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Geoff and Marie's Good Life: Part 11Going DancingThey meet Mia's mum and rethink their terms and conditions.Based on posts by Only In My Mind, in 15 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels.My name is Geoff. If you are reading my stories in chronological order you will know that my wife and I are both retired and involved, sexually, with several of her friends. One in particular, Angie, is so close to us that we have invited her to be a third person in our relationship and, to that end, we are planning a Star Wars themed ceremony to celebrate our union in front of family and friends.Gone Dancing.This account begins one Thursday, when our grandson had invited a friend's mum to visit us after school. Colin, said grandson, had asked us if he could invite Mia, a school friend, to our wedding as his plus-one. I agreed, on condition that her mum was okay with Mia attending and approved of her choice of outfit. As we were having our costumes designed and made by students at the local university's fashion design faculty, at our expense, I had veto rights and I thought Mia's choice was fine. But still, if Mia's mum thought that her daughter's costume would be inappropriate, they would have to agree on something else. That was why I wanted to meet them both.Mia's mum, well, she had told Colin that she wanted to talk to us because she was a little confused. I assumed that was because Colin had asked her daughter to accompany him to a wedding involving three people, with the participants and guests dressed in Sci-Fi characters' costumes. I respected the lady for wanting to know a little more about us under the circumstances, before she consented.Anyway, that was only one issue I faced that Thursday. The other was that the previous evening Lucy, an unhappily married artist in her early sixties, had offered herself to me as a free-use fuck-toy. Oddly enough, it took the three women to persuade me to accept her offer; I know; You would have snapped her hand off if it had been you; I'm a worrier, so I didn't.The thing is, the girls (their words) suggested that Lucy wanted to help me to explore my inner self. As a retired materials science researcher, that wasn't something that came naturally to me: as an artist, it was what Lucy tried to do whenever she could. Eventually, of course, I caved and the following hour or so found her bound and gagged, tortured with vibrators, nipple clamps, heat, cold and whips before I finally had sex with her, twice. Fortunately, she loved it. Unfortunately Marie, my wife, found my apparent excesses disturbing. That morning, she seemed as though she was still trying to come to terms with why.Marie seemed subdued as we ate breakfast. "Are we okay?" I asked, hesitantly, uncertain as to whether I'd strayed over some obvious boundary the previous evening."WE are fine," she tried to reassure me. "I, on the other hand, am finding that I'm not nearly as sexually secure as I try to try to pretend."I took a leaf out of Ronan Keating's book, or his songbook anyway. Oh, come on; 'You say it best when you say nothing at all'. Surely? Never mind. I sat quietly waiting for my wife to gather her thoughts.Her eyes filled with tears. I stood, took her hand and led her to the living room. I sat her on the sofa and cuddled up next to her. "When you're ready, I'm here for you," I told her. "You don't have to, but I hope you trust me enough to share whatever it is that's troubling you."She gave a brave little smile as she took a tissue from the box on the coffee table. "It's such a long time ago. It felt like it happened to someone else, until Lucy described what you did to her: Then something just felt so wrong. I realized, only this morning, what it was."I didn't feel so flippant now. But she was happy to talk without prompting, so I let her set her own pace.Taking a deep breath, she resumed her explanation. "We were both about ten or eleven. My cousin Paul and me. We were just playing together in the garden one summer and he found some twine. We were comfortable with each other so I let him tie my hands behind my back and he tickled me. It was awful. I cried. Then he touched me, because he could. I couldn't stop him. I was bound and totally helpless. I started to scream and he let me go. I never told anyone and, by the time I met you, he was dead. He had joined the forces; a Para. He died in the Falklands."Marie wiped her eyes. "It was wrong but, if he'd said he was sorry, I'd have forgiven him. We were only kids. But, without realizing it, I've carried that memory, buried, for years." She look apologetically at me. "I'm sorry, Geoff. When Lucy described how helpless she felt, it reminded me of that experience. I don't think I can do it."I shook my head. She didn't understand. "Marie. What I did with Lucy was for her. Yes, I went further than I would usually have been comfortable with, but I made sure that she had opportunities to back out or stop at any time. She didn't." This was important to me. I knelt in front of Marie and looked her in the eye. "If I never do that again, I won't care. If it disturbs you, it will never be repeated. But I will never ask any of you to let me do anything that would hurt you. Lucy wants to do it again. Angie is desperate to