Podcasts about thoughtful

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1750: Nick Loper unpacks why doing “5-star work” is about more than just delivering good results, it's about exceeding expectations in subtle yet impactful ways. This episode explores how thoughtful communication, proactive problem-solving, and consistent reliability can help you stand out, earn repeat business, and build a reputation that sells itself. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.sidehustlenation.com/do-5-star-work/ Quotes to ponder: "Doing 5-star work means being clear, communicative, and on time." "If the deliverable is due Friday, 5-star work means delivering Thursday with a message like 'Hey, just wanted to get this over to you early.'" "Clients don't want to manage, they want to trust you to handle things." Episode references: Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/ Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/ 99designs: https://99designs.com/ The E-Myth Revisited: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our guest in this episode is the returning Anna Addoms of Wicked Marvelous. She is a wonderfully pragmatic and insightful guide helping entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of AI. Anna champions using technology as a powerful tool, not to replace us, but to help foster deeper and more authentic human connections.We picked up our conversation right where we left off in episode 671, exploring the critical ethical questions and practical boundaries of artificial intelligence. Anna shared brilliant insights on everything from copyright in the creative arts to the single most important skill we need to hone for the future.Key points discussed include:* Practice radical transparency about your AI use to build unwavering trust with your audience.* Use AI as a back-office tool to free up your precious time for genuine human connection.* Train AI on your own content to ensure your unique brand voice always shines through.Listen to the podcast to find out more.Innovabiz Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Show Notes from this episode with Anna Addoms, Wicked MarvelousIt was an absolute delight to welcome Anna Addoms of Wicked Marvelous back to the Innovabuzz podcast. Our last conversation was cut short by a technical hiccup—perhaps the AI getting its own back on us—right as we were getting to the heart of the matter. So, picking up right where we left off felt not just necessary, but essential. Anna, with her characteristic clarity and pragmatism, helped navigate the complex, and sometimes murky, waters of using AI in a way that is both effective and deeply human.We jumped straight into the profound shift required in our thinking as we build relationships in this new digital landscape. Anna's perspective is a refreshing dose of common sense in a field often filled with hype. She argues that while the tools are new and evolving at a breakneck pace, the fundamental principles of good business and human connection remain the same. It's not about a total revolution in our values, but a thoughtful evolution in our methods.The Transparency Mandate: Your First Rule of AI EngagementAnna's foundational rule for AI engagement is simple yet powerful: be transparent. She made it crystal clear that if you are using AI in any capacity that faces the public or your clients, you have a responsibility to disclose it. This isn't about being ashamed of using a powerful tool; quite the opposite. It's about building trust by being upfront and honest about your processes. Not disclosing, and then getting caught, can do irreparable damage to your reputation.This frames AI correctly, not as a replacement for human skill or creativity, but as a tool in our arsenal. We wouldn't hide the fact that we use specialized software for accounting or project management, and Anna argues we should treat AI with the same straightforwardness. This simple act of disclosure respects your audience's intelligence and allows them to engage with your work, and your brand, on honest terms.The Creative Gray Area: Navigating AI Art and Intellectual PropertyAs a keen photographer, this part of our conversation struck a personal chord. We waded into what Anna aptly calls the "biggest gray area" in AI right now: the world of generated art and the protection of intellectual property. It's a space filled with incredible potential but also fraught with ethical questions. Where do we draw the line between an AI emulating a style and it infringing upon a human artist's livelihood and creative ownership?Anna shared some fascinating, and slightly sobering, insights, referencing the lawsuit between Disney and Midjourney as a major signal of the legal battles to come. She also pointed to the development of technologies like permanent digital watermarks for AI-generated media as a necessary step forward. It's a reminder that as we embrace these creative tools, we must also advocate for frameworks that protect the human creators whose work forms the very foundation of the AI's knowledge.From Fun to Function: AI as a Creative Partner and Problem-SolverLest we think the conversation was all serious, we took a detour into the genuinely fun and creative applications of AI. I shared a story about getting a parking fine and using AI to translate my initial, very angry, draft letter into something diplomatic, before asking it to rewrite the letter in the style of comedians like Stephen Colbert and Jim Jeffries. The process was not only hilarious but cathartic, turning frustration into laughter.This perfectly complemented Anna's examples of using AI as a playful, creative partner. She spoke of creating unique cartoon avatars for her members, which many now use as their official business profiles, and even generating a full 160-card Oracle deck with AI graphics just for fun. It's a brilliant illustration of how these tools can be used for more than just productivity; they can be a source of joy, creativity, and connection.Drawing the Line: Where AI Should Work and Where Humans Must RuleSo, where do we draw the line? Anna's distinction is incredibly clear and practical. She is a huge proponent of using AI for "back office" functions, letting it handle what she calls the "administrative minutia" so that we have more time and energy to focus on high-value, human-to-human interactions. Think of it as an assistant that helps you repurpose content, analyze data, or draft initial documents.However, she has a "hard line" when it comes to client-facing engagement. The core message is to use AI to help you run your business more effectively, but not to let it be in your business, interacting with your clients or your audience. The ultimate goal of using these tools should be to free us up to spend more quality time with people, not to create a buffer between us.The Communication Imperative: The Most Important Skill for the AI EraAs we continued, a powerful theme emerged: the most critical skill we need to hone in the age of AI is communication. This goes far beyond just "prompt engineering." It's about the timeless art of asking clear, specific, and descriptive questions. The old "garbage in, garbage out" principle has never been more relevant.Anna used a wonderful analogy of briefing a designer. If you give a vague, one-line request, you'll get a generic result. But if you provide rich detail, context, and specific examples, you'll get something much closer to your vision. The same is true for AI. Communicating effectively with these models not only yields better results but also reinforces the habits of clear communication that are essential in our interactions with other people.Your AI Action Plan: Start Secure, Stay HumanTo wrap up our discussion, Anna offered a clear, two-part action plan for anyone looking to leverage AI thoughtfully. First, and most critically, is to choose a secure AI environment. Free and open platforms often mean you are paying with your data. Using a secure, encrypted service ensures your proprietary information and client data remain private.Second, take the time to train your AI to sound like you. By creating a persona or agent that has learned from your own writing—be it blog posts, emails, or sales copy—you can ensure the output reflects your unique voice and phrasing. This step is fundamental to moving beyond generic content and truly using AI as a tool that enhances, rather than dilutes, your personal brand.In Summary: My conversation with Anna Addoms was illuminating guide in navigating the AI landscape with wisdom and integrity. Her core message is to embrace AI as a powerful tool for back-office efficiency, freeing you to deepen the human connections that truly matter. Be transparent in its use, be protective of your creative voice, and never forget that technology's highest purpose is to help us become more, not less, human.The Buzz - Our Innovation RoundHere are Anna's answers to the questions of our innovation round. Listen to the conversation to get the full scoop.* Most innovative use of AI to enhance human relationships – By taking administrative minutia off people's plates, it allows them to focus on human-to-human interaction.* Best thing to integrate AI and human connection – Creating a personalized AI agent or persona trained on your own content so it learns to write in your unique voice.* Differentiate by leveraging AI – Use AI to help run your business effectively in the back office, not to be in business with your clients.ActionChoose a secure AI environment that protects your data, then take the time to train the AI to learn and use your unique voice. This is the foundation for using AI effectively and authentically in your business.Reach OutYou can reach out and thank Anna by visiting her website or finding her on LinkedIn.Links* Website – Wicked Marvelous* Twitter – @WickedMarvelous* LinkedIn* Facebook* InstagramCool Things About Anna* Anna grew up in Colorado in a family of entrepreneurs, right in the thick of the tech boom. She was raised around innovation and search engines, with her dad running AOL's biggest competitor during the first dot-com bubble. That's a childhood spent at the intersection of curiosity and code.* She's a creative at heart: Anna went to art school and holds a degree in English Literature. Her journey from art and literature to Silicon Valley tech startups is a delightful zigzag, not a straight line. She's proof that you can be both a techie and a creative soul.* She's a self-confessed “sponge of knowledge,” always learning, always curious. Anna's love of learning has led her down unexpected paths—from luxury travel to ad agencies to med-tech startups. She's not afraid to pivot, experiment, or start over if it means staying true to her values.Imagine being a part of a select community where you not only have access to our amazing podcast guests, but you also get a chance to transform your marketing and podcast into a growth engine with a human-centered, relationship-focused approach.That's exactly what you'll get when you join the Flywheel Nation Community.Tap into the collective wisdom of high-impact achievers, gain exclusive access to resources, and expand your network in our vibrant community.Experience accelerated growth, breakthrough insights, and powerful connections to elevate your business.ACT NOW – secure your spot and transform your journey today! Visit innovabiz.co/flywheel and get ready to experience the power of transformation.VideoThanks for reading Innovabiz Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit innovabiz.substack.com/subscribe

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1750: Nick Loper unpacks why doing “5-star work” is about more than just delivering good results, it's about exceeding expectations in subtle yet impactful ways. This episode explores how thoughtful communication, proactive problem-solving, and consistent reliability can help you stand out, earn repeat business, and build a reputation that sells itself. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.sidehustlenation.com/do-5-star-work/ Quotes to ponder: "Doing 5-star work means being clear, communicative, and on time." "If the deliverable is due Friday, 5-star work means delivering Thursday with a message like 'Hey, just wanted to get this over to you early.'" "Clients don't want to manage, they want to trust you to handle things." Episode references: Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/ Upwork: https://www.upwork.com/ 99designs: https://99designs.com/ The E-Myth Revisited: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Revisited-Small-Businesses-About/dp/0887307280 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this very first episode of the Stamped series on the Global Travel Planning Podcast, host Tracy Collins welcomes Amanda Kendle, creator of the Thoughtful Travel Podcast. Together, they dive into Amanda's personal travel stories, exploring the sparks that set her on a lifelong journey of exploration, her most memorable destinations, and the transformative impact of travel.Amanda reminisces about early adventures, from a childhood road trip around Europe to epic journeys like crossing Russia on the Trans-Siberian railway. She shares practical insights on navigating off-the-beaten-path destinations, the joy of long-distance train travel, and her deep connections with places like Japan and Iceland. Listeners get a candid look at travel from the perspective of someone passionate yet relatable, with highlights on family trips, cultural immersion, and the magic that happens when plans are left flexible.⭐️ Guest - Amanda Kendle of The Thoughtful Travel Podcast

