through the apostle's hand has a purpose that is fulfilled in the act. It is not something that needs to be done again, as will be evidenced in Acts 10 with the conversion of Cornelius and those with him.   Peter is doing what is proper in rebuking Simon for his horrifying doctrine. He has fully misunderstood the process of salvation that takes place, and he is being corrected in his thinking. Later in the chronology of time, Paul will have to do this exact same thing to Peter –   “Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews? 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.'” Galatians 2:11-16   Who is in the more damaging position from a theological standpoint, Simon Peter or Simon the Magician? Arguably, it is Simon Peter. Simon the Magician had no schooling on the matter, and what he was considering was not something that would keep a person from being saved, simply because what he was asking for was something that could not be granted.   On the other hand, what Simon Peter was doing was setting aside the grace of God which comes through the work of Christ through His actions (Galatians 2:21). He was falling back on the law in order to please men. This can, and it does, lead directly to the introduction of a false gospel (Galatians 1:6-8).   As this is so, and as Peter remained as saved after his actions as he was the day he was saved, it demonstrates to us that Peter's words to Simon are surely to be taken in the proper context of a sharp rebuke, but not a statement of condemnation. The grace of God, even in regard to the abject failure of Peter in His conduct before those in Galatia is a comforting reassurance that we are saved despite ourselves. Thank God for His grace in Jesus Christ!   Lord God, what a comfort Your word is. It shows us that even when we really botch things up, we are Yours because of Jesus. And more, we will remain Yours because of Jesus. Thank God for the eternal salvation that is found in Him. Amen.  

The Preacher Solomon comes to some conclusions about life and what's worth living for. The nature of humanity is to work and never be full. Thank God we have spiritual food to eat! All In Gospel Podcast is a chapter by chapter, verse by verse, in depth bible study where we seek to understand God's Word at face value. All In Gospel is recorded live on the 2022 Bible Retreat in Glacier National Park with Pastor Seann Dikkers. You can support this study at anchor.fm/allingospel, ccwhitebear.com, or visit us live on Sunday mornings or evenings. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/allingospel/support

Alyssa has stepped away from the podcast this week while she works on a very exciting project for you all! This week, we are reaching back into the archives with a timely episode as summer heats up in the Northern Hemisphere! REDUX: Live your best life this summer as Alyssa offers advice to those of us grappling with a fear of wearing shorts, tank tops, and bathing suits this summer. Tune in for some inspiration so that this summer can be one where you embrace the incredible body you have - at any shape and size!   Check out the Light After Trauma website for transcripts, other episodes, Alyssa's guest appearances, and more at: www.lightaftertrauma.com Want to get more great content and interact with the show? Check us out on Instagram: @lightaftertrauma We need your help! We want to continue to make great content that can help countless trauma warriors on their journey to recovery. So, please help us in supporting the podcast by becoming a recurring patron of the show via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lightaftertrauma   Transcript: Alyssa Scolari: Hey,how's it going? You know what time it is. We are back out it with another episode of the Light After Trauma podcast. You know the deal. I'm your host, Alyssa Scolari and life is pretty good right now. Just wanted to take a moment to kind of check in with all of you. And sometimes I feel like with the interview episodes, sometimes I feel like my personality or my connection to the audience can get lost in translation, just because I think there's a lot of obviously getting to hear and understand and process the stories and the information from the guest speakers. [00:01:27] So while I absolutely love having guest speakers, I also really want to maintain an authentic connection with all the listeners out there. So, today I was supposed to have a guest speaker come on and unfortunately there was just some kind of confusion in scheduling. So we had to reschedule and I have some free time and I was like, you know what: [00:01:53] "I actually have some things I wanted to talk about." So it's kind of nice to be able to do a solo episode. I have not done one in a while and that is not because I haven't wanted to, but life has been a little bit, how would you say this: wild, insane all over the place, aah I shouldn't say insane. One of the things I've really been trying to work on is trying to avoid the use of certain words. [00:02:25] When we talk about the concept of linguistic evolution, right?.We don't use certain words anymore. I think one of the words that I'm really trying hard to stop using is crazy and insane. So my reactions to things, because I'm such an animated person, my gut response is to always be like, "oh my God, that's crazy." [00:02:45] Or, "oh my God, that's insane." But you know, it can be offensive calling somebody crazy. You know, the word crazy itself has a very negative connotation and was, I think a lot of people who struggled with mental illness were called crazy and I've been called crazy actually. And it's, it cuts pretty deep. [00:03:07] So, that's just my own personal preference. Some people may be listening and may be like, "oh my gosh, that's way too much of a stretch," but that's just something I've been trying to work on. So that was a little tidbit, but life has been so wild. We are in the process of house hunting. And if any of you know anything about this market, it is... [00:03:29] I mean again, I'm not going to say crazy, but it is unlike anything I've ever seen before in my life. People are coming in and offering literally a hundred thousand dollars over asking price for homes, because there's such a high demand for homes. And there simply aren't enough sellers. And we know we've been looking for homes for.... [00:03:50] I want to say coming up on a year now. And it has been a really defeating process. The last couple months in particular, we thought that we had found something and we're still actually not entirely sure if it's going to go through, we don't know. So we may be moving. We may not be moving, but our lives have really been house hunting every spare minute that we get. [00:04:13] And I live in New Jersey as many of you know, but we are looking to move to a different state. So, we're looking to move to Pennsylvania. So I would still be able to commute to my office in New Jersey. It's been so tough and every second has been spent traveling to another state to look at homes and making offers on homes and getting your hopes up and getting deflated essentially when you're told that somebody else came in and offered a hundred thousand dollars over asking price. And it's just, I don't know, it's very defeating. I have wanted to get out of the town that I live in for quite some time. It doesn't hold the best memories for me. [00:04:58] And it's, I think very triggering to live in the same town where a lot of your trauma occurred and no, that's not to say I haven't had some good times in this place. I certainly have, but it's really hard living in a place where you've had traumas because I am reminded every day of my life. So. I really have been itching to get out of this town and get out of this area. [00:05:28] And sadly, it's just not working out, which I have a very hard time with being told no. Or with having to wait. I'm not very patient. I kind of want what I want when I want it, which is something I'm working on. So yeah, it's just been...it's been rough and we want to have a bigger yard for our dogs and it's been, it's been a hard time, you know, things could certainly be worse. [00:05:58] Thank God. My health is improving. I'm healing. I'm getting better. My autoimmune disease is, it appears, knock on wood, to be in remission. I hate to even say that out loud because I'm terrified that I'm going to get a flare up again. You can, if you're curious to hear more about the auto-immune issues that I've been having, you can tune into episode 41. [00:06:21] I believe it is where I talk a little bit more about the autoimmune disease I was diagnosed with. So with all of that said, it's just. It's been a little hectic. So I have not, I feel given my own, I haven't really put the personal touch on a lot of what I do because I really just haven't had the space to do that. [00:06:46] So I appreciate all of your understanding and that I am really working on getting back to adding a little bit more of a personal touch. I was really excited about all the feedback I got for the mini-sode series, the Survive and Thrive stories. It's been so fun and such an honor to be able to read everybody's story. [00:07:08] So please, please, please. If you feel called to do so. Please send in your story to lightaftertrauma@gmail.com. I really, I am just so honored. And so, so many are so funny, those emails that you send and I love it cause I'm a big fan of humor therapy. So I love being able to kind of take what you've been through and take things that are really, really dark and very serious and find kinda some light or some humor in them. Again, that doesn't take away from the seriousness of what happened, but some of y'all just have a really good sense of humor. So I appreciate, hearing your your stories. So with that said, I wanted to come on to talk about an experience that I had today, which felt so liberating. And I think now's a really good time to share this experience. I went to the beach today and that might not seem like a big deal for people who don't struggle with body competence. But for me, that was huge. And I went by myself. First of all, because of the pandemic, I really haven't been to the beach in over a year. [00:08:25] So I have not had to like do the whole bathing suit situation in quite some time. And second of all, I was alone, which is always extra hard for me because it's one of those things where, when you're alone, I think you're more in your head and you feel more like people are looking at you. [00:08:48] So today is, it's a Wednesday. I don't see clients on Wednesdays. It's my day off. And I decided, you know, the weather is beautiful. I'm heading to the beach today. And I packed my stuff up. And I went to the beach all by myself and I struggled. I went with shorts and like kind of an oversized t-shirt and I struggled with whether or not I was going to take my bathing suit off...take my bathing suit off!?!? [00:09:17] Yeah, no, I was not going to do that. Hoping to not end up in jail for public indecency. What I was trying to say is I was debating whether or not I was going to take off my shirt and my shorts and just kind of be in my bikini and it was really a battle. Of course, I had to like look around at the people next to me and kind of size them up and be like, well, are they looking at me? [00:09:45] You know, what are they going to think? But then I just did it, right. I tried to get out of my head and into my body and I was like, what would feel good right now? And what would feel good is to be able to lay down on this huge beach blanket that I have that I think my aunt got me when I was in the fourth grade is still have it because it's amazing [00:10:06] All I want us to do is just chill out on my beach blanket and have that like warm sensation of the sun on your skin, glorious. Well, obviously I can't do that when I'm covered from head to toe and, you know, clothing and not a bathing suit. So I was like, all right. Screw it taking off my clothes. So I did it. [00:10:28] I was in a bikini and. Just as an aside, it was a bikini that I enjoyed. Right. It wasn't a bikini that I bought because I was like, oh, well this is going to cover up the most. So let me just buy this one. This one was so fun. It was like a light blue, like a sky blue with like gold throughout. And it was strapless, which like.... [00:10:57] why am I talking about the details? So I'm talking about the details because I love the bikini and I'm allowed to love the bikini. And I don't think it hit me that I was allowed to love a bathing suit that I was in until today. When I was just laying on that blanket with my toes in the sand and the sun on my body. [00:11:17] And I was like, wow, I really liked this bikini. It's really comfortable. It's really cute. And I'm allowed to like it and you know what you're allowed to like your bathing suit too. So it was, I think really a transcendental moment for me, where I shifted from I'm just gonna wear whatever hides the most of my body to I'm going to wear whatever feels fucking fabulous. [00:11:47] And so I did it now. I struggled a little bit when it came time to like sit up. Right. And I know that there are people out there who can relate to this. So when it came time to sit up, I'm like, oh God, who's going to be looking at the rolls on my stomach. Now, I'm like looking around to see who's looking. [00:12:08] And in fact there was a guy who was, I don't know. He honestly, he was probably like 50 feet away from me. And I noticed that he got up and actually moved his chair further away at one point. And do you know what my eating disorder brain did? Right. Get a load of this shit. My eating disorder brain was like, oh, he probably got up and moved because he couldn't stand the sight of your body. [00:12:34] That is what my brain did. And it's horrible. And it's so body dysmorphic and it's so like eating disordered, but I was able to recognize it and I was able to talk back to it. And I told myself two things. I'm like one...well, I told myself a couple of things. One that's your fucking eating disorder, right. [00:12:57] Two, look at the tide, the tide had significantly risen, so there was much less beach and he probably didn't want his ass sitting in the water because his chair was very low to the ground. So he probably picked up his chair and moved it back so the water didn't hit him. It's still the middle of May. The water in New Jersey is still freezing. [00:13:20] That makes the most sense. What really doesn't make sense is the fact that he would take one look at me from 50 yards away and be so repulsed that he had to get up and move his chair. Like what come on, what is my eating disorder doing? Right. So, you know, at that moment I kind of just laughed at myself and I was like, honestly, Ed, I call my eating disorder, Ed. [00:13:42] It's a little tip that I got from a book that I read called Life Without Ed, by Jenny Schaefer, highly recommended by the way. So I call my eating disorder, Ed, and I was just like, you know what Ed, like, fuck you. Fuck you. Because you're not ruining my perfect day at the beach. And I sat up and that is a very hard thing for me to do. [00:14:05] I used to struggle and take like five minutes to sit up because I would have to have the towel wrapped around my stomach so that nobody could see my rolls because I was so embarrassed. Well, guess what? Today I just fucking sat up and it was so liberating. I sat there and I looked into the ocean and I could feel my stomach rolls, right. [00:14:32] Because who doesn't have a stomach roll when they're bending over or sitting like, that's what our bodies do. Right. Our skin rolls, the fat that we have in our stomach, like rolls, stomach rolls, aren't bad. And I just breathe and I was very, very in tune with my body. I was very in tune with my surroundings and I just didn't care if anybody was looking at me, you know, I ended up having a couple that came and sat actually somewhat close to me closer than what I'm comfortable with for sure. [00:15:11] And honestly, closer than what was necessary, because there was so much space on the beach. I don't know why they needed it to be that close to me, but whatever. I was uncomfortable and I was really just, I, at one point I just stopped caring and I became so much more infatuated with my body and sitting down and processing all of the turmoil. [00:15:36] My body has helped me to survive over the last year of the pandemic and then a whole bunch of things that happened in the middle of that pandemic that were pretty traumatizing. And I was filled with such gratitude, such gratitude for my body. Such gratitude for the tree trunk thighs that I've had my whole life that I have hated my whole life. [00:16:06] I found myself sitting in gratitude for these legs, for my stomach, my belly, for all the scars on my body, the stretch marks that are so natural that almost any body has quite frankly. I was just in gratitude and I felt so at peace with this body, I kind of just sat criss cross applesauce on the beach blanket, which I've never done before at a beach. [00:16:39] I truly, I've never done that before. And it hit me that I have lost so many valuable beach years because I spent time hating my body. There was a time where I would claim that I hated the beach because I simply didn't want to go because I didn't want to be seen. So I would be like, oh, I don't like the sand or I don't like the salty ocean water. [00:17:07] It makes me feel gross. That's such a load of crap. I love the sand, what a wonderful exfoliant. And I love the saltwater. It feels so healing to me. And I used to say for years that I hated the beach because I was terrified of being seen. And I just wasn't today. I was alone with myself, with my body, with nothing to distract me, and I felt completely at ease and there are people who come in my office and they ask me, or there are people who I connect with on social media. [00:17:48] And they ask me questions like, well, Alyssa, why am I doing this work? Why bother trying to recover from an eating disorder? Why bother trying to recover from trauma and it's so that you can have days like I had today where everything just feels okay inside of you, because at the end of the day, that's all that really matters, is that you feel good inside. And when you feel good inside, you care less about what other people are thinking. What other people are saying. It was the first time that I didn't spend my entire trip at the beach just looking at the people around me, wondering what they would think. If I dared to get up and walk over to the water and put my toes in the water, I just did it. I just got up and did it because it was what I wanted to do. And it's so beautiful. And, you know, I know that this will resonate with a lot of you. [00:18:58] And I want you to know that you can get to that spot too. It's a beautiful spot to be in. And I'm not saying that I will never struggle again. I think I absolutely will struggle again. I think that's just part of life, but all the hard work that I've done in trauma and in my eating disorder recovery has helped me get to this moment of truly loving the flesh that I was given, the meat on my body, the weird feet that I have, the you know, crooked smile that I have that some people probably have never noticed. And I notice all the time, I love all of it. And I might not tomorrow, I might wake up full of self-loathing, but today. It was a really, really healing moment for me. [00:19:53] And I want you to know that wherever you're at right now with your body and with yourself, you deserve to wear a bathing suit that you fucking love, and you deserve to go to the beach and to sit and to not have to look around and make sure that people aren't looking at your rolls, you deserve to be able to get to the beach and to take your shorts off. [00:20:18] And to not have to hide your thighs, be so thankful for this body that has gotten you through, if nothing else than just the last year alone of immense loss and sickness and fear and all the other horrible things that the pandemic has brought. Your body has kept you alive throughout it all. And if nothing else go to the beach and celebrate that and rock whatever body you have, because it is glorious, you are glorious and you deserve happiness. [00:21:00] And that's all I have to say about that really. I mean, I know that's a long winded speech. It's a long winded spiel, but I hope that it can help inspire at least one of you in knowing that this summer you literally do not have to suffer or hide yourself. You deserve to be seen on the inside and the outside. [00:21:24] So if this resonates with you, whether you are he or she or they, or anywhere in between, this is your sign that every single body is a beach body. And go where whatever bathing suit you want, have a wonderful summer. Everybody I'm still going to be here. I'm not going anywhere. Still going to be rolling out podcast episodes, but I love you all. [00:21:53] From the bottom of my heart. I am so incredibly thankful for your support, for your loyalty, for listening, for being on this journey with me, the highs and the lows of recovery I am with you, you are with me. I feel it every day. And I just feel like I have thousands of new friends and. I'm really grateful. [00:22:17] So thank you all. I love you all. If you haven't done so yet, please feel free to subscribe and leave a review and rating. Most important of those is a rating and subscription to the podcast. And yeah, that's all I got. Have a wonderful week. Go enjoy some sunshine and let's get a pop in the summer and our beach bodies. Love you all. Take care. [00:22:47] Thanks for listening everyone. For more information, please head over to light after trauma.com or you can also follow us on social media. On Instagram. We are at light after trauma and on Twitter. It is at light after pod. And if you're on Facebook, please be sure to join our Facebook group. [00:23:07] It is a private community where trauma survivors are able to connect and chat with one another. That Facebook group is called light after traumas. So just look us up on Facebook and be sure to join. Lastly, please head over to patrion.com/light. After trauma to support our show, we are asking for $5 a month, which is the equivalent to a cup of coffee at Starbucks. [00:23:32] So please head on over again. That's patrion.com/late after trauma. Thank you. And we appreciate your support.   Thanks for listening everyone. For more information, please head over to lightaftertrauma.com or you can also follow us on social media. On Instagram. We are at @lightaftertrauma and on Twitter. It is @lightafterpod. And if you're on Facebook, please be sure to join our Facebook group. It is a private community where trauma survivors are able to connect and chat with one another. That Facebook group is called light after traumas. So just look us up on Facebook and be sure to join. Lastly, please head over to patreon.com/lightaftertrauma to support our show, we are asking for $5 a month, which is the equivalent to a cup of coffee at Starbucks. So please head on over again. That's patrion.com/lightaftertrauma. Thank you. And we appreciate your support.