try. Sam might enjoy something similar, so might Megan. But you, my love, you don't, so I don't want you to. It's that simple.""You aren't disappointed?" She seemed surprised."Not at all." I thought for a moment. "Well, yes; a little." Marie's eyes started to fill up again so I carried on, hurriedly. "I'm disappointed that you think I'd feel like that. I will never expect you to do anything you don't want to. I will always accept "No" as a complete answer. No need to justify or explain. Are you reassured?""I think so. I think that I feel better for telling you too.""What about the others?" I decided that while we were having this conversation it was the right time to set boundaries.She understood. "I think I was worried that you doing this, with them, would normalize it. That you'd do it to me without thinking, or worse, resent me for rejecting you." She looked at with genuine concern. "You wouldn't; would you?""Never. I know who you are and I think I've come to know what you like. By all means let's test our limits, but never to the point where one of us is unhappy. Are we agreed?"She seemed much happier. "Agreed. And, to be clear, you are free to do anything the other girls ask you to. It was Lucy who bragged about what you did, not you. And she obviously relished every second." Marie pondered for a moment. "Well, afterwards, possibly not during," she grinned.We sat for a little while then went back to the kitchen, where I made us both a fresh cup of tea to replace the drinks that had cooled while we'd talked. We were just finishing the washing up when my phone rang. It was Mike. I'd offered to pay for him to take his wife and sister in law to the pub the previous night to spy on Lucy's fuckwit husband. I'd forgotten that he'd promised an update that morning. I told my wife that I'd explain later and hit the 'Answer call' icon. As Lucy was Marie's friend it seemed only fair she heard our conversation. I switched my phone to speaker."Good morning Mike. Marie is here with me and you are on speaker. Hung over at all?" We heard a snort of laughter."You should know, when you're involved with two women then obviously you get twice as much supervision. So no," he replied.Marie looked enquiringly at me. "Mike, Marie is just finding out that I asked you to do some spying for me. Tell us, was Eddie there?""He was. And the group he was with were an obnoxious crew. Loud, foul mouthed boors the lot of them. Not just the men either."Marie and I shared a look. "So he plays darts with women too?""Darts?" Mike sounded surprised. "Who mentioned darts? They don't even have a dartboard in The Fox and Hounds.""Well," I explained. "Eddie told his wife, a friend of ours, that Wednesday night is now his darts night.""Sorry Geoff," Mike replied. "The only double top your mate was interested in was bulging out of the low cut blouse belonging to the tarty looking slapper he was buying drinks for all night."Whatever vestiges of guilt I'd felt for including Lucy in our 'language classes' evaporated instantly.I needed to be certain. "Are you sure it was Eddie?""I thought you might ask, so I took a photo of my two best girls and made sure that my target was clearly visible behind them. I'm sending it now." A picture of two pleasant looking women in their forties popped on my screen. Marie and I both recognized Lucy's husband in the background. We didn't recognize the plain, big titted woman with her arm around his neck."Asshole!" Marie growled. I was puzzled. Lucy was admittedly at least fifteen years older than the woman with her arm around Eddie but she (Lucy) was slimmer, prettier and, from personal experience, a sexual dynamo. Why the Hell was Eddie rejecting sex with Lucy while he's all over the pooch in the pub?I reminded Mike that he and his ladies were invited to our wedding and suggested that they look on-line for costume ideas. I warned him that some had already been chosen but they had all of the film and TV franchises to choose from, so duplication shouldn't be an issue. He promised to send me images once they'd made their minds up. Becky, his wife, was excited to be invited and wanted to do something similar for their shared lover, Ruth, though Harry Potter was more their style.I reminded him to text his bank details so that I could pay my dues and, after we said our goodbyes, I turned to Marie. "Why?" Was all I said. She understood perfectly."I know Lucy is my friend but; That other woman, she's;” I was impressed. It takes a lot to render my wife speechless.I had to ask. "Has Lucy ever said anything to make you think that there are some er, activities, that are off limits?""For God's sake, Geoff!" She retorted. "Only last night she offered herself to you as a free-use fuck-doll. She's always been sexually adventurous." She looked puzzled. "I can't begin to imagine what that busty blob has that Lucy hasn't."Neither could I, so we shelved that conversation for later and turned our attention to preparing for our guests that evening. After changing the bedding from the previous evening's entertainment, we sat and decided on our menus for the coming week. A quick check to see if any store-cupboard items needed replenishing and we were off to our local supermarket. Marie hit the sea-food counter while I dawdled in the wine aisle. There was an