Podcasts about time turner

Kevin, Chantae, CJ, and Natasha are closing out Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with chapters 19–22, and the ending is doing a LOT.Sirius Black finally tells his side of the story, Peter Pettigrew gets exposed, Remus Lupin's secret blows up, Snape turns peak hater, and Harry gets the closest thing he's had to real family — only for it to slip away almost immediately. Then Hermione pulls out the Time-Turner and suddenly we're saving hippogriffs, dodging Dementors, and asking why Hogwarts is always one bad adult decision away from disaster.After the recap, we're getting into the bigger conversation: did Harry choose mercy, justice, or just the possibility of having family? Because letting Peter live was morally understandable… but whew, the consequences are nasty.Plus, we talk Sirius, Lupin, Snape, Dumbledore's chaos-management style, Hermione carrying the plot in her backpack, and why this book's ending hits harder than people remember.

School teaches you how to land a job, but no one teaches you how to leave one. In this episode, Lesley Logan reunites with longtime friend, novelist, and PhD candidate Clare Solly to talk through what most career advice skips: how to actually walk out the door. They cover how to know when it's time to go, how to figure out if you can afford to leave, how to rehearse the resignation conversation, and what to do when you're the one being let go. Whether you're eyeing the exit or recovering from a layoff, this conversation gives you the words and the plan to move forward without losing yourself. If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co mailto:beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe https://lesleylogan.co/podcast/#follow-subscribe-free.In this episode you will learn about:What jealousy of your friends' jobs reveals about you.How to know if you can afford to leave your job.What to expect when you tell them you're quitting.Why staying graceful matters even when you're fired.The exit plan you can write before you ever need it.Episode References/Links:Clare Solly's Website – https://www.claresolly.comClare Solly on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/actinglikeclareClare Solly's Novels on Amazon – https://beitpod.com/novelsbyclareClare Solly's Novels on B&N – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/clare%20sollySubmit your wins or questions - https://beitpod.com/questionsGuest Bio:Clare Solly is a modern day Renaissance woman living in New York City. She is an actress, writer, national pageant queen, and by day she is an executive assistant. She has published three books: The Time Turner, Christmas and Cleats and Save The Last Piece. Clare runs two theatre companies in NYC: The Bechdel Group and Company of Fools Theatre where she loves to foster and challenge new writers. She also is an avid bookstagrammer who grew her followers to almost 11K in 5 months time.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/BITYSIDEALS! DEALS! DEALS! 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I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained 1000s of people around the world, and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity, and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guests will bring bold, executable, intrinsic, and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and be it till you see it. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started. Lesley Logan 1:01  All right, Be It babe, get ready to totally listen to two friends talking about a topic that we had a lot of fun talking about without you. We're like, we should turn on a recording device and some microphones and lighting and share this with you, because I keep getting great guests who talk about leaving the thing you don't love and doing the thing you love, and it's like, okay, but how? And some people have given some nice things, but I've always just felt like, as a person who's very action-oriented, who's very much like, "Tell me the first next step, because if I can get the first next step, then I can get the second next step." I wanted to have an episode for you like that. And so we have Clare Solly back on the pod. You've heard her on recaps, if you have been listening to this pod for a long time, you've even heard her on episodes if you've really been with us since starting episode 19, and now you can hear us talk about exit strategies and how to exit things. So here is Clare Solly. Lesley Logan 1:47  Hey, Be It babe. Welcome back to the Be It Till You See It podcast. I am so excited because I have Clare Solly back, and we just wrapped two recap episodes. You've been on the pod, we've had two interviews with you on the pod, correct?Clare Solly 2:00  I think two interviews, and I've done several recaps.Lesley Logan 2:03  Month of recaps for me.Clare Solly 2:06  Yeah.Lesley Logan 2:07  It was so fun. I was like, what are people gonna say? You know what? They loved it, the listeners stayed the same.Clare Solly 2:11  You know what? I will sit and chat with you forever and ever and ever, because we've been friends for a million years. But it was also really fun to do Brad recaps.Lesley Logan 2:19  Oh, just to talk about Brad. I listened to him because I was like, I wonder what they're talking about. But you know what's really nice? I often think about, like, what if I need someone to stand in for me, you know, like with OPC we have enough recordings that we could just replay them and people would be like, send us our favorite ones and we'll just replay those. But for the pod, if it's not me, Brad could do some interviews, but you can always step in, which is great. It's so wonderful.Clare Solly 2:45  Redheads, so it works.Lesley Logan 2:46  It really does. It really does. We're both, we're both redheads. So Claire's here, and we were like chit chatting, while you know, she was on the shake plate, I was on the red light. We're talking about, like, I've had a lot of guests on the podcast talk about, like, exiting, like it's okay to leave things, and I have found that the answers to a lot of my guests, when I'm like, okay, but how do you leave, have been kind of not helpful, yeah, like, I love my guests, and I, and I get it, like, especially if you just ended something, you might not be able to describe how you did that, and also sometimes the ends of things are embarrassing, like, yeah, you know, like, whether you wanted to end them or they were ended for you, or I will say, like, some of the.. we're talking more about exiting jobs, but I will say, like, exiting relationship, I sucked at the only time I have ever broken up with someone? I did the worst job doing it, absolute worst, the absolute worst job, like just terrible job, terrible job at it. And it's because, like, I never broken up with anybody. I kind of also didn't date enough to, yeah, to get broken up, and I feel like one of my breakups was more of a ghost team.Clare Solly 4:00  Yeah, I kind of had that too. I kind of had that,Lesley Logan 4:02  So like, to like sit down and like tell someone, and like I guess you'll never have a good answer for why you're ending something, really. So like I just didn't have a good answer, and I just kept going, okay, so I'm gonna go.Clare Solly 4:14  Yeah.Lesley Logan 4:16  So anyways, I so I think like I think exiting things is a muscle. I think like learning how to exit things, itClare Solly 4:21  absolutely is. We learn how to do a job in school, and then we learn how to sort of kind of interview for a job, but nobody ever tells you how to leave a job, like how to quit, how to prepare for leaving a job. Yeah, how to like deal with being in between jobs, like no one trained you for that.Lesley Logan 4:39  Well, and there's like some sort of, sometimes there's shame, there's embarrassment, there's all these things. First, before we get into this, I did a terrible job.Clare Solly 4:46  You heard it first on this episode, everybody.Lesley Logan 4:48  You know what, guys, I'm also.. I'll just be really honest with my B. A pod listeners, so I've been.. I've been diagnosed with the ADHD that you all knew I had before I had it. So today is the first day on medication, and I am just. Seeing how I'm doing, and so clearly it's doing something. It's not helping me, it's not helping me be more organized. She looks great. I'm supposed to say, Claire Solly, will you tell everyone who you are and what do you rock at?Clare Solly 5:14  My name is Clare Solly. I rock at pretty much anything I try, and if I don't, I rock at trying to figure out how not to be too terribly disappointed. I am a quadruple six tuple hyphenate. I am an actress, singer in New York City, have a day job that I really find a lot of crazy fun in. I'm also a novelist, for those of you that have listened to podcasts with me on it before. New news in my life: I've actually gone back to school, and I'm working on getting a PhD in creative writing. Lesley Logan 5:46  I can't wait to call you Dr. Clare Solly.Clare Solly 5:48  Oh my god, can I tell you, I read this meme the other day, that once I have my doctorate, I'm so excited to order something and have it come in and be like, look, this is what the doctor ordered. It's such a dad joke that I will totally use in my life. I have three self-published novels, you can find them on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. They're women's fiction. I run with theater companies in New York City and do all kinds of things, so I'm all over the place and making magic happen.Lesley Logan 6:22  So we met at a job.Clare Solly 6:24  We met at a job. I actually hired you at a job, pretty much.Lesley Logan 6:27  I remember thinking you were standing on an elevated step when I brought my application in, but no, you're just a giant.Clare Solly 6:34  Yeah, because I was behind a counter and I came around. I remember you looking me up and down and going, oh, that's you.Lesley Logan 6:42  I thought she was on an elevated platform, but she was just wearing heels.Clare Solly 6:48  Yep.Lesley Logan 6:49  And so we got to work together, we opened a business together, we had a shoe company together for two years. Fun fact about me, I used to design shoes. I should keep that as part of my two truths and a lie. Clare Solly 7:09  Shoe designer right here. And we spent long nights and long days sitting together and laughing our asses off and drinking.Lesley Logan 7:17  Oh my god, yeah, that was crazy. And probably because we're high on glue, we used deck varnish to make these shoes you guys have no idea.Clare Solly 7:27  By the way, if anybody out there has a pair of Snip and Tuck shoes. Lesley Logan 7:31  Snip and Tuck's Opinionated Shoes. Clare Solly 7:33  Oh that's right. Snip and Tuck's Opinionated Shoes. If somebody has a pair of those still in existence, please write into the pod. I need pictures of them.Lesley Logan 7:43  I'm gonna pull them. I think I kept a shoe from each of the ones that I had. Yeah because I'm not wearing them so I was like I'm not going to keep both. I'll find it in the closet for you. My sister still has a pair.Clare Solly 7:54  Oh my gosh, I didn't keep mine because I've moved too many times.Lesley Logan 8:01  Same. That's why I think I have a shoe from each pair. But anyways, we were talking about this because I interviewed a woman and she talked about the pros and cons, like how much it costs you to stay in the thing you're in. So Clare, how many jobs, you've counted your jobs, I haven't counted mine, so how many jobs have you had? Clare Solly 8:18  Well, actually counting Snip and Tuck, if we count self-employment, I've had 34, I've worked for 34 different companies or people, because I've worked for private families. Lesley Logan 8:29  Oh my god, I worked at a coffee shop, I worked at a doctor's office, then I worked where we worked together, and then I worked for a high-end fitness company. Clare Solly 8:38  Did you work for that? Remember we had that friend that we worked with, that and had a separate job, and did you ever go work for her at all? No? Okay.Lesley Logan 8:45  Then I worked for myself, and it was Snip and Tuck's. And that's all I've had. Clare Solly 8:55  Have you worked, you've worked for two gyms or just one?Lesley Logan 8:57  Just the just the one gym, just by, but here's the thing, in the job we worked together, I did every job, every job, and then.Clare Solly 9:06  We can count that as 20, if you want.Lesley Logan 9:07  Yeah, yeah, so that, well, that's like four, four, five classes.Clare Solly 9:10  Becaus you had five different positions in that.Lesley Logan 9:12  Yeah, cashier, sales, key holder, assistant manager, manager, and then I was hoping to be like an area manager, but then you know, life, and then at the fitness company I was an instructor and a manager and a teacher trainer, and then a regional manager, and as a group fitness instructor. So we're at like 20 jobs, yeah, yeah, we'll go there. So anyways, I feel more like an elder millennial now that I'm at 20, but like some of them I can most I can say, like I left the coffee shop job in a fine way, I left the doctor's office job at a fine way, but I'm not sure. Clare Solly 9:42  The coffee shop, they wouldn't let you go home for breaks in college, and they were always asking you to pick up shifts. You were beloved at that coffee shop.Lesley Logan 9:52  Yeah, I know. And I actually, when my in-laws got us an espresso machine, Brad was reading the directions like, I know what I'm doing.Clare Solly 10:00  Yesterday, when you were like, 'Do you know how to work a coffee machine? I was like, 'Nope, but you do.'Lesley Logan 10:04  I know. So, but I can say, like, you know, those jobs ended because I moved, and so it was like, "Of course, they know I was." Yeah, the other jobs were... I felt like I owed them more when I was leaving, versus, like, "Oh, this is just a job." You know what I mean? But I feel like, because I give my all, I kind of felt like I owe... maybe I should give them a month's notice, maybe I should give two months' notice. So let's talk about, you know, what should you be thinking about if you're exiting on your own terms?Clare Solly 10:36  I think you need to think about the value of yourself, what it is, like, what your skills are, right? This is also kind of helping you gear your mind towards rebuilding your resume and refocusing, like, what you want to do. Also, this is sort of tangential, but just stick with me for a second. When you find yourself jealous of your friends, especially with things that they do in their job, or specifically how their life revolves around their job, look at what that jealousy actually is, right? So you run your own business. I have another friend who runs her own business. I'm not afraid to say this, I'm jealous of both of you. And why is that? Because I like the freedom, the freedom, air quotes, I like the perceived freedom that I think that you have. I like the ability. Lesley Logan 11:21  I laugh because we're sitting here recording this podcast because I have a schedule and I have deadlines, and we can do this today, but it's a perceived freedom. Yes, you choose your boss. Clare Solly 11:30  Well, and that you get to travel, which that one is true, that you get to travel and you get paid for it for the most part. What else? I like... well, we'll just stick with those. Those three things are enough. Okay, so then I need to take that back and say, oh, that jealousy... oh, I actually would like a job where I travel, where I have a perceived freedom, a.k.a. I don't need to be lashed to a desk from eight to five, Monday through Friday. I want to do some things where maybe I'm out in the world doing things, and I work at a desk a couple of days a week, right? So look at yourself and not only what you value, but what skills do you have, do I have—we'll just use me—that can get me to where I want to be, right? So I can't magically leave my desk job and then go travel the world and make money, but I have to go figure out things like you did back when you were at the company we both worked at.Lesley Logan 12:24  Yeah.Clare Solly 12:24  And you went and you were taking classes, and then those classes turned into trainings, and then you went and educated yourself while you were making the money to do so. I mean, listen, if you want to be a babe and you want to like just quit your job tomorrow and run off into the sunset and go make magic happen, as whatever you want to do, live your best life.Lesley Logan 12:47  I do think that, depending on where you are in your life, there's different opportunities to blow things up versus not.Clare Solly 12:53  Oh, yeah, and in my 40s, I give very few (inaudible).Lesley Logan 12:56  Yeah, yeah. And I will say, like, I kind of blew up my life as far as personal life goes. I've never, I'm not someone who's ever blown up my life when it comes to the money I make, because I wasn't raised with a lot, and so for me, I want to be, when it comes to exiting things, I've always made sure I had a runway. So when I was,I actually, the job that we had together, I actually thought I would just be there like two days a week, because I thought I could do that. I thought, I'll do the two days a week, and that means I can keep my customers and keep my clients, my commission, my extra money. And then I'll have this business. And what happened is they were going to fire another salesperson so I could be the two-day-a-week, they were going to fire the other two-day-a-weeker, and I was like, oh, and it made me go, but she really needs this job. I need this job too, but also I have enough clients, and the company that I was teaching at part-time on top of my private Pilates business was going to, I knew they were going to offer me a management job, so if push came to shove, I knew I could just accept that job and reclaim that money in some way. So I actually decided to fully quit there versus do a little slowly stop working for them, because I just didn't want someone to lose their job, especially in early 2010. That just felt like that's a hard thing for her to go and replace. But when I left the fitness company, what I did is I figured out how much, I love your description of, like, what are you jealous of? It's also like, what are you finding you're resenting, like when people email and you're just like, you have instant irritation. And so for me, I felt even though they didn't think, and my friends who still work for them, they don't feel like it's a beck and call. It felt like to me it was a beck and call, clearly my ADHD signs, but really a beck and call to me. And so what I decided was, I sat down, it's like, okay, if I want to give up this job, how many Pilates clients would I need to have to replace this salary? And that salary included health benefits, that included my 401k, all these different things that I really think about. But then when you do the math, it really helped me go, okay, so I need to get this many clients coming twice a week. But what's the reality with how many hours I have to do that with? And so I had to go, okay, at the point that I get five clients who come two times a week, I can quit the salaried part of the job, and so I was able to go. I'm no longer going to manage, but I still taught there, was still a teacher trainer. And then it took me one year from that to let go of all of it. So I will say, like, if you do have the control, give if you need a runway, because money is a thing that you don't have extras of, an abundance of, to go remake yourself. It's really figuring out, like, the skills you'll need to have, the money you need to have, and knowing the numbers. I think that really puts you in a power position. I actually felt really confident letting go of that.Clare Solly 15:52  Yeah, and to, you know, add kind of to the money conversation, make sure you have a little bit more runway than you actually think that you'll need. Staying in a job that you hate for one more month is not going to be terrible compared to the two months you might be out of work and are panicking because you're like, where's the money going to come from?Lesley Logan 16:11  Yeah, I couldn't agree more. We had somebody who wanted to start her own business, and she... but her current job was just really, really stressful, really exhausting, and so Brad and I were like, "Hey, let's be honest, how much are you making here? Okay." So I looked up, I'm like, "If you worked at Starbucks 20 hours a week, you can make 80% of what you're making at this job." Yeah, so could you live off 80% of what you're making, right? Could you... I don't know your numbers, I don't know what that is. Maybe you need to, for the next three months, you just actually try to live off 80% and you bank up some money, right? And then you go find a job where you clock in and out, right? You just clock in and out—like no one who works at Starbucks is thinking about mochas when they leave, like they're not, right? Like, maybe a manager is, but I'm not saying that, I'm saying, like a barista, like just going in. So find a job that is actually not stressful, or where you get to leave the job when you're there, and then you can build your thing. If you can't do what I was able to do, which is like slowly leave away, is there a way that you can live off a little less money and do a different job that you could just leave it there? But I.Clare Solly 17:21  Now that's really smart.Lesley Logan 17:22  I think that it's always better if you can do it on your own timing. But yes, I agree, you need a little bit more money than you think, and you might want to start thinking, like, how can I make myself live on less money so I can be banking it, so I could have that runway, that two months' savings you have for rent and things like that.Clare Solly 17:38  Yeah, I like the strategy of having like a standby job. Let's talk about quitting.Lesley Logan 17:44  Yes.Clare Solly 17:44  That's like, how do you quit, right?Lesley Logan 17:46  Because, okay, wait, we made the plans, but now we have to tell them we're quitting. Clare Solly 17:52  Which is is terrifying, terrifying.Lesley Logan 17:54  Thank you for saying that. I thought I was the only person who's just like, oh my god, I know something that they don't know.Clare Solly 17:58  No, the best thing you can do is like almost get together with a friend and rehearse.Lesley Logan 18:04  Okay. Okay.Clare Solly 18:05  So we've made our plan like whatever it is, you know, you make sure that you've got enough money, that you've got sort of a runway, you make sure that if you have the friends or the family that are able to support you emotionally, mentally, whatever, you might just make sure that's part of your setup of moving forward. And then I, it's funny, I want to go in and quit always. I do these steps, I have found, because I've also done the thing where I'm like, "I'm moving," and pretended that I had a fake reason to leave a job. I've done that, and that doesn't feel good. The best thing to do is to go in, figure out kind of a script for yourself, and also be prepared to have them have different reactions. Like, they could ask you to stay and give you more money, so if you obviously hate the job, but money was your reason for leaving, maybe you might want to consider that, so be prepared for that as a conversation. Be prepared for them to just not care whatsoever. And then people also don't like any kind of leaving separation, whatever; they kind of can lash out at you, which is why it feels terrifying, because you're like, oh my god, they're going to hate me forever. You're leaving the job; they might hate you for a month or two, but they won't care.Lesley Logan 19:25  Also like, if they're going to hate you forever, do you really want to work there?Clare Solly 19:29  Exactly.Lesley Logan 19:30  I mean, that is terrifying. Like, I don't want anyone to feel unsafe, but I really think, like, really ask yourself, if someone's going to hate you forever, do you really want to work for someone just because they'll like you? I do like the idea of playing... like Brad did that with me. I was leaving when I was leaving the fitness job, because I was in management and all these things. He was like, "Well, what if they ask you that they're going to pay you more?" And I had to really think about that, but I also knew I'll just take every promotion someone gives me. So, to be honest, I was literally quitting so they wouldn't offer me another promotion.Clare Solly 20:00  Yeah, I mean, and that's hard, because it's like ultimately you're like, oh, well, things seem to be getting better, so maybe this is... which is why you should be prepared for it, because if you really don't like the actual job you're in, or the company that you're in, there's nothing wrong with that. You have just outgrown that space.Lesley Logan 20:19  Well, that's the thing, like leaving a job is like leaving any relationship, and I think, especially as women, we're not taught that. Like, you can leave friends behind. I think fondly of the friendships I had in elementary, high school, college, you know, even the friendships I had at different jobs, but I don't think that the version of me today could be friends with the version of them... you know, maybe we could be friends today, but we outgrew each other at some point. And maybe we could have reconnected, and I'm not saying that we never will, we might, we might run into each other, but I do think that people think we have to keep all of these people all the time, and so you've outgrown the position. Now, if you are someone who's like, oh my gosh, they're going to give me more money for staying, and you're like, "I could handle this for six more months," and you don't have another thing, then there's nothing wrong with staying and banking up more money, like that's fine too. But I do think that rehearsing that, so you know... and so Brad was like, "If they offer you more money, what are you doing?" I said, "I still need to go. I can't keep going the way this is going, and I already have a good thing lined up, and I'm going to bet on myself." Also, I kind of figured they would just hire me back if I needed to.Clare Solly 21:25  Some jobs can, some jobs can, but yeah, definitely. Like, you should wrap your mindset, and I'm not saying... I'm a chronic overthinker, so I'm not promoting overthinking quitting, but at the same time, make sure you are ready