This podcast is brought to you by Outcomes Rocket, your exclusive healthcare marketing agency. Learn how to accelerate your growth by going to⁠ outcomesrocket.com The future of healthcare revenue cycle management is modular, AI-driven, and human-supported. In this episode, Access Health's Shaji Ravi, CEO, and Kumar Shwetabh, COO, explore their innovative Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) strategy, powered by Smarter Technologies, a fusion of modular services (Smarter Access), clinical insights (SmarterDx), and AI automation (Thoughtful.ai). Drawing on trends from the HFMA conference, they highlight a growing industry shift away from rigid end-to-end models toward more adaptable, AI-enabled solutions, driven by the need to reduce rising administrative costs. They explain how Smarter Technologies leverages "agentic AI" alongside human-in-the-loop systems to automate roughly 80% of healthcare administration tasks, enhancing accuracy and efficiency while lowering operational expenses. Their ultimate goal is to resolve persistent issues like delayed payments and claim denials by proactively countering payer-driven AI strategies. Tune in and learn how Smarter Technologies is transforming healthcare revenue management! Resources: Connect with Shaji Ravi and follow him on LinkedIn. Follow and connect with Kumar Shwetabh on LinkedIn. Follow Access Healthcare Services on LinkedIn and explore their website. Learn more about Smarter Technologies on their LinkedIn and visit their website.

"Thoughtful, moving and very funny sonnets. I enjoyed them immensely." - Alan Arkin Oscar winning actor & author "Unique and charming and frankly should be in every high school Shakespeare class." - John Kenney, New York Times bestselling author. If Shakespeare was a lady… Award winning author, Penny Peyser, AKA "Lady Penelope" serves up wit, wisdom with a bit of snark in Shakespearean sonnet form. With rhyme and meter she describes the challenges of adult romance, marriage, friendships, choosing a mate, facing the frustrations of social media, casting off a lover, adult children, coping with aging bodies that misbehave, and other things the flesh is err to. You will smile out loud and chuckle with recognition. These clever, compassionate sonnets make a perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine's Day and are sure to delight women over 40 and the men who love them. For fans of Judith Viorst, Amy Sedaris and Dorothy Parker. Think Shakespeare at the mall.

In a wide-ranging and provocative address to the Rotary Club of Hermanus, BizNews founder Alec Hogg unpacks why 'First Principle Thinking', championed by Elon Musk, is the key to solving South Africa's biggest challenges in governance, media, and the economy.

This week on New Dad Gaming, Trevor shares his new dad gaming cubby setup, complete with a Switch Lite gifted by his nephews and an ingenious use of the Quest 3 as a giant PS4 screen. Jeff returns to Death Stranding to prep for its sequel, and the dads compare small cozy games vs. massive open-world grinds. Also discussed: A beautiful dad poem about painted nails and princess parties Dad Beers of Summer featuring Zywiec and Trouble in the Fields Why NHL 2017 might still be the best hockey game The challenge of teen kids forgetting to eat Plans for a future Christmas game swap

What Is American Culture — And Why Does It Hit Different?In this episode of The Morning Report, Willie Lawson breaks down the bold, messy, beautiful beast known as American culture — where freedom meets fast food, faith meets protest, and pop stars stand shoulder-to-shoulder with cowboys and coders. From supersized fries to superhero exports, we explore the real values, contradictions, and character that define the United States in 2025. This isn't just flag-waving nostalgia — it's a real conversation about what makes America… America.

Send us a textJami Leavitt shares her journey from growing up in a small Swiss-inspired town with a mother in public service to running for St. George City Council, bringing perspectives shaped by experiences across the country and deep community connections.• Core leadership philosophy shaped by moments of bringing people together rather than standing apart• Views on city government as a bottom-up approach that should reflect community values and priorities• Thoughtful perspective on balancing St. George's growth with preserving what makes it specialVisit votejamielevitt.com to learn more about Jamie's campaign or voteSTG.com to compare all candidates before the August 12th primary election.[00:00:00] Introduction to the 2025 Elections Series[00:08:42] Journey from Utah to Out-of-State and Back[00:21:17] Understanding the Role of City Government[00:32:13] Developing Leadership and Public Service Values[00:45:38] City Self-Sufficiency vs. Regional Connections[00:59:22] Community Input in Decision Making[01:03:14] The Dignity Index and Political Communication

Before he became known as the quirky, banana-snacking John Shuttleworth, Graham Fellows was a kid from Sheffield with dreams of classical acting and a knack for writing unforgettable songs. In this episode of Full Disclosure, James O'Brien meets the man behind the cult characters to trace the unpredictable path from Jilted John to Chicken Town.They explore Graham's early life, from his mum's quiet environmentalism to a fleeting moment of baby photo fame, and his parallel passions for drama and music that led him to Manchester Youth Theatre and, later, punk-inflected pop stardom. Graham reflects on the shock of overnight fame, the decades spent wrestling with alter egos, and the complex relationship between creator and character.Thoughtful, eccentric and candid, this is the story of a performer who's built a singular career by blurring the line between parody and poignancy.Find out more about Chicken Town here

In this solo episode, host Corey Nathan shares a personal story that explores a fundamental question many of us face in political and relational discourse: “Do you want to be right, or do you want the relationship?” Prompted by a real-life interaction following his attendance at a local rally, Corey examines how we navigate our convictions, the costs of being “right,” and the cognitive, identity-based, and psychological roots that underlie our desire to win arguments—especially at the expense of connection.  What Is Discussed: The real story behind a tense political exchange among friends. The importance of prioritizing relationships over ideological victory. Key psychological and sociological reasons why people insist on being right. How identity, ego, and group affiliation shape our perceptions in political dialogue. Thoughtful strategies to promote civil discourse, even across ideological lines. Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] Corey describes the No Kings Rally in Santa Clarita and his motivation for attending. [00:05:00] A group text spirals into conflict after a friend posts a divisive meme about Democrats. [00:07:00] Corey challenges the assumptions being made and asserts his conservative identity. [00:10:00] The text conversation intensifies—Corey confronts the damaging generalizations. [00:13:00] He reflects on the absence of actual conversation and the importance of listening. [00:20:00] Corey shares research on cognitive biases like confirmation bias and bandwagon effect. [00:24:00] A powerful explanation of identity protective cognition and how it affects discourse. [00:29:00] The psychological roots of being “right”: ego, fear, insecurity, and narcissism. [00:31:00] A parable of two billy goats illustrates the cost of refusing to give ground. Featured Quotes: “Do you want to be right, or do you want the relationship?” “The endeavor that I care about is people exercising their First Amendment rights.” “If we were actually talking, you'd know this isn't even in my top 50 concerns.” “We don't need to diminish others to hold our convictions.”

Larry Lee shares his thoughts on attending a high school reunion and reconnecting with former classmates.

In this solo episode, host Corey Nathan shares a personal story that explores a fundamental question many of us face in political and relational discourse: “Do you want to be right, or do you want the relationship?” Prompted by a real-life interaction following his attendance at a local rally, Corey examines how we navigate our convictions, the costs of being “right,” and the cognitive, identity-based, and psychological roots that underlie our desire to win arguments—especially at the expense of connection.  What Is Discussed: The real story behind a tense political exchange among friends. The importance of prioritizing relationships over ideological victory. Key psychological and sociological reasons why people insist on being right. How identity, ego, and group affiliation shape our perceptions in political dialogue. Thoughtful strategies to promote civil discourse, even across ideological lines. Episode Highlights: [00:03:00] Corey describes the No Kings Rally in Santa Clarita and his motivation for attending. [00:05:00] A group text spirals into conflict after a friend posts a divisive meme about Democrats. [00:07:00] Corey challenges the assumptions being made and asserts his conservative identity. [00:10:00] The text conversation intensifies—Corey confronts the damaging generalizations. [00:13:00] He reflects on the absence of actual conversation and the importance of listening. [00:20:00] Corey shares research on cognitive biases like confirmation bias and bandwagon effect. [00:24:00] A powerful explanation of identity protective cognition and how it affects discourse. [00:29:00] The psychological roots of being “right”: ego, fear, insecurity, and narcissism. [00:31:00] A parable of two billy goats illustrates the cost of refusing to give ground. Featured Quotes: “Do you want to be right, or do you want the relationship?” “The endeavor that I care about is people exercising their First Amendment rights.” “If we were actually talking, you'd know this isn't even in my top 50 concerns.” “We don't need to diminish others to hold our convictions.”