offer on, so I loaded up on some old favorites and added a couple of bottles I'd not tried before. An Alvarinho vinho verde from Portugal caught my eye. It seemed an ideal partner for that evening's seafood dish. Into the trolley it went."What?" I tried to look innocent when Marie caught up with me. "There's twenty percent off. The more I buy, the more we save." She shook her head and guided me gently, but firmly, to the produce aisle. We returned home without further incident.Angie joined us after lunch and we worked happily together prepping for our evening meal. There would be six of us at the table, but we made sure that there would be some leftovers for Linda, our daughter. She was taking the opportunity to use her early finish to get her hair done while Colin ate with us.Short grain rice, seafood, onion, peppers, garlic and peas. Fish stock, tomatoes, chorizo and a pinch of saffron. All laid out ready for Marie to cook. It was her turn, once we'd had a chat with our visitors."Angie?" I asked, to get her attention.She looked up from cleaning a piece of squid. "Yes dear?" We were being unusually domesticated so her mischievous grin was probably warranted.I know you helped me cook breakfast, but you've never invited us to eat at your place. Do you cook or what?"I noticed that my wife was now concentrating very intently on de-veining a prawn, suspiciously so."I can cook," Angie admitted. I could tell that there was a 'but' about to make an appearance. "Quite well, in fact. But." Yes! I knew it was coming. "I get really bitchy if someone is helping in my kitchen and they don't do exactly as I say.""But you're okay doing this?" I persisted."Of course." She seemed to find the question rather ridiculous. "You ask me to rinse this; I'll rinse it. We're fine. But: In my kitchen, if I ask you to brown some onion in a pan, I expect you to use the correct pan, the right amount of the right sort of oil and to produce perfectly sliced onion cooked to precisely the right color exactly when I need it. Otherwise I tend to get a bit cross." She looked a little uncomfortable. "I know. That makes me sound like Gordon Ramsey with tits, but it's how I am."Marie was trying to keep a straight face but eventually surrendered. "I once tried to help her prepare a meal to impress her first husband's boss and his wife. I was slicing some carrots and the julienne were slightly different sizes. She threw them in the bin and we nearly came to blows. In the end I just did the washing up and let her highness rule the kitchen. It wasn't worth the grief." Marie reached across and hugged her friend. "I still love you though. Even after that." They were both laughing as we finished off and tidied up.We sat and watched some more of our Star Wars episodes while we waited for Mia's mum to arrive with the two teens. Exactly on schedule, the front door burst open and Colin bawled, "Hi everybody. We're here!" Marie went to greet our visitors while Angie and I turned off the TV and stood ready to meet Mia and her mum for the first time.Colin booled in first, dragging a tall, pretty teenage girl by the hand. "This is Mia," he informed us. "This is my grandad," he pointed me out to his friend. "And this is Grangie," he said proudly. "They're all really clever, but Grangie is especially smart." He dropped his voice to a hoarse whisper. "She's why your mum wants to meet. I think we're best off keeping out of the way." He dragged her away to the study giving her little chance to say anything but a squeaked, "Hi" before they disappeared.Marie ushered a buxom woman in her late thirties, an amazon, think Brienne of Tarth from Game of Thrones, into the room and they both stood for a moment, presumably wondering where the kids were. Marie collected her wits. "Wendy, this is my husband Geoff." I nodded a welcome. "And this is our special friend Angie." Angie copied my greeting. "Obviously, this is Mia's mum, Wendy."Now the introductions were done, Marie asked if Wendy wanted a drink and we all decided on a cup of tea. Angie was anxious to help, she isn't at her best in situations like this, so it fell to me to entertain our guest. We chatted about the two kids and I took the opportunity to size up our new acquaintance. That was probably a rather Freudian slip. Wendy was a big lady. Not obese, even plump would be a misdescription; it just seemed as though there was a lot of her. She seemed to relax as we spoke. Colin was obviously comfortable in our home, the noises from the kitchen were reassuringly domestic and I made it a point not to stare at her magnificent bosom.She was, in fact, a rather attractive woman. Pleasant, open features, a nice smile, long brown hair past her shoulders and, as I may have implied, spectacularly large tits. I made a mental note to ask Marie what cup size she thought Wendy required: purely for reporting purposes, of course. The other thing of note was that she was at least as tall as me; probably an inch or more taller.Marie bustled in carrying a tray with four cups and Angie followed with a plate bearing biscuits and cakes. Marie excused herself for a moment while she went to remind Colin to make sure his guest was properly catered for. Apparently they assured her that they were fine and would raid the kitchen once homework was done.Marie looked