Have you heard the news? A recession IS ON THE HORIZON. That's right- it's 2022, and small business owners everywhere have weathered a pandemic, a war in Ukraine, skyrocketing inflation, manufacturing shortages, and what's next? A recession???!!! Don't be fooled - this recession is an OPPORTUNITY you won't want to miss. Welcome to THINK OUTSIDE THE FIRM - a podcast for small business owners looking to earn, protect, and attract more money into their businesses regardless of the economy by creating strong, thriving, recession-proof companies. In fact, did you know that companies like Airbnb, Trader Joe's, and Disney were launched during recessions? In business, it pays to know what you don't know! This August, Think Outside the Firm will have you proclaiming, “Thank God it's a recession!” as we share how choosing the right type of business, building a strong team, taking risk reduction measures, adopting efficient systems, creating multiple revenue streams, modifying offerings, and most importantly- properly handling funds will help your business to thrive in a recession and beyond. Think Outside the Firm is a podcast for small business owners, brought to you by Legalucy. It's a jungle out there, but legal doesn't have to be.  Exactly.    brought to you by: https://legalucy.com

The average American does not want to see the country fail. The elites want to see the country fail, because the elites believe that if America gets taken down a number of pegs, there will be a greater need for the elites to come in and take that wheel from you people and put it in the hands of their people. Their people do not love the United States of America, the elites don't love this country. The elites don't respect this country. The elites hate this country. They hate this document right behind me, specifically, that constitutional Bill of Rights. Number one, the freedom of expression, the right for the redress of grievances, the freedom of religion, and they're upon a we have our entire constitutional republic. at stake. Thank God, the Second Amendment exists in the way it does, because you've got the elites coming out that as well. The bottom line is this as I was driving across this country, celebrating the freedom of this nation, I was thinking to myself deeply and extensively, what is it that the left hates most about this country? It's not our, our government, obviously, they love our government. It's not the capitalist system, they use that as the excuse. I'm going to tell you something. And it's unbelievably important that you pay attention--what I'm about to tell you, okay? They hate you. They hate you. And I don't care if you're a Republican or a Democrat, I don't care if you're male or female. I don't care if you're transgender. I don't care what you orhow you identify, I don't care. If you love America, if you believe in America, they hate you.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pain and suffering are a part of the Christian journey. If you haven't experienced them in some form, you might need to question if you are actually following Jesus. He doesn't take pleasure in your pain but He does know that you grow from it. When your faith is tested, that is when it becomes deeper and stronger. As Pastor Danny will encourage us in today's message, as counterintuitive as it is, finds moments of joy in your suffering. Thank God for the chance to live out your faith in a real way!