for the different options to be thrown at you.Lesley Logan 21:42  So maybe they might be like, "Okay, great, bye," and you might be like, oh. And the other thing is, depending on the state you live in, you might not get to finish the time.Clare Solly 21:50  Yeah.Lesley Logan 21:50  That you have. so I just want to say, be strategic about that, because I worked for a company where if someone put their notice in, the soonest.Clare Solly 22:00  You get walked out the door.Lesley Logan 22:01  Yes, as soon as we could legally give you the paycheck that we could owe you, we would let you go, yeah. And that's not because we didn't like you; it's actually because the transition process was a lot better, and the liability, all these different things. Like, I remember when we worked at the store, if someone gave us their two weeksClare Solly 22:16  Yeah. Lesley Logan 22:16  For the most part.Clare Solly 22:17  It's awkward too.Lesley Logan 22:18  For the most part, they were pretty much like, okay, we can have a paycheck to them by tomorrow. What's the schedule? Okay. And we literally, they would come in for that day, and I'd go, "Thank you so much for the day you just had. Here's your final pay, it includes today, you know?" They would FedEx it to the store so I could give it to them, and IClare Solly 22:36  Forgot about that, actually.Lesley Logan 22:37  Yeah, and we would live short-handed, because, honestly, it wasn't even personal to them. Putting the business owner hat on, they could steal, there's different things they could do, they could try to spend the next two weeks seeing their customers' information. So there's all these different things about protecting, and that back then, like, we remember, we had the customers' phone numbers and credit cards book, yeah. So there's a lot of information to protect at the fitness place. We wanted to transition the clients as quickly as possible, so we would do that. So I would just say, be mindful of where you're at, because it might be that it might end sooner than you were ready. Yeah, when I tried to exit a rental situation, the contract meant that I didn't have to give them any notice, but they also could just kick me out at any time. We were friends, so I thought they would honor that we're friends, and I wanted... I could see that they were turning away other renters, and I was their number one renter. So I was like, "Hey, these are my friends, I want to let them know, you guys, in four months I'm going to open up my own space, just so I can film whenever I want to. It's not personal." They seemed really, really fine about it, and then three months later they weren't fine.Clare Solly 23:42  Yeah.Lesley Logan 23:43  I don't know what changed. I know what changed now, but at the time I didn't know it changed, and so they literally kicked me out. And I had a month before my equipment was going to show up, and I had the studio, I didn't have a trash can. I had to text all my clients like, "Come to this space, we're moving in early." And then I called all my Pilates friends, and I borrowed equipment from them, and I made it work for a month. So I was, I mean, I'm pretty good to move on my resource, I'm so resourceful, Aquarian with ADHD, like, when the shoe drops, I am so much better than when everything is good. But you just don't know, so you just need to take... I would write down, what would I do if this happened? What would I do? What's the worst-case scenario? And also, here's the thing, the worst-case scenario rarely happens, but even if it did, have a backup plan for that. I think it's helpful.Clare Solly 24:30  Yeah, and like, I'm also kind of, if you have a personal space at the place that you work and you keep personal things there, you might slowly start to take them home, you know, not everything all at once, so it doesn't, you know.Lesley Logan 24:43  Yeah.Clare Solly 24:44  Flags to anybody.Lesley Logan 24:45  I haven't had an office job, so thanks, Claire.Clare Solly 24:47  I'm absolutely not saying do not take anything against company policy, don't do that. And in fact, make sure that anything you might have... because I mean, I work from home like two days a week now in my current job, but you might start bringing back things that might be company property, and just start leaving them at your desk instead. So just start the severing a little bit early if you know it's going to happen.Lesley Logan 25:15  I think so. I think so. Okay, so we talked about if it's on your own terms, we talked about like planning, and we talked about leaving. I guess we didn't really say, like, how do you say I'm quitting? What do you say?Clare Solly 25:28  It's different every time.Lesley Logan 25:31  Do you give a story ahead, or do you just start with I'm quitting?Clare Solly 25:34  Honestly, I think the best is short and sweet. Like, they don't... you don't owe them anything, they don't really owe you anything. I mean, yes, you've invested your time and your intellectual powers to them for however long, but you don't owe them anything. And I really think, too, like telling them where you're going, unless they're asking you, that's your business, you don't have to tell them. Even if they ask you directly, straight out, where you're going, you kind of don't have to tell them.Lesley Logan 26:02  Depending on who it is, I might not. I might say, like, I'm just, I will say, like, when I was leaving the fitness jobs, the management job, I said, "You know what, after we get married, the management responsibilities are not going to be something I'm capable of doing in the best way." And I used my marriage, but it was just like telling them I'm going to go teach somewhere could have meant that they would have fired me from all of my teaching gigs.Clare Solly 26:30  Yeah.Lesley Logan 26:30  You know, so, and by the way, I was legally allowed. I lived in the state of California, there's no non-competes, like I could do whatever I wanted, but you just... I didn't trust the person I worked with to not be vindictive, so I just was like, I'm just going to use my marriage.Clare Solly 26:42  You have to do what's best for you. But honestly, the best policy is just saying, you know, walk in, "I'm so sorry, I found XYZ. I found another job, I'm getting married, I'm moving," whatever it is. Keep it short. "I would like to put in my two weeks for you, if you'll accept that." You can say something bullshitty like, "I've enjoyed working here," or something that is sort of true, "I've learned a lot working here." You don't have to tell them why you're leaving, like, "Hey, you're a bullshit boss." Like, you don't have to tell people that. No, if you want to burn the bridge, you take those matches, baby, and you burn, but it's best to get in, get out, I think.Clare Solly 27:20  I think so, and also, as much as you want to tell if somebody is worth... like, "Oh my god, this person's the most abusive person," unless they want the criticism, they're not going to listen to you. Yeah, you know, so I just think that some lessons they have to learn on their own. But I also just think that I was raised by people and grandparents who worked for their companies forever, all the decades, retired, started the job and retired with the job. And so I was raised with these people like, you do the best, you do better than they're asking, right? And the reality is that in today's world, that is actually very different. They just stop paying you for what they were paying you, and you're just doing more, and not all bosses are aware that you're actually giving above and beyond. You have a family member who just retired, and they had to hire three people to replace him, but were they paying him three people's jobs worth? No, they were just working him to the ground. And so I think we do need to say... like, I'm not saying that all companies are evil, but a company will replace you. The thing that I learned early on when I ran that jewelry store is everybody's replaceable, even your best salesperson. And that's terrible, and that's awful, and I will remember all the personalities, but the truth is that a lot of us are being replaced by AI.Clare Solly 28:42  Or not even that we're being replaced by, people you and I are of the age where companies are reskilling and they're replacing people with newer skills, whether fresh out of college or fresh out of a program, right, rather than somebody who's been there with a longer tenure. Lesley Logan 29:00  Yeah.Clare Solly 29:00  And it's not necessarily the age thing; it's like what you know and what you're able to do. Lesley Logan 29:04  Well, and also, even for those who are going to start your own thing, when you become a business owner, you start to realize, like, "What can I pay for this role?" So you might... we have lost some people on the team. We're actually, I'm really proud of us, we're really good at weeding people out in the interview process. We keep our team members for a long time, but we've been around for a long time. Like, this business I've been running, I've been running it by myself starting in 2016 full-time, right? Yeah. And then my first hires were in 2016. Brad came on full-time, and we started hiring more. We had about six people in 2020, now we're more like over 20, but we lost three people due to life situations at the same time. One went on maternity leave forever, one was moving and needed to be paid more for the same job. And it's like, but the role is this pay, like, that's the budget, and that's the role.Clare Solly 29:54  You can tell them that too. You can say, "Hey, I got this job in another company and it pays more." Yeah, I'm welcome, you know.Lesley Logan 30:00  And we will take all of them back in a heartbeat, but also as a business owner, sometimes I can love someone so much, and I have to let them grow somewhere else because where my budget is for that role that they're doing isn't what they are wanting or feel they deserve, right? And that's not personal, and that's the hard thing.Clare Solly 30:22  Yeah, yeah. And also, like, if you're leaving a job because you got more money, you don't have to open that door for them. You just say, "I'm getting more money." Again, just the facts, minimal details, and just the facts.Lesley Logan 30:37  I'm having a life change, those are changes in my life, whatever, my life needs, whatever, you don't owe them more information than they actually need. You just, you really, really don't.Clare Solly 30:47  It's literally like, "Hey Lesley, I loved working on the Be It Pod. I'm so sorry, I've got a job that is willing to pay me more to do podcasts, and I'm excited about it." Lesley Logan 30:57  Yeah. And it would suck so much. And, you know, we can talk another time of how our team always prepares for anybody to be sick for any amount of time because we have to keep going. Like, you know, and I want to honor people's mental health days and things like that, so we have like a lot of redundancy so we can make sure that we can be there for people, but also so people can go and someone can take their place. And it would suck, and I think of them so fondly, and all that stuff.Lesley Logan 31:21  Okay, what if your exit is not your own, like you're fired or the company closed? Like, what happens if the exit happened to you? Clare Solly 31:30  Oh, definitely, definitely. Lesley Logan 31:31  Everything happens for you, but let's be real, like, it happened to you. Clare Solly 31:35  Definitely throw as many things as you can, break as many things on your way out, you know, stab tires. No, don't do any of that. Be as graceful as possible, right? I think one of the best, it hurts, right? It is an ego thing, and it is an ego stab in your heart, and you just have to go. just keep a brave face while you're in front of colleagues, etc., and be as polite as possible because it is a small world. I do not care who you are. I do not care what job you're in. Somebody knows somebody who knows somebody's sister, who knows who's married to somebody who knows you in the next company you go to. It is a small world.Lesley Logan 32:18  Yes.Clare Solly 32:18  Or it'll get back to you in some weird way, 20 years in the future. We are in a social media-heavy world where everybody knows everything. And I'm not saying you have to be happy about it. I am just saying don't go crazy, just try to hold everything in. And you might,in the back of your mind now, because I generally kind of knew when either I was unhappy or my company was unhappy with me, and I knew, because I've been fired, I'm going to say I've been fired four times. You know, once was like a redundancy, once was because the manager hated me, and I can't remember the other two times, but I've been fired a decent amount, and it hurts every time. And no matter how prepared for it you are, you're never prepared for it. So just kind of pick up on the clues in the background, and just don't sit there every day going, "Oh, I'm going to get fired," but maybe start, you know, hit the rewind button, listen to the beginning of this podcast, this episode, and kind of prepare, and then be as graceful as possible. Get your things together as quickly as possible. Don't talk to anyone that still works for the company. Lesley Logan 33:28  Yeah I agree. Clare Solly 33:29  Even if you have a BFF that works for the company, like, especially don't put anything in writing, don't blast anybody, because a lot of times if you are being let go, they're giving you some sort of package, hopefully.Lesley Logan 33:42  Yeah, I would hope so. And I think, even if they don't, even if they're terrible, even for the worst, I just want to reiterate, like, you might end up somewhere, even two jobs from now, where there's someone else who worked there. It just happens, and you don't want your worst day to be the thing that people remember about you when they see you next time, or when someone does ask. Like, sometimes people do call your references in your past jobs, sometimes they call your past jobs, and you don't want the tone of voice to change. So I think... but that's why you go to these new rage stations, and then you break things.Clare Solly 34:27  Definitely go to a rage station.Lesley Logan 34:28  So, okay, so don't burn the bridges, that's good. Go to a rage place, yay! But, like.Clare Solly 34:34  Have a safe friend to talk to, like, that doesn't work at your company.Lesley Logan 34:39  This is good advice for everything. Have someone to talk to about everybody who doesn't know the people involved.Clare Solly 34:45  You know, and maybe that's somebody you pay, maybe that's a therapist, maybe that's a safe space. I would sort of stay away from telling your mom or your dad, or close family, because family always has opinions on these kind of things.Lesley Logan 34:58  Until you're ready. I do think that there are certain things... you kind of have to get your wits about you before you tell the people. It depends on how your relationship is with them, but if they're opinionated, and you often feel like you're constantly letting them know, "I'm not a child anymore." You know, it's the same as a breakup. I don't tell people until I'm like, you have to heal from things before you talk about it sometimes.Clare Solly 35:18  So you're human, and we all try things, and we fail things, and failures are hard, and you don't need somebody poking at your failures or asking you. Like, my least favorite thing is when a relationship ends, people are like, "And when are you going to date?"Lesley Logan 35:35  Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. And it's like, "I just got fired. Okay, so is your resume together?" But I will say a tip: maybe have a little thing in your calendar, like every six months, that you just update your resume. Clare Solly 35:47  Yeah. I get mine updated, so (inaudible).Lesley Logan 35:50  Yeah, so it's ready to go, because you just never know these days. You never, you never know, like, people think that the companies will be around forever, and they're not. So I think that that's a really, I think also I just want to highlight what you're saying, it's like, I think you need to grieve a little bit.Clare Solly 36:02  Yeah.Lesley Logan 36:03  Because maybe you had ideas about what that job could be or what it was going to let you do. I do think a little grieving process is important.Clare Solly 36:11  Well, and no matter if you are let go, if you are given severance, or if you are choosing to leave a job, I highly recommend making sure you give yourself space. Make sure you take a week off between jobs, take a couple of weeks, make sure you can, or try your best to afford that. But before you start running again in any capacity, you have to decompress. We take vacations for ourselves from the jobs that we're currently in; we need to do that as well when we are doing anything involved with work.Lesley Logan 36:48  I love this idea, so it's like, call the unemployment office first thing, yeah, call your therapist, and then take a beat, just a beat.Clare Solly 36:57  Take a beat,Lesley Logan 36:58  Yeah, maybe, so hopefully, usually they fire you on a Friday, so hopefully you can take the weekend, like use some credit card points, get a hotel.Clare Solly 37:05  Yeah.Lesley Logan 37:06  You know.Clare Solly 37:06  I mean, I've rage-updated my resume before, and it never works that well, and I have to redo it all.Lesley Logan 37:11  Okay, so don't, so you're saying go grieve first, then resume later.Clare Solly 37:15  Yeah, yeah. I mean, still check in with the unemployment office, and still check in with like your therapist, and I would check in with your bank account and make sure that you're good there.Lesley Logan 37:24  Yeah, yeah, I agree. I think that, you know... but I do think you're allowed to be upset, you're allowed to be sad, you're allowed to be frustrated, you're allowed to be like, "The reason this happened is because of them."Clare Solly 37:35  Yeah.Lesley Logan 37:35  But also, depending on where you live in the states—I don't know how it works in the rest of the world—but I'm of the management style that you kind of are quitting on me before I fire you. I'm giving you talks, and those talks... at least in California, I had to give you written notices, and these are the dates you've improved these things by, so if you're around number two or three, they're probably not happy with you. So you can plan for that, but if you can't, it is out of your control, and it happens sooner than you thought. I do think grief and taking a pause is really nice.Clare Solly 38:12  Yeah, and I think, too, to some extent, when you were saying that, it just kind of came to my head, like, maybe just when you're in a thoughtful moment, and you can handle that thought, just write yourself just like a little exit plan in your notes app in your phone or something like that. So that... we have an emergency strategy if your house is on fire, right? You know where the exits are. Maybe you just give yourself that when you're in a good space. You know, what are my steps that I need to take? Who are my emergency contacts? Where am I in the level-set of money and my trajectory, and all that?Lesley Logan 38:49  I also think, even if it was your dream job, I would sit down and journal. I would write down all the things that you hated about it, and all the things you loved about it, right? This is something we do all the time. Like, when people are like, "I need to get a scheduling tool," I'm like, "Write down all the things you want it to do, like, what are your dream things?" Same as if you're going to date someone where they have to have these qualities. I would say take a moment to think about what is the stuff that you loved about that job, and then what are the things that you fucking hated, even as a dream job. There are always things that are irritating, like working for anybody is irritating, so it has irritating moments. So I would write that down, because that way, when you are updating your resume, you're updating it with the ideas of the qualities you want to enhance and highlight, and you're looking for the jobs that have the keywords that are in the love section, and you are a little bit more aware of the things where you're like, "I don't do well in these spaces." Yeah, if you're not a team player, then a job that is like, "You're going to be working on this team, and it's integral that you work with the team," you can go, "Oh, I need a more solo job." It's okay.Clare Solly 39:47  Yeah. And then also, instead of trying to... because the instinct is to pick at yourself and go, "What did I do wrong? What was wrong with me?" Right? We do that in any kind of relationship, whether it is a work relationship or a personal relationship. We focus it back on ourselves, and sometimes it's not you. I mean, sometimes it is, but sometimes it's just not what you're capable of, or not the skills that you have, or not the education you have. So when you start taking yourself apart, turn it back positively. And maybe instead of sitting there... we all get to mourn, right? We all get to mourn, we all get to hurt. But instead of sitting there and picking apart yourself and panicking about not having a job, go on YouTube and look up some skill videos. Yeah, go to university websites and take a look at courses.Lesley Logan 40:46  Universities give courses for free.Clare Solly 40:47  Yeah, and if you find yourself sort of like rage-scrolling through LinkedIn or something like that, looking at your colleagues or looking at people that have similar jobs to you, look at their resumes and go, "What are the skills they have? What can I add to my resume that makes me more excitable as a hire? What am I missing?" and just kind of re-level set yourself.Lesley Logan 41:07  Yeah.Clare Solly 41:08  Instead of going internal, look to the external and see how you can grow, and be it till you see it.Lesley Logan 41:15  I love that. Oh my god, we could talk forever on this topic because I feel like there's just so much to say, but I do feel like that's some great, helpful stuff because being it till you see it often isn't staying where you are, it's acting like the person you want to be when you're there, and that can mean building an exit strategy, or it could mean letting go of the place that you're at. So I love this, Clare. We're going to take a brief break, and then we're going to find out where people can find you, follow you, connect with you, and get your Be It Action Items. Lesley Logan 41:44  Okay, Clare, where do you hang out these days?Clare Solly 41:48  I am still on the Instagram as a bookstagrammer. You can find me at @YouWontBeSolly on the Instagram and the TikTok, although I'm slow to post these days. You can find me and my books at www.claresolly.com Clare with no I, and there will be more news in a couple of years once I get that PhD rolling and going.Lesley Logan 42:08  I know. I'll have to have you back on for that. "How did you 'be it till you see it' to call yourself a doctor?"Clare Solly 42:13  I know, I'm so excited I'm here. Schedule me now for that. Set your alarms. And I would say for this topic, my Be It Action Items.Lesley Logan 42:21  Bold, executable, intrinsic or targeted steps people can take to be it until they see it. I mean, I know you know the thing, but I gotta say it, you know, for the new listeners.Clare Solly 42:29  I love it. New listeners.Lesley Logan 42:30  New listeners, this is the section where they tell us your action items.Clare Solly 42:35  I mean, I think take a look at yourself, where you are, look at where you can improve, and create an exit strategy if you are ready to leave, just so you have it. In a sane moment, you're ready to go when you have that crazy moment later.Lesley Logan 42:53  Yeah, yeah, I think it's important. Why not, while you don't need to do it, think about what to do, because it is really hard to do it when you, unless you're like me, and you're clear-headed when the shoe drops.Clare Solly 43:09  Yeah.Lesley Logan 43:10  And some people are, but I think a lot of people need a little more time to wrap their heads around it, and that's okay.Clare Solly 43:15  We think about retirement, we think about when our job is ending towards the end of our life, we think about again when you're in a fire situation, when you're in an earthquake situation, like, we practice those things. And even though it feels a little bit like dun dun dun to think about the ending of your job, if you prepare for it now, you'll be ready for it when it happens. If it happens, maybe it won't, maybe you'll be forever in your job and happy.Lesley Logan 43:41  Yeah, well, I hope so. Okay, thanks so much, Clare, for being you and bringing up this topic. I think this is so fun. You guys, make sure you tell us which parts of this you loved, and I know it's more conversational if you're used to listening to this, but I think that that's also even more fun. So I'm kind of into that as well. And share this with a friend who needs to hear it, share with a friend who's like constantly complaining about their job—like, you don't have to be their coach for them. Guess what, you could just go, "Wow, you should listen to the Be It Till You See It podcast, yeah, with Lesley and Clare on this topic." And until next time, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 44:11  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod.Brad Crowell 44:53  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell.Lesley Logan 44:58  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co.Brad Crowell 45:03  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi.Lesley Logan 45:10  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals.Brad Crowell 45:13  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let's end the tug-of-war of Mom Guilt... So many high acheiving Moms feel the sticky push and pull sensation when trying to balance work, rest, and family. We've been told we have to choose one over the other. But what if you gave yourself the permission to have it all? To be the powerful, ambitious mom you truly are, showing you how to operate from a place of wholeness where your cup is always overflowing. Press play to see how you can shift the narrative to stop "pouring from your cup" and pour from the "overflow" instead.  P.S. Once you're done listening, take the TIME TURNER quiz to see how you can manage your time in a whole new way. 