NEWS WEAKLY168 – 11th July, 2025This week on News Weakly, I talk to satirist and tall guy Mark HumphriesSUPPORT THE SHOWKeep News Weakly independent!Support Sami at: patreon.com/samishahSami Shah is a multi-award-winning comedian, writer, journalist, and broadcaster.For more: http://thesamishah.comTheme music "Historic Anticipation" by Paul MottramThis podcast is written, hosted, and produced by Sami Shah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That beautiful pitch you sent months ago? The one that never received a response and left you feeling completely rejected? This silence almost never means what you think it means. After two years of rejection from Selfridges, I was told I "wasn't fashionable enough." Instead of giving up, I created fashion-inspired flower arrangements and turned up at their offices. That persistence became the foundation of one of my most important business relationships. Here's what I've learnt about the difference between thoughtful persistence and being pushy, and why your gentle nature is actually your biggest business strength when building a creative business.   Key Moments: [02:30] Why persistence only got 12% of votes despite being what holds people back most [03:58] The story of 20 beautifully crafted cards that received zero responses [05:37] What silence really means (and why our minds jump to rejection) [07:15] My Selfridges story: two years of "no" becoming my most important business relationship [11:44] The truth about creative professionals and why your "too much" probably isn't [12:53] When persistence works and when it becomes problematic  [17:31] The golden rule of follow-up: adding value rather than adding to to-do lists [18:25] Five practical strategies for thoughtful persistence [20:34] About the Free Guide and how it can help you.   Notable Quotes: "Your version of 'rude or pushy or annoying' is probably most people's version of 'thoughtfully persistent.'" "Most of the time, when we think we're hearing 'not ever,' we're actually hearing 'not right now.'"   Resources Mentioned: Free Persistence Guide: Thoughtful Persistence: Why Silence Doesn't Mean No Read: This Week's  Full Journal Post Link: The Base Notes Waitlist Subscribe to our Weekly newsletter Website: www.philippacraddock.com Email: news@philippacraddock.com   Share Your Insights: If today's episode gave you the courage to send that follow-up message you've been putting off, I'd love to hear about it. Have you experienced a situation where persistence paid off in ways you didn't expect? Share your experience with me over on Instagram or through DM's. I always read all your thoughts and comments however old the episode!   Never Miss an Episode: Subscribe to my weekly newsletter  for behind-the-scenes insights and be the first to know about new episodes. You'll also get exclusive resources and first access to new offerings.  

Do you have any questions? Learn how to ask questions that will help your position. #ThePitch #INICIVOX #VirtualMentorship

To leave a comment or a question, or to see Arbus images, pop over to the original blog post Diane Arbus: 4 Little-Known Facts About Her Life That Can Make You a Better, More Successful Artist.To read more about the benefits of shooting for quantity over quality when it comes to art, read about the study in my post:  Is it Common for Artists to Have ADHD?Inspiring and Supportive Stories From Artists On How They Thrive Despite ADHD.Go here to eyeball the photos of Graciella Iturbide. https://www.artnet.com/artists/graciela-iturbide/Thoughtful documentary on Arbus featuring her daughter Doon, made in 1971. Well worth a watch.Here is a good Diane Arbus biography by Bosworth to start your own research and form your own opinions on Arbus. To be charming and subscribe to the blog and get free access to my writing toolkit for artists click here.For info on one-on-one writing coaching with Thea go here. This blog is produced by The Charmed Studio Blog and Podcast™, LLC. And when you get scared about writing and want to relax, remember what Anne Lamott says."100 years, all new people."You can do this. Occasionally my show notes contain Amazon or other affiliate links. This means if you buy books or stuff via my podcast link I may receive a tiny commission and do a happy dance. There is no extra fee for you. I only link to items I personally use and love: products I feel help heart-centered artists and writers. Thank you. :)

How do you manage patients that have ultra high expectations? What's the best way to communicate cosmetic outcomes before the final result? How do you balance your aesthetic vision with what they see? Dr. Brandon Mack joins Jaz for a deep dive into the realities of cosmetic dentistry—from subjective perceptions of beauty to practical tips that make or break a case. They discuss how to navigate aesthetic stress, manage patient expectations, and even go into Brandon's favorite veneer cement and occlusal philosophy. Plus, Brandon shares key failures that shaped his journey—and how you can avoid the same pitfalls. https://youtu.be/s7puDNP3d7U Watch PDP231 on YouTube Protrusive Dental Pearl: When discussing smile design with patients, especially in high-end cosmetic cases, set the right expectations early by using this memorable “Eyebrow Analogy”: Central incisors = Twins (they should be as symmetrical as possible) Lateral incisors = Sisters (not identical, but related) Canines = Cousins (more individual) This helps patients understand that perfect symmetry isn't always natural or necessary — especially for lateral incisors! Key Takeaways Cosmetic dentistry as a lens through which all treatment should be approached—balancing patient autonomy with ethical care. Managing expectations begins before the patient sits in the chair. It continues through structured checkpoints: from initial consultation to provisional feedback and final delivery. Temps aren't just placeholders—they are test drives. They align expectations between the dentist, patient, and lab, reducing surprises and improving satisfaction. Some dentists may under-diagnose due to fear of rejection—not out of true minimalism. Thoughtful planning can make “more treatment” actually less invasive. Patients often want teeth that are both ultra-white and natural-looking. Brandon developed the concept of believability—a visual balance that delivers a wow-factor while still appearing real. Creating a mathematically perfect smile can make natural facial asymmetries more obvious. Dentists must weigh beauty against harmony. Social media and filters have distorted patient self-perception. Dentists must learn to identify signs of body or tooth dysmorphia and respond ethically—not just clinically. Building relationships with ceramists over time—expecting 15–20 cases before finding synergy. Each technician has unique strengths and should be matched accordingly. Composite veneers are accessible and beautiful—but extremely technique-sensitive. You become the ceramist. Brandon admires them but uses them selectively due to long-term maintenance concerns. Panavia Veneer Cement – Translucent for its predictable handling, strength, and minimal risk to thin ceramic restorations. Highlights of this episode: 01:35  Protrusive Dental Pearl 03:11 Dr. Brandon Mack's Journey and Philosophy 09:19 Managing Patient Expectations in Cosmetic Dentistry 14:23 Choosing the Right Technician 21:13 “Undersell and Overdeliver” Philosophy 25:12 Conservatism in Cosmetic Dentistry 26:48 Overcoming Failures 33:15 Body Dysmorphia in Dentistry 37:28 Occlusal Philosophy and Techniques 38:30 Fake It Till You Make It? 40:38 Veneer Cement  42:07 Composite Veneers 44:17 Upcoming London Event and Final Thoughts

Every manager leads a pod—5, 10, 30 souls who not only shape company outcomes but tie directly to a leader's emotional energy and financial livelihood. In this episode, I unpack the rarely discussed weight of that responsibility. This isn't a feel-good leadership pep talk. It's a reckoning: what happens when leaders don't ask the brutal, quarterly question—do the people I lead still match where we're going, not where we've been?We'll dissect what it means to lead with intention, to manage out with empathy, and to avoid the silent tax most companies pay: capability debt. I explore strategic foresight, the uncomfortable art of exiting underperformers, and the six-month mirror every VP should be staring into. For operators, this is about workflows, role redesign, and extracting brilliance before it walks out the door. For execs, this is your gut check.Thoughtful leadership isn't soft—it's systemized, future-facing, and emotionally honest. Let's talk about how to do it right.

Kind leadership isn't about being nice all the time. It's about leading with respect and care, without falling into the trap of people-pleasing. In this episode, I unpack some of the common misconceptions about kind leadership. Thoughtful leaders often gravitate towards kindness, but it can backfire if we confuse kindness with always saying yes or avoiding difficult conversations. You'll hear: Why kindness doesn't mean weakness The difference between being nice and being kind How to set boundaries and still be seen as a considerate leader Examples of how kind leadership can actually make your team stronger If you're someone who cares about your team but sometimes struggles with setting expectations or saying no, this one's for you. Resources: Explore 1:1 coaching to build your confidence as a thoughtful leader: Leadership Coaching Page Blog: How Letting Go Will Help You Take Control.

By definition, ritual becomes habituated and in its familiarity lies much of its power. But when we never stop to consider why it is that we engage in the first place, the ritual loses its meaning and will eventually fade away.Each week, a member of the clergy offers their personal perspective on a topic of their choice, such as the week's Torah portion, a Jewish holiday, ritual, custom, or history. Facebook: Wilshire Boulevard TempleWebsite: wbtla.orgYoutube: Wilshire Boulevard TempleInstagram: wilshireboulevardtemple

Stand Up is a daily podcast. I book,host,edit, post and promote new episodes with brilliant guests every day. Please subscribe now for as little as 5$ and gain access to a community of over 750 awesome, curious, kind, funny, brilliant, generous souls Check out StandUpwithPete.com to learn more  Michael A. Cohen has been a columnist for the Boston Globe on national politics and foreign affairs since 2014. He is also the author of “American Maelstrom: The 1968 Election and the Politics of Division,” “Live From the Campaign Trail: The Greatest Presidential Campaign Speeches of the 20th Century and How They Shaped Modern America” and is the co-author with Micah Zenko of “Clear and Present Safety: The World Has Never Been Better and Why That Matters to Americans.” Michael has written for dozens of news outlets, including as a regular columnist for the Guardian, Foreign Policy, the London Observer, and World Politics Review. He previously worked as a speechwriter at the US State Department, on Capitol Hill, and at NBC; was a Senior Fellow at the New America Foundation and a fellow at the Century Foundation, the American Security Project, and the World Policy Institute; and has also been a lecturer at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs. American politics today exists in a post-truth world. The line between the politics and the substance of our policy discussions has almost completely been erased. This newsletter is focused on bringing to you evidence-based political and policy analysis - and telling uncomfortable but necessary truths about our current political moment. If you subscribe to Truth and Consequences you'll get multiple columns a week from me on the latest doings in American politics and public policy with a healthy dose of snark and commentary on music, movies, and sports thrown into the mix. Truth and Consequences will host weekly Q&A sessions with journalists, historians, and political pundits as well as weekly Zoom talks with some of the smartest observers of American politics. A paid subscription to Truth and Consequences provides access to all the content on the site as well as the comment sections and open discussion threads. And you'll be able to participate in bimonthly Zoom talks with me and any special guests I can convince to join me! Subscribe to get full access to the newsletter and website. Never miss an update. Please check out and hopefully subscribe to Michael's Substack newsletter Truth and Consequences!  Stand Up subscribers get a discount on Michael's new newsletter!   Join us Monday's and Thursday's at 8EST for our Bi Weekly Happy Hour Hangout's !  Pete on Blue Sky Pete on Threads Pete on Tik Tok Pete on YouTube  Pete on Twitter Pete On Instagram Pete Personal FB page Stand Up with Pete FB page All things Jon Carroll  Follow and Support Pete Coe Buy Ava's Art  Hire DJ Monzyk to build your website or help you with Marketing Gift a Subscription https://www.patreon.com/PeteDominick/gift