Rony Jacob

Kubakingz Leroy Burgess - holdin on - KORT & Elementary's Original Throwback Live Jam (NEW) Robin S - I believe - Michael Gray & Mark Knight remix (NEW) Bob Red Fulvio Tomaino - my baby - Alex Barattini remix (NEW) Timbhai Morris Revy - choosing you (NEW) Kelvin Sylvester Brutha Basil Lee Wilson - listen 2022 - Soulful vocal mix (NEW) Eric Redd - it's your thing - Knox club mix (NEW) Vanucci White Sheep - gotta know (NEW) Cocolorez Sibylle - only you - Souxsoul remix (NEW) Alex Ander Montreea - one life to live - DJ Spen's Extd vocal version (NEW) Ralf Gum Tortured Soul - maybe more - Ralf Gum Main mix (NEW)

Today we're taking a look at godly fatherhood... Thanks for hanging out with me today! If you have been blessed by this content and would like to help support the things we do here, you may do so by visiting: https://www.sheepamongwolves.org/support For everything SAW related, check out our official website: www.sheepamongwolves.org For exclusive content join The Flock, our official community: https://www.sheepamongwolves.org/forum Questions, comments, concerns, snarks, or conundrums? E-mail me: chuck@sheepamongwolves.org For more resources including free books: https://www.sheepamongwolves.org/resources If you're more into listening instead of viewing, check out the Podcast Directory: https://www.sheepamongwolves.org/podcast-directory If you're more into viewing instead of just listening, check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SheepAmongWolves SOURCE MATERIAL | https://www.gotquestions.org/fathers-Christian.html THEME MUSIC - Above The Clouds by | e s c p | https://escp-music.bandcamp.com Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.com Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US You are now free to roam about the countryside! #christianity #apologetics #discipleship

Today on The Breakfast Club Angela Yee gives us the update on the January 6th hearings during Front Page News. Amy Shumer and Tiffany Haddish are topics of discussion during Rumor Report and we are joined by Essence CEO Caroline Wanga. Stay tuned for more Rumors, Donkey of The Day and Freaky Friday!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today during The Rumor Report The Breakfast Club discussed Drake's new surprise album "Honestly, Nevermind" and todays Donkey Of The Day goes to an Alaska school. Inspired by a recent Lip Service episode, The Breakfast Club discuss a very important topic for Freaky Friday...feet. Tune into The Breakfast Club every morning! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rev. Andrew Wehling, Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Liberal, Kansas, joins Andy for our Set Apart to Serve Series to talk about his own journey into his vocation of pastor, why it's important to talk with parents and families about the possibility of the young people in their lives pursuing church work vocations, some doubts parents might have about church work as a future for their children, how he addresses the difficulties and joys of church work vocations with parents and families, and what pastors could consider as they talk with parents and families about church work vocations. Learn more about the Set Apart to Serve Initiative at lcms.org/setaparttoserve. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

On today's episode of The Breakdown I will not only confront the ugly and racist myths and stereotypes about Black fathers in America, I will tell you how we can support Black fathers on the journey to recovering from losing their children to police violence in America. Thank God many groups are already supporting the mothers. They need it. But along the way, the fathers have been forgotten and they need our help. We are working directly with the families of Mike Brown and Oscar Grant to support a retreat for these great men, but we need YOU to chip in today to help cover the costs. Please click the link in my bio on IG and click on the picture of the fundraiser to support them now. 100% of the proceeds go straight to the retreat. As you may know, we are going through some cool changes and testing out some new options for the future of The Breakdown podcast and we need all of our listeners to PLEASE complete this quick survey. The link will be in my bio on Instagram until Sunday night or you can go directly to: https://forms.gle/SeABuvGARcx9oSbP6And yes, if you already completed the earlier survey, we still need you to complete this one. THANK YOU!!!

https://youtu.be/MYA-KAs9uZ0 -Play 0:00-0:27 Will there be war between China & Taiwan? That was Taiwan’s minister of foreign affairs, Joseph Wu responding, you’ll hear more from him in a moment. Happy Friday ladies and gentleman, this is Garrison Hardie, pinch hitting for Pastor Toby, for this Friday, June 17th, 2022. Today, we’ll be talking about the potential of war between Taiwan, and China, the U.S. is still supplying Ukraine with weapons, and urging its allies to not lose steam with regards to supporting Ukraine militarily, a big win for Republicans in a historically blue south Texas, and a university changes it’s mascot, because it wasn’t inclusive enough… Before we get to our news for the day, a word, from New St. Andrews! New Saint Andrews: Today’s culture shifts like sand. But New Saint Andrews College is established on Christ, the immovable rock. It is a premier institution that forges evangelical leaders who don’t fear or hate the world. Guided by God’s Word, they take the world back because they’re equipped with the genius of classical liberal arts and God-honoring wisdom, thanks to a faculty dedicated to academic rigor and to God’s kingdom.Find out more, at nsa.edu/ https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/13/world/asia/china-taiwan-ukraine-military.html So, back to Taiwan and China… ever since Russia began an assault against Ukraine, many have speculated that China may do the same to its neighbor Taiwan. Taiwan’s minister of foreign affairs, Joseph Wu, sees a lot of similarities between what’s happening in Ukraine, with Taiwan’s situation with China: https://youtu.be/MYA-KAs9uZ0 -Play 0:27-0:136 Did you catch that? He said, “China has said Taiwan is just another part of China.” That sounds pretty familiar to what Putin had said leading up to his invasion of Ukraine, where he was quoted as saying, “Ukraine is not just a neighboring country, it’s an integral part of our history, culture… modern Ukraine was created entirely by Russia. By Bolshevik Communist Russia to be exact.” Interesting. So what’s going on in Taiwan in preparation for a potential war? According to the New York Times, Taiwan’s defenses are, by many accounts, ill-equipped and understaffed. Its president, has vowed to defend the island, but she has struggled to impose a new strategic vision on the uniformed leadership. Taiwan spends billions on fighter jets and submarines, yet its conscripts barely get enough ammunition for training. The mandatory military service is seen by many as too short, and the reservist program, insufficiently rigorous. The military is building a professional force, but has struggled to recruit and retain highly skilled soldiers. On top of that… Taiwanese citizens are not allowed to be training with weapons of war… there are videos of them training with airsoft guns! Go look it up on Youtube right now. Not exactly the kind of preparation for all out war you want right? Thank God for the second amendment. I always hate the argument made by gun control supporters that say, “oh what do you think the average gun owner would have a chance against the federal troops?” Answer, yes, they would. We have 300 + million people in this country, about 42% of American households have guns in the home, and there are more guns than people here in the U.S… yes, they’d be a problem to those federal troops. Oh by the way, visit our friends at Armored Republic if you want to get armor that could stop bullets from the imperial troops… anyways. Underlying Taiwan’s defense dilemma is a question left unanswerable by design: Will the United States send military forces to Taiwan’s aid? In May, President Biden suggested he would, but the United States offers no explicit security guarantees, a strategy it hopes will avoid either provoking Beijing or emboldening Taiwan to declare formal independence. Mr. Xi has said he seeks a peaceful unification with Taiwan, and he may be deterred by the huge economic and diplomatic blowback China would suffer for an invasion. But China has also been pointed in its warnings. Its defense minister, Gen. Wei Fenghe, said over the weekend that Beijing would “fight to the very end” for Taiwan. It is sending fighter jets toward the island almost daily — including 30 aircraft in one day last month alone. The concern is that such maneuvers could, intentionally or otherwise, be a prelude to conflict. Now I mentioned Ukraine earlier, let’s see what’s going on over there. https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-sweden-finland-jens-stoltenberg-1feb3640d59b05aceca62766d7d4f74d According to the Associated Press, US sending $1 billion more military aid to outgunned Ukraine Oh well good, at least this won’t add to our inflation. The U.S. announced it will send an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, as America and its allies provide longer-range weapons they say can make a difference in a fight where Ukrainian forces are outnumbered and outgunned by their Russian invaders. President Joe Biden and his top national security leaders said Wednesday the U.S. is moving as fast as possible to get critical weapons to the fight, even as Ukrainian officials protest that they need more, faster, in order to survive. The latest package, the U.S. said, includes anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that U.S. forces are training Ukrainian troops on now. All are key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested as they battle to stall Russia’s slow but steady march to conquer the eastern Donbas region. The aid is the largest single tranche of weapons and equipment since the war began. Biden, who spoke by phone with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for about 40 minutes Wednesday, also said the U.S. will send $225 million more in humanitarian assistance to provide safe drinking water, medical supplies, food, health care, shelter and money for families to buy essential items. The U.S. remains committed, Biden said in a statement, “to supporting the Ukrainian people whose lives have been ripped apart by this war.” The aid comes as Austin convened a meeting in Brussels of more than 45 nations to discuss support for Ukraine. At the start of the meeting, he warned that the West must step up weapons deliveries to Ukraine and prove its commitment to helping the country’s military fight along a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line in a grinding war of attrition with Russia. He told the participating nations, “We can’t afford to let up and we can’t lose steam. The stakes are too high.” Overall, since the war began in late February, the U.S. has committed about $5.6 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, including this latest package. Officials said that about one-third of the latest $1 billion will be from presidential drawdown authority, which means the Pentagon will take weapons and equipment from it’s own stock and ship them to Ukraine. The remaining two-thirds would be equipment and weapons purchased from industry by the U.S. and then transferred to Ukraine. Lies, Propaganda, Story Telling, and the Serrated Edge: This year our national conference is in Knoxville, TN October 6th-8th. The theme of this year’s conference is Lies, Propaganda, Storytelling and the Serrated Edge. Satan is the father of lies, and the mother of those lies is a government who has rejected God. We have especially been lied to these last two years, and the COVIDpanic has been one of the central mechanisms that our government has used to lie to us and to grab more power. Because Christians have not been reading their bibles, we are susceptible to lies and weak in our ability to fight these lies. God has given us His word to fight Satan and his lies, and we need to recover all of God’s word, its serrated edge and all. Mark your calendars for October 6th-8th, as we fight, laugh and feast with fellowship, beer and Psalms, our amazing lineup of speakers, hanging with our awesome vendors, meeting new friends, and more. Early bird tickets are available now, but will be gone before you know it! Sign up now at flfnetwork.com/knoxville2022 https://www.dailywire.com/news/republican-mayra-flores-wins-u-s-house-seat-in-south-texas-first-gop-win-there-in-150-years Republican Mayra Flores Wins U.S. House Seat In South Texas, First GOP Win There In 150+ Years According to The Daily Wire, Republican Mayra Flores has flipped a U.S. House seat in deep blue south Texas in what is a likely indicator of the coming red tsunami that could hit the Democrat Party this fall during the midterm elections. Flores beat Democrat Dan Sanchez in the special election for Texas’ 34th Congressional District. The seat was previously held by Rep. Filemon Vela (D) who stepped down earlier this year to become a lobbyist as all signs pointed to a brutal upcoming midterm election season for Democrats. Flores is now “the first GOP candidate to represent that area of the Rio Grande Valley since 1870,” the Houston Chronicle reported, adding that she is now “the first congresswoman born in Mexico.” To put this win into perspective for you guys, Hillary Clinton won Mayra’s county, Cameron County, by 33 points back in 2016. Biden won it by 13. The region has been devastated by Democrat President Joe Biden’s border crisis, something that has turned off many Hispanic voters that typically have voted for Democrats in the past. “Republicans have been eager to flip the seat as part of their new offensive in South Texas after Biden’s underperformance throughout the predominantly Hispanic region in the 2020 election. Flores and her allies spent over $1 million on TV ads in the special election,” the Texas Tribune reported. “The dynamic put Democrats into an unusual underdog position in a region of the state they have long dominated. Vastly outspent by Flores, Sanchez repeatedly compared the special election to a David vs. Goliath fight, with himself playing David.” MSNBC columnist Eric Michael Garcia panicked over the results of the election, saying that Democrats needed to be sounding the alarm immediately. Now for the topic that I love… sports! https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2022/06/15/george-washington-u-dumps-colonial-mascot-for-not-being-inclusive/ George Washington U. Dumps Colonial Mascot for Not Being ‘Inclusive’ George Washington University (GW) officials have decided to remove the school’s “Colonial” mascot following years of woke activists demanding the university ban it for not being “inclusive.” Students then suggested the university change its mascot to a “hippo” or a “riverhorse” instead. “After a thoughtful and deliberate process that engaged the university community for feedback, the George Washington University’s Board of Trustees has accepted the recommendation of a Special Committee to discontinue the use of the Colonials moniker,” GW announced in a statement. “The decision to change the Colonials moniker was not taken lightly,” the university added, before stressing that “a new moniker will help unify the university community and serve as a source of pride.” In a purported email shared to Twitter by Young Americas Foundation, the university went on stress that it is important for the new GW mascot to reflect “the values, strengths and diversity of our worldwide population.” The university added that choosing a new moniker “will require a deliberate and thoughtful process” that “will engage the entire GW community of alumni, students, friends, faculty and staff to ensure that everyone has the chance to be heard.” GW announcing that it has decided to scrap the Colonials comes after years of woke activists demanding the school change its mascot. The initial call to ban the university’s mascot began in 2018. In urging GW to end the Colonials, students argued the nickname may “discourage” the campus community due to it not being “inclusive.” Students then suggested the university change its mascot to a “hippo” or a “riverhorse” instead. Hippo? That is so not inclusive of fat people! I am sickened by these suggestions! The university said it will continue to use the Colonials mascot until a new nickname is chosen. The school’s new moniker is expected to be introduced by the 2023-2024 academic year. This has been your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief. If you liked the show, share it, and if you really like us, you should sign up for a club membership at flfnetwork.com/membership/. And as always, if you want to become a corporate sponsor of CrossPolitic, let’s talk. Email me at garrison@fightlaughfeast.com. For CrossPolitic News, I’m Garrison Hardie. Have a great day, and Lord bless.