to me. Right; I was elected spokesman. "So Wendy," I began, settling back in my seat to seem less intense. "Colin has invited Mia to be his plus one at our ceremony and you are wondering what's going on. Is that a fair summary?"She took a sip of her tea before she replied. "I'm sure you can see why that is. I don't mean to pry but Mia's welfare has to be my priority."Neither of the girls seemed inclined to contribute yet so I soldiered on. "Angie here has been my wife's closest friend, since before we were married. I've always been fond of her too. But recently," I looked at the girls, they seemed happy with my approach. "Our feelings have intensified and we both regard her as being more than just a friend. We realized that we are both emotionally attached to her, and her to us." I paused to make sure that Wendy was on the same page, or at least not stricken with horror. In the absence of any expression of disgust, I continued. "We want to declare our affection publicly and formalize, as best we can within the law, our new relationship. Marie and I have already had a traditional wedding; so has Angela; twice, in fact. We decided that a themed ceremony might be more entertaining for us and our guests."She seemed interested rather than appalled so I kept going. "Hence Colin's invitation to Mia to accompany him in a costume to fit in with our Star Wars theme." I decided that was a good place to stop for feedback."So this 'ceremony' that Colin has invited my daughter to is to acknowledge you two, a legally married couple, inviting you, Angela, into your relationship?" She paused, gazing thoughtfully at us all. "That's so lovely. I wish more people would open themselves up to their feelings like that." Her smile as she spoke illuminated the room."Does that mean you are okay with Mia attending with Colin?" Marie asked. "They will be the youngest ones there."Wendy was dismissive. "Colin is a lovely polite lad. His mother seems nice and I'm not getting any worrying vibes from any of you. I'm happy and Mia seems keen to be there.""Has she discussed her outfit?" That was me."Her dad was a fan of the films, so I think I've seen them all. Most of the costumes are fairly tame, and the one Mia showed me, the white stretch suit, is no more revealing than the tight joggers and crop tops girls her age wear every weekend to go shopping." She looked a little wistful.I glanced at my wife and got an almost imperceptible nod in reply. "Wendy. If you'd like, we'd be happy to extend the invitation to you too; if you don't think Mia would think you were being a third wheel on their date.""Who would I go as?" She snorted. "Jabba the Hutt? I mean, look at me."We did. She was tall, broad shouldered but proportioned, with an actual waistline. Her long hair and feminine features rather mitigated her size. Did I mention her boobs? She had a lovely complexion too. All in all she was a big sexy woman who didn't see what we did.Angie said what I was just beginning to consider. "Cara Dune," she blurted out. Then, putting her hand to her mouth, she looked to me to rescue her. Wendy seemed nonplussed."We're part way through watching some TV spinoffs," I explained. "Angie and I admit to being Sci-Fi nerds. One of the female characters, Cara Dune, is a powerfully built woman. Let Marie show you the costume she has chosen already while Angie finds some Cara images. Meanwhile, I'll go and check on the kids."I left the three women scrolling through their phones and sought out the two teenagers in the study. I made sure they heard me coming; I wasn't trying to catch them having a quiet cuddle. In reality, they were both reading studiously when I opened the door. I smiled to myself. Colin's book was upside down. I pointed and made circle motion with my finger. He looked puzzled then down at his book and blushed. "Drat! Mia, we've been busted."I shook my head and tapped the side of my nose. "Be sensible and be discreet. That's all we expect. Now do you want anything in the kitchen?"They both declined so I left them to their 'reading'. I left the door open, just to make a point.Back in the living room, the three women were happily comparing notes. Wendy loved the idea of Mia in white and Colin in black. She was amazed at the warrior costume Marie had chosen and how similar in principle it was to Cara Dune's. She was obviously intrigued by our idea."The thing is," Wendy said, hesitantly. "I'm not sure that I can really afford two costumes. Not this intricate, anyway.""Sweetheart, that's not your problem," Angie reassured her. "I'm paying for everyone's costume. We're having them all individually made at my expense. You just have to turn up to get measured."Wendy wasn't convinced. "You don't want