If you've ever dreamed of leaving the suburbs for a slice of quiet country life, this episode will speak right to your heart. Author Melissa Ferguson joins me to share the real-life inspiration behind her new children's book, Our Friendly Farmhouse—a sweet and whimsical reflection of her family's journey from cul-de-sac to countryside. We talk about building a home from scratch, traveling with a big family, and slowly creating a homestead that feels peaceful, practical, and full of charm. Melissa offers encouragement and budget-friendly tips for anyone in the thick of building, dreaming, or simply trying to make thoughtful choices in the season they're in. In this episode, we cover: Melissa Ferguson returns to share the inspiration behind her debut children's book, Our Friendly Farmhouse, which tells a whimsical version of her family's move from suburbia to the country How a spontaneous land auction and a last-minute bid from her brother-in-law launched their homesteading journey The process of building their home from scratch—leveraging her husband's experience as a builder and funding parts of the project through social media brand deals Reflections on the early stages of their homestead—living in town during the build, missing the land, and making daily visits to the property A rich conversation about traveling with a big family—carry-on-only tips, spontaneous trips, dividing and conquering, and how animals (especially dairy cows) impact travel flexibility Melissa's best budget-saving build strategies: buying materials on Black Friday, repurposing gym flooring, and skipping high-end finishes in favor of upgrades over time Thoughtful advice on design choices—prioritizing natural light, southern exposure, adaptable floor plans, and creating cozy, lived-in charm Honest reflections on what she might do differently: adding a tornado shelter, skipping carpet, and not letting a gifted vanity dictate an entire bathroom design Why they chose to build slowly, add animals over time, and prioritize flexibility over going “all in” from the beginning The value of outdoor gathering spaces—daily porch coffee with her husband, chalk art and pickleball in the driveway, and simple spots that invite rest and connection View full show notes on the blog + watch this episode on YouTube. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that make this show possible! RESOURCES Our Friendly Farmhouse by Melissa Ferguson Check out Melissa's other books Join my FREE masterclass to learn my 4-step framework for making money on YouTube Master the rhythm of sourdough with confidence in my Simple Sourdough course Gain the sewing knowledge and skills every homemaker needs in my Simple Sewing series Turn your content creation dreams into a profitable business with my YouTube Success Academy Keep all my favorite sourdough recipes at your fingertips in my Daily Sourdough cookbook CONNECT Melissa Ferguson of Our Friendly Farmhouse | Website | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Bookbub | Pinterest  Lisa Bass of Farmhouse on Boone | Blog | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Pinterest Do you have a question you'd like me to answer on the podcast?  A guest you'd like me to interview?  Submit your questions and ideas here: bit.ly/SFLquestions.

Wing Women Weekend, October 15-18, 2025, Provincetown, MA - a conference for women/non-binary persons who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community! This conference is all about connection, finding queer community, and having a whole lot of FUN! For the full conference schedule and to sign up, visit https://wingwomenweekend.com/ and use the coupon code PRIDE in June to receive 10% off."Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, we revisit an episode from season 3 where Anne-Marie Zanzal and Tonda McKay revisit the story of their journey in love and marriage. With the conversation facilitated by Anne-Marie's collaborator, Anna Empey, Anne-Marie and Tonda retell the story of how they first met, explain the nuances of a newbie and long-out lesbian courtship and relationship, and reflect on what they've learned along the way. As you listen, you'll discover how theirs is a partnership based on equity within the relationship, how they navigated complicated feelings as Anne-Marie went through the coming out and divorce process, how they resolve conflict, and what it means to them both to find love later in life.The songs Anne-Marie and Tonda mention in this episode are "She Keeps Me Warm" by Mary Lambert https://youtu.be/NhqH-r7Xj0E?si=3dz8Uc6b7tNhXmOS and "This is Me" from the film "The Greatest Showman" https://youtu.be/CjxugyZCfuw?si=YiMI9dHJUUgADcIO.❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

Wing Women Weekend, October 15-18, 2025, Provincetown, MA - a conference for women/non-binary persons who are new to the LGBTQIA+ community! This conference is all about connection, finding queer community, and having a whole lot of FUN! For the full conference schedule and to sign up, visit https://wingwomenweekend.com/ and use the coupon code PRIDE in June to receive 10% off."Maybe I'm Not Straight" and "When the Catalyst Relationship Ends" are do-at-your-own-pace courses for women who are reconsidering their sexual orientation and overcoming the end of their first lesbian relationship. Accessible, information-packed, and easy to do, these courses represent many years worth of experience working with women who come out later in life. Purchase your course and receive your first month subscription to Authentically Us, a safe online space for women who are coming out and beyond, for free! Learn more at https://annemariezanzal.com/courses-from-anne-marie-zanzal/This week on Coming Out & Beyond: LGBTQIA+ Stories, we revisit an episode from season 3 where Anne-Marie Zanzal and Tonda McKay revisit the story of their journey in love and marriage. With the conversation facilitated by Anne-Marie's collaborator, Anna Empey, Anne-Marie and Tonda retell the story of how they first met, explain the nuances of a newbie and long-out lesbian courtship and relationship, and reflect on what they've learned along the way. As you listen, you'll discover how theirs is a partnership based on equity within the relationship, how they navigated complicated feelings as Anne-Marie went through the coming out and divorce process, how they resolve conflict, and what it means to them both to find love later in life.The songs Anne-Marie and Tonda mention in this episode are "She Keeps Me Warm" by Mary Lambert https://youtu.be/NhqH-r7Xj0E?si=3dz8Uc6b7tNhXmOS and "This is Me" from the film "The Greatest Showman" https://youtu.be/CjxugyZCfuw?si=YiMI9dHJUUgADcIO.❓ What to Expect in This Episode:

Some performances fade. Others stay with you for decades.Buena Vista Social Club is one of them. It isn't just a musical—it's a masterclass in resonance, memory, and experience.In this episode, we're pulling B2B marketing lessons from that spirit of storytelling with the help of Dan Lowden, Chief Marketing Officer at Blackbird.AI.Together, we explore why content should come first, how honesty builds brand resilience, and what it takes to create live experiences your audience will talk about for years.About our guest, Dan LowdenDan is the CMO at Blackbird.AI and leads the company's strategic marketing efforts, including demand generation and brand leadership. He has over 20 years of strategic experience at the executive level. He has served as CMO at cybersecurity firm HUMAN Security (acquired by Goldman Sachs), named one of the TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2023. Lowden also served as the CMO at Digital Shadows (acquired by Reliaquest) and, before that, CMO at Invincea (acquired by Sophos) and VP of Marketing at vArmour (acquired by Night Dragon). He has held marketing leadership positions at Wayport (acquired by AT&T), IBM ThinkPad (acquired by Lenovo), NEC Technologies, and Sharp Electronics. Lowden holds an MBA in International Business from Rutgers Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science from Rider University.What B2B Companies Can Learn From Buena Vista Social Club:Content is the foundation—not an afterthought. Even in cybersecurity, content is king. Dan says, “My first hire was a content person. You can have the best ABM strategy or tools, but if you don't have really valuable content, you're not going to get anywhere.” His advice? Lead with education, not asks. Thoughtful reports, relevant use cases, and engaging narratives will earn your audience's attention—and their trust.Honesty builds brand resilience. When it comes to trust, marketing can't cut corners. Especially in high-stakes industries like cybersecurity. Dan says, “There's been a lot of overstatement of things by marketers and salespeople. That's when marketing takes a ding.” Instead, he urges CMOs to stay grounded: deliver real value, communicate with clarity, and show your audience you're in it for the long haul.Live experiences create a lasting impact. If you want your brand to be unforgettable, you need to create moments that move people. “People still come up to us today and say that band and that experience 10-plus years ago—they remember. There's not been anything like that,” Dan says, reflecting on a live concert his team produced. Whether it's a concert, a rooftop dinner, or a one-of-a-kind conference, remarkable experiences turn into word-of-mouth—and brand love that lingers.Quotes*“To me, in marketing—B2B or B2C—it's about creating a relationship, trust, even friendship, a community with your audience.”*"If you treat your customers well, if you serve them well, if you're honest with them… then you have a chance of being very successful as a company.”*“Music is really, really important, really powerful… as a marketer, especially in cybersecurity where there's 5,000 cybersecurity companies, you have to do something different. You have to stand out.”Time Stamps[00:55] Meet Dan Lowden, CMO at Blackbird.AI[03:42] The Magic of Live Theater[06:21] The Role of a CMO in Cybersecurity[10:23] Understanding Narrative Attacks[14:29] The Evolution of Narrative Intelligence[22:36] The Story Behind Buena Vista Social Club[28:31] The Power of Live Music in Marketing[30:33] Creating Remarkable Experiences[39:21] The Importance of Content in Marketing[45:05] Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinksConnect with Dan on LinkedInLearn more about Blackbird.AIAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK. Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise.