https://youtu.be/MYA-KAs9uZ0 -Play 0:00-0:27 Will there be war between China & Taiwan? That was Taiwan’s minister of foreign affairs, Joseph Wu responding, you’ll hear more from him in a moment. Happy Friday ladies and gentleman, this is Garrison Hardie, pinch hitting for Pastor Toby, for this Friday, June 17th, 2022. Today, we’ll be talking about the potential of war between Taiwan, and China, the U.S. is still supplying Ukraine with weapons, and urging its allies to not lose steam with regards to supporting Ukraine militarily, a big win for Republicans in a historically blue south Texas, and a university changes it’s mascot, because it wasn’t inclusive enough… Before we get to our news for the day, a word, from New St. Andrews! New Saint Andrews: Today’s culture shifts like sand. But New Saint Andrews College is established on Christ, the immovable rock. It is a premier institution that forges evangelical leaders who don’t fear or hate the world. Guided by God’s Word, they take the world back because they’re equipped with the genius of classical liberal arts and God-honoring wisdom, thanks to a faculty dedicated to academic rigor and to God’s kingdom.Find out more, at nsa.edu/ https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/13/world/asia/china-taiwan-ukraine-military.html So, back to Taiwan and China… ever since Russia began an assault against Ukraine, many have speculated that China may do the same to its neighbor Taiwan. Taiwan’s minister of foreign affairs, Joseph Wu, sees a lot of similarities between what’s happening in Ukraine, with Taiwan’s situation with China: https://youtu.be/MYA-KAs9uZ0 -Play 0:27-0:136 Did you catch that? He said, “China has said Taiwan is just another part of China.” That sounds pretty familiar to what Putin had said leading up to his invasion of Ukraine, where he was quoted as saying, “Ukraine is not just a neighboring country, it’s an integral part of our history, culture… modern Ukraine was created entirely by Russia. By Bolshevik Communist Russia to be exact.” Interesting. So what’s going on in Taiwan in preparation for a potential war? According to the New York Times, Taiwan’s defenses are, by many accounts, ill-equipped and understaffed. Its president, has vowed to defend the island, but she has struggled to impose a new strategic vision on the uniformed leadership. Taiwan spends billions on fighter jets and submarines, yet its conscripts barely get enough ammunition for training. The mandatory military service is seen by many as too short, and the reservist program, insufficiently rigorous. The military is building a professional force, but has struggled to recruit and retain highly skilled soldiers. On top of that… Taiwanese citizens are not allowed to be training with weapons of war… there are videos of them training with airsoft guns! Go look it up on Youtube right now. Not exactly the kind of preparation for all out war you want right? Thank God for the second amendment. I always hate the argument made by gun control supporters that say, “oh what do you think the average gun owner would have a chance against the federal troops?” Answer, yes, they would. We have 300 + million people in this country, about 42% of American households have guns in the home, and there are more guns than people here in the U.S… yes, they’d be a problem to those federal troops. Oh by the way, visit our friends at Armored Republic if you want to get armor that could stop bullets from the imperial troops… anyways. Underlying Taiwan’s defense dilemma is a question left unanswerable by design: Will the United States send military forces to Taiwan’s aid? In May, President Biden suggested he would, but the United States offers no explicit security guarantees, a strategy it hopes will avoid either provoking Beijing or emboldening Taiwan to declare formal independence. Mr. Xi has said he seeks a peaceful unification with Taiwan, and he may be deterred by the huge economic and diplomatic blowback China would suffer for an invasion. But China has also been pointed in its warnings. Its defense minister, Gen. Wei Fenghe, said over the weekend that Beijing would “fight to the very end” for Taiwan. It is sending fighter jets toward the island almost daily — including 30 aircraft in one day last month alone. The concern is that such maneuvers could, intentionally or otherwise, be a prelude to conflict. Now I mentioned Ukraine earlier, let’s see what’s going on over there. https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-zelenskyy-sweden-finland-jens-stoltenberg-1feb3640d59b05aceca62766d7d4f74d According to the Associated Press, US sending $1 billion more military aid to outgunned Ukraine Oh well good, at least this won’t add to our inflation. The U.S. announced it will send an additional $1 billion in military aid to Ukraine, as America and its allies provide longer-range weapons they say can make a difference in a fight where Ukrainian forces are outnumbered and outgunned by their Russian invaders. President Joe Biden and his top national security leaders said Wednesday the U.S. is moving as fast as possible to get critical weapons to the fight, even as Ukrainian officials protest that they need more, faster, in order to survive. The latest package, the U.S. said, includes anti-ship missile launchers, howitzers and more rounds for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that U.S. forces are training Ukrainian troops on now. All are key weapons systems that Ukrainian leaders have urgently requested as they battle to stall Russia’s slow but steady march to conquer the eastern Donbas region. The aid is the largest single tranche of weapons and equipment since the war began. Biden, who spoke by phone with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for about 40 minutes Wednesday, also said the U.S. will send $225 million more in humanitarian assistance to provide safe drinking water, medical supplies, food, health care, shelter and money for families to buy essential items. The U.S. remains committed, Biden said in a statement, “to supporting the Ukrainian people whose lives have been ripped apart by this war.” The aid comes as Austin convened a meeting in Brussels of more than 45 nations to discuss support for Ukraine. At the start of the meeting, he warned that the West must step up weapons deliveries to Ukraine and prove its commitment to helping the country’s military fight along a 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line in a grinding war of attrition with Russia. He told the participating nations, “We can’t afford to let up and we can’t lose steam. The stakes are too high.” Overall, since the war began in late February, the U.S. has committed about $5.6 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, including this latest package. Officials said that about one-third of the latest $1 billion will be from presidential drawdown authority, which means the Pentagon will take weapons and equipment from it’s own stock and ship them to Ukraine. The remaining two-thirds would be equipment and weapons purchased from industry by the U.S. and then transferred to Ukraine. Lies, Propaganda, Story Telling, and the Serrated Edge: This year our national conference is in Knoxville, TN October 6th-8th. The theme of this year’s conference is Lies, Propaganda, Storytelling and the Serrated Edge. Satan is the father of lies, and the mother of those lies is a government who has rejected God. We have especially been lied to these last two years, and the COVIDpanic has been one of the central mechanisms that our government has used to lie to us and to grab more power. Because Christians have not been reading their bibles, we are susceptible to lies and weak in our ability to fight these lies. God has given us His word to fight Satan and his lies, and we need to recover all of God’s word, its serrated edge and all. Mark your calendars for October 6th-8th, as we fight, laugh and feast with fellowship, beer and Psalms, our amazing lineup of speakers, hanging with our awesome vendors, meeting new friends, and more. Early bird tickets are available now, but will be gone before you know it! Sign up now at flfnetwork.com/knoxville2022 https://www.dailywire.com/news/republican-mayra-flores-wins-u-s-house-seat-in-south-texas-first-gop-win-there-in-150-years Republican Mayra Flores Wins U.S. House Seat In South Texas, First GOP Win There In 150+ Years According to The Daily Wire, Republican Mayra Flores has flipped a U.S. House seat in deep blue south Texas in what is a likely indicator of the coming red tsunami that could hit the Democrat Party this fall during the midterm elections. Flores beat Democrat Dan Sanchez in the special election for Texas’ 34th Congressional District. The seat was previously held by Rep. Filemon Vela (D) who stepped down earlier this year to become a lobbyist as all signs pointed to a brutal upcoming midterm election season for Democrats. Flores is now “the first GOP candidate to represent that area of the Rio Grande Valley since 1870,” the Houston Chronicle reported, adding that she is now “the first congresswoman born in Mexico.” To put this win into perspective for you guys, Hillary Clinton won Mayra’s county, Cameron County, by 33 points back in 2016. Biden won it by 13. The region has been devastated by Democrat President Joe Biden’s border crisis, something that has turned off many Hispanic voters that typically have voted for Democrats in the past. “Republicans have been eager to flip the seat as part of their new offensive in South Texas after Biden’s underperformance throughout the predominantly Hispanic region in the 2020 election. Flores and her allies spent over $1 million on TV ads in the special election,” the Texas Tribune reported. “The dynamic put Democrats into an unusual underdog position in a region of the state they have long dominated. Vastly outspent by Flores, Sanchez repeatedly compared the special election to a David vs. Goliath fight, with himself playing David.” MSNBC columnist Eric Michael Garcia panicked over the results of the election, saying that Democrats needed to be sounding the alarm immediately. Now for the topic that I love… sports! https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2022/06/15/george-washington-u-dumps-colonial-mascot-for-not-being-inclusive/ George Washington U. Dumps Colonial Mascot for Not Being ‘Inclusive’ George Washington University (GW) officials have decided to remove the school’s “Colonial” mascot following years of woke activists demanding the university ban it for not being “inclusive.” Students then suggested the university change its mascot to a “hippo” or a “riverhorse” instead. “After a thoughtful and deliberate process that engaged the university community for feedback, the George Washington University’s Board of Trustees has accepted the recommendation of a Special Committee to discontinue the use of the Colonials moniker,” GW announced in a statement. “The decision to change the Colonials moniker was not taken lightly,” the university added, before stressing that “a new moniker will help unify the university community and serve as a source of pride.” In a purported email shared to Twitter by Young Americas Foundation, the university went on stress that it is important for the new GW mascot to reflect “the values, strengths and diversity of our worldwide population.” The university added that choosing a new moniker “will require a deliberate and thoughtful process” that “will engage the entire GW community of alumni, students, friends, faculty and staff to ensure that everyone has the chance to be heard.” GW announcing that it has decided to scrap the Colonials comes after years of woke activists demanding the school change its mascot. The initial call to ban the university’s mascot began in 2018. In urging GW to end the Colonials, students argued the nickname may “discourage” the campus community due to it not being “inclusive.” Students then suggested the university change its mascot to a “hippo” or a “riverhorse” instead. Hippo? That is so not inclusive of fat people! I am sickened by these suggestions! The university said it will continue to use the Colonials mascot until a new nickname is chosen. The school’s new moniker is expected to be introduced by the 2023-2024 academic year. This has been your CrossPolitic Daily News Brief. If you liked the show, share it, and if you really like us, you should sign up for a club membership at flfnetwork.com/membership/. And as always, if you want to become a corporate sponsor of CrossPolitic, let’s talk. Email me at garrison@fightlaughfeast.com. For CrossPolitic News, I’m Garrison Hardie. Have a great day, and Lord bless.