Geoff and Marie's Good Life: Part 9Lucy's TurnGeoff finally gets more quality time with Lucy.Based on posts by Only In My Mind, in 15 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels.I was bringing in the bedsheets from the washing line when my lovelies got home. Colin was inside doing his art homework alone as I'm afraid that art isn't my forté. From the way Angie bounced up the path like a tall, supple Tigger, I assumed that their mission had been successful. Marie followed behind at a more stately pace, but I could tell by her expression that she was pleased."Geoff! It's perfect," Angie enthused. "Show him, Marie!"Marie finally caught up with our friend. "She's not wrong, Geoffrey," she admitted. "The moment we saw it, we knew that was the one." She felt into her handbag and took out a small square box."Just like you and me then," I reminded her, kissing the top of her head."You'll get anywhere saying things like that, you smooth devil," my wife smiled as she showed me our purchase."So what happens now?" I asked. It appeared that they were in the dark too. Did we give her it now, like an engagement ring? Or wait until the ceremony, like a wedding ring?I decided. I took Angie's left hand and dropped to one knee. "Angela, you have added a new thread to the tapestry of our lives. Will you agree to be my betrothed?"Marie was quick to respond. She took her friend's hand from me and turned Angie towards her. "Angela, you have been my closest friend for decades, will you now be my betrothed?""Oh! God! Yes! Thank you. I love you both so much," wailed Angie, hopping up and down in floods of happy tears.Marie held out the ring they had chosen and bought together and together my wife and I slipped it onto the fourth finger of Angie's left hand. As I'd suggested, they had chosen something called a Russian Ring, made of three interwoven strands of different shades of gold. It was perfect. I resolved to get my little Mediterranean goddess a matching necklace.There was the sound of applause from behind us and we turned, rather startled, truth to be told, to find Colin beaming at us, the drawing in his hand forgotten."I think you're supposed to kiss her now, Grandma, Grandad," he observed. We couldn't fault his grasp of etiquette so we did; very chastely and properly with no tongues."Mum's gonna go proper monkey poo this time," he predicted, quite astutely. "Glad I'm not the one that has to tell her." He smiled, congratulated us all and then asked for our opinions of his drawing. We were all impressed, both by his artwork and his attitude and told him so. He disappeared happily back inside to put his drawing safely in his bag."He's not wrong about Linda," I pointed out. "I was thinking about this while I was running and I think I should take her out for tea tomorrow and tell her about our, er; does 'new situation' sound about right?""Thank God!" Marie breathed a sigh of relief. "I don't think she'd accept this updated version of 'the talk' from me. Anyway, I did the one about boys, boobs and periods, now it's your turn."I went and switched the oven on and chose a bottle of wine as I waited for it to reach 180°C. I'd picked up a bottle of Ribeiro in our local supermarket and a Spanish white seemed to fit nicely with the ingredients so I parked it in the fridge to chill.I got the tray with the onions, tomatoes, garlic cloves and potatoes and glugged over a little olive oil before putting it all in the oven for twenty minutes and then went off to see my girls. Angie had calmed down and they were trying to decide her outfit for our ceremony."What about Padme's rainbow dress?" I suggested. I'd had nothing urgent after lunch and had done some research. Angie gave me a long appraising look and typed 'padme rainbow' into the search engine on her phone. She selected 'images' and then studied the screen intently for longer than I expected. Still silent, she showed Marie the dress. "He's a clever old sod, really, isn't he?" My beloved observed. "That's beautiful, and it's perfect for your body shape."Angie agreed. "That's it. I was considering Rey's outfit but this is better. This is the one I want.""You can actually buy these on-line," I offered."Not a chance!" Retorted Angie. Marie looked as puzzled as me at how emphatic Angie's response was. "I'm sure that some are okay," Angie conceded. "But I've seen too many instances on Facebook where the seller shows an image of the original but what actually arrives looks like it was sewn in the dark from old curtains by an arthritic chimp. I want it to look just like that picture.""But at least you'll know how much it is going to cost, dear," Marie said. "Who knows how much your student friends will have to pay to find a fabric like that?""Don't care," Said a defiant Angie. "I can afford whatever I want and it's my money after all."Marie leaned in for a kiss. "We'll contribute too. We always intended to.""No. Thank you, but no." Angie was adamant. "You bought me that beautiful ring. I realize that it would be rude to offer to pay for that, but everything else; everything," she stressed that last word, "is on me."My wife and I shared another look of surprise at our friend's determined outburst. "But Ange," Marie began."Everything, Marie. You've been so kind to me for so long. And these last few weeks;” She teared up again. "You really don't know, do you?"I shrugged. We were into Donald Rumsfeld territory here with 'unknown unknowns' and I didn't think that this was the moment to dive down that particular rabbit hole."You know that apartment I live in?" Angie asked. We did. It was in a massive, tastefully converted, Victorian building near the university. "Don't you think it's rather large and expensive for just one person?" We both just did some head wobbles, shoulder shakes and comme ci, comme ça, hand gestures to indicate that we had wondered but."It's not that