To celebrate our 50th episode, we decided to spin that Time-Turner and do a commentary-style review of Episode 1!Let's see how far we've come (or how far we have NOT)!

"Snape strode forward, past Dumbledore, pulling up the left sleeve of his robes as he went. He stuck out his forearm and showed it to Fudge, who recoiled." This is one of the moments in the series when Snape shows his true self. There aren't that many. This is his Time-Turner moment. We have seen throughout this entire volume how immature and unprepared he really is for this, but it's his time.For full show notes, transcripts, ways to contact the hosts or support the show, and more, visit hpafter2020.com.

**THIS EPISODE CONTAINS FULL SPOILERS**The Film is Lit podcast apparates back into the wizarding world for our most epic episode yet! Fittingly, we're tackling the longest book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," in what also happens to be our longest episode ever. Joining us is our good friend and certified Potterhead, Daniel Porush, as we dive deep into the divisive fifth entry. How does this 896-page BEHEMOTH stack up against one of the shortest films in the franchise? Grab your wand (or your headphones) and tune in to find out. This episode's so packed, even Hermione would need a Time-Turner to get through it twice!#TheOrderofthePhoenix #HarryPotter #FilmisLitPod #DanielPorush #DanielRadcliffe #DoloresUmbridge #EmmaWatson #RupertGrint #RalphFiennes #AlanRickman #GaryOldman #ImeldaStaunton #movieadaptation #Voldemort #SiriusBlack #MaggieSmith #HelenaBonhamCarter #Dumbledore