There are people in rural Mexico for whom Mezcal is 100% cultural heritage. And there are people there for whom it's 100% business — sometimes tied to cultural heritage but sometimes tied simply to paying for food, clothing, shelter, and life's aspirations and pleasures. So what does it mean when that business side taps into the cultural heritage side to increase business? It's a thoughtful, precious episode of Agave Road Trip!Agave Road Trip is a critically acclaimed, award-winning podcast that helps gringx bartenders better understand agave, agave spirits, and rural Mexico. This episode is hosted by Lou Bank with Shawn Miller of PKGD Group.Episode NotesShout outs this episode to Ultramundo Mezcal, Mezcal Palomo, Chrissie Hynde, Sleep Walk's award-winning Blanco Jaguar chocolate bar, red Solo cups, DC Chocolate Festival, Linda Sullivan, The Tequiladies, Connie, and Mezcal Lalocura!

Bradley Whitford Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson It was a sweet reunion when 3 x Emmy-winner Bradley Whitford of The West Wing was surprised and serenaded by composer Snuffy Walden, with the show's Emmy-winning theme. They share quite a bit of history, having also done Sorkin's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Last night Snuff and I binged the pilot episodes of both shows and were astounded by how timely they still are. Bradley and I discussed his storyline in that first West Wing, which could've been ripped out of today's headlines. We also talked about Studio 60 and the irony of Danny Trip's confession to Matt Albie, played by Matthew Perry, about his drug slip. Bradley's emotional remembrance of the show, its cast, and specifically Matthew's comedic brilliance, and the pocket of sobriety for Matt that allowed for some of his best work. Bradley ain't no Hollywood fluffernutter. Of progressive Quaker stock, his father, who worked at an insurance company, was the local president of Planned Parenthood before it was political, his mother was an outspoken advocate, and his brother, a conscientious objector. Talk about an unusual childhood, he has an 85-year-old sister. Bradley came from a loving, functional home, and still became an actor. Now that's an anomaly right there. We did a deep dive into the state of the union. Thoughtful, passionate, and in solution, Bradley puts his activism where his mouth is. We talked Trump, Musk, Kennedy, gender affirming care, Biden, Kamala, Hillary, Iran, immigration, how art will not save us, only politics will. And yet much of Bradley's art is political. We spoke about The Handmaid's Tale from innumerable angles. For me, arguably perhaps the greatest show ever on television, and his Commander Lawrence, is probably the most layered, complex character he's portrayed. We talked about Elisabeth and their earlier connection in The West Wing, Anne Dowd, and how her spectacular performance inspired Margaret Atwood's writing, The Testaments, for her. Bradley was far more interested in talking about current affairs and how essential it is that we do more than talk than he was in talking about his work. But we did squeeze in some time to discuss For Worse, the indie feature his bride, Amy Landecker, wrote, directed, and stars in alongside Bradley. His respect, love, and admiration to Amy are adorable to behold. Making the festival circuit and winning awards along the way, I can't wait to see the film loosely based on their romance. I'm a fan. A great, big avid Bradley Whitford fan. The last time we met, it was at a big Hollywood soiree. He was equally as open, personable, unaffected, opinionated, and accessible as he was this day. As much as I adore his work, I'm grateful as hell for his humanity and advocacy. I hope to consider “What would Bradley do” a whole lot more moving forward. And speaking of hope, he has it in abundance… mix that with some fun, his learned recipe's secret sauce, and there's good reason to trust that there are better days ahead. It's up to us, all of us, to make it so. This should be essential viewing for anyone in fear and despair. Bradley Whitford Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson Wednesday, 6/25/25, 2 PM PT, 5 PM ET Streamed Live FB Replay http://bit.ly/4lv7rfX & YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFMXr8g9yyY&t=187s

Ken talks with Dia Boyle “The Thoughtful Home” (Scepter Publishing) and Nathanael Blake “Victims of the Revolution: How Sexual Liberation Hurts US All” (Ignatius Press). Dia's book available at: https://scepterpublishers.org/products/the-thoughtful-home?_pos=1&_sid=826c2492a&_ss=r&variant=44638706401457  and Nathanael's at: https://ignatius.com/victims-of-the-revolution-vtrp/?searchid=0&search_query=blake   Follow Dia at: https://diaboyle.com/  and Nathanael at: https://eppc.org/author/nathanael_blake/ L'articolo Meet the Author with Ken Huck – June 26, 2025 – Dia Boyle “The Thoughtful Home” and Nathanael Blake “Victims of the Revolution: How Sexual Liberation Hurts US All” proviene da Radio Maria.

I'm sitting down with Kent Kononoff, a seasoned B2B sales leader with over 25 years of experience in sales and sales leadership. Kent is known for his expertise in value-based selling, collaborative negotiation, and strategic planning to drive high-stakes deals. Kent shares his go-to collaborative approach, his favorite negotiation tactics like calibrated questioning and strategic silence, and reveals his top dos and don'ts for effective negotiations.    Plus, don't miss a real-world story that brings these concepts to life and a powerful reminder that everyone in your organization, including those outside of sales, can all uncover new opportunities. Outline of This Episode   [04:30] Kent's three favorite negotiation tactics—including collaborative questioning and strategic silences [07:43] Effective negotiation strategies include value-based selling and collaborative approaches. [09:38] How to spot aggressive tactics like unrealistic deadlines or extreme terms and stay calm under pressure  [14:24] Avoid undermining your own sales pitch [16:10] Leveraging strong customer relationships and market positioning to secure new opportunities    Confident, Collaborative, and Value-Driven Negotiation Kent frames strategy as the overarching plan—your big-picture approach to closing a deal, shaped by your objectives, the client relationship, your position in the marketplace, and how your company is perceived. Tactics are the actionable tools that help execute the strategy: the specific maneuvers, like deploying credibility-building testimonials or positioning yourself as a subject matter expert. Strategy provides direction; tactics are how you get there. When it comes to high-stakes negotiations, Kent prefers a collaborative strategy. Instead of pushing generic solutions, Kent concentrates on building rapport, understanding the customer's precise needs, and creating a solution that fits the individual circumstance. This approach sets the stage for trust and long-term partnership. We also discuss why not every negotioation counterpart will be cooperative—some may come in with a “win-lose” mentality. According to Kent the secret is to stay patient, ask calibrated questions, and gradually guide even competitive negotiators toward mutual understanding. Relationship-building and deep discovery remain essential, ensuring that you become more of a partner than just another vendor. Essential Negotiation Tactics for Difficult Deals Kent's negotiation toolkit is robust but centers on three tactics: Calibrated Questions: Asking calibrated questions, positions you and the customer as teammates working on a problem together. Examples are, “How can we solve this together?” or “What are the biggest challenges your team faces?” Strategic Silence: Sitting with silence can be uncomfortable, but Kent believes “sales are made in the silence and lost in the noise.” Pausing give clients space to share objections or hesitations they wouldn't otherwise have mentioned. Anchoring: Kent believes in anchoring expectations early on during discovery. By citing market trends or industry challenges, he helps shape a realistic frame of reference, making pricing discussions smoother down the road. The Irreplaceable Role of Planning Planning, Kent insists, is everything. Quoting Benjamin Franklin, he reminds us: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Kent attributes 90% of success to diligent preparation, including knowing your customer, mapping out strategies and tactics, and setting clear objectives. Ad-hoc negotiation may result in occasional wins, but consistent, sustainable results only come with meticulous planning. Recognizing and Countering Aggressive Tactics In negotiations, especially with professional buyers, you'll inevitably encounter aggressive tactics—take-it-or-leave-it offers, last-minute demands, or anchoring at a very low price. Kent's advice? Stay calm, never react impulsively, and always use your rapport to bring the conversation back to shared goals and values. Ask clarifying questions to uncover the real motivations behind demands, and always know your own BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement) so you're prepared to walk away if necessary. Sales isn't just the job of the “sales team.” Any team member, from operations to delivery drivers, can spot opportunities and bring them forward. It's a culture of service and curiosity that uncovers hidden value for both customer and company. Thoughtful negotiation transforms sales from a transactional contest into a platform for partnership and value creation. From strategy and planning to calibrated questions and collaborative tactics, Kent Kononov's wisdom offers B2B sales professionals a powerful toolkit for success in even the most challenging deals. Remember: Prepare, listen deeply, and always seek the win-win.   Connect with Kent Kononoff Linkedin Connect With Paul Watts  LinkedIn Twitter    Subscribe to SALES REINVENTED Audio Production and Show Notes by PODCAST FAST TRACK https://www.podcastfasttrack.com  