expensive," she continued, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Not for me, anyway. You see." She paused for effect. "I own the entire building. A lettings management company deals with renting the other apartments; I just live off the income. I only do the consultancy work for you know who," she tapped the side of her nose. "to stop me getting bored and my brain shutting down." She was winding me up because she knew I suspected that she was some kind of spook."Don't worry about the cost," she said cheerfully. "I can afford it. Last time I checked I had over two million pounds just in my savings accounts."She looked gleefully at the expressions on our faces. "And, once we're officially joined, I'm changing my will to leave it all to you and your kids. Colin certainly won't need a student loan when he goes to Uni.""Angie, darling. There's no need," Marie protested."Who else then?" Angie challenged her. "You two are the closest I've had to a family since I ditched that last useless waste of DNA. I've had more fun, romance, sex and affection from you two lunatics in the last six weeks than from both my husbands combined over two decades."Marie looked helplessly at me. I knew exactly what to do. I leaned forward. "Angie?" I said softly, taking her hand in mine."Yes, Geoff?" She replied, returning my loving gaze."Please can I have an Aston Martin DB12?"We collapsed in each other's arms in fits of giggles. Marie swiped me fondly across the head. "You nutcase. Get back in the kitchen and get our tea ready."I checked, and the potatoes were starting to cook, so I laid the chicken and chorizo slices on top, added the herbs and spices and put the tray back in the oven. "Alexa, set a timer for twenty minutes." Then I went off in search of Colin.I told him that I needed a private chat with his mum. "You think?" Was his smart-ass response. Sometimes he makes me so proud.Anyway, he texted one of his friends and persuaded her to wangle an invite to go over straight from school the following evening to do their homework together. Linda would collect him around seven."So Colin. Mia. Is she nice?""Yes Grandad. She's nice. No Grandad, she's not my girlfriend. We're only thirteen but we get on just fine as friends." Hell. The kid's more mature than half of the lads I used to play rugby with.We chatted some more until Alexa's alarm went off and I hit the kitchen again. Dropped the sliced peppers into the tray, a good mix up and back in for the last twenty minutes.I was starting to set the table when Marie and Angie came in to take over and chased me away to watch the news on TV. Angie had already taken her ring off and had decided to keep it in its box until they were with their friends. Then Marie intended to propose again in front of them all. It sounded lovely and I would have liked to see it, but I'd agreed that this was their moment.Linda arrived on time and about ten minutes later we sat down to eat. She'd called to collect a baguette on the way home as I'd asked and we used it to mop up the juices from our plates. The wine paired well; even Colin agreed, though he only got a sip of his mum's. Perhaps, when he's sixteen, Linda will let him have a glass with his meals.After we'd finished, the ladies declared that they would clear the table as I'd done all of the cooking. It had hardly been a chore but I wasn't about to argue. Instead, I went and asked Colin if he was okay with Aunty Angie being, well, betrothed to Grandma and Grandad.He thought carefully for a while. "Is anyone going to get hurt?"It was a reasonable question. "I hope not. But it's always possible. Even two people who love each other can eventually drift apart.""But you're all happy now?" He persisted. "You all want this?""Yes. All of us." I confirmed."What will I call her then?" He asked.That hadn't occurred to me. "Whatever you and Angie decide. That seems the fairest to me."His face lit up. "When you've told mum, I'm going to ask Aunty Angie if I can call her; Grangie." He announced triumphantly. There were still tears of laughter streaming down my face when the women joined us five minutes later. They all looked suspiciously at the pair of us."You had to be there," I told them, then we cracked up again.Before Linda and Colin left I told her that, as Colin had a homework date the following day, earning a glare from him, I'd treat her to a meal after work as we'd both be on our own. I suggested a Thai in town and we agreed to meet there at five fifteen. She looked warily at me, but I'd been practicing my innocent expression and gave nothing away. Certainly, nothing had been said that evening to suggest there was a problem.Angie saw them off with us and then said her own goodbyes. I copped a feel of her bum as we kissed, well, we're engaged now, or something. Marie must have shared my sentiment only she went for a tit. I slapped her hand gently. "Enough of that. She'll never get away if you start on her nipples." They both reluctantly agreed and then there was just the two of us again."Are we being silly, Geoff? Starting a new way of living? At our age? Is this just desperation?" It wasn't like Marie to second guess herself.I hugged her to me. "I don't think so. We have time, money and our health. The kids are okay so this is our opportunity to be us. Not