Wherein I try to cover a TON of action, while managing to insert tidbits of silliness, as well. The article about Ma'a Nonu was here: Major League Rugby: Five takeaways as Ma'a Nonu 'honoured' to take new role while ex-Edinburgh back the 'clear difference' for Old Glory DC If you're enjoying listening, please like and subscribe, and above all, tell a friend! If you'd like the FULL VIDEO pods rather than audio only, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Sound bites commonly used in this show are from the show, “Still Game,” available on Netflix, and “The West Wing,” available on HBO, I highly recommend both. Thanks, cheers and be well! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is Paul Marden.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on Twitter  or Bluesky for your chance to win the books that have been mentioned in this podcast.Competition ends on 5th March 2025. The winner will be contacted via Bluesky. Show references: https://www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/zakmensah/Zak Mensah is the co-CEO of Birmingham Museums Trust. He is passionate about helping their service make an impact by focusing on the needs of over 1 million visitors. He is encouraging the organization to adopt a "digital by default" approach. Zak's mission is to ensure that their people, skills, and services remain adaptable to the rapidly changing landscape of the cultural sector. He is exploring new ways of doing things, including innovative business models, partnerships, and arts-related KPIs, while sharing as much as possible publicly.With a background in staff development and digital, Zak has been involved with the web since the late 90s and has seen its influence grow in all aspects of life. Prior to joining the arts sector in 2013, he helped small businesses, charities, Jisc, universities, and the Heritage Lottery Fund "do" digital well.Zak also runs his own consultancy to promote positive change and keep his skills sharp. His goal is to make a ruckus. https://www.vam.ac.uk/https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyakino-wittering/Amy Akino-Wittering is Head of Operations and Commercial at Young V&A, which opened July 2023 and recently won Art Fund Museum of the Year and Kids in Museums, Family Friendly Museum of the Year awardsResponsible for the general management of Young V&A she directly manages the visitor experience and teams, catering contract, volunteering and back of house operations, collaborating closely with central V&A colleagues to deliver operations and income for Young V&A. Previously Amy worked at V&A South Kensington as Senior Visitor Experience Manager-Sales and was on the opening project team leading on visitor experience and retail at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery.She started her career at Imperial War Museums working across sites from assistant to management roles in Retail and Admissions and systems management.  https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/​​https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-sapwell-b3b2a281/Paul Sapwell has been Chief Executive at independent arts and culture charity Hampshire Cultural Trust since 2018, having joined the trust in 2016 as Chief Operating Officer following an early career primarily in hospitality and leisure. Paul is a passionate believer in the transformative power that cultural experiences can have on the wellbeing of individuals and communities, and a prominent advocate for the role of commercial growth, underpinned by a flexible, entrepreneurial team culture, in sustaining museum and arts organisations. Transcription: Paul Marden: The museums and culture sector are facing unprecedented headwinds. Static or reducing funding from local government, fewer grants from trusts and foundations, all while dealing with increased people costs. The continued headwinds from cost of living crisis. But this sector continues to deliver more with less and support the cultural life of our country. Paul Marden: Welcome to Skip the Queue. I'm your host, Paul Marden and in today's episode recorded the Science Museum at the Association of Cultural Enterprises View from the Top event. I'm joined by Amy Akino-Wittering, Head of Operations and Commercial at Young V&A. Zak Mensah, Co CEO of Birmingham Museums Trust, and Paul Sapwell, CEO of Hampshire Cultural Trust. Paul Marden: And we're going to talk about how the cultural sector can innovate in order to thrive. Anyone that's listened to the podcast before will know. And this is the nervous bit. Paul Marden: We always start with an icebreaker question which my lovely guests victims have not been prepared for. So, Zak, I'm afraid you go first, my friends. So if you were a cartoon character, which cartoon character would you be? Zak Mensah: That's easy. I think I would be the thing that gets chased by the. Is it the wild Cody who runs around all his home? But I'd be the. What's the little, the stupid Roadrunner. Yeah, so I would be Roadrunner because you constantly are literally running 100 miles an hour and then a giant piano lands on you at 4:00 on a Friday afternoon, but you respawn on the Monday and you start all over again. Pretty much feels like me. Paul Marden: I love that. I love that. Amy, you're next. Let's think of all of the inventions over the last hundred years that were offered. Flying cars, those sorts of things. What is the one thing were promised that you really miss and think we really need in our lives? Amy Akino-Wittering: I think a Time Turner, which is basically from Harry Potter. Basically you can just go and do things like six. They do six days all at once. Paul Marden: You can be Hermione if you've got a Time Turner. Amy Akino-Wittering: Yeah, great. Paul Marden: Excellent. I love that, Amy. Thank you. Paul. Paul Sapwell: You said these were going to be under no pressure. I wouldn't have liked. I wouldn't have liked either of those. Paul Marden: Oh, well, you're not going to like this one then. I'm sorry, mate, I'm, I, I live in Hampshire. Paul runs Hampshire Cultural Trust. Paul. Paul Sapwell:  Oh, even better. Paul Marden: Saints or Pompey? Paul Sapwell:  Oh, blimey. Okay, well that's, I'm an Arsenal fan. Paul Marden: So there we go. Paul Sapwell: I couldn't possibly answer Saints or Pompey? I mean, we border both. So I would just be in so much trouble if I pick one or the other. So I can. I've got to get out. Paul Marden: Are you dodging that one? Paul Sapwell: Yeah. I thought you might watch Arsenal regularly. Paul Marden: I thought you might. So we are going to start with a question from somebody from the audience, a young man named Gordon. Apparently he might be a millennial. And he says, After 15 years of turmoil, financial crash, austerity, Brexit, Covid, we face continuing cost of living issues, rising national insurance and a Trump presidency. Are we doomed in 2025? Or to put it slightly better, what are the biggest risks for your organisation and the wider sector, and what are you each doing to thrive in the year ahead? And I'm going to start with you, Paul. Paul Sapwell: That's an easy question, isn't it? Paul Marden: You can thank young Gordon. Paul Sapwell: Brilliant Gordon, Yeah. I mean, I think 2025 is going to be an incredibly tricky year, but to sort of look further than that. I'm certainly an optimist, but I think we're in a time of transition, particularly in terms of our sector, in the cultural sector, in terms of what's going to fund us and what's going to sustain us going forward. You know, I think the years of the level. I think a lot of the speakers have touched on it, but the years of the level of public sector funding is, whatever happens with this government and next is going to be going down and we just have to face that. I run an organisation which we started out in 2019. We're about 85% publicly funded. Now we're 34% publicly funded with the same turnover, I hasten to add. Paul Sapwell: And so we've made a good go of it, but I think the headwinds this year are really difficult. That said, I think that we have to be confident investing for the longer term and particularly, obviously, in this conference in areas of commercial growth. I think that, okay, the growth projections have been downgraded. I am confident that we will, as the decade continues, move into a period of growth. And we've got to be looking at the long term rather than the short term. The trick is, of course, not running out of money in the short term. And that's a really difficult place to be. Paul Marden: In the water, just here. Paul Sapwell: I don't have an easy answer to that, but I think fundamentally, you've got to give the customer what they want and the customer is still there. Paul Sapwell: And we have a fantastic product. But we've got to certainly pivot much further towards what customers want commercially, in my view, than putting as much emphasis as probably we did 10 years ago on trying to find more and more public funding, because I think that's going down. Paul Marden: Zak, have you got any thoughts on that? Zak Mensah: Yeah, I mean, in terms of money, just generally people want to back winners. So I think one of the difficult things that internally we can all say it's doom and gloom, because it does feel that doom and gloom. There are definitely days, weeks and months. I think it's right to say that it's doom and gloom. Like you can be optimist but still understand it's difficult time. And I think a lot of our, you know, a lot of our workforces certainly feel that, it can feel very difficult because every year they ask, will they have their job? Right. And that's a really fair question to ask. And we sometimes as leaders kind of say, “Oh, if we can get through the next two years, but two years for normal staff are sometimes a very long time to try and say, “You or may have not have a job to make life through.”Zak Mensah: So I think that's something I always think back in back of my mind. I think a lot of the difficulties, whichever flavour of government is about understanding how to be more savvy, about understanding the trends, about things that are fundable. Because there are lots of things that were funded 10, 20 years ago, that money has dried up. And so we've all got to think about, for example, a lot of people now looking at, well, being a speaker this afternoon was talking about more on EDI, for example, and how younger people certainly are interested in having more of a purpose driven business. Is how for us, we can make sure we're focused on the, what I was called, the user need. So the needs that people use us. Zak Mensah: Because if you can concentrate and focus on what they want, whether it be money, otherwise that ultimately does lead to a business model. Because there's no point saying just because museums and galleries have been around for 100 to 200 years, they have an absolute right to exist. The only way they exist is because every decade or whatever there's another crisis comes along and a group of people, including ourselves here, live in this room, but also listening to this make it happen. Like, we've got to convince councillors, government, businesses to be part of that journey. Because the funny thing I will say is that, you know, at Birmingham Museums, the art gallery was founded in 1885 by industry people. It was industry people that founded it. It was industry people who wanted the city to have great arts. Zak Mensah: And so now we're turning back to those same people and saying, "We need you to now step up and contribute." It doesn't always have to be money. It could be in kind support, could be advocacy. That's the kind of thing that we need to do as leaders right now, in addition to the normal making the money work and stretch as far as we can. Paul Marden: Absolutely. Amy, what are you doing at Young V&A to thrive in the year ahead and face some of these challenges? Amy Akino-Wittering: Yeah, absolutely. So we've now been open for just over two years, so I feel kind of, well, coming up to two years. And so I feel we're kind of in that stage where we kind of opened and sort of just try to make sure that we are operationally savvy. And last year was very much about refining that. And I think this year is very much about what's next and how can we build upon kind of success of opening, looking at ways in which we can innovate through doing new kind of commercial opportunities, but also how can we develop our audiences. And as well as part of kind of the wider V&A, we've got two more sites opening as well. Amy Akino-Wittering: So how as an organisation are we going to work together to kind of be in this new family of sites and work together through there? So I think for us in the kind of coming year is all about, what's next? We've opened the door. We started with a really strong foundation and a really strong vision, but then how can we keep on innovating and keep iterating that to improve? Paul Marden: Excellent. I'm going touch on stuff that Lewis talked about a minute ago. One of his reflections I really liked was thinking about how do we create a space for colleagues to engage with some of these really important issues that have been on the PowerPoints. Zak, maybe you could start. What do you think your organisation can do to act as bottom up catalyst for change as opposed to trying to drive these changes from the top down? Zak Mensah: I think the first thing is about understanding that there are a lot of people who do want to be able to voice their hopes and fears around a whole host of subjects, whether it be specifically around, if you're ethnic minority, about your fear of living in the UK, if you have climate, lots of important subjects people want to talk about. You know, I think certainly internally, and I'll be very clear about this, I think there's a very different view sometimes about the difference between internal and the external voice of the organisation. So what we see a lot of is staff individually believe that as a service there are lots of things we could and should be talking about publicly that may or may not directly align with how as a leader we see it. Zak Mensah: So, you know, there are lots of fights we do get into. We can't get into every single fight. And sometimes there's a real fine balance around what we decide to go for. So if you take during Black Lives Matter example, me and Sarah Shropshire started in November 2020, there was an expectation that immediately we would be like the spokesperson for the whole museum sector about black and brown issues. And like, it's really hard to say, actually. I am not speaking on behalf of every single person in the whole country. I do take it seriously and we set up internally ways people to talk about it, but didn't always feel appropriate. Zak Mensah: And I'll give another example is around, for example, war. Any one time there's something like 15 global conflicts happening and, you know, we talk and go backwards and forwards internally sometimes about, you know, do we talk about them publicly? If we talk about them internally, how we talk about them, do we single one out or do we talk about them all? Are they equal? How do you equally talk about things are very horrific for a number of people?Zak Mensah: And knowing that we've got staff from dozens of countries who all have different views on how their homeland or area they're interested in is impacted. Things are very horrific for a number of people. But I do think that there's always. It's always really tricky because the best conversations and the best conversations need care and a lot of the conversations happen in like, pockets that we have no control over. Zak Mensah: And so it's again, how do you set an environment as a leader that is allowing the bottom up to do their own thing, but in a way that isn't going to be detrimental to the whole workforce? Because I think it is. Again, I mentioned it's been. It's really tricky and that's the simple truth. It is no easy answer to these things because if it was easy, we'd all solved it. Yeah. But acknowledging it there, it's the elephant in the room, I think is really important and growing to be more and more important for us as leaders. Paul Marden: I think Lewis was saying it's really important to know where you stand on issues and it is okay for you to have a stance on issues that says, I'm not going to make a stand on this one issue. I thought that was a really interesting perspective. Imy's talk. I think were talking a lot about the journey of Titanic Belfast, which I love as a museum, to go to a museum that emotionally moved me as much with so very few actual artefacts. I just think it's an amazing storytelling experience. But you talked a little bit about the team and what you do to be able to nurture that team. And one of the things that we're talking about is trying to get 110% out of everybody getting to more with less, getting them to innovate. Paul Marden: How do you balance all of those challenges and not break the people and maintain a 98% retention rate like Titanic does? Paul? Paul Sapwell: Well, maintaining a 98 retention rate, I think fairly unprecedented and huge congratulations. I mean, I think it follows on a bit from what Zak was saying, actually. You know, it's tough, isn't it, being leaders in terms of whether you're making that kind of external message or whether you've got a tough internal message. I mean, I've always taken a stance that you've got to be as transparent as you possibly can be and people will go a long way with you if it doesn't appear that things are being taken in a dark room somewhere. And I think for us, what we've tried to do is to put in the mechanisms for that to happen. I've been really fortunate to work with a fantastic people director, Hampshire Cultural Trust. Paul Sapwell: One of the first things, I think you've also got to make a stance, by the way, on people being important. One of the first things I did as CEO was say we need a people director. It's quite rare in the heritage sector. I came from hospitality, it was the norm. It's an odd thing that people and HR doesn't always sit at the top table. Sometimes it's sort of delegated down in operations or even finance. So I think that's really important and we needed a strategy and part of that is putting in place a lot of the stuff that you talked about of the Titanic, which I think is really impressive. And we're somewhere on that journey, but not quite as far along, but proper employee forums where you listen. Paul Sapwell: I meet with an employee elected employee forum quarterly and talk to them about all issues with nothing off the table. We also have an EDI group with a mix, again, senior leadership on there talking about these issues. And I think that, you know, if there was one thing I would say it's, you're not always going to be able to give easy answers, are you? This year we're being hit with an enormous national insurance hit to the staff costs and that is going to affect pay. I can't pretend that it isn't. And if we're going to not run out of money in the next few years, we're going to have to give less of a pay increase this year than we would like to. Paul Sapwell: But we've been talking about that openly since it hit and I hope that our team will go, will understand, but obviously that doesn't make it, make it easy. And I think the same is true with the issues that you're talking about. You can't take a stance on every single issue that comes through each of these forums every quarter, but you have a conversation about it. And I think that's the most important bit for me. Paul Marden: Amy, I'm going to segue wide away from today's talks. Regular listeners will know that I'm a Trustee of Kids in Museums and I was chatting with my fellow trustees about today's event and we wondered, given the impact of the cultural sector, on the impact that it has on the lives of young people and how there are so many challenges at the moment for disadvantaged young people to engage in the sector. You know, we all know that post Covid, many schools have cut their school visits into museums and galleries. I pick you because Young V&A was the winner of Kids in Museums Family Friendly Awards last year. So let's just start with you and talk about what are the innovative things that you've done to break down barriers to encourage children and families to engage in the museum. Amy Akino-Wittering: Yes, of course. So Young V&A when we kind of opened its entire purpose is about engaging children. It's all about kind of that creative confidence in Generation Alpha. And so the whole museum has been designed with and for young people. So its target audience is between naught to 14 year olds. We spoke with over 22,000 young people in the development of the museum to hear what do they want from it. I think there's a survey which said that 40% of children thought that museums were boring and it weren't places for them. So, well, what can we do as we've got this opportunity to redevelop, to make sure that it is a place that people want to go and enjoy and be themselves. Amy Akino-Wittering: And so that was kind of like the North Star in terms of what every kind of decision in the kind of opening and making and running of Young V&A is really centred around this as well. And so it goes from the aesthetic in terms of the height of things, the bright colours from this swirling staircase that we have at Young V&A, which came from an idea that someone wanted to helter skelter in the space to the tone of voice in our interpretation and also how the objects are displayed. We've got objects from across the V&A, we've got over 2,000 objects. But it's not just the museum as was the Museum of Childhood collection, it's from across all of the different departments of the V&A. And it's been curated with that kind of child centred and child focused way. Amy Akino-Wittering: Co design is also a really kind of core part of it as well. So we kind of co designed with local audiences and children for various design displays and also co curation. So each gallery was co curated between the learning team and the curatorial team as well. And then obviously we've kind of got to actually open the building and have a team to deliver that visitor experience. And again, that is all very much fed through that audience lens. And so we looked at our structures of, you know, what types of people do we want in the space? You know, our core audience are children. We need people who want to engage with that audience. It's a very specific kind of audience, but also we are a hyper local organisation as well and so how can we encourage applicants from the local boroughs? Amy Akino-Wittering: So we drove a very inclusive recruitment process where we basically did a behaviour led process for recruitment, we redid all the job descriptions, went out into our local community, did workshops and CV surgeries and basically just made it as easy as possible for people to apply and get interview. And the kind of core things that were looking at was behaviours. We can teach people how to go on a till or to learn how to do fire evacuations, but actually it's much harder to get people because that's what the job is. You know, the majority, you know, all your visitors will come to a touch point with the front of house team. They are your most important ambassadors. Amy Akino-Wittering: So we need to make sure that we've got the best kind of resources and time and structure in place to support them, to give the best possible experience that we can. So we spent a lot of time doing that. We spent a lot of time as well working Kids in Museums come in and do training about specific family engagement training as well, which has been really beneficial. And then also we really believe that, you know, the customer experience, the visitor experience is directly impacted by the employee experience. You can't expect the team to deliver this amazing, joyful visitor experience if actually they're pretty miserable behind the scenes. So how can we make sure that the structures that we have and the environment that we have is reflective of how we want them to be on the floor as well? Amy Akino-Wittering: So we make sure that we have forums to make sure that, you know, people can have their say. We make sure. So we did this team charter, which was this sort of collaborative effort to see, like, how do you want to feel in the workplace, but also how do you want your visitors to feel? And actually, it was all very similar in terms of the outcomes that came from that kind of exercise. And it's these kind of agreement that we have together to how we're going to work together and those kind of things which we do to ensure. It's that kind of frequent communication and making sure that we're on the same page and it kind of brings that joy which then comes out to the visitors. Amy Akino-Wittering: And that is kind of I think all those things together has all really helped in terms of when someone comes into the space, children, they're front and centre. They really feel like it's a place for them and they've got kind of people around them which really get them and that they will help facilitate their curiosity and things like that. So that's what we've done. Paul Marden: Amazing. Paul, have you got some thoughts? Paul Sapwell: Yeah. I love what you're saying about the visitor. The visitor services guys on the front desk. I mean, they are the most important people, essentially, and that's why I was nodding vigorously. I think that's part of what I was talking about earlier in terms of pivot into more of a commercial view, because a commercial company completely relies on their customer who comes in. And I think my experience of being in an organisation that's moved out of being run predominantly by a council to one that's independent now was, I've got to be honest, at the start, that wasn't how it felt. Paul Sapwell: And actually you could produce big lists of visitor figures, but ultimately, if they went up or down, it didn't really matter because the funding was going to stay the same, whatever, and there would be other metrics, and I think that's the big shift in mentality, because if you don't give the customer what they want, and that means really valuing people on your front line. And, you know, we've had conversations at the Museum Association about it, about how there's almost been that divide in museums between the people who talk to your customers and the museum staff. And I think that's a really. Or people who would see themselves doing proper museum work. And I think that, you know, that's something we've got to. We're moving in the right direction, but we've got to move quicker. Paul Marden: All of our best memories, aren't they, of going to these places are not necessarily about the amazing artefacts, it's the stories that your team tell people when they interact with them. You feel so happy as a result of it. I think of some amazing experiences. Zak, have you got any thoughts on this? Innovative ways in which we make museums family friendly, how we encourage make them more children friendly? Zak Mensah: Well, the first thing is it's something like 50% of people have children. And so knowing that is in the UK is a thing. Just knowing that as a fact. Right. Means that thinking then about families who will come, but also the staff workforce. Because again, like, you know, if your staff, you're your biggest advocates we just talked about is making it friendly for people to have children in the workforce means that most people recommend it and word of mouth is the biggest way that you can influence people and then from that when people come. So we've got nine venues overall pre pandemic, have a million visitors a year. Zak Mensah: We say we're family friendly, but I've got two young children and quite often the experience, not just my place, but other places doesn't actually say match up with that because like just saying to a seven year old, you must love art, doesn't really work, right, if it's Blue. Paul Marden: Can't tell them. You can't just make them like, yeah. Zak Mensah: I can't tell anything because anyone in my family anything. If you convince about bluey=, then you've got another chance. But you know, you've got to think about actually what is their experience going to be. So, you know, have you got picnic area? Have you got toilets? Lots of toilets. Do you allow your staff, for example, in previous roles? We allow people, if they want to do potty training, they could do potty training in the gallery. Because the reality was if they didn't use the potty that they had in their bag, it was going somewhere else. And so I remember watching in horror as someone literally tried to scoop up a child and move their parent out of a gallery to start to go to the toilet. Zak Mensah: And I was like, there was no way they were going to make it out that door. I would love to have that CCTV footage because I bet that was quite interesting. But, you know, it sounds, you know, some sort of flippant and fun. Zak Mensah: But that's the little thing because like all those little things about making it, you know, enjoyable. Because if you can make it enjoyable for the. For the parent or the guardian, you can make it fun for the, you know, for the kids. You know, you have to have sharp crayons and pencils. Whatever it is, like always things that's really kids don't want much. That's the little thing because like all those little things about making it, you know, enjoyable. Right. Like, if you can give them almost that version of experience to make people think it's good. Because I think we sometimes dissociate the child's experience with the fact they're with someone else. So actually you've got to make it good for the people that they're with. And quite often people do it, you know, who take. Zak Mensah: They might take the extended family. So they'll say like, you know, I'll take my niece or whatever, I'm there. And they don't usually actually have to have the children. So sometimes they need help as well, you know, to make sure the experience. Paul Marden: Extra needs to be able to solve the kids' problems. Zak Mensah: Absolutely. So for me it's about making it that friendly from that perspective. So often with school trips, for example, it's how can you make the school trips fun? Because I see quite a lot of kids on school trips that they sort of being marched through and forced to go. So then they're less likely to recommend it to their parents and their parents just like to come. So for me, it's kind of like trying to use that learning visit which often people's first. Most people tell me, I've been to museum as a child and they usually get towards school age, secondary school, and they don't go anymore. Paul Marden: Yes. Zak Mensah: So it's like, how do we make sure that. I don't think as a sector where family friendly enough, other than those people who already are super engaged, they make the kids have fun. I'm probably talking about my trauma now. Paul Marden: Let's return today's speakers. Let's just talk a little bit about Mike's discussion of using behavioural models to influence buying decisions. Yeah. What are the biggest behavioural barriers that you see within your organisation? In terms of visitor experience, from kind of awareness through to decision making, what could you do? What could you change? Zak Mensah: So the first obvious one is a lot of people are terrified of being in spaces because they're not sure how to behave. There's this weird secret code that doesn't. It's not actually written down anywhere that people think the museum experience has got to be quiet, that it's got to be. That you've got to know what you're looking at. It can't just be fun. And actually having. Just having fun is a really important part of what you want to do. So for us, I think the problem is, as well as once you work in the sector, those barriers are invisible because you just work there. You feel comfortable now coming. Yeah. And so the behaviour part is super interesting. And so, for example, it's a phrase I sometimes use around, like. Zak Mensah: It's around this idea of, like, “People like us do things like this”, which I stole from Seth Godin. So, you know, what we did, for example, is w e now don't have staff uniform because we've got quite a diverse. We're dividing diversity in Birmingham and we want people to feel comfortable and recognise people outside the building who then might be going, like, sure, I might. Hoodies, for example. If you wear a hoodie, you might own. The museum's. Not for me, the museums for other people who wear suits, etc. So actually, if they see staffing. Yeah, if they see staff in hoodies or whatever, in hijabs or niqab, whichever outfit they want to wear, then that is a signal about those people are welcome. Zak Mensah: That's one example where that idea came from the team about how we can show and tell and do what we say we're going to do, rather than just saying, “Oh, but we're really friendly museums are great and come in.” Because actually they are intimidating from the outside. They're often intimidating intellectually. Paul Marden: Yep. Zak Mensah: The train, the media, all the time is being really high brow all the time. So it's like actually we. We have to find ways to accept that those barriers exist. And that often means finding people who don't use you to actually tell you that. And we've just finished a citizen's jury, for example, which had almost 30 people who are representative of the city come in and 80% of them at the first meeting said they didn't think the museum is relevant to them. Those are ordinary people who live in the city who. That's 80% of those people. Four in five people don't think the museum is relevant for them, even though we know that we could make it relevant to them. And that was a really sad, shocking figure, but also is motivating. Zak Mensah: And I think our job, you know, as leaders is how do we help people feel inclusive, to be an inclusive space and then like. And go for it. Paul Marden: Excellent. Thank you, Amy. Amy Akino-Wittering: Yeah, I think a lot of what we have done as well is to try and go out of our four walls of Young V&A as well. So we do a lot of kind of community engagement as well through kind of the learning team as well as for volunteering programme. Like we rocked up at stores at Whitechapel Market and kind of saying, “This is our kind of programme”, just chatting with people where they haven't heard of Young V&A even though it's down the road. And so it's like, how can we, yeah, kind of go out and about and also kind of advocate across as well. And then also it's like when people do kind of take that step to actually go onto our site and then come into the building making sure that the visitor experience is as inclusive, as welcoming as possible. Similar. Amy Akino-Wittering: We also just have aprons and they can wear whatever they want underneath and just again, so as people feel relaxed and they feel when our audiences come in, they say, oh yeah, no, that's something that I might wear. Or you know, they just feel more kind of settled and at home. So that's something that's really important that we kind of do as well. Paul Marden: Lovely, Paul. Paul Sapwell: The biggest challenge for us, I mean being a smaller organisation and a brand that isn't known. As well as it could be, I think our biggest challenge now is that customer journey from online through to what you get when you arrive and we're not consistent enough. And I know we'd all talk about this forever but you know, big commercial organisations do this really well. You know, you're going to sell a ticket within a couple of clicks from a social media piece, you're going to get a follow up email that looks exciting and you know, then your product is either going to arrive or you're going to arrive at it and it will be like you thought you were buying. And I'm not sure that we always do that. Paul Sapwell: I've got to be honest and I think to do that you've got to put a lot of investment in it. And that's what we're part of the strategy that we've launched, we launched back in November is about that. Paul Sapwell: And again, that comes back to, you know, commercial mindsets that matters. It matters that we put the right image in whatever way that is to the right customer who we're trying to attract. We've got to understand those customers better and then make sure that's, that's seamless. And, you know, we run 20 venues. They're really different. We've got everything from the Great Hall, Mediaeval Hall in Winchester, which is full of people on from travel trade have come off of cruises and things. And then we've got Milestones Museum in Basingstoke, which is a sort of family living history museum. Paul Sapwell: They don't get any international tourists. So having a really limited pot of marketing to be able to go all these sort of areas is really difficult. But I think that would be the challenge. But thinking about it holistically, really, because it's the same person who clicks on the social media ad to the person who ends up arriving in your venue. And that needs to be really consistent. Yeah, it sounds like cash is the barrier. We're going to try and work with it. But that's the important bit for me. Paul Marden: I'm grinning like the village idiot because this is what I advocate all the time. I'm looking at my marketing friends in the audience who would also share. Share your thoughts on this. We know from the Rubber Cheese survey that it's eight to 10 steps it takes people to checkout. I tried to buy tickets for an aquarium last year and they made me enter a password along with the names and addresses of everybody that was joining me and then told me off three times for getting the password wrong in the checkout process. I had to be really to buy those tickets and. Paul Sapwell: Well, yeah, you touch on. Yeah. I mean, we could have a whole conversation, but no, I mean, we love a complicated ticketing system in the cultural sector, don't we? I mean, with all the right intentions. I mean, even the list in some places of different concessions. I mean, you don't want to go. I think I'm that or I'm that. You know, and it's done with the right intention. But it's an enormous barrier. Paul Marden: Yeah, completely. Paul Sapwell: And you know, we make things so complex and I don't have the fix, but I know we've got to fix it. And that means putting sort of. Again, learn from companies who do this really well rather than. Yeah. Looking for ideas ourselves. Lots of people do it really well out there. That's what we got to do. Paul Marden: Thinking of lots of my team who might think that this is something somebody should solve. Zak Mensah: The fix is simple, isn't it? Because you just said then that there are other people doing it well. What we're not really good at artists actually copying people. Zak Mensah: Like just copy someone else who's done it better than us. It's really. It really does annoy me. Let's just say that what always happens is that we make decisions by committee, don't we? So it would have been two steps, but then someone from marketing said, but you've got to have a newsletter. And someone from another team would say, “You've got to also ask for this. And then you've got to do this. Then you've got to try and get the kids to come for school trip.” Before you know it, people mean well and they've made it really complicated. I think sometimes it's like, actually, let's just do the simplest thing. Let's do all the hard work to remove those barriers and then we can try and flog them stuff when they get there. Paul Marden: So friend of mine, Andy talks a lot about you don't go to a fine dining restaurant and walk up to the maitre d and he says to you, “Would you like a table, by the way, are you going to have dessert? And would you like a coffee? And what are you going to have for your starter main course and dessert? Oh, right, I'll take you to your table.” You have a conversation with people and you lead them and you don't try and pack everything into the very first time you ever talk to the potential client. Zak Mensah: Which is why Greg's does so well. Paul Marden: Yeah, look guys, I could carry on about this conversation, but we are the barrier to everybody getting to their drinks and nibbles and so we've got. Paul Sapwell: Including us. Paul Marden: I know, sorry. We've got a couple of things that I must cover. So we always ask our guests for a book recommendation. It can be a novel, it can be work related. So Zak, would you like to go first with yours? Zak Mensah: Yeah. Turn the ship around! I think it's David Marquet. It's a book about a nuclear submarine commander who basically realises all these stupid rules. And so he just said to everyone, just tell me you intend to. So say to him, I intend to turn the ship left, I intend to take holiday, etc, because he realised that there were so many stupid rules and I think museum will have loads of stupid rules. It's a really good thing. And I know most of you won't read the book because most people say, “Yeah, I'll read it. They don't read it.” There's a 10 minute YouTube video. Surely you can spend 10 minutes of time if you can't be bothered to do that. There is literally a 30 second Wikipedia article about it. But please don't do it. Paul Marden: Zak feels very strongly about this. Paul, your book recommendation, please. Paul Sapwell: Well, last year I read Wild Swans by Jung Chang and I'm trying to find a way of getting into a business conversation. I think there's so much that comes out of that book, but I think, yeah, striving for Utopia is often, you know, the book. Right. Most people in terms of living under communist China and we know we could go on about utopian things that haven't worked, but I think there's, for this conversation, that's perhaps where we need to think, you know, going forward here. There isn't a sort of utopian way that things should be done for our sector. There is, you know, we're making our way here and yeah. Obviously it's a fantastic book. Paul Marden: Excellent. Thank you, Paul. Amy, your recommendation? Amy Akino-Wittering: Yeah, so mine isn't linked to like professional development at all. Mine. Paul Marden: Well, you did have one. Amy Akino-Wittering: Well, I did have one and you were like, no, just go for your favourite one. So I was like, Persuasion by Jane Austen. It's a classic. Paul Marden: We've got, we've got big anniversary at the moment, haven't we? In Chawton where Jane Austen lived has got big thing about 200 years, 250 years? Amy Akino-Wittering: Celebration for the whole year. So I'm gonna go in. Paul Sapwell: Yeah, everyone's trying to get in on this, by the way. I just have to put this out there. You know, she was born in Hampshire. Paul Marden: I know. Paul Sapwell: Born in Hampshire, actually. Born Basingstoke. Paul Marden: I know.Paul Sapwell: Yes. Paul Marden: There's a lot of celebrations for Jane this year. Paul Sapwell: Yeah, everyone's trying. I've seen so many angles for her. Oh, she was here and she went to the toilet. Fair enough. I mean, it's a big celebration. Paul Marden: If you'd like a copy of the book or any of these books, head over to Bluesky and like and repost the show announcement saying, I want Zak, Paul or Amy's book. And the first person to do that will get the book sent to them. Thanks for listening to Skip the Queue. If you've enjoyed this episode, then please leave us a five star review. It really does help more people to find us and remember to follow us on Bluesky , X or Instagram for your chance to win the book. Thank you very much, everybody. Paul Sapwell: Thank you. Amy Akino-Wittering: Thank you. The 2024 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsDownload the 2024 Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