Thank God there's some Star Wars to talk about. We've copied the Sith model of pyramid schemes down to the slaughter of Younglings. Geoff doesn't like mouthy kids. Ben loves it all. Max, the pair of slippers he is, manages to tie it all together at the end. ps - Nepocide is the conscious willingness [...]

Prayer was such an important part of Jesus' lifestyle that He would break away from the crowds that followed Him to go and pray to His Father (Matthew 14:23). Often He would go alone up on a mountain or into a secluded place.  One day the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. What Jesus taught them is known as the Lord's prayer and it is an example of how we can pray as well. The original King James Version uses old English that we don't use today. However, many of us may have memorized it when we were children. The following is from the New King James version. “Our Father in heaven,Hallowed  be Your name.(holy and praise be to Your name )Your kingdom come.Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts,As we forgive our debtors.And do not lead us into temptation,But deliver us from the evil one (or evil).For Yours is the kingdom and thepower, and the glory forever.  Amen.”   This prayer was given to the disciples before Jesus went to the cross. After Jesus died, rose from the dead, and went up to heaven,  the old covenant of law (Old Testament/agreement) was fulfilled. Jesus brought the new covenant (New Testament)  of grace and truth through faith  which  was paid by His shed blood. Should we pray this prayer today or use it as an example of how to pray? We can use this example for prayer, but keep in mind that this was directed to the Jewish people during Jesus' time as they were transitioning from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament because He came to be the perfect sacrifice that would pay for our sins once and for all if we accept Him into our hearts and make Him our Lord and Savior. As we start with the prayer, we should give praise and honor to God our Father. As we continue in prayer we can pray for spiritual and physical needs. Today, as a Christian, the kingdom of God is within us because Jesus our king reigns in our hearts. We ask for His will to be done in our lives. We can also ask for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Is it God's will to heal, to forgive, to save? Yes, so let's pray for others as well.Jesus is our daily bread and as we read, hear, and  study the Word we are able to feed our spirit being and grow in faith. We can also pray for our physical needs to be met. Thank God we have our debts  or sins forgiven because of Jesus. When we ask Him to forgive us of our sins and we receive Him by faith, we are forgiven. As we have been forgiven, we should also forgive those that have sinned against us. Does God lead us into temptation if we don't pray against it? James 1:13-15 says that God does not tempt man but man is tempted by his own desires. We are to pray that God delivers us when we are going through trials and temptations. God says that He will never allow temptations that are more than we can handle (I Cor. 10:13).Temptations can include unbelief, doubt, and fear.   Finally, glory, honor, and power are  the Lords Amen. As Christians we conclude or include the name of Jesus in our prayers (John 14:13-14) because the power is in the name of Jesus (Phil. 2:9-10).Read the rest at: https://litwithprayer.substack.com/p/jesus-always-honored-his-father?sd=pf

Heaven on Earth! Read Revelation 21:1-22:5 Heaven on Earth Let's Pray! 5 truths about the Believer's future home: 1. Everything Will Be New There! 21:1-2 Don't forget the Bible speaks of three ‘heavens.' The first is the sky; the second is space; the third is where God's throne is beyond space. In the place of the first earth, sky and space will be a new earth, sky, and space, and the New Jerusalem will come down out of the third heaven and be the center of the New Universe! I believe the place Jesus speaks of preparing for us in John 14 is the New Jerusalem, which one day will be for us “Heaven on Earth!” 2. There will be Indescribable Beauty there! In God's perfect way the city will bring together the Old Testament saints of Israel with the saints that have come since the time of the New Testament. Could it be that when saints die now they have the privilege of working with Jesus on getting the New Jerusalem ready? 3. There will be Wondrous and Fulfilling Activity there! Here we see the New Earth presented as a city brimming with physical activity! Can't you see yourself there in a glorified body – taking walks, enjoying the outdoors, playing sports, laughing and painting, playing instruments and singing, engaged in creative and meaningful work, visiting museums, learning how radio waves and quantum physics and other things really work, with Father, Son and Holy Spirit being worshipped in all you do? 4. The Comforting Absence of what won't be there! On the new Earth we'll have constant access to the Tree of Life, and if it is ever needed, partaking of the leaves there will heal whatever needs healing! Thank God that when we get to the New Earth there will be no more curse! 5. The traits of those that won't be there First, they had cowardice instead of courage Second, they had Unbelief, not Belief Finally, they continued in their sin, refusing to Repent A true Christian has repented and agrees with God's definition of sin; they take steps to turn from every sin, even if they struggle the rest of their life. Non- Christians do not repent, beginning with refusing to agree with God's definition of sin. By definition they are not forgiven.