From the truths about making large purchases in retirement to whether you really need to pay off your mortgage before you stop working, I'm sharing years of financial expertise to challenge a few retirement myths so you can make balanced, informed decisions. We're talking strategies for charitable giving, clearing up misconceptions about reverse mortgages, and explaining why inflation may be your biggest risk in retirement.  If you're looking for practical advice on enjoying your savings while still planning for the long run, or if you want to protect yourself from financial scams and fraud, this episode is full of actionable tips to build your financial confidence for the years ahead. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... [02:02] Leaving money to charity after death reduces estate value for taxes, but offers no immediate tax deduction. [04:17] Qualified charitable distributions and large donations can reduce taxable income, but are only deductible if you itemize. [08:11] Don't rush to pay low-interest mortgages; invest instead, as returns can potentially exceed mortgage interest rates. [13:03] Balance stocks with bonds and cash to manage risk and volatility. [10:10] Reverse mortgages can be a great idea in certain circumstances. Navigating the Maze of Retirement Myths Retirement often brings a sense of relief; finally, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor! However, it's also a period rife with uncertainty, especially when so much advice and information clash or seem outdated. In this episode, I'm tackling six of the most persistent myths retirees face.  1. Myth: Leaving Money to Charity Is Best Done After Death Many retirees assume that bequeathing assets to a charity upon passing is the most virtuous and tax-efficient way to give back. While this is always an option, leaving money to charity at death doesn't net you a tax deduction; it simply reduces the size of your taxable estate. For the vast majority, it's more impactful to consider gifting while alive. There are several ways to make charitable giving work for you, including: Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): Donate part or all of your required minimum distribution directly from your IRA, reducing your taxable income. Cash Donations: If you itemize deductions, you can deduct cash gifts, potentially even enough to tip you into itemizing territory if the gift is large. Gifting Appreciated Assets: Donating highly appreciated stocks or real estate can minimize capital gains and offer you an income stream. 2. Myth: Large Purchases Are Off-Limits in Retirement Worried that buying a boat or funding a dream trip will doom your financial future? It's a myth that large expenditures are always ill-advised. With a solid withdrawal strategy, say, 5% of a $2 million portfolio, making a one-time, reasonable purchase might slightly reduce your yearly income, but if balanced against market growth and overall planning, it's rarely catastrophic. Thoughtful, planned spending helps you enjoy retirement, so don't deprive yourself unnecessarily! 3. Myth: The Less You Spend, the Better Many retirees become excessively frugal, reluctant to draw down the savings they worked so hard to accumulate. But can't take your money with you. While it's wise to have a budget and withdraw at a sustainable rate, being too conservative may rob you of life's joys, like travel, hobbies, or supporting family, while you're healthy enough to enjoy them. The key is balance: know your withdrawal rate and revisit your plan regularly. 4. Myth: You Must Pay Off Your Mortgage Before Retiring It's comforting to be debt-free, but urgently paying off a low-interest mortgage could backfire. If your mortgage rate is 5% or lower and your investments are earning more, you could be better off keeping the mortgage and leaving your assets to grow. Plus, withdrawing large chunks from retirement accounts to pay down a mortgage could trigger higher taxes or Medicare premiums and leave you with less liquidity. Carrying a modest mortgage into retirement is not a financial failure; it may be a savvy move. 5. Myth: Reverse Mortgages Should Be Avoided Reverse mortgages have a bad rap, often viewed as predatory or risky. While there were issues in the past, today's products are much more regulated. If you're 62 or older, a reverse mortgage can provide tax-free cash, letting you access home equity without moving. It's especially valuable if much of your net worth is tied up in your home, or unexpected expenses crop up. Investigate carefully, but don't dismiss this option out of hand. 6. Myth: A Market Crash Is the Greatest Retirement Risk Market volatility grabs headlines, but inflation and the risk of outliving your money are bigger threats. The right asset allocation, mixing stocks for growth with bonds and cash for stability, is essential. Yet, don't forget about inflation: stocks have historically been the best hedge. Also, financial scams are a growing risk; safeguard your accounts with strong passwords and authentication. By understanding the realities behind these common misconceptions, you can build a strategy that sustains not just your finances but your lifestyle and peace of mind.  Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  Charles Schwab Understanding Reverse Mortgages: Unlocking Home Equity for Retirement Income with Mitch Cooper, #242  Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

Ready to journey back to a galaxy far, far away? This episode is your deep dive into the second season of Andor! Listen in as The Cinedicate and the Grindhouse Girls team up with WSTR: Galactic Public Access to discuss the darker edge Star Wars has taken. We break down real-world parallels, favorite scenes, and even weigh in on the future of storytelling within Star Wars—plus, some wild tangents, epic impressions, and laugh-out-loud moments you don't want to miss.What to expect from the episode:An in-depth discussion of Andor Season 2, exploring Cassian Andor's reluctant hero arc, the show's effective lead-in to Rogue One, and fresh perspectives on familiar characters like Mon Mothma and Luthen RaelThoughtful conversation about the show's mature tone, real-world parallels to revolution and political unrest, and how Andor challenges traditional Star Wars notions of good and evilLively banter about Star Wars fandom, related media (including spin-offs, comics, and collectibles), and plenty of geeky tangents that include everything from favorite podcast projects to video game recommendations and behind-the-scenes Star Wars loreEpisode Chapters:00:00:00 - WSTR Intro and Guest Introductions  00:03:07 - Katie's Star Wars Fandom and Podcast Background  00:08:03 - Is Cassian a Hero or a Reluctant Survivor?  00:10:01 - Does Andor Seamlessly Lead into Rogue One?  00:13:42 - The Role of Everyday People in the Rebellion  00:15:29 - Time Jumps and Their Effect on Story Structure  00:18:17 - Character Arcs and Growth (Mon Mothma, Saw Gerrera)  00:21:54 - Blaster Logic, Gore, and Plot Armor in Star Wars  00:28:32 - Luthen Rael's Strategy and Moral Ambiguity  00:33:43 - ISB, Krennic, and Deidre's Political Power Plays  00:41:02 - Revolution, Protest, and Real-World Parallels  00:46:40 - Exploring the Shades of Good and Evil  00:50:52 - Sacrifice, Gorman Massacre, and Rebellion Consequences  00:54:00 - Comparing Andor's Tone to Other Star Wars Shows  01:15:00 - Casting Hypotheticals01:18:48 - Final Ratings and Thoughts on Andor Season 2  01:24:46 - News of the Week: Comics and Force Ghosts  01:38:28 - Cantina Chat: Personal Geeky Interests  01:39:10 - Clock Tower Game Series and Survival Horror  01:43:04 - Pee-wee Herman Documentary and Legacy  01:52:23 - Helldivers, Star Wars in Fortnite, and Darth Jar Jar  01:55:41 - DC vs Marvel Chat, Doom Prequel, and Summer Trooping  01:58:08 - Outro and Final Goodbye----------Listen to Katie on her podcast, The Grindhouse Girls.Listen to Todd and Carla on their podcast, WSTR: Galactic Public Access.----------The Cinedicate on InstagramThe Cinedicate's Discord Community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Phred is Back, BIGTIME and he finally reels in his “white whale” guest longtime friend and ultrarunning enigma Steven Tursi. Steven and Phred blab about running streaks, hashing adventures, body image, and a lifelong evolution of what it means to be a runner and a friend. Was Steve the original Johnny Appleseed for Cultra? Enjoy this fabulous Bootleg Cultra (Think Grateful Dead Barton Hall, Cornell University, May 8, 1977)    Episode Highlights: Running Streaks and Ultramarathons Steven shares insights into his nearly 15-year daily running streak (over 5,200 days!)—and the debates surrounding the “continuous mile” rule. Fred and Steven unpack the motivations, sunk cost psychology, and mental games behind long streaks. Recap of Steven's recent race at altitude in the Great Divide 100, and how Colorado elevation humbled him despite living at 5,300 feet. Hashing Culture 101 What exactly is hashing? Steven breaks down the beer-fueled, trail-marked tradition of this global, irreverent running subculture. Stories about hash names (spoiler: “Hot Schweddy Balls”), flour trail controversies, beer stops, and inclusivity in the hashing world. On Body Image and Identity Steven gets candid about his weight, body perception, and running while heavier than most—highlighting his incredible feat of running a sub-24-hour 100-miler at ~275 lbs. Friendship in Adulthood A heartfelt and humorous discussion about how men form (and define) friendships as adults. Fred and Steven reflect on their 15+ year bond, running together at events like Ancient Oaks, TGNY, and Umstead, and how group chats now serve as lifelines for long-distance friendships. The Shift to Journey Runs Steven talks about moving away from racing for results and leaning into slower, more meaningful runs—including a planned 50-mile adventure on the Colorado Trail for his 50th birthday. Memories of the Four Pass Loop, the Manitou Incline “stunt hike,” and past multi-day efforts like Milwaukee to Chicago. Bonus Nuggets Why Steven ran a 24-hour race just to bail at 20 miles and watch football. How rocket launches, mistaken finishes, and sandbagging for friendship make ultra memories. Reflections on The Fair, Starbucks runs after Rocky's, and the joy of repeat traditions.    Tune In If You Like: Not listening to AFB! The human side of ultra running Thoughtful conversations on consistency, identity, and connection A couple of old friends talking about life, beer, streaks, and everything in between   Referenced Events & Topics: Palmer Lake Ultra • Ancient Oaks • Umstead 100 • TGNY • Great Divide 100K • Manitou Incline • Colorado Trail • Hash House Harriers • Running Streaks • Journey Runs • Four Pass Loop • Sub-24 100-milers • Group chats & friendship Get your official Cultra Clothes and other Cultra TRP PodSwag at our store! Outro music by Nick Byram Become a Cultra Crew Patreon Supporter  basic licker.  If you lick us, we will most likely lick you right back Cultra Facebook Fan Page Go here to talk shit and complain and give us advice that we wont follow Cultra Trail Running Instagram Don't watch this with your kids Sign up for a race at Live Loud Running and feel better Buy Fred's Book Running Home More Information on the #CUT112   

Are you staying in a job that no longer supports you, just because you feel loyal to your team or unsure of your next step? It's a common challenge for thoughtful leaders. In this episode, I explore why we sometimes stay too long in roles that aren't working, and how to start thinking clearly about whether it's time to move on. What You'll Learn: Why staying to “protect” your team might actually hold everyone back How toxic leadership can damage your self-esteem and confidence Why trying to “fix” your boss or workplace can keep you stuck How to start deciding whether to stay or go – in a clear, grounded way. Resources & Links: The Iceberg Model of Human Behaviour The Useful Thinking Journal Working For an Insecure Manager? Here's What to Do Work With Me 1:1.