Send us a textHave you ever wondered if a podcast could be cursed? This week on Project Geekology, we finally conquer the elusive third Harry Potter film, "Prisoner of Azkaban," after what felt like an epic quest fraught with recording mishaps and laughable delays. Join hosts Dakota, Anthony, and our ever-entertaining regular contributor Rich as we break the spell, revealing our Patronus forms and sharing side-splitting tales of pronunciation mishaps, from Timon's name to office anecdotes. Rich also takes us on a wild ride with his latest cinematic adventure watching "Sonic 3" and dives into his ongoing love affair with "Dragon Age."Our journey through the Harry Potter universe wouldn't be complete without a deep dive into the magical worlds of gaming and pop culture. We unlock the secret appeal of the Final Fantasy series, exploring everything from the epic Knights of the Round in Final Fantasy 7 to the expansive world-building of Final Fantasy 12. As we move into the realm of Overwatch, celebrate the newfound accessibility of characters and share our thoughts on how these changes enhance the experience for both new and seasoned players. This episode is a treasure chest of nostalgia and geeky goodness, guaranteed to spark your imagination and fuel your passion for your favorite fandoms.Finally, we reflect on the broader themes of the Harry Potter films, from their unique directorial styles to the cultural phenomenon they became. With a touch of skepticism and a sprinkle of hope, we ponder the upcoming HBO series, wondering if it can recapture the magic of the originals. We delve into the memorable characters and evolving stories, celebrating the continuity of the cast and the lasting impact of the series. From time turners to Dumbledore's legacy, our conversation is an enchanting blend of magical musings and heartfelt nostalgia. Tune in to relive the wonder and excitement of one of the most beloved series of our time.Twitter handles:Project Geekology: https://twitter.com/pgeekologyAnthony's Twitter: https://twitter.com/odysseyswowDakota's Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekritique_dakInstagram:https://instagram.com/projectgeekology?igshid=1v0sits7ipq9yYouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@projectgeekologyGeekritique (Dakota):https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBwciIqOoHwIx_uXtYTSEbATwitch (Anthony):https://www.twitch.tv/odysseywowPumpkin Hill Radio: Paranormal Mysteries, Conspiracies, and Unexplained PhenomenaExploring mysteries, myths & the paranormal every Tuesday. Tinfoil hat optional.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the show

It's the day of Harry's hearing in our Chapter-by-Chapter re-read of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and we wouldn't blame you if you lost sleep over it. While the odds are stacked firmly against Harry in several ways, Dumbledore decides to save Harry and us all by standing up against the increasingly-fascist Ministry of Magic. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and our Slug Club guest Monet as they tackle Chapter 8, “The Hearing.” Welcome to the show, Slug Club guest Monet! Just like Monet, YOU can guest-host the show if you pledge to our Patreon at the Slug Club level. In addition, you can now gift a Patreon subscription to a friend! Additionally, we're hosting a Black Friday sale (use code: SIRIUS, get it?!) on our MuggleCastMerch.com online store! Get 15% off your order now through Cyber Monday (December 1st). Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 8: The Hearing. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 441 and Episode 240 for prior Chapter 8 analysis! How does this chapter hit differently for us now, versus in 2003? Laura says the trial seems a lot more believable. Eric lists the ways that the trial impugns on Harry's rights and is designed to be cruel and throw him off of his game. Monet points out a direct parallel between this trial, and the one we see for Mary Cattermole in Deathly Hallows. Andrew admires Dumbledore's show of force, his preparedness too, and for once we all agree with him! Had Dumbledore not arrived, would Harry have been convicted? Would his wand have been smashed before anyone could do anything about it? Dumbledore's calm and even tone, and his humility - allowing the Minister and co. to save face - is critical to his success, Laura says. The connection between a know-it-all headmaster, the ignorant Minister, and the country's slow descent into Voldemort's rule is analyzed. Does Dumbledore's interference here cause the Ministry to retaliate later in the year? Lynx Line: What crime would listeners have to face a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry over? And, who would we want as our defense? Quizzitch: The UK judicial system established a Supreme Court in 2009. Prior to that, what was the highest court in the UK?? Don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You'll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aren't government buildings exciting? This week, the MuggleCasters jog their memories of how to do public transit because it's time to go to the Ministry for Harry's disciplinary hearing! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they discuss Chapter 7 of Order of the Phoenix, “The Ministry of Magic.” Show announcements including what's going on over at #Millennial and What the Hype?! as well as a unique gift idea for the upcoming Holidays. HP TV Show news! Actor Mark Rylance is reportedly a top pick for Dumbledore by the creators of the show. We can see it. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 7: The Ministry of Magic. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 440 and Episode 240 for prior Chapter 7 analysis! For their journey to the Ministry, why does Arthur go it alone? Does it put Harry at undue risk? How come Arthur didn't know where he was going, and why wouldn't he plan it in advance? Micah comes for Arthur including his job title versus his lack of demonstrated competence with Muggle things. We are shook. How would a wizard react to public transit apps? Do we think the Muggle entrance to the M.O.M. has been updated since the 1990s? The hosts compare the Ministry fountains between books 5 and 7, with keen insight. Somebody get everyone some coffee! It's just another day at work for most people. Seeing Arthur's office in person, we cannot help but feel like Percy may have had a point. We adore the many layers of Arthur and Kingsley's work conversation. Odds and Ends include the first mention of Scrimgeour, the Quibbler, and more! Lynx Line: What floor of the Ministry of Magic would our Patrons most like to party on? Quizzitch: What is Amelia Bones' middle name? Reminder! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You'll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, grab your doxy spray and settle in because we're deep cleaning the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Join Eric, Micah and Laura as they dodge possessed music boxes, coughing wastebaskets, and mysterious lockets all while fighting with a deranged House-Elf and learning about pureblood wizarding families! News Alert: Hogwarts Legacy 2 to crossover with the new Harry Potter TV Show! Plus, get in the holiday spirit as Hogwarts: Wizards of Baking premieres on Food Network and MAX on Nov. 14! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 6: The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 439 and Episode 230 for prior Chapter 6 analysis! Have we ever been in a situation where an adult forbade us from talking to our friends after hearing something they deemed inappropriate? Does Molly not understand how kids work? Forbidding them from staying up to talk is the best way to ensure they absolutely do that!  Your putting those doxies WHERE?! What happens to these immobilized creatures? Are they permanently paralyzed? STOP RINGING THAT DAMN DOORBELL!!! Has Mundungus ever proven his value to the Order? Foreshadow alert: The locket no one could open What do we make of Sirius's behavior in this chapter? Harry is clearly trying to relate to him, but is Sirius brooding so much on his own misfortune? The Black Family Tapestry, Regulus Black and the meaning of Toujours Pur Did Kreacher predict the ending of Order of the Phoenix? Comparing Kreacher and Gollum from Lord of the Rings Did Lupin and Tonks have secret sleepovers? Lynx Line: Our patrons pick one item from the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black to display in their home. Which Skiving Snackbox candy would each of the hosts be willing to try to get out of something we didn't want to do? Quizzitch: In the Sorcerer's Stone PC game, what spell do you primarily use to deal with doxies?' Reminder! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You'll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More like DISorder, are we right? The cracks against Dumbledore keep coming as the MuggleCasters discuss the events of Book 5, Chapter 5 in our continuing re-read. Join Andrew, Eric, Pam and Micah as they discuss Sirius' godfatherliness and Molly's intentions. And more! Reminder! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and we'll be rolling out more in the months ahead! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 5: The Order of the Phoenix. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Check out Episode 437 and Episode 230! We learn just how underground this “underground” organization really is! (Positively subterranean) Why Sirius is good for Harry Interrupting!Molly interrupts a would-be apology from Mundungus to Harry, and in general is trying to do too much all at once. Has nobody checked in with Dumbledore on his definition of “need to know” for Harry? This debate is ugly, but it would have been less stressful if Dumbledore were around to ask. Why do Fred and George pick now to fight for their own right to know what's going on? Can't they read the room? The Order members detail just how bad their uphill struggle is, thanks to Fudge. We examine the harm that Fudge's lean on the Daily Prophet is causing for getting the word out to the public, and how the unsuspecting public is being placed in great danger by the leaders sworn to potect it. Andrew gives props to Dumbledore for sticking up to the Wizengamot. Odds and Ends include Crookshanks' friendship with Sirius, the Vanishing Charm, and more Horcrux evidence. Lynx Line: Our patrons share which non-Order members should be in the Order! What do we each think is the Most Over-the-Top Molly Moment of the Week? Quizzitch:  Name a nation within the United Kingdom where the legal voting age is 16 years? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, just let it all out! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they listen in to Harry unloading on his best friends and get the latest Order of the Phoenix goss. But be sure to tiptoe down the hall quietly because we don't want to wake up any maniacal pureblood portraits! BIG NEWS! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and we'll be rolling out more in the months ahead! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 4: Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Check out Episode 436 and Episode 229! Foreshadow Alert: Grim-Old-Place, "house of a dying person"... OH NO, SIRIUS! We break down Harry, Ron and Hermione's reunion with a fun new edition of "Horcrux or Harry?" The hosts try their hands at impersonating ALL CAPS HARRY! One host is SCARY good! Does Harry feel better about being left in the dark after learning what Ron and Hermione have been up to all summer? Do we agree with Mrs. Weasley not letting the kids attend the Order of the Phoenix meetings? Do her previous losses and the size of her family impact her decision-making? Guard Duty Misdirect: was the Order talking about watching Harry or something else entirely? PompASS Percy: what do we make of this new Weasley family dynamic? The chapter wraps with Ginny, Kreacher, Snape, Mrs. Black and more! Lynx Line: Our patrons share who they wish they had a living portrait of in their home and why! Who gets our picks for Worst Weasley of the Week? Quizzitch:  In honor of the portrait of Walburga Black, what famous artist and sculptor was given an exclusive license in 2014 to use a material known as “Blackest Black”? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the spirit of the spooky season, this episode is all about spirits and specters in the wizarding world. Emily and Katy, who recently published a new article titled "Harry Potter and Historical Witness: The Pensieve and the Time-Turner," are joined by Louise Freeman, fresh off our two-part episode on memory, and David Martin, member of the winning Hufflepuff team on Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses and author of Twelve Fail-Safe Ways to Charm Witches and Other Thoughts About Harry Potter. Why does Hogwarts have ghosts? David thinks that ghosts are representations of the past and the influence of the past on the present, so a thousand-year-old castle is bound to be full of history. Louise sees the influence of Gothic novels, in which old castles tend to be haunted. We debate the dynamics governing ghosts and their interactions with the world around them. Ghosts don't age, but can they evolve emotionally? Peeves is a different kind of spirit altogether as a poltergeist and can interact with objects in a way the Hogwarts ghosts cannot - and thus cause much more chaos. Ghosts are also distinct from the form of Tom Riddle that emerges from the diary, the figures that appear with the use of the Resurrection Stone, and Voldemort's victims conjured by Priori Incantatem. Most of the ghosts at Hogwarts lived centuries ago. Why did they choose to become ghosts and stay at Hogwarts? In addition to a fear of death, we discuss what unfinished business they had on earth - which could be coming to terms with death. Once ghosts finish their business, can they ever move on?

On this week's episode, Harry is rude to his owl. Then someone breaks into his home. It's very exciting to be leaving Privet Drive! Join us for a chapter of highs and lows as Chapter-by-Chapter covers Chapter 3 of "Order of the Phoenix," and the hosts as well as Slug Club member Katie discuss the recent passing of Maggie Smith, take answers from our Lynx Line, and generally have a nice time as usual. Welcome to our Slug Club guest Katie! The hosts reflect on the amazing life of Dame Maggie Smith, who has passed away. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 3: The Advance Guard. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Check out Episode 435 and Episode 229! Harry interrupts Hedwig's dinner. Is this one step too far on making his friends' lives miserable? Andrew loves Harry's plan to ensure his friends give him answers, but it may remind us all of Professor Umbridge. Does the delay between the last chapter and the night the Advance Guard arrives exist because Dumbledore needed time to implement the escape route? Is the real Moody overcompensating on security? The Dursleys are back to their old tricks, of abusing Harry… and Harry is back to his old tricks of appearing indifferent to them. The hosts rank this rescue effort against all the other times Harry was saved from Privet Drive. Should Harry have been more aggressive about intruders in his home? Doesn't everybody at this point know Harry's Patronus? How secure is Lupin's question exactly? If this is the Advance Guard, who is in the Rear Guard? Lynx Line: What five Potter characters would our patrons have in their Advance Guard? Where's Dumbledore?, the segment, returns! Our Most Trustworthy Advance Guard Member of the Week: the hosts explain. Quizzitch: “What well-kept lawn in London has been home to a zebra, an elephant, and a helicopter landing pad?” Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we learn things are never as they appear to be as Ms. Figg reveals herself as a Dumbledore informant and Petunia recalls her last correspondence with the Wizarding World! Plus, there are owls... EVERYWHERE! Welcome back, Meg! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 2: A Peck of Owls. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Check out Episode 434 and Episode 228! Did Dumbledore suspect that Harry would be attacked on Privet Drive? If so, why was more (competent) manpower not invested in Harry's protection? Why is Harry facing criminal charges for doing a bit of simple, defensive magic? Given how fast the owls show up, are they using some form of magic themselves? Say what?! Petunia knows about Dementors... and Azkaban! When Petunia references that awful boy, does she mean James... or Snape? Remember My Last! Was Petunia actually excited to receive a letter from the Wizarding World? Has she ever heard Dumbledore's voice in person? Do Petunia and Snape share a similar love for Lily and disdain for Harry? Shouldn't Vernon have every right to want to protect his family? Especially, after he learns of Voldemort's return? Lynx Line: How would we improve on the Ministry of Magic's disciplinary process for Harry? Our Most Wicked Figg Line of the Week: the hosts do their best impressions! Quizzitch: In Scotland, the peck was used as a dry measure until the introduction of imperial units as a result of the Weights and Measures Act of what year? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Go to http://shopify.com/scb to sign up for a $1-per-month trial period. Today Ben dives back into What if Ron Weasley Was in Hufflepuff? As we enter the back half of year 3 Ron has turned in Harry for the Firebolt! How will it affect the brothers relationship? Can Ron make it up to Harry? Does he care about Sirius Black or is just a ploy to win at Quidditch? And What happens if Ron gets to go on the Time Turner adventure? Tickets for Through the Griffin TOUR are ON SALE NOW! https://supercarlinbrothers.com/events/ Tour dates: Seattle - 9/21 Portland - 9/23 Sacramento - 9/25 Berkeley - 9/26 San Diego - 9/28 Los Angeles - 9/29 SEE YOU IN REAL LIFE BROTHER! #supercarlinbrothers #HarryPotter #WhatIf Edited by :: Ethan Edghill

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412⁠

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: ⁠archiveofourown.org/works/45576412

** WARNING ** This fic contains themes in later chapters of depictions of violence. Chapters which contain these themes will include a trigger warning at the start of the episode. “Do you remember when I told the minister that the Time Turner isn't a weapon?” “Yes.” “I was wrong. It is a weapon. In the wrong hands, it could—it could destroy everything.” It's been twelve years since the war ended. Ten years since Draco Malfoy was forced from the depths of his depression by a mother and friends who refused to let him die in peace. Six years since he became an Auror for all the wrong reasons. And for the next month, he's been assigned to protect Hermione Granger as she completes her latest invention: a new type of time travel. You can't change what happened, she told him. There could be catastrophic effects, cascading like ripples in a pond. So when they find themselves at the centre of a dark conspiracy that leaves them trapped in a past he's been running from his whole life, they need to find a way home without unravelling their future. Originally posted on AO3: archiveofourown.org/works/45576412