Real estate is not just about buying properties. It's about building a business.   Brian Alfaro and Cody Laughlin of Blue Oak Capital join us to discuss what it takes to be competitive in the real estate market. They talk about the different components of real estate as a business, how we can make an impact with marketing, and what we can do to get brokers on our side. For new investors, Brian and Cody also list the 6-step proven framework that helped them raise their first $1 million.   Blue Oak Capital is a Houston-based real estate investing firm that focuses on acquiring cash flow producing commercial real estate. They partner with busy professionals who are seeking to grow their investment portfolio by investing in real assets like real estate.     [00:01 - 08:34] Finding the Best Business Partners Why Brian and Cody decided to form a partnership Making the transition from single-family to multifamily Slow growth vs instant success Building relationships and the infrastructure for a sustainable business   [08:35 - 16:44] Strategies for Your First Capital Raise Brian and Cody break down the 6-step capital raising framework that worked for them  Why these steps should work simultaneously The importance of persistence and consistency in execution Focus on the marketing-side   [16:45 - 22:19]  Standing Out From the Competition Go bold and be willing to get uncomfortable Find a story behind the opportunities Nurture strong relationships with brokers Visibility is key Get your first transaction done Be the best buyer that you can be   [22:20 - 23:56] Closing Segment Reach out to Brian and Cody!  Links Below Final Words Tweetable Quotes   “You've got having a strong brand, having a website, using a CRM, sending out a newsletter, making sure you're on social media and then trying to become a thought leader in this space.” - Brian Alfaro   “Don't focus on taking people out to lunch. Go focus on getting deals done. And that's how you build relationships.” - Cody Laughlin -----------------------------------------------------------------------------   Connect with Brian and Cody! Head over to the Blue Oak Capital website and follow them on Facebook and LinkedIn. Email them at brian@blueoakinvests.com and cody@blueoakinvests.com.    Connect with me:   I love helping others place money outside of traditional investments that both diversify a strategy and provide solid predictable returns.     Facebook   LinkedIn   Like, subscribe, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or whatever platform you listen on.  Thank you for tuning in!   Email me → sam@brickeninvestmentgroup.com Want to read the full show notes of the episode? Check it out below: [00:00:00] Cody Laughlin: You know, when we talked about real estate investing, we talk about like buying the real estate, right? We talk about the apartment buildings or whatever, but what you really don't understand, especially in this multifamily space, you're operating a small business. And you know, when we talk about putting these pieces in place, what you're doing is you're building the infrastructure of a business. [00:00:17] Cody Laughlin: You know, you're wearing the marketing hat, you're wearing the, the revenue hat you're wearing the acquisitions hat. Like you're wearing all of these different variables that go into owning and operating a small business.  [00:00:39] Sam Wilson: Blue Oak Capital is a Houston-based private equity firm focused on the acquisition of cash flow producing multifamily real estate across the US, Brian and Cody. Welcome to the show.  [00:00:50] Cody Laughlin: Sam, pleasure to be here, man. I appreciate you having us for having us.  [00:00:52] Brian Alfaro: Thanks for having us, Sam. Yeah, we really appreciate it.  [00:00:54] Sam Wilson: Hey, man. Pleasure is mine. There's three questions I ask every guest who comes on the show and maybe one of you can take this and just answer this for the firm itself, but the three questions are, where did you guys start? Where are you now? And how did you get there? So I'll leave it to you guys to figure out which one of you wants to tackle that.  [00:01:09] Cody Laughlin: Well, kind of high level overview. We all our Houston-based. Brian and I are two of the three managing partners here at our company. We all collectively met through networking channels and, and whatnot, and then formulated our, our company early, late, like late 2019, early 2020. [00:01:27] Cody Laughlin: And you know, the biggest kind of glue that's kind of held us together are our value propositions that are complementary skillsets and really that how the team has meshed and that's been how we've been able to grow, right? And so, but since our inception in late 2019, you know, like you mentioned, we've, you know, acquired and partnered in 847 units as general partners and looking to do some, some really big acquisitions this year, a hundred million dollars plus in acquisitions this year, hopefully. [00:01:56] Cody Laughlin: And really, it just comes down to great partners, great relationships and just a great network of investors and partners around us. So what do you think, Brian?  [00:02:04] Brian Alfaro: I think, I think you hit the nail on the head.  [00:02:06] Sam Wilson: Yeah. What are some things when you guys, 'cause this is a common you know, I hear this, this discussion a lot on this show, but I want to hear your, your take on what it was like figuring out one that you were onto something and then finding the partners, even if it was within the same network, like there's, there's, there's a lot of back and forth and like, Hey, should we, could we maybe we'll build something. Maybe we won't. How, how did you guys navigate that? [00:02:29] Cody Laughlin: Go ahead, Brian, tell them your side and I'm going to add to that.  [00:02:32] Brian Alfaro: Yeah, I, I think I knew I was onto something when I saw a lot of people around me were having success in commercial real estate. So you talked about commercial real estate. Cody and I both come from the single-family residential investment space. We were both doing that, Cody for way longer than I was. I was doing it for about two years. [00:02:46] Brian Alfaro: And I was kind of looking around and watching guys build their portfolio and seeing people, just regular people that were just like you and me doing big things. So why not me? It was the question I really asked myself, why couldn't I do that as well, especially as it was transitioning and getting a little bit older. [00:03:02] Brian Alfaro: I'm 33 right now. So, you know, back in my early thirties as I'll call it, I guess I'm still there. But I was looking around and going just, just regular guys doing this, there's regular guys buying these massive $20, 30, 40 million properties. And I'm like, why not me? So, it all starts with education. So it became a lot about educating myself, joining a mentorship group. [00:03:18] Brian Alfaro: And that's when I also met Cody and John and that's when I knew we had something was because these are two great guys. It all starts with the foundation of good business ethics. Work with people that you want to go grab a beer, right? So I'm gonna grab a cup of coffee with people you want to hang out with on the weekend. [00:03:32] Brian Alfaro: If you don't like your business partners, you're probably not going to get very far. So that's when I knew personally that I found something good because I had two guys that I really enjoyed hanging out with really enjoyed spending time with. So the idea of being on calls at 9, 10, 11, 12, 1 o'clock in the morning, you know, going through underwriting, basically giving up your nights, giving up your weekends, kind of hustling to make it happen. [00:03:53] Brian Alfaro: These are two guys. I had no problem doing that with it. Wasn't an inconvenience, right? So once we got that to together and we started form our team, you really just start to see things flourish. It took a lot of time, a lot of slow growth, as we like to say, it took about year and a half to get that first deal done. But that for us that's that's for me, at least that's how I knew it was on to something.  [00:04:11] Cody Laughlin: Yeah. And I will go with Brian's sentiments that, you know, I was exposed to this idea of syndication back in 2011, through a local networking event here at Houston. And at the time I had no idea what I was being exposed to. All I knew it was just this investor on stage partnering, 17 people, everybody got passive income and everybody was happy and I'm like, oh, that sounds awesome. [00:04:32] Cody Laughlin: You know, a lot better than the wholesaling, single-family also like I was doing at the time and, you know, fast forward several years later, you know, after kind of having to go through some refocus and some re development of goals and things like that, you know, really was getting frustrated in the past that I were taking as far as trying to find a fit for me, what was ideal from my investing thesis, what was going to get me to my financial independence, you know, all the things that we've all hear about and are challenged with and, you know, making that transition to multifamily. [00:05:04] Cody Laughlin: You know, you could look back and you see, man, there was so much wealth generated and created over the past decade from multifamily investments. You know, I mean, there was just so much wealth that was being created and the fundamentals projected an even more positive forecast for years to come. And, you know, it was just really, that was kind of very eyeopening. [00:05:24] Cody Laughlin: And so, and then having gone through some hard expensive lessons along my journey to get to this point in multifamily. It was a kind of a no-brainer that once, you know, once I met John, once I met Brian and we saw the synergies and we saw the power that be, you know, with all of us working together, you know, we just put the blinders on, stayed discipline, stayed focus. [00:05:44] Cody Laughlin: And I think that was really where we knew like, Hey, the future has going to be very, very bright here. If we just do.  [00:05:49] Sam Wilson: That's something you mentioned there, Brian was that you said slow growth. You know, people want, I think the, they want the quick hit, you know, the, the instant success, which it doesn't sound like you guys had that. [00:06:00] Sam Wilson: I think you mentioned calls at 1:00 AM one and a half years. What's what were some challenges that you guys faced in getting your first deal done?  [00:06:09] Cody Laughlin: There's a lot, obviously. I mean, look, everybody has the same challenge when you first started, you have no credibility, you have no experience. And I would argue that most people probably don't have the network. [00:06:19] Cody Laughlin: They need to go out there and buy these multi-million dollar deals, right? So it's really, how do you put that first foot forward and how do you really build the infrastructure for a sustainable business? And I think it all starts with that. So brian can attest to this too, right? I mean, it all starts with number one is relationships who are the people that are doing the deals, who are the people that are really having success in the same strategies that we wanted to model. [00:06:44] Cody Laughlin: And then who are the people that are gonna help us get there, whether that be partners or investors, whatnot. We need to go meet the people first. 'Cause we all know, I mean, this idea of have a good deal and the money will come. That's such a false adage. That's out there, right? I mean, if you don't, you can have the best tool in the world, but if you don't have the money to back you to do it, you're a dead duck in the water. [00:07:03] Cody Laughlin: So I think it really started with building out relationships in that framework first, and then everything else kind of expanded off there. What do you think, Brian?  [00:07:10] Brian Alfaro: Yeah. I think when you're new, you don't know how to put the puzzle together is how I like to the analogy I like to use, right? Like buying these properties is just putting a puzzle together. [00:07:19] Brian Alfaro: And when you're new, you don't have all the pieces just like you were buying a puzzle the store and it's missing a bunch of pieces. You're like, oh, that's the bad puzzle. Well, it's not necessarily a bad puzzle. It's just that you don't have the pieces you need. Do you have the KP to go on signing the loan? If you need. [00:07:32] Brian Alfaro: Somebody who has experienced an asset management, especially if you're brand new, because if I'm an investor and you're telling me like, this is your first deal, and you've never done this before, that makes me a little nervous. So having somebody on your team that can give you that credibility, that can sort of be your safety net. [00:07:45] Brian Alfaro: You don't have that when you're first getting started, you don't have the relationships as Cody was saying. And then with the equity, that's super important too. Properties are expensive now. Starting five years ago, you could get a pretty deal. Pretty big deal close raising three, four, $5 million. Now that's like a 50 or 60 unit depending on what market you're in, right? So can you put, yeah, can't you put the team together to go and raise 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more million dollar. Do you have the relationships with those co-sponsors or with those equity partners to get the deal done? There was just a lot of things. Cody is our head of acquisition. He knows how much legwork it takes. [00:08:20] Brian Alfaro: Not only for those things I mentioned, but insurance quotes, property managers, all the people that are involved in closing process, you just don't have the relationships yet and that's where that first 12 to 18 months of getting started is. It's really building those relationships and understanding, you know, what are you getting into. [00:08:34] Sam Wilson: Tell me real quick, just briefly cover this the six step framework for raising a million bucks. I mean, everybody struggles out of the gate, just like you said, like you said Cody was that, you know, find the deal. The, the money will come nonsense. I think that that myth has been debunked too many times. [00:08:52] Sam Wilson: What's your guys's six step framework if somebody wants to raise a million bucks as fast as they can? [00:08:57] Cody Laughlin: Yeah. It's probably the, one of the most important skillsets you obviously need to have in a business. Probably one of the most difficult too, right? How many stories have you heard of tablet raisers that, oh, I can go raise a million, $2 million and they fall flat on their face. [00:09:09] Cody Laughlin: I being one of those, you know, on your first capital raise, it's, it's very difficult. So, you know, Brian, you want to go ahead and kick it off here with a framework that worked for us?  [00:09:16] Brian Alfaro: Absolutely. So our framework, it's very simple. It sounds simple, but the hard part is, is the execution. And I think what makes it even harder is persistence and consistency over a long period of time, because you can build out this, you can follow these steps and write them down and check each box. [00:09:30] Brian Alfaro: But if you're not consistently managing them and moving them forward all at the same time, it's where you can eventually fall flat. So the first one is just having a really strong brand. Now that's something we're really important about, like when people see Blue Oak Capital, do they know, do they have some sort of relationship with it? [00:09:46] Brian Alfaro: Do they know Cody? Do they know Brian? Do they know our third partner, John? Do they know mix of us? What are their thoughts? What are their feelings? What are their emotions? When they think about Blue Oak Capital, do they have positive thoughts about Blue Oak Capital? You got to have that brand. So creating a brand, creating a logo. [00:10:01] Brian Alfaro: That's something that's really, really, really important a lot of people don't think of. Now you can go out there and you can raise capital without one. It is possible. But if you're talking about growth and scale, You definitely want to have a brand. And after that brand, you definitely want to have a website that's, it's 2022. We're recording this podcast. [00:10:17] Brian Alfaro: You got it. It's your business card, right? People are going to go Google it, or they're going to go look you up. They're going to see what you've done. And if you don't have a legit website where people can feel like you're a professional, you're, you know, you're somebody in the industry who's serious, then you can have, you're going to have problems too, because if you're telling me like, Hey, you want to take a hundred thousand dollars from me and you don't even have a website. [00:10:35] Brian Alfaro: You don't even have a logo unless you and I have been friends for 20 years. And I just trust you like that. It's not very likely that I'm going to go and, you know, just be comfortable, raising, you know, giving you money, right? Yeah. Once you have that brand, once you have that website, you want to start laying some infrastructure in your website. [00:10:50] Brian Alfaro: You know, we we're really big on having a CRM. So that's one of the steps and then leveraging that CRM to keep your investors updated, which is another step, which is sending out a newsletter. So once you have that brand, you have that website, you want to make sure things are starting to talk to each other. [00:11:04] Brian Alfaro: So we have a CRM system where we're constantly feeding people, you know, we have a funnel we're constantly feeding people into the CRM, whether it's through our podcasts, it's through our. Let's do our newsletter, which is one of the six steps we want to create that update for your investors that are in your database. [00:11:18] Brian Alfaro: You want to make sure you're building out that investor database of quality investors, people that are pre qualified. And if you're planning on doing five or six Bs, so people you've had a conversation with, if you're doing five or six C's, you obviously want to make sure they're accredited investors. [00:11:30] Brian Alfaro: So that's four of the steps. The last one, I think that's really well, not the last one, but the fifth one that I think is really important is social media. You know, we're really big on just being out there, making sure that people are aware of who you are and you're growing your brand presence. So, you know, we're big on leveraging platforms, Facebook, LinkedIn. [00:11:47] Brian Alfaro: You know, there's other platforms, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok is becoming really popular. We're not on there yet, but I think if you're getting started, we're talking about raising that first million dollars, you want to pick one or two and really stick with it because it can be a full-time job doing social media, whether it's yourself or somebody you're paying to manage all of these accounts. [00:12:05] Brian Alfaro: So, you know, when first got started, we really leaned in heavily on LinkedIn and Facebook. Those were our two preferred choices. And then as we've continued to grow, you know, we're starting to layer on things like Instagram. You know, we'll look at things like Twitter and took doc down the road, but you really want to start and lay a strong foundation on one of those social media platforms. [00:12:22] Brian Alfaro: And then the last one is just having that thought leadership platform. You know, we talk about blogs. I just mentioned that we talked about our podcasts. We talked about our meetup. So just to kind of reemphasize this, we've got having a strong brand, having a website, using a CRM. Sending out a newsletter, making sure you're on social media and then trying to become a thought leader in this space. [00:12:40] Brian Alfaro: You want to create content, whether it's a podcast that meetup blog, maybe you're creating short reels or clips on YouTube, those are the six steps that we really followed for that first opportunity where we were able to raise over a million dollars.  [00:12:53] Cody Laughlin: And Sam, look, I think it's, it's really important for people understand like all of these pieces don't work on their own in silos. They all have to work in conjunction with one another, right? If you think about a visualization of a funnel, right? You have the widest part of the funnel, the top of the funnel is the most critical piece because that's where you're getting the most engagement. [00:13:13] Cody Laughlin: That's where you're connecting with as many people as, as many touches. And then you go to the middle of the funnel, which is where you're nurturing those relationships. You're actually curating relationships to where you get to the bottom of the funnel, which is where the solidification of that relationship. [00:13:26] Cody Laughlin: And that trust is cemented to where ultimately they want to invest with you or partner with you and work with you in whatever fashion, but I think the key takeaway is those six steps of Brian highlighted, which you did a great job, as you know, they were all critical to our framework and helping us to get to that first million dollar raise, but they all have to work simultaneously together with one another. [00:13:47] Cody Laughlin: And so I think it's important for people to understand that it's in multiple, you know, layers within the funnel that have to work in conjunction together.  [00:13:54] Brian Alfaro: Yeah. Once you have those first few layers, the other ones are about nurturing, right? People are listening to your podcasts or reading your newsletter. [00:13:59] Brian Alfaro: They're looking at your blogs, they're going to your meetup and that's the nurturing process. So you can build relationships with people without calling them every week, so.  [00:14:07] Sam Wilson: Right. And I think, I think the one thing that you hit on there, Brian, and all of this is consistency of execution. That's the hardest part I think of it is that discipline side of it where it's like, okay, now you've got people coming in. Now you got your website built, you got your infrastructure, but then is your newsletter going out every week? I mean, it took me until I'm embarrassed to say it June of 2021. Here we go, you know, I'm sharing my weaknesses here to get a weekly newsletter out and I've done it every week since it's like, but it was like, I will get this done. [00:14:39] Sam Wilson: And once you do that, of course, you know, that's been instrumental in building, you know, relationships that I just had never nurtured before. And it's a weekly newsletter. It's a total pain. I get my newsletter out on Friday. I'm like crud, that's gotta get done. Like I gotta, I gotta write the text for that. [00:14:54] Sam Wilson: Of course I got help putting the rest of it together and get it sent out, from my marketing manager, but it's still, you know, I still have to put work into that every week.  [00:15:01] Cody Laughlin: Oh, sorry. So, you know, as I'll tell you, man, what, what you're discussing here and what we're talking about is, you know, when we talk about real estate investing, we talk about like buying the real estate, right? [00:15:09] Cody Laughlin: We talk about the apartment buildings, whatever, but what you really don't understand, especially in this multifamily space, you're operating a small business. And you know, when we talk about putting these pieces in place, what you're doing is you're building the infrastructure of a business. You know, you're wearing the marketing hat, you're wearing the revenue hat, you're wearing the acquisitions hat. Like you're wearing all of these different variables that go into owning and operating a small business. And so to your point, I think most people don't realize that when you get in, we always talk about real estate, but you're like, oh crap. Like, oh, I've got to go a bit up my marketing funnel. [00:15:41] Cody Laughlin: I've got to go bit up my brand. I've got to go do all these other things that, you know, you don't think about. So it's not suited for everybody. You know, I hate marketing. I mean, I'll be candid with you. I hate it. You don't want me picking logos and stuff like that 'cause I'm too simple-minded. Thank God that I got Brian and John and have a better eye for that than I do. [00:15:56] Cody Laughlin: But the point is, is, you know, it's a, it is a critical part of the business for sure.  [00:16:00] Sam Wilson: It is. Yeah. And I think, I think that's one of the, one of the mindset shifts I had to make you know, in the last two or three years was that I'm in, especially, I mean, there's two things we need in this business. I say this well, gosh, I feel like every show we need deals, we need money. [00:16:13] Sam Wilson: And if you don't have both of those things, then you don't have anything here in a real estate business. And so like 70% of what I feel like I do is marketing, like finding the deals is almost secondary to first building out the marketing side of it, which has kind of a twist, I think, from what most of us think early on like, oh, we're going to go buy real estate. [00:16:30] Sam Wilson: Well, you're not going to buy a $30 million property if you haven't done the marketing first because you don't even have investors to go buy it. So start there. I love that. So, Brian, thanks for taking the time to break that down. No, we're spend a little more time here on this and maybe what we planned on, but I think this is a valuable conversation. [00:16:44] Sam Wilson: I'd like to use this as a segue, though. What are you guys doing? I guess, on the finding deals, the acquiring deals side of this equation. What are you guys doing right now to be competitive?  [00:16:55] Cody Laughlin: Great question. And it's a problem that everybody's having, right? I mean, you know, everybody's trying to figure out how to list, stand out from another. [00:17:01] Cody Laughlin: Listen, I think those who are willing to be bold. And get uncomfortable and take a little bit more risk, especially upfront are the guys that are standing out, you know, and I think right now, especially at the time of this recording where we're, we're going into a very aggressive rate hike environment. [00:17:19] Cody Laughlin: Rising interest rate environment. We're already hearing rumblings of investors wanting to sit out or, oh, they're just going to take a pause and things like that. You know, I think the guys that like our school are still gonna remain active, still going to keep our finger on the pulse, still adjust to what the market is going to give us. [00:17:34] Cody Laughlin: And stay tuned. I think those are the guys that are going to succeed. And so what does it take to be competitive? Again, you gotta be willing to get uncomfortable. What does that mean? Well, you gotta find a way, you know, to come up with the price guidance that these brokers are giving you, you know, and now we're seeing a little bit more flexibility because rates and the capital markets, but, you know, you have to find a way to find the story behind these opportunities, right? You have to be willing to put up the risk capital upfront. I mean, right now let's be honest. The guys that are writing the bigger checks, those are the guys that went into deals. I mean, it's that simple. So, you know, guys that are putting up half a million dollars of non-refundable risk capital upfront to get these deals awarded. [00:18:14] Cody Laughlin: Those are how deals are trading right now. And if you're not comfortable with doing that, Hey, I get it. It's a hard pill to swallow, but that's the reality of the market, you know? So you have to find a way to go make that happen and be the ones to kind of play with the big boys, so to speak if you want to win opportunities. [00:18:31] Brian Alfaro: Yeah. And I think to add onto that, because I know Cody does our acquisitions, but I can tell you what I see from afar is one way to be competitive is to have really strong relationships with the brokers. You know, when, when you have a relationship that you've been nurturing for 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, however long it's been when you've closed deals, obviously that helps a lot when you've done business and you've helped them put food on the table. [00:18:52] Brian Alfaro: That definitely helps a lot. But we've learned that the, you know, the more deals you do, the more the brokers want to go fight for you. The lenders want to go fight with you. Everybody on your team starts to come around to see like, Hey, we're gonna, we're gonna do our best to help you, you know, get this deal awarded. [00:19:08] Brian Alfaro: And the relationship and the communication side with the brokers are super important because as Cody mentioned, you know, we'll go toward deal and they're like, oh, this deal is 25 million. And then having Cody's calling daily, constantly staying on top of the broker, like, Hey, what's going on? What's going on? What type of offers are you getting? You ended up finding out that all the offers are coming in at 23 million, right. Then you thought it was gonna be 25 million. But if Cody didn't have that great relationship and the brokers didn't have that trust and given him that type of Intel that can help him be competitive. That's something that a new person would have trouble doing, right? So I think that communication piece, relationship piece is a way to be competitive and not being transactional with the broker. [00:19:42] Cody Laughlin: Yeah. Thank you, Brian. And I want to expand on that, Sam, if we have a few minutes, because I think a lot of people, especially for any new first time investors, they're hearing this and they think that building relationships is taking brokers out to coffee or lunch. [00:19:53] Cody Laughlin: And I'm just going to tell you right now, that's a complete waste of time. And I'll tell you why, because you are one of a thousand people that are calling brokers every single day, sourcing the same opportunities. You taking them to lunch doesn't set you apart, okay? Yeah. So it was a little effort, but it really doesn't distinguish you. [00:20:10] Cody Laughlin: If you want to really build a relationship with the broker, your number one objective should be to get to that first deal. Well, how do you do that? You got to show up for every property tour. You have to analyze all of the, you know, the deals that you think that are true interest, but you have to give feedback as you know, that's so critical. People undervalue that the brokers appreciate feedback, even if you're, you know, 50% off of their price guidance, they still want the feedback, right. They still want, because that's how they're going to learn who you are and what your investing thesis is, what you're looking for. But it also helps them gauge the market too. You know, like Brian said, Hey, if I've got 10 offers and they're all coming 2 million under whisper, that's information they need to take back to their seller and say, Hey look, the market's not here. [00:20:53] Cody Laughlin: We need to, we need to adjust. So they want the feedback. So you gotta be visible. You gotta be in front of the brokers, you got to give feedback. That's absolutely critical. The next thing is you've got to get to that first transaction. And when you get to that first transaction, when you finally get that opportunity, You have to make it a point to be the absolute best buyer you can be, right? And so, listen, you're going to eat some crap for, you know, you're going to have to take a couple, you know, shots on the chin, but you have to be the absolute best buyer that you can be on that first transaction. Because as Brian said, when you do that, when you solidify that transaction and it goes smoothly, I'm not saying go in carelessly. [00:21:31] Cody Laughlin: I'm not saying go, not fight for something that you know is not right. But what I'm saying is, is, you know, don't go going to nickel and dime battle over 25k when you're buying a $15 million deal. Oh, you want to retrade for 25 grand? I mean, come on. That's a great way to lose credibility, you know? I mean, that's, that's pennies when you're talking about these big multimillion-dollar deals, right? But when you close the transaction and it goes smoothly and the brokers see that, Hey, you're very easy to work with. Guess what's going to happen on the next one? They're going to go to bat for you and, and, and the vendors that you've worked with, they're going to go to bat for you, and that's only going to make it easier. And that's a snowball that we talk about. So something that I just want to make sure to reemphasize, don't focus on taking people out to lunch, go focus on getting deals done. And that's how you build relationships.  [00:22:19] Sam Wilson: Man. I think that's great. That is absolutely perfect advice, you know, and, and it comes from experience. So I'll like that. Focus on getting the first transaction done because yeah, like you said, Brian, once you start becoming that person that puts food on their table, you could you become a much more important part of, of their life. So that's that's really, really cool. Gentlemen. I thank you for taking the time to come on the show today and share with us your experience, how you guys have grown your company so quickly in such a short period of time, the ways to effectively raise your first million bucks, how you guys are staying competitive and then really what it takes right now to thrive in today's marketplace. [00:22:55] Sam Wilson: So certainly appreciate you guys taking the time to break all of that down. If our listeners want to get in touch with you or learn more about you, what is the best way to do that?  [00:23:02] Cody Laughlin: Yes. And thank you for having us on the show, man. It's been fun. Listen, we're not hard to find. You can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, as Brian mentioned, if you want to check us out you can go to our website, www.blueoakinvests.com. [00:23:14] Cody Laughlin: You can check on all of our various resources and thought leadership platforms that we have available to you there. But if you really want to connect with us directly, you can reach out to us at Brian or Cody @blueoakinvests.com.  [00:23:26] Sam Wilson: Cody and Brian. Thank you so much for taking the time to come on the show. I certainly appreciate it. [00:23:30] Brian Alfaro: Thank you, Sam. 