Millions of Americans are expected to go on a European vacation this summer. Many of those going for the first time are likely to be following the advice of travel writer Rick Steves, host of “Rick Steves’ Europe” on PBS stations. John Yang sits down with him for our Weekend Spotlight series. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

May retail sales look stronger than headlines show After seeing headlines from several media outlets, I was worried May retail sales were slowing to a problem point, but I would say they actually looked quite strong. Compared to April, sales did fall 0.9%, which was larger than expectations for a 0.6% decline. It's important to point out though that consumer rushed to auto dealers in April to try and beat the tariffs. This led to a 3.5% decline in motor vehicle & part dealers when comparing sales in the month of May to April. Gas stations have also seen declining sales largely due to lower gas prices and actually fell 2% when compared to the previous month. Excluding these two categories, sales would have fallen just 0.1% when compared to April. While the month over month numbers point to a slowing consumer, when we look at the annual comparisons the numbers are impressive. Headline retail sales climbed 3.3% compared to last May, but if we exclude motor vehicle & parts dealers & gas stations, sales climbed 4.6%. It was largely impacted by the 6.9% annual decline at gas stations. Areas of strength in the report included nonstore retailers, which were up 8.3%, food services & drinking places, which were up 5.3%, and furniture and home furnishing stores, which were up 8.8%. Overall, I'd say this report still shows a healthy consumer. I am still looking for the consumer to slow, but I believe people still have the ability and desire to spend in this economy, which should allow for continued growth, albeit at a slower rate.   Why are big retailers looking at issuing stable coins of their own? Stable coins seem to be the new buzzword for 2025. It seems at least once a week when I pick up the Wall Street Journal, I see something about stable coins. I recently read that Walmart and Amazon may be looking into using stable coins to get away from using traditional payment systems, which is costing billions of dollars in fees each year. This includes interchange fees that occur when customers make purchases using their credit cards. If you're not sure what a stable coin is, briefly, it is a coin that is supposed to be backed by a one-to-one exchange ratio with dollars or other government currencies. In other words, reserves of cash and dollars would have to equal the value of the stable coins that were in the market. Who would be hurt most by this? Visa and MasterCard, who collect billions of dollars in fees from the merchants, would likely be most at risk. I believe if the stable coins were to become a reliable source of transactions, you will see huge declines in the stock prices of Visa and MasterCard. Merchants have tried in the past to somehow get around the card-based systems from Visa and MasterCard, but each time they have failed. I personally still don't have a clear comfortable feeling or understanding of stable coins, which is true of many regulators and others as well, but it does appear new technology is coming and if Visa and MasterCard are replaced, I wonder who will get the benefit of those billions of dollars in transaction fees? Will it be the retailer or the consumers? ChatGPT and Perplexity are hurting the Internet You may not think about it, but Alphabet's Google search engine is seeing huge declines. This is not just hurting Google, but it also hurts many companies who get their business from people searching on Google. This could have a major impact on companies like TripAdvisor as it gets 58% of its global visits from search. If people get the answer, they need right away from ChatGPT, there's no need to continue searching and you'll not see any other ads directing you to other sites that may want to do business with you. Many companies from Netflix to US travel and tourism companies are seeing declines in traffic to their websites by 10 to 20% from one year ago. For example, search referrals to top U.S. travel and tourism were down 20% year over year last month and news and media sites saw a decline of 17%. ChatGPT had 500 million weekly active users in March and that was up almost 70% from the 300 million they saw in December. The reason this is hurting Internet search is since you get your answer from one platform, you close the book and move on. You don't need to do any more searches on other sites. Google‘s lawsuit for being a monopoly with the federal government will still not disappear even though things have changed as they are being penalized for what they have done in the past. I have noticed when I'm using Google now the AI search function now pops up. The big question is will this help Google retain their search business? This is extremely important considering more than half of Alphabet's business still comes from Google search ads. For investors, you may want to be aware of how much business the company you're investing in gets from search off the Internet because there could be a decline in the business if it is a large amount. One company that could benefit from the decline in search is Meta. This would come from the Facebook and Instagram platforms because that's still a way for businesses to be online and in front of potential new customers and clients. There's still some concern on copyright infringement from many companies and this could be something that really hurts the advancement of AI. Are you finding yourself using AI more and doing less Google searches?   Financial Planning: The “Widow's Penalty” When a spouse passes away in retirement, the surviving spouse typically transitions from filing taxes jointly to filing as a single taxpayer in the following year, a shift that often triggers what's known as the “widow's penalty.” This penalty arises because single filers face higher tax rates at lower income thresholds and receive a smaller standard deduction, which can significantly increase their tax liability even if their income stays the same. To make matters worse, household income often drops after a spouse's death.  For example, if both spouses are collecting Social Security, only the higher of the two benefits continues. This combination—less income and higher tax rates—can lead to a surprising and painful spike in effective tax burden and reduction in cashflow. To mitigate this risk, couples can take proactive steps such as performing Roth IRA conversions while both spouses are alive to lower future taxable income, carefully coordinating Social Security claiming strategies to maximize long-term benefits, and planning pre and post death retirement withdrawals to keep cashflow consistent. Thoughtful retirement planning can help soften the financial blow and preserve more wealth for the surviving spouse.   Companies Discussed: Adobe Inc. (ADBE), T-Mobile US, Inc (TMUS), Jack in the Box Inc. (JACK) & Celsius Holdings, Inc. (CELH)  

There may be two sides of the IEP table, but at the end of the day, we're all on the same team — the learner's.I had the pleasure of chatting with Ryan Hogan, also known as @TheWorldsOkayestSchoolPsych, the creator behind the popular, lighthearted school psych meme account on Instagram.We talked about the intersection of ABA, special education, and school-based work in the social media space. Ryan shared some great insights, especially the reminder that you control your own online space. Protect your peace: block people, delete comments. Thoughtful questions and concerns deserve a response; negativity for its own sake does not.As both a school psychologist and an autism parent, Ryan brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to the IEP table. He knows firsthand what it feels like to be both the professional and the parent — and how overwhelming it can be. Sometimes, parents need not just data and research, but connection, empathy, and that parent-to-parent understanding.It was a meaningful and insightful conversation — one that reminds us that compassion and collaboration go a long way (and so does a joke!).#autism #speechtherapy What's Inside:Navigating Negativity on Social MediaWhat it's like to be a parent AND a professionalA perspective from both sides of the IEP tableMentioned In This Episode:(@worldsokayestschoolpsych) on InstagramSpeech Membership - ABA Speech  ABA Speech: Home

What happens when exams meet DLC drops? This week on New Dad Gaming, Trevor and Jeff discuss using video games as parenting bribes—and whether it's genius or dangerous. Jeff negotiates with his teen over a Hunter: Call of the Wild DLC, while Trevor deals with non-activated V-Bucks chaos after a birthday gone slightly wrong. We also revisit Jeff's miraculously repaired Switch, uncover a save file survival guide, and share Father's Day gaming gifts—including Final Fantasy x Magic: The Gathering cards and a motorcycle jack!

(18:27) recent immigration protest (37:54) random shit to fill in time: worst thing about a job, sex education (1:38:50) Fun Facts: Father's Day (2:01:59)3 cheersMusic by: ludacris - area codes/big timers- still fly/ ja rule - beween me and you/ kehlani - folded 

How can a mother be gentle and patient without being lenient and overindulgent? How can she keep her cool when her children are disobedient? On a practical level, what can she do to work at parenting “smarter not harder”? In this "Part One" of the conversation, Lauren Bassford and Colleen O'Steen join Cindy on her weekly Facebook and YouTube video program Older Women Likewise to discuss how a mother can be gentle and patient without being lenient and overindulgent, how she can keep her cool when her children are disobedient, and on a practical level, what she can do to work at parenting “smarter not harder”.

Discover how HGA turned a former department store in the historic Woodies building in Washington, DC, into its thriving new regional headquarters in this In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) mini-episode, based on a recent article, titled, "HGA Overhauls Former Department Store Into New D.C. Headquarters," published on the i+s website on Feb. 18, 2025. In this article-read, you'll learn how:  Adaptive reuse can transform historic buildings into vibrant, modern workplaces while preserving architectural character. HGA's new headquarters reflects post-COVID hybrid work strategies, blending flexible spaces with collaborative areas. Thoughtful design choices—such as high ceilings, natural light, and healthy materials—enhance employee well-being. Locating offices in urban cores supports community revitalization and strengthens ties to clients and local organizations. Sustainability certifications like LEED and WELL can align workplace design with environmental and health priorities.

In this episode of the Admittedly Podcast, host Thomas Caleel speaks directly to rising seniors and their families. First, congratulations—junior year is done. Now it's time to look ahead. The next six weeks before the Common App opens are critical. This is when you take everything you've done and shape it into a focused, compelling strategy. Thomas outlines how students should be using this time: revisiting standardized test plans, reflecting on academic interests and potential majors, and identifying the schools and environments that truly fit. He emphasizes the importance of deeper research, from courses to campus culture, and how these insights should inform your application narrative. Key Topics Discussed: Start With Testing: ACT and SAT scores are becoming more important. Decide now if you need to retake your test, and explore free resources, tutoring, or study groups to help you succeed. Build Your College Framework: Work backward—think about your intended major, then identify the right-fit schools. Research deeply and critically: course offerings, campus culture, and opportunities for involvement. Strategize for Essays: Don't write yet, but start reviewing last year's supplemental essay prompts to understand what different schools value. Shape your approach based on what each school is actually looking for. Summer Isn't Just for Applications: Highly selective schools expect you to be engaged. Volunteer, get a job, read, or explore something that moves you forward. This is your final summer—use it well. Advice for Parents: Support your student, but give them room to process. If your child doesn't want to share their essay, that's okay—find a third-party expert to help with feedback. Get Ahead on the Common App: Create your account and start basic data entry. Getting organized now will save stress later. You don't need to have everything figured out today—but you do need to start moving with purpose. Thoughtful planning now can make the difference between a chaotic senior year and a strategic, confident one. Where are you in the process? We'd love to hear from you—DM us on Instagram or TikTok @admittedlyco with your questions or concerns. Visit www.admittedly.co for free resources, tools, and expert support to help you stay on track.