teacher, boss, researcher, mum or dad; just us. If this is what makes both of us happy, why fight it? You promised, if we reach a place where you're uncomfortable, then you'll tell me. I promise you the same. So let's go and see what's out there.""Tell you what," she replied pulling me closer. "Get the rest of that wine and I'll sit on your lap and we'll finish it while we cuddle then, maybe, an early night?"I was up early next morning. We did make love the night before and it was slow, sensual and fulfilling. We'd both slept like babies.When I'd finished in the bathroom, Marie was looking at her phone. "That was a text from Peter. He and Jen are coming back from Canada on Monday and thought they might stop in to see us on the way back home." She looked worried. "Do we tell them? Or just Pete? But then how do we tell Pete without Jen hearing? Do we insist he keeps it a secret from her? ""We need to make a choice," I told her. "We're telling Linda because she deserves to know the unconventional relationship that Colin will see when Angie is here. Pete isn't in that position but, I think that if Linda knows then her brother should too. And I also think that, if Pete knows, it would be unfair to expect him to keep it from Jen. I'm not sure about discussing the rest of the girls with him; I'm tempted to tell Linda because she'll get suspicious if we're never free to look after Colin on Wednesdays if she wants to go out with Mike or if she has to work late."That's fair. I'll tell Pete that they are welcome to stay and we're looking forward to seeing them. But, Geoff?""Yes?""For pity's sake, will you move the toy box out of the playroom and make sure there's no lube or condoms left in the drawers?""I'll do it now."The rest of the day was quite mundane. Breakfast, grocery shopping, coffee at home and then a walk to the park. "I think I'm happy, Geoff," my wife announced as we strolled. "Not just content; actually happy. My friends have you in their lives, I'm even closer to them than ever and Angie," Marie's voice choked. "I've never seen her so alive. Thank you."I wasn't even tempted to be flippant. "Thank you too. It's strange, but making love to your friends seems to have brought me closer to you. I'm just so relieved you aren't jealous. You aren't are you?"She considered. "No. Truthfully; not at all. What about you?""No. Me neither. In fact, I know you have a bit of a thing for Sue, and it's, I dunno, sweet."She punched me playfully. "I still like Sam though," she admitted."So, now you have both, and me and Angie too."She gave a big happy sigh and we turned and made our way home.The weather was still fine so Marie set off at ten to four to walk to the Black Swan to meet her friends. I red for half an hour and then caught the bus into town. Linda could drop me back off at home on the way to collect Colin from Mia's house.I'd reserved a table and waited at the bar for Linda. She rushed in, all flustered, only two minutes late. "It's okay," I told her. "We're not running to a timetable here."Sorry, Dad," she apologized. "Isn't there always some clown who decides that half past four on a Friday afternoon is the perfect time to start making urgent phone calls?""Is it settled?" I asked her. "Or do you need ten minutes to make some more calls of your own?""God, no!" She laughed. "I'll start working for free after finishing time when my boss stops checking her watch when folk arrive in the morning with just minutes to spare."The waiter saw that my guest had arrived and invited us to follow him to our table. The place was quiet that early so he gave us a place with a nice view over the river."Is your job getting you down?" I asked. She worked in the distribution office for a large retailer."No, the work is fine, the people are great, it's just that our boss is so insecure in her abilities that she sticks rigidly to corporate policy, and it sometimes gets in the way of actual work.""Go on," I invited her. We didn't get to chat like this as much as I'd like."Okay. So: There are six people in our office; two men, four women. We lost both of the guys for a full day on Tuesday to go on a gender harassment awareness course. One's gay and the other is a fifty year old sweetheart. They could have done effectively the same course on-line in an hour but no, she had to make sure that her boss saw our guys in person to make her look good." She gave an exaggerated sigh. "Those lads get more grief from us girls than they'd ever; Oh! It's so frustrating.""I know," I sympathized. "I regarded part of my role as lab manager as insulating the people who actually generated income from stupid policies like that. I'd do what the law required but, if an adult technician doesn't know that it's not okay to touch a colleagues bum, no matter how cute or pert it is, a course isn't enough; a dismissal is much more effective. It solves the immediate issue and also serves 'pour encourager les autres' as your Great Gran would have said. An object lesson to the others," I said in reply to her unspoken question.We chatted in the same vein as we looked through the menu and had just finished our deliberations when our waiter appeared.We ordered spring rolls and prawn toast, I ordered a pork massaman, Linda chose a chicken panang and we decided to share a green papaya salad.