65, Thank God for Jesus Christ Thank God for Jesus Christ. Those were Deborah Ann Mays' last words. Her daughter, Andrea Powell, will never forget hearing her mother speak those words. Andrea shares those memories with us, along with the everlasting impression that Deborah Ann left on the earth and those that knew her. Andrea grew up being the only girl amongst her brothers, so the bond between mother and daughter was close. Andrea's parents divorced, and Andrea shares about her father, Edward, also known as "Black Rambo." Andrea discusses the adversity that occurred and the lessons she learned from her father. And we can't forget the ever important lesson from grandfather JP! Andrea is a leader in her church, and enjoys using her spare time to hold a Prayer Boot Camp for those interested in increasing their praying habits. Andrea has also written a daily devotional and is the host of her own podcast, We Are Not So Different. Podcast SpotlightWe Are Not So Different"This podcast will draw and unite people from different walks of life by highlighting the similarities in the sum total of our life experiences as opposed to pointing out the glaring differences that often separate us."Instagram: @wearenotsodifferent_ @mays2powellWebsite: https://www.wearenotsodifferent.com/Daily Devotions from the Heart of an Encourager by Andrea Powell is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Devotions-Encourager-Andrea-Powell-ebook/dp/B087JFHSNH/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1AX4739CO6AUW&keywords=daily+devotional+andrea+powell&qid=1655169232&sprefix=daily+devotion+andrea+powell%2Caps%2C116&sr=8-2 If you'd like to donate to Tim Harris' project of providing free therapy to at least one person for one year, please visit www.grievingisbreathing.com/donateInstagram: @grievingisbreathing Website: www.grievingisbreathing.com This is a Back Home Media production, recorded and produced in Phoenix, AZ.Additional production and music by Ian Releford. Music by Colen Lococo and The Revolving Birds.Like what you hear? Helped by what you heard? Have something to share? https://www.patreon.com/parentlesspodcastEmail: parentlesspodcast@gmail.comInstagram: @parentlesspodcastVoicemail: 623.396.6069You are not alone.