Are you actually overthinking… or just being thorough? And how do you tell the difference? In this quick episode, we're digging into one of the biggest mindset traps I see with clients — and giving you super actionable ways to take your decision-making process off auto-pilot (without forcing yourself to "just go faster"). We'll cover: ✅ How to tell if your decision process is a problem — or just your style ✅ The energy driving your decision-making (and why this matters more than how long a choice takes) ✅ How to stop defaulting to unhelpful patterns (hint: this has to do with the "Overthinker" label) ✅ Questions to check in on your relationship with your decision process — so you can change what's not working! Bottom line: It isn't "overthinking" every time you take a week to make a choice. Learning the distinction will help you own your decisions with confidence — and take control when your process starts to spin out.

In software development, the real challenge often isn't coding—it's solving the right problems. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche tackle one of the most overlooked but costly traps in tech: solving problems in software projects that don't need solving, while missing the ones that do. With the help of AI, they explore why teams often get stuck fixing symptoms instead of addressing root causes, launching features that don't matter, or optimizing performance before users even exist. Through candid examples and sharp insights, they demonstrate how developers can shift their mindset to deliver meaningful and lasting solutions. Solving Problems in Software Projects with AI This episode begins with a lighthearted intro: No, AI won't send killer robots to your house—but it can help you become a better developer. Rob and Michael let AI help set the topic: solving problems in software projects without actually solving the problem. They explain how developers often confuse motion with progress. Writing code doesn't mean you're building value. Launching a feature doesn't mean it's needed. These illusions create technical debt and user frustration. Michael compares this to marketing tricks, such as offering gift cards to attract users instead of improving the site to keep them engaged. Solving the Right Problem in Software Projects A quote from Einstein sets the tone: “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem.” Rob and Michael emphasize the importance of understanding before acting. Too many developers rush to fix bugs without asking: What's broken? What does the user expect? Michael draws on insights from Dan Heath's "Upstream" to emphasize the importance of preventing issues, rather than just reacting to them. Effective developers think ahead and solve problems at the source—not just in the code, but in the system design and user flow. Avoid Quick Fixes When Solving Problems in Software Projects Rob warns against “band-aid fixes”—temporary solutions, such as increasing timeouts or adding unnecessary features. These surface-level patches don't address the core issue and often exacerbate the problem. Michael provides examples from the gaming world and enterprise software, highlighting instances where shipping buggy systems is done solely to meet a deadline, only to spend months patching them. Instead, they advocate for delivering a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that truly addresses user needs. Why Listening Solves More Than Writing Code Michael shares a powerful technique: shut up and let your customer talk. Developers often assume they understand the problem after hearing a few words. But real insights come from listening deeply and asking open-ended questions. Rob adds that great discovery comes from dialogue. Clients often reveal critical needs casually—things you'd never hear if you rushed through the requirements checklist. Strategic Planning vs Feature Bloat Planning is vital, but discipline is equally important. Michael recommends an early brainstorm to throw every idea on the table. Then, trim down ruthlessly to only what's needed for your MVP. Rob warns against premature optimization: spending hours adjusting colors and layout before functionality is in place. Significant development is about timing—doing the right work at the right stage. Final Thoughts on Solving Problems in Software Projects The episode concludes with a call to action: focus on outcomes, not output. Don't measure your value by lines of code or number of features. Measure it by the clarity, stability, and usefulness of the solution you deliver. Sometimes, the best move is to slow down, ask more questions, and think more deeply. Rushing to implement can lead to rework and frustration. Thoughtful, deliberate problem-solving builds better developers and better software. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let's continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources One Offs, Side Projects, and Veering From Standards Setting Realistic Expectations In Development The Importance of Properly Defining Requirements Building Better Developers With AI – With Bonus Content

Pass or smash: women's health edition.  Women receive a lot of mixed messaging when it comes to health.  This is good for you.  This is bad for you.  Do this. No, don't do that! It's hard to filter all of it and discern what is really best. So, in this episode, I invite Micah Hubbard, a functional medicine nurse practitioner to weigh in on trending topics in women's health. I really appreciate her advice as an expert in women's health on things like hormone therapy, fasting, red light therapy, GLP-1 medications, mammograms, birth control, cold plunging, botox and more!  Some of these topics are pretty controversial in the health and wellness world, so I love the clarity that our conversation gives. See what YOU think!Episode Highlights:Overview of Micah's background and why she chose functional and natural medicine.Common women's health challenges seen in clinical practice, with a focus on hormone issues.Importance of individualized hormone testing and thoughtful hormone replacement therapy (HRT).Risks and considerations around popular treatments such as Botox and breast implants.Benefits and cautions with cold therapy (ice plunging) and fasting for women.Insights on GLP-1 medications (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy) including responsible prescribing and lifestyle integration.Positive perspective on natural therapies like red light therapy and medicinal mushrooms.Thoughtful approach to pharmaceutical medications like SSRIs and hormonal birth control.Alternative breast cancer screening options along with mammogram pros and cons.Micah's top priorities for women's health: quality sleep, stress management, exercise, diet, and being proactive about health.Practical advice for moms on advocating for their health and seeking supportive healthcare partners.Connect with Micah HubbardWebsite: https://www.417integrativemedicine.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/417integrativemedicine/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/417integrativemedicineThanks for leaving a rating/review on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-wellness-podcast/id1651051841(You'll have to be signed in and scroll to the bottom.)As always, you can also leave a rating and follow the show on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/melisha-meredith(Click on the three dots to rate.)Subscribe and watch on Youtube: Connect with Melisha and the Daily Wellness CommunityOn https://www.instagram.com/dailywellnesscommunity/On  https://www.facebook.com/dailywellnesscommunityWebsite: https://www.dailywellnesscommunity.comEmail us at: info@dailywellnesscommunity.comSome products I mention may be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through one of my links. Our family greatly appreciates your support, it helps us keep creating the free resources we make for you all!DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

“Do you want to see my scar?” My friend Bill had been paralyzed from the chest down after falling off a ladder years ago, and now he was in the hospital for a severe infection acquired during a surgery. As we discussed his new challenge, he lifted his blanket to show me the long incision made to treat his infection. “Does it hurt?” I asked. “I can’t feel it at all,” he said. As soon as he said it, I felt convicted. During all the years I’d known him as a friend, I’d been unaware that his injury prevented both his mobility and ability to feel. I was embarrassed that I hadn’t had more empathy for him and his injury to better understand what he faced daily. My lack of thoughtfulness about my friend reminds me of something King Hezekiah of Judah did. When the prophet Isaiah told him that everything in his palace would one day “be carried off to Babylon,” and his own descendants “taken away” (2 Kings 20:17-18), Hezekiah was pleased. “For he thought, ‘Will there not be peace and security in my lifetime?’ ” (v. 19). Even though he was a good king, Hezekiah was focused more on himself than on what others would face. How different is God. “This is love,” John wrote, “not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son” (1 John 4:10) to save us. God cares so deeply for us that He suffered for us, so that we might live in His love forever.

#567 Allie Siarto is a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in East Lansing, Michigan, and host of the Photo Field Notes podcast. The episode is a deep dive into the importance of creating a world-class experience for portrait clients, a factor Allie emphasizes as crucial for building client loyalty and generating referrals in the photography business. Through engaging stories and clear advice, Allie illustrates how exceptional service, thoughtful preparation, and emotional connections often outweigh technical perfection in client satisfaction.KEY TOPICS COVEREDThe Power of Client Experience Over Technical Perfection - Allie explains that while technical skill is important, the client's emotional experience during the shoot has a greater impact on their satisfaction. Providing guidance, being prepared, and making clients comfortable often leads to higher perceived value and greater word-of-mouth referrals.Practical Steps for Improving Client Experience - Major points include communicating proactively (e.g., style guides, prep emails), planning for logistics (like family lists and timeline management), dressing professionally, and using prompts to create genuine moments. Real-world examples such as helping clients find venues or ensuring parents feel included underscore how small efforts make a big difference.Continuous Learning and Reflection - Allie shares her own learning curve, including mistakes (like not asking parents if they wanted more photos), and details how she implements those lessons to continually improve. The importance of treating early years in business as an extension of education is highlighted, encouraging listeners to seek feedback and view setbacks as opportunities.IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTSClient Experience: The cumulative impressions and feelings that clients have throughout their interactions with a photographer, from initial inquiry to final image delivery. Ensuring a positive client experience can be a greater predictor of success and referrals than technical image quality alone.Unposed Posing: A posing style that uses prompts and interactive questions to evoke natural expressions and genuine emotion, rather than traditional, static posing. This approach helps even uncomfortable clients relax, leading to more authentic and memorable images.DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONSHow do you currently manage the experience of your clients before, during, and after a shoot? What areas can you improve based on Allie's advice?Think about a time you had a remarkable or disappointing service experience (outside of photography). What specific factors made the difference, and how can you apply those lessons to your photography business?RESOURCES:Visit Allie Siarto's Website - http://alliesiarto.com/Follow Allie Siarto on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alliesiarto/Grab your free 52 Lightroom Presets athttp://freephotographypresets.com/ Sign up for your free CloudSpot Account today at www.DeliverPhotos.comConnect with Raymond! Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group Get your Photo Questions Answered on the show - https://beginnerphotopod.com/qa Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/ Thanks for listening & keep shooting!