Chapter 19 - The Servant of Lord Voldemort“YOU'RE PATHETIC!” Harry yelled. “JUST BECAUSE THEY MADE A FOOL OF YOU AT SCHOOL YOU WON'T EVEN LISTEN _” “SILENCE! I WILL NOT BE SPOKEN TO LIKE THAT!' Snape shrieked, looking madder than ever. "Like father, like son, Potter! I have just saved your neck, you should be thanking me on bended knee! You would have been well served if he'd killed you! You'd have died like your father, too arrogant to believe you might be mistaken in Black. Now get out of the way or I will make you.”Q1 - What do you think of both Harry and Snape's statements?Q2 - Were they right to attack a teacher?"Harry I as good as killed them; he croaked. I persuaded Lily and James to change to Peter at the last moment, persuaded them to use him as Secret Keeper instead of me ... I'm to blame, I know it ... the night they died, I'd arranged to check on Peter, make sure he was still safe, but when I arrived at his hiding place, he'd gone. Yet there was no sign of a struggle. It didn't feel right. I was scared. I set out for your parents' house straight away. And when I saw their house, destroyed, and their bodies - I realized what Peter must have done. What I'd done. His voice broke. He turned away.”Q3 - What do you think of this whole story so far?Q4 - Do you get the secret keeper thing still?Harry remembered what Mr Weasley had told Mrs Weasley. “The guards say he's been talking in his sleep …. always the same words... "He's at Hogwarts.” “It was as if someone had lit a fire in my head, and the Dementors couldn't destroy it…it wasn't a happy feeling…it was an obsession…but it gave me strength, it cleared my mind. So, one night when they opened my door to bring food, I slipped past them as a dog…it's so much harder for them to sense animal emotions that they were confused…I was thin, very thin…thin enough to slip through the bars…I swam as a dog back to the mainland I journeyed north and slipped into the Hogwarts grounds as a dog…I've been living in the Forest ever since…except when I come to watch the Quidditch, of course…you fly as well as your father did, Harry…He looked at Harry who did not look away. Believe me croaked black believe me. I never betrayed James and lily. I would have died before I betrayed them. And at long last, Harry believed him. Throat too tight to speak, he nodded. Q5 - Is Ron nuts for letting Scabbers sleep in his bed?Q6 - Why would Harry change his murderous tone after learning of all this, is he right to show mercy to Pettigrew?Q7 - What are your thoughts on Pettigrew, Lupin, James, and Sirius now?Chapter 20 - The Dementor's Kiss“But I'm also — I don't know if anyone's ever told you — I'm your godfather.” “Yeah, I knew that,” said Harry. “Well…your parents appointed me your guardian,” said Sirius stiffly. “If anything happened to them…” Harry waited. Did Sirius mean what he thought he meant? “I'll understand, of course, if you want to stay with your aunt and uncle,” said Sirius. “But…well…think about it. Once my name's cleared…if you wanted a…a different home…”Q1 - Is it at all crazy that Harry now is okay with living with Sirius?Q2 - Do you think it's feasible that someone like Lupin forgot to take his potion?Q3 - What did you think Harry's patronus was on finishing this chapter?Q4 - Who did you think cast the patronus on your first read?Chapter 21 - Hermione's Secret“You surely don't believe a word of Black's story?” Snape whispered, his eyes fixed on Dumbledore's face. “I wish to speak to Harry and Hermione alone,” Dumbledore repeated.Q1 - What do you think about the dynamic between Snape and Dumbledore in this book?“But you believe us.” “Yes I do,” said Dumbledore quietly. “But I have no power to make other men see the truth.”Q2 - What do you think of the time turner?Q3 - Have you ever felt like you ran into a past or future version of yourself?Q4 - What would you do if you had one day with the time turner?REDDIT - alphaWLFgang1 - For me it's like someone asking that question if I'd rather have all the time in the world, or all the money in the world. My answer to that question is all the time in the world. With all the time in the world, if I wanted to be rich and have all the money in the world, I could do that. So for me, having a time-turner, I feel like I would be able to either own multiple companies or have multiple jobs while still spending time with family. Obviously it'd be tricky living that way and making sure I don't go crazy, but that's what I'd try to do at the most. Just being able to be more than one place at a time and be even more productive would open countless opportunities.“Macnair, if Buckbeak has indeed been stolen, do you really think the thief will have led him away on foot?” said Dumbledore, still sounding amused. “Search the skies, if you will…Hagrid, I could do with a cup of tea. Or a large brandy.”Q5 - Do you think Dumbledore was just playing here, or did he assume Harry would fly Buckbeak away?“Yeah, I saw him,” said Harry slowly. “But…maybe I imagined it…I wasn't thinking straight…I passed out right afterwards…” “Who did you think it was?” “I think—” Harry swallowed, knowing how strange this was going to sound. “I think it was my dad.”Q6 - Hermione's response is that Harry's dad is dead, is she the single worst comfort giver on the face of the planet?Q7 - Did you think this might have been James at this point?“We'll see each other again,” he said. “You truly are — truly your father's son, Harry…”Q8 - Should their goodbye have been a little longer?Chapter 22 - Owl Post AgainDumbledore looked up, and a wide smile appeared under the long silver mustache. “Well?” he said quietly. “We did it!” said Harry breathlessly. “Sirius has gone, on Buckbeak…” “Well done.”“Well, there you have it, Severus,” said Dumbledore calmly. “Unless you are suggesting that Harry and Hermione are able to be in two places at once, I'm afraid I don't see any point in troubling them further.”Q1 - Do you think Snape is good?“Perhaps we should think about dragons at the school entrance…”Q2 - Do you think Fudge is serious?“Yes, your father was always a stag when he transformed,” he said. “You guessed right…that's why we called him prongs.”“Didn't make any difference?” said Dumbledore quietly. “It made all the difference in the world, Harry. You helped uncover the truth. You saved an innocent man from a terrible fate.”Q3 - Do you think Dumbledore or Harry is more right here? Did Harry actually do anything of worth?“Do you know, Harry, I think she might have been,” he said thoughtfully. “Who'd have thought it? That brings her total of real predictions up to two. I should offer her a pay rise…”Q4 - After Dumbledore even thinks she's only had two real predictions, do you think Trelawney is a fraud or actually good?“Pettigrew owes his life to you. You have sent Voldemort a deputy who is in your debt. When one wizard saves another wizard's life, it creates a certain bond between them…and I'm much mistaken if Voldemort wants his servant in the dept of Harry Potter.” “I don't want a bond with Pettigrew!” said Harry. “He betrayed my parents!” “This is magic at its deepest, its most impenetrable, Harry. But trust me…the time may come when you will be very glad you saved Pettigrews life.”Q5 - What do you think Dumbledore is talking about here?“You think the dead we have loved ever truly leave us? You think that we don't remember them more clearly than ever in times of great trouble? Your father is alive in you, Harry, and shows himself most plainly when you have need of him. How else could you produce that particular Patronus? Prongs rode again last night…So you did see your father last night, Harry…You found him inside yourself.”Q6 - Do you think Dumbledore is right here? “I'll fix it up with Mum and Dad, then I'll call you. I know how to use the fellytone now—” “A telephone, Ron,” said Hermione. “Honestly, you should take Muggle studies next year…”Q7 - Should witches and wizards be required to take muggle studies?Q8 - The quidditch world cup is happening next summer, what countries would you guess are quidditch powerhouses?Q9 - How'd you like this book?