Bible Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:3; Hebrews 2:10-11; 13:1Carley felt a sharp poke under the table. "Knock it off, Brooks!" she hissed, aiming a kick back at her brother. He scowled at her and then snuck a look at Dad, who was reading a Bible passage for family devotions."A friend loves at all times," Dad read, "and a brother is born for adversity." He looked up. "That is, for hard times," he explained."You can say that again!" said Carley. "Brothers are good for nothing but giving you a hard time.""Hold it!" said Dad. "That's not what the verse is saying. One translation of the Bible says, 'A brother is born to help in time of need.' It means times like…well, like the time you fell off the slide at school, Carley, and your brother ran and got a teacher and then stayed with you.""Yeah, Carley!" Brooks piped up, poking his sister again. Mom turned to look at Brooks. "And remember what happened yesterday when you dropped your notebook? Who ran after all those papers that were blowing away down the street?" she asked, catching her son by surprise."Uh, well…Carley did," Brooks replied. Then he quickly added, "But that verse isn't talking about sisters.""Oh, I think it includes them," said Dad. "The phrase 'a brother is born for adversity' means that God gave us siblings to be there to help us when trouble comes."Mom chimed in. "All brothers and sisters argue now and then, but you should learn to appreciate each other in spite of that. God wants brothers and sisters to love and support each other--in individual families and also in God's family."Dad nodded. "The Bible says Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ. He made us all part of His family so we could love and care for one another and offer help in hard times." Dad grinned. "So you two should love and help each other because you're siblings in two families--ours and God's." Brooks' eyes twinkled. "Hey, Carley, I'm gonna have an awful hard time tonight getting all the trash out to the road so it will be ready for garbage pickup tomorrow!""Yes, you are!" said Carley. Then she grinned. "Okay. I'll help you." -Sara L. NelsonHow About You?Do you appreciate your siblings? God gave them to you so you could love and care for each other and help one another through hard times. If you trust in Jesus and they do too, they're also your brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank God for your brothers and sisters--both in your family and in His family. They're an important part of your life. Today's Key Verse:A brother [or sister] is born to help in time of need. (NLT) (Proverbs 17:17)Today's Key Thought:Appreciate your brothers and sisters

It's hard to stay focused, especially when that focus requires attention be given to something that is different and challenging. As Christians living in this 21st century, our responsibility is, as Jesus said when he was only 12-years old, to “be about our Father's business.” As clear as this objective is, because we are imperfect we sometimes get tripped up and lose our focus. Thank God for His grace given to us through Jesus! What about other times when it's not just a typical misstep? What about when we fall not just into a careless or impetuous wrongdoing, but into a full-blown choice that leads us towards evil? What do we do to help us come to our senses, and not only retract the wrongdoing, but decisively get ourselves back onto the path of God-honoring thoughts, words and deeds?

Hello, and welcome to Beauty and the Biz where we talk about the business and marketing side of plastic surgery and what to watch out for with new associates. I'm your host, Catherine Maley, author of Your Aesthetic Practice – What your patients, are saying as well as consultant to plastic surgeons, to get them more patients and more profits. Now, today's episode is called “What to Watch Out for with New Associates - with Michael Persky, MD”. When do you add an associate to your practice? Typically, it's when you have enough demand that you can't keep up so you bring someone on board who can pick up the slack. Other times, it's when you want to offer new procedures or you want to delegate certain procedures you don't care to do anymore. And then other times, it's when you are thinking about setting yourself up to have someone one else take over your practice so you can slow down or retire altogether. In this week's Beauty and the Biz Podcast, I talked about the options above with Michael Persky, MD, a cosmetic facial plastic surgeon in private practice in Encino, CA since 1985. Dr. Persky has experienced being the “new guy on the block” and joining a practice, then going out on his own, then adding an associate, then losing that associate and finding another one and then losing that one and now in search of another! It's never too early or too late to figure this out for yourself so listen in to Dr. Persky's pearls of wisdom. Visit Dr. Persky's website at: https://www.drpersky.com/   Enjoy!