What Movie Item Would You Take? Asking For A Father's Permission Sex With Your Ex Will Can't Get Into The Pool Vulnerable Vednesday Stephen K. Amos Old Naked Movies See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode explores Clare's journey to harmonizing her creative pursuits with profound personal satisfaction. Clare shares pivotal instances of introspection in her career and life that catalyzed transformative changes. Learn about her foundational goals in becoming a Bookstagrammer, focusing on genuine interactions and a deep-seated passion for literature, which propelled her to gain a community of 11,000 followers. Get inspired by Clare's story of growth, from passionate reader to influential Bookstagrammer, and the impactful choices that led there.If you have any questions about this episode or want to get some of the resources we mentioned, head over to LesleyLogan.co/podcast. If you have any comments or questions about the Be It pod shoot us a message at beit@lesleylogan.co. And as always, if you're enjoying the show please share it with someone who you think would enjoy it as well. It is your continued support that will help us continue to help others. Thank you so much! Never miss another show by subscribing at LesleyLogan.co/subscribe.In this episode you will learn about:How Clare turned her love for books into a vibrant Bookstagram presenceThe nuances of authentic engagement and monetization on social media.How aligning projects with passions can lead to genuine satisfaction.The significance of reevaluating life choices for achieving fulfillment.Clare provides practical, actionable steps to manifest change in your life.Episode References/Links:Clare Solly InstagramClare Solly WebsiteClare Solly on AmazonGuest Bio:Clare Solly is a modern day Renaissance woman living in New York City. She is an actress, writer, national pageant queen, and by day she is an executive assistant. She has published three books: The Time Turner, Christmas and Cleats and Save The Last Piece. Clare runs two theatre companies in NYC: The Bechdel Group and Company of Fools Theatre where she loves to foster and challenge new writers. She also is an avid bookstagrammer who grew her followers to almost 11K in 5 months time.  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. DEALS! Check out all our Preferred Vendors & Special Deals from Clair Sparrow, Sensate, Lyfefuel BeeKeeper's Naturals, Sauna Space, HigherDose, AG1 and ToeSox Be in the know with all the workshops at OPCBe It Till You See It Podcast SurveyBe a part of Lesley's Pilates MentorshipFREE Ditching Busy Webinar  Resources:Watch the Be It Till You See It podcast on YouTube!Lesley Logan websiteBe It Till You See It PodcastOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley LoganOnline Pilates Classes by Lesley Logan on YouTubeProfitable Pilates Follow Us on Social Media:InstagramFacebookLinkedIn  Episode Transcript:Clare Solly 0:00  Bookstagram is gorgeous to look at, like you look at people's grids and like you just want to screenshot them because they're just gorgeous. People are like, this is my life. It's like lifestyles but with books.Lesley Logan 0:12  Welcome to the Be It Till You See It podcast where we talk about taking messy action, knowing that perfect is boring. I'm Lesley Logan, Pilates instructor and fitness business coach. I've trained thousands of people around the world and the number one thing I see stopping people from achieving anything is self-doubt. My friends, action brings clarity and it's the antidote to fear. Each week, my guest will bring bold, executable, intrinsic and targeted steps that you can use to put yourself first and Be It Till You See It. It's a practice, not a perfect. Let's get started.  Lesley Logan 0:54  All right, Be It babe, we have one of those blast from the past, one of my besties, Clare Solly, as our guest today and I wanted to have this conversation because I like the turns it takes I also just love having on people to kind of give you a glimpse of where their life is at today. And also like hear how they got to where they are. That's our big thing at Be It Till You See It. It's like, how did someone get there? What happened there? Is it always sunshine and roses and butterflies? And it isn't, it's not, right? Things can be two things at once. And so Clare's on today to talk about, like what she's doing now, what she is excited about now, and how that changed her life. And we also get into some manifestation stuff, which I think is always a good reminder of how to like add that back into your life because sometimes it's really easy to just get off the manifestation wagon then wonder why you don't have what you have. And every time I talk about manifestation with Clare, I'm like, oh, yeah, I gotta go sit down. I'm like during that because every time I get specific, it all fucking happens. So anyways, without further ado, here is Clare Solly. Lesley Logan 1:51  All right, Be It babe, I have one of your favorite guests. So you actually heard her many times on the pod coming back. We love to have people come back on. It's been a couple of years since her actual interview. And even over a year since she helped me out and did Brad's job for a while, maybe even two years. Oh, my goodness. Clare Solly is here, one of my best friends, my slingshot friend. I wanted to have her back on because you know what so much changes in such a short period of time, but also a long period of time. And I think it's really easy for us to hear people on a podcast, be inspired, think they have it all together and their life is set. Everything is perfect. Everything is done. It's just gonna keep going that way. And Clare and even like myself are like really great examples of like, sometimes it changes and it changes for the better. So Clare, tell everyone just in case they don't know who you are. They didn't listen to your first episode. Who are you? What do you rock at? Clare Solly 2:39  Ah, hi, Lesley. I'm so glad to be back. I am, overall I'm a storyteller. I think that's like if I had to name my world in one or my life in one. I'm a storyteller. I have lived many different lives. I am an actress, singer, novelist. I'm a producer of plays. I, by day, I'm an executive assistant and most recently, I'm a Bookstagram.Lesley Logan 3:11  Okay, so I didn't even know that Bookstagram was a thing. But I just interviewed someone, his episode's probably come out, Nick Hutchison, and he's, he, he was a Bookstagramer as well. And like, and I was like, hold on. You're the second Bookstagramer I know. Like I didn't, I, like this whole thing I didn't even know existed. So how long have you been a Bookstagramer and how did that even get started?Clare Solly 3:32  Oh, it's a journey. Like it's a short journey. But actually, I have to post my post right now. So I was waiting to do that so we can get it. So if you want to see me actually post physically. I was sitting waiting for the interview to start so I could do that. Or so I could maximize my time. I've been an Instagramer for about six or a Bookstagram or I've been on Instagram forever. I've been a Bookstagramer for about six months. I kind of fell into it to be honest with you. So Bookstagram for those of you who don't know or BookTok is a corner of Bookstagram or TikTok, it's not a separate platform andLesley Logan 4:12  Oh, so BookTok is like, it's like a corner of TikTok and then Bookstagram is a corner of Instagram. Got it. Okay. Clare Solly 4:19  Yes, exactly. If you look up either of those hashtags, if you go on that platform, if you look up the hashtag Bookstagram you'll find it. Same with hashtag BookTok if you're on TikTok, and it's pretty, it's pretty easy to find. I joined because, as you know, I'm a three-time published novelist and I just published a novel in September actually, which you know, I joined in September. I already had established an Instagram for the world of books, and we'll get to that in a second. And I just hopped on, and I was like, oh, this is easy. I'll just go promote my books to people who like books because I knew the hashtag Bookstagram existed because I sort of pedestrianly followed a few people over on my personal account and I laugh because there's this woman who I follow and she has like rooms full of like smudges, which we'll, we can talk about that and I'm going to teach you that word.Clare Solly 5:25  And I was just like, oh my gosh, I want to fill my house with gorgeous books. But anyway I was on and I was like, let me just simply promote, save the last piece, I just published it, it'll be kind of a cheap way to help get my book out in the world. And then I, like Alice in Wonderland, fell down the rabbit hole. I started out I think with like 500 or 600 followers that were kind of leftover from when I decided in the pandemic that I was going to be a book coach and a money coach. And then so go back and listen to one of Lesley's first episodes. I'm sure you'll (inaudible)Lesley Logan 6:00  You were a great money coach for us.Clare Solly 6:03  And I fell down, I took that, that account and I just started following people that I liked. And in somehow promoting my own book, I was like trading with other authors to promote their books and then found companies that do this kind of thing. And somehow ended up with, I don't know where I'll be, when this this podcast actually comes out but like right now, as we're recording this, I'm about to crest 11,000 followers on Instagram.Lesley Logan 6:32  In six months. Okay, so this is insane. Because you're not a social media coach, you are a Bookstagramer and less than 2% of accounts are growing on Instagram the last time I checked out what that stat was, and you clearly are in the 1%. But also like because you niched you like found a corner and you're focusing on one thing, and also it's something you freakin love to do, you love to read, like you always have loved to read. Clare Solly 6:57  I love to read I just got back from vacation, where we were on the beach for six days. Or technically, it was seven and I read seven whole books. While I was, yeah, I mean, novelette like little, like shorter than, like 100 pages or so. Yeah, I like I wasn't reading like Game of Thrones or anything like that.Lesley Logan 7:21  Right, right. But also like, that's like three books in one anyway, so people should get credit for that. Okay, so what does a Bookstagramer do and then how does that change like what you do? Because obviously, you can't be a, I guess you could, but you're not a book coach and a money coach and a Bookstagramer like you can't of like gone all in. So like, how, yeah, let's talk about that. Clare Solly 7:44  So, Bookstagramer, I mean, I'm basically like a hype girl for books, is what it is. There are lots of different ways that people do it. But like, because I read so much and because I'm establishing, I'm doing two things. I'm reading a bunch of books that I like, and I'm also establishing an author community for myself. So again, these are two very, very niche things, but I think people you know, you can take my niche and like, run with it if you want.Lesley Logan 8:10  I think so.Clare Solly 8:13  So being a Bookstagramer, I look at books that I like, or I read books that I like, and then I create art around that book. Bookstagram is gorgeous to look at, like you look at people's grids, and like you just want to screenshot them because they're just gorgeous. People are like, this is my life. It's like lifestyles but with books. So this is my gorgeous lifestyle photo with you know, a cup of tea and my book in the middle of it and some beads and yeah, I don't know chocolate like. Lesley Logan 8:46  I picture you like either like a theme of gorgeous coffee shops and like a beautiful book or like gorgeous beaches and books and like.Clare Solly 8:54  Yeah, well, and everybody's got sort of their theme. Like there are people out there that like do colors I have like one we call each other Bookstabesties I have a Bookstabestie who like her theme is always butterflies and bright flowers. And it's just like her grid's gorgeous. So you're, you're basically as a Bookstagramer you're promoting the titles of the books, you're promoting authors, you're promoting other authors, you're promoting yourself. And there's all kinds of things on there, like, people will do things like here's a book stack with my name spelled out in the first letter of every book. So you'll have like, Clare would be like a book that starts with C like, I don't know, Catcher in the Rye and L, Light in the Forest, you know, so like, you have the stack of books and a hand. So yeah, people are doing all kinds of different things. And it's great because it's like, we're all nerding out and loving, like over books and then there's also competitive posts of like, I read 27 books in March and or I have this many books on my TBR that's my to-be-read list for those of you (inaudible).Lesley Logan 10:02  Okay, I love this and like for just a second I thought, oh my god, what like the sweetest most special part of Instagram? And then oh, here comes the competitive post like it has to get there. There is no there's no play there's no corner of the of social media that doesn't have its competitiveness. Clare Solly 10:18  Oh 100% because again, you're still, you're, you're in a box, and you can do whatever you want, and you can be whatever personality you want. I think honestly, though, on like, the nice side of that I have so many people like that AI trend that happened, what was it in like, November, December that everybody was making AI pictures of themselves the Disney Pixar, whatever. Lesley Logan 10:40  I definitely didn't, because I thought but someone was just trying to get my data. And I was like, I don't participate in those things.Clare Solly 10:47  Most likely, probably. But, but everybody like, you know, decided to do that with the Bookstagram. And like, pretty up their page. But it's funny because people like their, their real photos are coming back. And people are, some people are gorgeous like models. And some people are just like, hey, I'm a normal reader. My face is not part of my image. Lesley Logan 11:11  She, I think for anyone listening to this, who's like, oh, I don't know what to do like, a Bookstagramer sounds like I don't ever have to take a shower. I could just read them. Like, I'm just like, I never have to match. I don't have to clean up the background. I just have to have a little set for my books. So I'm loving this. I think it's wait. So I just want to say like, you set out to do this because you were like promoting your own book and then also like, nowadays, you guys, here's the sad truth about being an author. It doesn't matter how good a writer you are, you now have to have a following. And how many of those followers will buy your stuff? Because publishers never they'll never take risks anymore. So was it like something you stumbled upon that you were like, like that you got like, this feels like new and shocking, like, did you think that you're gonna have 11,000 followers? You have to promote a new book a day. Clare Solly 12:01  I mean, yes-ish. I'm like, I stumbled onto it. And then like it, yeah, I kind of raced towards it to be honest and transparent about it. And I'm like, I feel like it's working well, but it like my KDP Amazon numbers are not necessarily agreeing with me. And also like my Amazon bill from how many books I'm buying versus how many books I'm selling, it's definitely not. Lesley Logan 12:30  Okay. Okay. Yeah, yeah.Clare Solly 12:33  I'm not getting paid as a Bookstagramer. I'm getting paid in books. And I feel like I'm like 11 years old again. It's like, hey, do this job.Lesley Logan 12:42  Do you remember those, like books you would get like, okay, if you send in a self-addressed stamped envelope with five stamps, we're gonna send you these stickers. Like that's what it sounds like. Clare Solly 12:54  Yeah. So I went on a chat with somebody and was talking about the were you around for Bookit with with Pizza Hut? Was that I don't know if that was out in California. But it was like, if you read so many books, you could earn yourself a pizza.Lesley Logan 13:08  Oh, that's cool. We did not have that. But my mom read me 500 books. And so I became like a ferocious reader. But it was a competition in my junior high. Like, what reading level are you and I was so embarrassed because my friends were like, senior reading level in eighth grade. And I was like, Junior reading level in eighth grade. And I was like, there's something wrong with me. I'm not a senior, and I quickly have come to know, it's fine. Everything is fine. (Inaudible)Clare Solly 13:36  We'll never read them all. And like that's something I have to be okay with. And they're classics you'll never read and they're books that are in my physical house that I will never. Yeah, no, we're not going to talk about Kindle. Lesley Logan 13:49  Yeah. You know what, there's Audibles that I will never read. I'm using all my credits. I'm like canceling it. Because I'm forcing myself to get Libby. I'm just like, I'm doing it. I'm supporting the libraries. I'm getting Libby. I want to have you want on to share this because I do think that people go, I have said I was gonna do this thing. I have to do this thing. And they don't let them, they don't let their life evolve. And so I guess I want to know, and maybe you haven't processed it yet, verbally, but like, I guess I want to hear like, what was it like to like, kind of this has taken oh, this a lot of time. Like, it's actually a lot of time to do this. And so to let go of like you built website, I mean, you were doing the book coaching and money coaching, it was like you weren't doing those things for. So to let those things go to like, go and do this. Like, what was that process like? What were you thinking? Like, was there any like, wonder or shame? Like, was there anything like that going on your head? Or is it just kind of easy to let it go? Clare Solly 14:41  I think there was, it's funny that you say wonder and shame because those words kind of crossed my mind as you were, as you were asking the question. There was a little bit of both. I mean, I think, I think I probably hit the the crest of the wave or I was on the back of the crest of the wave of everybody starting their own business and in the pandemic and trying to get online and I, I've never been a great salesperson for, especially for myself, it's so hard. Lesley Logan 15:12  You're an amazing salesperson, because we were in retail together. But I think where you clarified it for yourself might be, that's hard for a lot of people. Clare Solly 15:22  Well, and then I mean, it's also it's hard because I, you know, I'm, like I said, at the top of this podcast, I'm a storyteller first, that's the gift I give myself in this world. And I give, I give support. And like, I'm amused to other people. And that's like, I feel like that's my karmic energy and in this life. And so it's hard to be like, yes, you want to write your book, pay me $500. And I will help push you and cheerlead you to get through writing your own book, when you're the one doing a lot of the work. I'm just here to be that person for you. When I mean, yes, I should monetize myself because it is my time. And as many people who have come on this podcast before me have said, and you've reiterated a number of times, your time is valuable, and you should charge people for it, especially if it's a commodity that you do, or that it's that you're good at, and people want it. But I was not, I was not being fulfilled by it. I was having a lot of people who were sort of interested in it. And then they decided, a lot of folks were like, well, I want to put it into practice, or I want to with the book stuff, they wanted marketing and with the money stuff, they were like, it's a little bit too intangible. And like, what are your results? And it's like, well, you kind of have to have to live it and believe in it to get there. And like, if you're not believing it right now, then, you know, I can't, I can't make you believe it. It's not like, you know, you are saved. Lesley Logan 16:53  Yeah, no, I mean, that's the thing. Like, it's also really hard for some of those things like we are working on trying to get tangible results of like money earned from the people that we coach, but also like, I don't, I'm not that kind of person who's like we've helped so and so make seven, like a million dollars (inaudible) this person because the truth is, like, some of those numbers might actually intimidate you to the point that you don't want to work with us. And also, like, some of those numbers might be more than you've ever like that that you want to make. And so like, I know that we've helped make many, many people millions of dollars, but is that what you need to hear? Or do you need to hear that, like, we can help you with like, what your particular goals are and here's how. And I think I'm with you, like a lot of people, especially with money, it's like, there's a lot, there's a lot on there. Like it's not always just like, here's who to invest in, it's also like, habits on around worthiness and belief and money story and, all that stuff. So it's complicated. Clare Solly 17:47  Yeah, yeah. And like, my, what I was, was putting out into the world had, you know, a dose or six of woowoo. So like, there's a, there's a specific niche for that. So, and I wasn't, I wasn't finding those people, I wasn't attracting those people, those people weren't finding me. So. And I also got really lucky and transitioned, I was in a job that, that I transitioned within the company. And that actually had a headhunter come out and talk to me, and I moved to a different company that I'm head over heels in love with. And I really, really love my job. And we, you know, we came out of the pandemic, and I was working more in person. And you know, still I'm lucky, I get to work a couple days at home. But the amount of time that I had to focus on my own business was not, was not there. And I also found I would rather spend time working on my theater projects and working on writing new novels and spending time with friends and just sitting on my couch, watching a movie and chilling out and I just didn't want I didn't have enough people that weren't interested. And I also didn't have the interest enough to go to keep pursuing it. Which is fine. Lesley Logan 19:03  Yeah, I think that that, like, it's also I love it, it's also okay for it to be fine. And I also like, I think it's okay for something that you tried, and you did, if it's not fulfilling. You know what I mean? Like, you can, I think it's like, it's like the idea, you're just gonna keep hammering at it. Because, you know, I mean, I think a lot of us are like, Oh, I said, I was gonna do this. I said, I'm doing this, I'm gonna just keep going. And that doesn't make it fun either. And so it kind of let you evolve into doing something new. And that actually gives you purpose, and it's fun for you. It feels like it's fun for you. Clare Solly 19:36  Well, and I did you know, I mean, it probably should be said, this is something I didn't give up lightly. It's not like I just turned a corner and was like, well, oops, that didn't work. I mean, I spent I spent 1000s of dollars on educating myself and working with my own business coaches and I mean, it wasn't, it wasn't anything that like massively put me in debt or anything like that. I, you know, put it all on credit cards and paid it back within six, eight months and, you know, luckily, I had a day job that I could do that with. But again, it was not, it was not fulfilling enough to me to keep trying at juicing it for money. So, let it go.Lesley Logan 20:15  Thank you for, I think that's a really, I think it's really good to share that. Also, it doesn't mean, that was for nothing. You know what I mean? Like, I think like, you learn so much from it around organization of your own thoughts and like, what you do, and I think we think it's easy for us to like, go like a sunk cost fallacy. Like we, like human beings are so conditioned to like, hold on to something to like, save what they have, versus they'll spend more try to save what they have and make something happen than they will to just get out. And it doesn't mean it's easy to get out. But also like, there are so many people who would just like keep hiring more coaches and keep trying to make it happen, and by ads and all these things. And so, for you to give yourself permission to just kind of explore something else with your time is really I, do you give yourself a pep talk like do you journal about that? How do you like come up? How did you come up with the idea of like giving yourself more time to explore reading and like sharing your novels?Clare Solly 21:13  I think it's sort of like Marie Kondo-esque kind of thing. Like, I just was looking at it, at the the work I was putting in and seeing what I was getting out of it and seeing whether or not the joy was worth the time, you know, whatever that mathematical equation might be. And it's, it is interesting, because I don't know that I've ever actually really sat down and processed it. I think I just was like, well, my life is changing. This isn't working. I don't need to be spending more time on it. I think the pandemic was a gift for me, because I was that person that was running, running, running. I was living in an 80-hour workweek between all the things that I do. But I could do that. Because I'm a single woman living in New York City, I had enough of an income that I could support myself in a healthy way. Pandemic made me stop and go, wait a minute, you have to sit in your house for months and figure out what is really important for you timewise. And I found like the like, I had lots of leeches and vampires that were sucking my energy away. And were not fulfilling me back. So I think it was, it's more of a conversation or a more of, and yeah, I think I'm pretty sure I journaled. I could probably, knowing me, I did. But I took a look at my life and what, what was making me smile and what was making me happy and I hated when I would set up a workshop that would be like trying to get some people that were interested in buying and have the free, learn how to write your novel in three months to try or learn how to make money. You know, here's five tips on how to make money in your world for free. Lesley Logan 23:03  I just want to interrupt you, but like, I hate doing that launch stuff. It's like not fun. We were doing launch models for years. And for some pre-pandemic, the launch model worked for us in one capacity and was actually really great. But then during the pandemic, because then everybody and their mother was launching something like literally their mother, and everybody were launching something, they need to start doing those, like, here's five ways to make this much and like people want that quick fix. And so that's it you're having to like sell. And we don't do that anymore. And it is it does make it really difficult to grow our business because I don't do before, and I've never done before and after pictures for OPC. But like the only business where we have a launch models on our business coaching, and it seems to work there. And it's just, it doesn't it's not that it feels inauthentic because I only do things that feel really good. But it is really hard to get people to do something that's going to benefit their lives during the window of time you have set aside to support them.Lesley Logan 24:05  You know, that's what those things are.Clare Solly 24:07  And it has to be I mean, I got, I got pulled and I don't want to say suckered because like it turns out like a couple of them were really great coaches, but like I, I got pulled into those calls on my own and I was like, oh my gosh, this rainbow and this pot of gold sound amazing. Sign me up. And yeah, I mean, and it works for some people and you have to have a good script and a good energy and a decent product and but it just not and it's so funny because you just said that I'm a good salesperson. I'm a great actor. And for some reason, like I was not able to get any and it was it was disheartening because I was having like 100 people sign up for the call and five show up. And it was the numbers were just gutting me. And I think after I did, I don't know, I want to say it wasn't a ton. I did like 20 of those, like workshop things between the book coaching and the money coaching. And I (inaudible).Lesley Logan 25:06  That's a lot of that's a hard like thing to not take personally, it's not personal, but it feels personal because like, I'm doing this, I said this, I can help you, and you won't show up, you won't let me help you. And like, yeah.Clare Solly 25:18  It's also a lot of time, like, it was in 90 minutes each time, and 10 to 20 times, 20 times (inaudible) I stopped thinking about how many it was because it like, it makes my stomach hurt to think how much time I gave up. And like I could have been writing or I could have been like, helping a charity or I don't know, I could have watched how many movies, you know.Lesley Logan 25:41  But I just so I love that we're talking about this because I don't think I think a lot of people see the not even Bookstagramers or other Instagramers out there like launching things or they'll sell like I say, I made this much money in a weekend and da-da-da. First thing, you don't know how much money they spent on ads to make that much money. I'm just gonna tell you right now, like they could say they had a six figure, you know, launch and they spent, like, they made $100,000, but they spent 90,000 to get there, like you don't know. And so it's really, really important. Like, yeah, they can say that they had a six figure launch, but it cost them a lot to get there. And I, and so, you know, I also like there are a lot of coaches out there who will sell you these things. Like there's a lot of business coaches out there in my industry who are like, I'm helping people make $10,000 a month, I'm like, that's great. And also some people need more than that. And also for some people, that's a lot and they live in Oklahoma, and what you want them to charge to get there is not possible. And I'm not, not to like slide on Oklahoma, it could be anywhere. But like the truth is, is like there's emotional triggers that are, will work on people to make them buy things. And you need to know if you already wanted it in the first place. And this person understand you and they should have testimonials. They also should have people that like literally did it that you have their faces and you can talk to them, and who aren't being paid to talk to you. So like there, I just say all these things, because we've had people in our, in our groups who've like had other coaches for other like offset things, sell them things, and it's like snake oil. And they're, they feel bad when they fall for it. And it's like you didn't actually fall for anything. It was designed for you to make that one decision.Clare Solly 27:18  Yeah. And, and you know, sometimes, yeah, and oh, yeah. And it just felt bad that being the snake oil salesman, not that necessarily like (inaudible).Lesley Logan 27:30  Well, you weren't, you were going to help them but you but you felt like you had to do those things is what you're saying because you were not (inaudible). Clare Solly 27:35  Yeah. And again, I was very, I was fortunate in the fact that I was kind of like, my next seat on the Ferris Wheel was open. And I could just hop on, you know, hop on that right? Um, so and I realized not everybody is that lucky. But I think I was also sort of, in a way, why no, I was manifesting, like, change. Lesley Logan 27:57  Yeah, you were, okay, I want to talk about this. Because even though you don't coach on this, like, I got to be part of like the time when you are manifesting this change to happen. And like, I think a lot of people will because of making decisions around things and spending money and time to make something happen, a project happen, an idea happens a goal happen, you, even though these things were happening, I didn't, I saw you like manifest change in another way without like, kind of not that you weren't, you know, sulking or worrying about this, but you did do that. How? Clare Solly 28:34  Oh, I was.Lesley Logan 28:35  You were. You can wake up, by the way, we can hold many, many emotions at once, guys. But, you know, when you were here recently, we talked about you can't manifest money, but you can manifest change and like, how, what are the, what are those practices?Clare Solly 28:52  I mean, it's, it's sort of simplistic, but you'd like instead of saying it's so funny, because people are like, I want to win a million dollars, but you get like, it won't happen for you. Because you need to. Going back to all the, and money stuff. Money is energy. Breath is energy. You know, a Snickers bar is energy, not a sponsor. So, you take and you release energy, a hug is energy, right? So you take and you release energy, that's what we do as beings, you know, dogs do it, you know, grass does it, etc. Your cable TV does it. So you need to manifest something well, and again, this is not like a magic wand and it's not going to happen to you overnight. But you need to get really clear on what you want, what your result is. And you need to be able to visualize it. And you and I were talking at the time and you were helping me visualize where I was going and what direction I wanted to go in. And I did a lot of work on that on my own to journaling and meditating and whatever. And you don't have to journal you don't have to meditate, you can do it in whatever way that puts it out into the world. So this is all a little two woo for you. Hi, Brad.Lesley Logan 30:16  He loves this stuff. Actually, you guys, like we light money candles all the time. But we're intentional. That impact is, in fact, represents.Clare Solly 30:25  Well, and you have to. And it's funny, because I have a lot of those candles, too. And I have regular candles that I'm still very intentional with when I start the energy for those. So you have to think about what you want. So I don't know why a boat is coming to my head right now. But if you're like, I would love to have a million dollars. Well, that's not, that's too short-sighted. I want to have a million dollars to have a boat. Well, why do you want that boat? You want to have it so you can cruise around the world? Do you want to have it so you can put it in your backyard and have something to brag about? Do you want to have it so you can have freedom? Do you and because you can go out and you can like have? Or do you want it so you can have quiet time? So you can go fish off your boat. So you have to get really clear on the ABC through XYZ of what you want the money, the energy, whatever to do for you. And for me with the job I got really clear on, I still want to serve people, I want a boss or a situation where I am treated with respect and also like delicacy when I need it. But also space to make my own way in the job. But also forgiveness when I mess up because I'm human. And I got really clear on a lot of those things. And I swear to you, my boss, I might have just drawn a picture of her because she has everything. It's funny because I swore up and down I was never going to work for a woman again. And when I started having conversations with her, it was just it like synergy and wonderful. And I you know, it's not a perfect world. I'm not a perfect employee. You know, it's not a perfect situation every single day. But it allowed me to have you know, and I also thought about things like what kind of salary do I want? And what kind of availability do I want to be able to like what days the, you know, not specific days of the week, I didn't get down to that. But you know, what's my work life balance gonna look like and things like that. And it's, you know, it's not quite, quite what I envisioned. But when I get to do like, it seems like everything I asked for is sort of in this space, what I asked for. So you get as clear as you can on what you want, like distill things down until you can't get them to go any further. And that's how you manifest and then you just start thinking about it every moment you get a chance to. Like, I have sticky notes all over my house, I'll find them every once in a while, that will say things that have specific manifestations on them.Lesley Logan 33:06  I love that. I think, so first of all, I love Post-its and I love, we actually just moved a mirror in our house and now we just like put notes on it because like, you know, with mirror markers and like, it's you know, because it's kind of, it's kind of fun, and it catches you because it's not where you would normally see words. But I, I love that you share like you've got as specific as you can. Because it's really true. Like there was, I forgot, you guys, I forget her name, it's in my Audible, I'm sure my team is gonna know what it is. But there's a book where this woman talks about the story about the more specific you are, the more things happen. And like she talked about, like someone lost a pen. And it was like a specific type of pen that was so expensive. And like she like was like, oh my gosh, I can't believe it's lost because I love this pen, it will come back to me. And sure enough, she walked into a store and there was the exact model and make of this pen. And like this is like the book was written around the 1920s, guys. So like pens were really expensive back then. I don't know. Anyways, it was her pen. And it was like not as expensive as when she like what she thought it would probably somewhat be. But there's another story of this woman who wanted to go on a trip. And she knew exactly the trip she wanted to go on. She knew exactly what it would cost. And she had no money and she called her mom thinking like her mom would loan the money. And her mom was like that trip sounds amazing you should totally go on it. And like that didn't go anywhere. Mom's like, hey, I don't, you know, I think you should go on it but and she didn't have the money and her mom was like why don't you come over here and go like you've got some boxes here you need to pick up and I've got some mail for you. So she goes to her mom's house and she's like, I just want to go on this trip with my friends like I really need to go on this. And she goes to the mail and there was a letter from her old roommates and she opens up the letter and it was a check for her deposit on an apartment that they had years ago and she's like I finally moved out and this money is yours and it was the exact amount of money she needed for the trip. She was so specific about what she needed. So like that's the thing, like you, it really does work and the house I'm sitting in it's five bedroom for a reason. It's exactly the neighborhood I wanted when people go I can't believe you live in Vegas. Do you love it? I'm like, I love it because it's exactly what you manifested. I didn't manifest the money for the house. You know, so, yeah. Clare Solly 35:10  That's okay. You can make the money. That's.Lesley Logan 35:12  Well, no, no, I mean, we got it. We got the money to buy the house. We bought it, guys, it's ours. But like, you know, like, I didn't know, the point is I didn't manifest I mean, you know, $485,000, or whatever it was. I manifested, like, what it would look like and where it was, and we pictured it, Brad, and I know exactly what it's gonna look like. And it looks like that. That's just really fun. So I really love that. Okay, Clare, what are you super excited about right now? Like, what is your like, excitement, joy, what do you?Clare Solly 35:38  I'm super excited. I got sort of inspired in January to write a new novel. So I have yet another work in progress. I've got about like five books in progress right now. And I'm really excited about that. I'm sort of giving, not sort of, I am giving myself the goal to get the thing written, because I already have 20,000 words. So the thing is, like, 1/4 of the way written, because it's a rom com, and I'm, I just am excited. Like, I need to sit down. I'm excited for time with myself, because the ideas are there. I just need to sit down and write it. Um, what else am I excited for? I'm excited for travel. I've got a couple of I'm planning a vacation. I'm so excited. I'm gonna go to Greece. Lesley Logan 36:19  You just came back from a vacation. I love you. I love that. People, you know this, you should take more vacations, you can actually plan one, right after one.Clare Solly 36:27  Well, vacation is so good for you. Because, well, especially getting out of my house is good because it allows my brain to stop and pause or it gives it kind of a different like jumpstart or like a like, I don't know, like a chiropractic crack. And then I come back and I'm so like, I've stopped looking at my same six walls. And I'm like, wait a minute, I can do all these different things. And so I'm excited when I get to vacate and then come back and get like a jumpstart. Yeah, it's so funny. Like, what am I excited about? I don't know, I've got so many things (inaudible).Lesley Logan 37:06  I do know, it's like you're not asked that question all the time. But I really love to ask that question of people because like, it's like, oh, there's this thing I actually have been working on and you might have to pull people yet. But anyways, you're going to Greece. I love that I've never been. I hear it's amazing. Clare Solly 37:18  Yeah, I'm going to, I'm going to go to London for a couple of days on the way there and then go to Greece. And hopefully by the time, hopefully, I'm gonna manifest this, hopefully it will be taking my completed manuscript with me so I can edit it while I'm flying on all the planes. Lesley Logan 37:35  Beautiful. Okay, we're gonna take a brief break and find out where people can find you, follow you, you know get book recommendations from you. Lesley Logan 37:42  All right, Miss Clare, what is your Bookstagram handle? Where can people buy your books?Clare Solly 37:47  You can buy books on Amazon. Save The Last Piece, my most recent one, is also on Barnes and Noble you can just look up Clare Solly. My Instagram handle is youwontbesolly, Y-O-U-W-O-N-T-B-E-S-O-L-L-Y.Lesley Logan 38:05  And also, are your books rom-coms always or like mystery novels? What are your books? Clare Solly 38:10  My first novel that I wrote was a time travel mystery novel called The Time Turner. My second novel that I published is called Christmas and Cleats, and it's a cozy Christmas Connecticut story where it's very, very lifetime Hallmarky woman runs a museum and her best friend slash crush from high school comes back to town after being a famous baseball player and they reconnect and madness ensues. And then my most recent novel I wrote is called Save the Last Piece and it is sort of a Devil Wears Prada of the wedding industry. I worked in the events world for almost three years and had so many stories to tell or so many stories that I heard of, I didn't really tell, I mean, yes. So it's all fiction, although, you know, it's stretched and different things happened. And it's a crazy, crazy romp through the world of events. Lesley Logan 39:09  Oh, my goodness, I love it so much. So Clare, you've been on the show before. So you've already given us some amazing advice on what's bold, executable, intrinsic and target steps. So you can repeat what you gave us, if you remember it, or you can give us something new. And also, I saw you just face you can give us something new, it's totally fine. We just need something to take action on that for the too long didn't listen all the way or for the person who's like okay, hold on. I love this. What should I do next? Clare Solly 39:35  Okay, so I have to tell you, I because I've been working on this for like three weeks since you reached out to me and asked me to do this. And because I'm a recovering people pleaser, and I'm always an A student. I don't want to let down my bestie and I also kind of want to wow Brad, because like I'm always excited to hear on the replays. Brad as well. So I'm trying to hit off all four. Lesley Logan 39:56  Oh, do you know what I'm gonna tell you right now you'll be one of very few people who have done all four. So here we go.Clare Solly 40:03  Here we go. I would say like if you're, if you're trying to like, live your best life, or if you want to get your Instagram, whatever going, Look at what you're obsessed with, what things are reaching out to you, what are, what you are loving, looking at, what you're liking or what is calling you and your life to spend your free time on that. Also use your comparisons and judgments of these things of like people's posts or of other people's lives or whatever. And instead of going, oh, gosh, they are so much better than me turn it around the other way. And use it to build yourself confidence and let it point you in the direction. Why do you think that they're better than you? Or what could you do? What is your magical snowflake-ness that's that's taking you in that direction. That and make sure it fulfills you in some way. And just you know what manifest the shit out of it.Lesley Logan 40:57  Oh, I love that. I love that so much. I think it's great. I think that's I love that because you know what? Most people would just stop at the comparison part. So you are you gave us a bold, executable, intrinsic, targeted step all in one step. That's so cool.Clare Solly 41:18  It's so funny because I kept working on it. And then I would like I was doing something like I was folding laundry and I would like run to my phone. I was like new note. Lesley Logan 41:28  Okay, so this is so funny because it's kind of like your expert bio. Brad, I have to read a bio all the time guys. I'm sure, Clare you do, too. You have to have a bio all the time. Clare Solly 41:37  You remember when we wrote them for each other? Lesley Logan 41:39  Oh I do because it nothing will bring me to tears sooner than like someone making me make my bio fit into certain character we haven't done so Brad has taken us over and he like took it over and so you're, every, it's like this, that Be It thing is like having to go oh, hold on, world renowned. That's a better word for that. Like you're running to the node to like, that's a better word for saying this thing. And then he did it in like two paragraphs under 600 words under 200 characters.Lesley Logan 42:13  So I think I've got all the bios I could need for at least this month.Clare Solly 42:19  This month is covered. Yeah.Lesley Logan 42:21  Clare I love you. It's so fun to follow along on your journey. You guys, go listen to the first episode we have and you can listen to you can also see when she did some of the recaps because Brad was out of country and 15 hours ahead and was not that was not gonna work out for us. And so (inaudible) a trip. Oh my gosh, yeah. But you're, you always have a great insight and what I love is like you're, you really do follow your passions and you're really curious about things and it's your, you get excited about things and your books are just different facets of your unique creativity. And I can't wait for this next one to come out. And also, if you're wondering what to read, her Bookstagram can be a great place. So you guys, make sure you tag youwontbeSolly, tag the Be It pod. Let us know how you're going to use these tips in your life. And until next time, Be It Till You See It. Lesley Logan 43:10  That's all I got for this episode of the Be It Till You See It Podcast. One thing that would help both myself and future listeners is for you to rate the show and leave a review and follow or subscribe for free wherever you listen to your podcast. Also, make sure to introduce yourself over at the Be It Pod on Instagram. I would love to know more about you. Share this episode with whoever you think needs to hear it. Help us and others Be It Till You See It. Have an awesome day. Lesley Logan 43:38  Be It Till You See It is a production of The Bloom Podcast Network. If you want to leave us a message or a question that we might read on another episode, you can text us at +1-310-905-5534 or send a DM on Instagram @BeItPod. Brad Crowell 43:53  It's written, filmed, and recorded by your host, Lesley Logan, and me, Brad Crowell. Lesley Logan 43:58  It is transcribed, produced and edited by the epic team at Disenyo.co. Brad Crowell 44:02  Our theme music is by Ali at Apex Production Music and our branding by designer and artist, Gianfranco Cioffi. Lesley Logan 44:09  Special thanks to Melissa Solomon for creating our visuals. Brad Crowell 44:12  Also to Angelina Herico for adding all of our content to our website. And finally to Meridith Root for keeping us all on point and on time.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/be-it-till-you-see-it/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Thanks to this week's Patreon supporter, Jamie!  Phoenix Register: while we wait for the news that cancels the hiatus… The Harry Potter series on MAX will be out in 2026. “I hope they Riverdale it.” Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is 20 (how?!) and the Studio Tour is celebrating from May 1 - September 4. More info here. Owl Post: none, but don't worry, we're not firing the owls. Main Discussion: magical creatures in theme parks! We talk Universal, Disney, Knott's, and Efteling.  “Let's get weird and talk about dragons.” Check out Shannen going into the Blind Pig here! Amy talks her fondest Borgin & Burke's memory.  For some reason, the manticore on Hagrid's doesn't look like the one in Secrets of Dumbledore… See Ann, Marjolaine, and their dragon friend here! “Who cares about [Avatar]? A lot of people, apparently.” Shannen talks more in-depth about the Catawampus on episode 180, Bowling for Beasts. Time-Turner: the founding of Universal Studios! Podcast Question: What is your favorite Fantastic Beasts memory from a theme park?

Episode 200 is a party AND NOTHING ELSE.  Thanks to this week's Patreon supporter, VlightPhase! We appreciate you sticking with us to the end.  Phoenix Register: Dawn French (The Fat Lady from the Harry Potter movies) had a real-life Erumpent mating dance moment! Listen to her interview on the Off-Menu Christmas special here. “It's giving, your skull is susceptible under force.” Wand interaction enhancements are under construction at Universal Orlando - including potential for dueling! The Forbidden Forest Experience is no longer opening in a wildlife sanctuary in Australia. Main Discussion: Grindelwald vs Voldemort: how do they compare? Which came first: Grindelwald or Durmstrang's association with the Dark Arts? Listeners, send your Grindelwald fanfic recs to Liz! Was Voldemort talking to snakes at random? Find out what phrase Liz uses regarding Dumbledore that you'll NEVER be able to unhear.  “You need to separate your youth you from your evil you.” How does one travel to Albania without a body? “I don't know. They weird.” - Liz Marjolaine also needs your epistolary Grindeldore fanfics, please.  Voldemort is a chaos goblin confirmed. Time-Turner: all the canon characters we could have met in the Fantastic Beasts movies “I'm glad we didn't get him ‘cause I hate him.” - Marjolaine  Podcast Question: Who is the better baddie, Grindelwald or Voldemort?

Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy never intended to blow up their life's work, but that's rather what they've gone and done. Now they're trapped 200 years in the past, with a broken Time Turner, a missing snuff box, a handful of overly-eligible daughters, and a House-elf in a cable knit cardigan. It will require the combined power of their keen intellects to get them home, if they'd stop arguing long enough to use them.As it turns out, history is just one damned accident after another. For fans of Harry Potter, Jane Austen, and Connie Willis, a historical romantic comedy all about time, and getting the hell out of it. Originally posted on AO3 by PacificRimbaud: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21496525/

Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy never intended to blow up their life's work, but that's rather what they've gone and done. Now they're trapped 200 years in the past, with a broken Time Turner, a missing snuff box, a handful of overly-eligible daughters, and a House-elf in a cable knit cardigan. It will require the combined power of their keen intellects to get them home, if they'd stop arguing long enough to use them.As it turns out, history is just one damned accident after another. For fans of Harry Potter, Jane Austen, and Connie Willis, a historical romantic comedy all about time, and getting the hell out of it. Originally posted on AO3 by PacificRimbaud: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21496525/

Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy never intended to blow up their life's work, but that's rather what they've gone and done. Now they're trapped 200 years in the past, with a broken Time Turner, a missing snuff box, a handful of overly-eligible daughters, and a House-elf in a cable knit cardigan. It will require the combined power of their keen intellects to get them home, if they'd stop arguing long enough to use them.As it turns out, history is just one damned accident after another. For fans of Harry Potter, Jane Austen, and Connie Willis, a historical romantic comedy all about time, and getting the hell out of it. Originally posted on AO3 by PacificRimbaud: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21496525/

Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy never intended to blow up their life's work, but that's rather what they've gone and done. Now they're trapped 200 years in the past, with a broken Time Turner, a missing snuff box, a handful of overly-eligible daughters, and a House-elf in a cable knit cardigan. It will require the combined power of their keen intellects to get them home, if they'd stop arguing long enough to use them.As it turns out, history is just one damned accident after another. For fans of Harry Potter, Jane Austen, and Connie Willis, a historical romantic comedy all about time, and getting the hell out of it. Originally posted on AO3 by PacificRimbaud: https://archiveofourown.org/works/21496525/

Welcome … to SpeakBeasty After Dark, ft. Shannen's post-cold voice.  Thanks to this week's Patreon supporter, Jasmine H.! Phoenix Register: HBO is holding pitch meetings for the Harry Potter TV series, per Deadline.  TikTok doesn't understand lead times. New Harry Potter Squishmallows are coming out, featuring Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Owl Post: Jerri writes in with thoughts on Universal, Edinburgh, and the show ending. Main Discussion: the final third of the beasts that haven't appeared on-screen in Harry Potter or Fantastic Beasts.  Unicorns: dangerous? Chill? Dangerously chill? “He's a funny little guy but he'll eat you!” Liz aspires to be a “create an entire magical species to destroy fishing nets” level of petty  You can listen to us be so, so wrong about snallygasters in episode 141, “More Dumbledores, More Secrets.” “The Ministry … is bad.” - Shannen Bigfoots and brown bears are working together! Disco Yeti!! Time-Turner: the history of Muggle zoology! Marjolaine has proof that Charles Darwin was not a wizard. Podcast Question: Which beast, of the ones discussed today, would you like to see in the Fantastic Beasts movies?

This week, we're closing the book on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and Melissa as they avoid Snape's wrath, have real talk with Lupin and Dumbledore and finally get permission to go to Hogsmeade. Oh, and be sure to check with your cat that your new pet isn't secretly a mass murderer! Welcome Slug Club member, Melissa! LAST CHANCE! Time is running out to subscribe to this year's MuggleCast Collectors Club over on Patreon. Be sure to opt-in to this special benefit by September 22nd! The MuggleCast 2023 Listener Survey is HERE and is open to all listeners through October 6th! We want to know what you love about the show, what you think could improve it, and what other content you'd be interested in us making. Chapter-by-Chapter for Prisoner of Azkaban concludes with Chapter 22: Owl Post Again 7-Word Summary: Justice is served by Hermione and Harry Snape claims he knows how Sirius escaped! Does he really KNOW it was Harry & Hermione? How secret is Hermione's Time-Turner? The hosts (and Fudge) react to Snape's unhinged behavior Dumbledore The Drama Queen is stoking the flames! Lupin regifts Harry the Marauder's Map forever connecting him with his father How did Dumbledore manage to convince Fudge that Lupin didn't aid Sirius? Harry is upset that Pettigrew got away, but Dumbledore tells him his choices made all of the difference. Does this moment feel authentically Dumbledore? Does it make more sense that they gave these lines to Lupin in the movie? By gifting Pigwidgeon to Ron, is Sirius trying to further endear himself to Harry? We analyze the book coming full circle and the balance of power shifting at Privet Drive Prophecies & Animagi - there ARE some things Dumbledore doesn't know! Could Trelawney be deep-linked to Harry and Voldemort?  How did the Marauder's keep their situation secret from Dumbledore? Odds & Ends cover The Quidditch World Cup, the Grindylow tank, Percy's Ministry ambitions, Harry sititng by the lake and more! Quizzitch: Who gives Pigwidgeon his name? Next week: We start Goblet of Fire with a special movie commentary track! This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast), and Better Help (Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month.)! And don't forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week, we discuss several news stories surrounding the Fantastic Beasts film franchise and Harry Potter television reboot!

Three turns ought to do it, MuggleCast! This week we plumb the depths of time with Harry and Hermione as Chapter-by-Chapter covers Chapter 21 of Prisoner of Azkaban, Hermione's Secret! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they ask the tough questions such as, how is Snape  Time is running out to subscribe to this year's MuggleCast Collectors Club over on Patreon. Be sure to opt-in to this special benefit by September 22nd. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 21: Hermione's Secret 7-Word Summary: Hermione saves Buckbeak with a time turner Somebody Call the WAMBULANCE for Snape! We unleash our new "Severus Lie Count" right in the nick of time! Is Snape pointing out the uneven leniency given to Harry helpful or harmful to his cause? He sure knows how to play Fudge. Could Snape actually secretly believe Harry and Hermione's side of events? Once Hermione busts out the Time-Turner to save the day we must ask: is traveling in time morally correct? What alternatives must there have been to giving Hermione a Time-Turner at age 13? What gives Dumbledore the authority to play God in this situation? What If: The Time-turning sequence all went wrong? We review why Time Turners may have been more hassle for the author than a help, and ask if it was worth it. Quizzitch: At the end of term, who arrives to see Lupin after Harry does? Next week: Chapter 22: Owl Post Again, the FINAL CHAPTER of POA! And two weeks from now, we'll record a Goblet of Fire movie commentary track! This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast), and Better Help (Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month.)!