When you're young you can't imagine a point in your life when you're living with physical limitations. I mean, sure, maybe you're not as strong as you'd like to be. Maybe you're not quite as quick and fit as some of your mates. But for me at least, the thought of a relatively straightforward physical action being too difficult or too painful never even crossed my mind. You take health and dexterity, mobility, and general limberness for granted. I remember Dad getting home from his football games when I was kid. He'd limp through the front door, strap ice packs to both of knees, and splay himself out on the couch, still in his grubby kit. When you're a kid, you can see your dad's in pain, but you never pause to wonder if that might happen to you, one day, too. A couple of years ago I couldn't get past a sharp pain in my left hip. I thought I'd pulled a muscle, and I went to the physio for the first time in my life. But a series of scans moved me quickly up food chain. Physio-sports doctor-surgeon. One of the specialists said I had the hip of someone in their sixties, and it was probably only a matter of time before I'd have to get a new one. In the meantime, the best advice they could give me was don't do stuff that hurts. Truthfully, I've found that harder than it sounds. Although I haven't played a single game of squash in at least a couple of years, a weekly game of very average social football has been the most consistent social activity in my life. You know what they say about men and how they have to be doing stuff together? Well, guilty as charged. I don't want to just sit around and talk about stuff, I want to be kicking a ball! I'm convinced there's something about physically competing, albeit in a lowly social league, that does an awful lot of good for the top few inches. What it doesn't do is much good for my hip. I turn like a waning container ship at the best of times, but the short-twitch reactions required in midfield have not been aided by my swiftly decaying cartilage. I picture it, rotting away like a paper bag in a puddle. Halfway through last year I started proactively taking painkillers before games. Sometimes I struggle to walk normally for days afterwards. I know this isn't good. I know I shouldn't play. I know, rationally, that constantly agitating and inflaming the same injury is going to cause more problems down the track. And if sometime in the future I can't tramp or ride my bike, I'd be furious with myself. But quitting football has felt like a threshold. I've never had an injury that didn't improve. I've never not been able to play something. Then last week, I faced a reckoning. I visited a primary school, and the kids encouraged me to sit with them on the mat and pose for a photo. You know how these things go... Crossing your legs and sitting on the mat is the kind of thing you give zero notice to. Until one day you can't do it. It was agony. I folded myself down as best I could and yet in the photo, I don't even get halfway to the ground. My butt's on the ground but my knees are up at nipple height. I look like a capital X. When I finished at the school there was a text waiting. Who's in for football next season? Most of the guys quickly replied, ‘Yep, keen.' When you're young most of us don't imagine a point in life living with physical limitations. We didn't ask when Dad started wincing when he reached for his shoelaces. We didn't question why Grandma shuffles. And then one day it begins. You have to start saying no. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really mean to be a strong woman?

Sunday Morning Service

The Red Sox have a lot of promising up-and-comers. What does it look like when a prospect transverses the gap to the major leagues? Hunter Noll has a lot to say about who we should be looking at in the coming years. This week in Red Sox baseball was lackluster. Crochet got knocked around for the first time in his Red Sox tenure. We lost a game to the Marlins in embarrassing fashion. Truthfully, don't we all wish the Red Sox could have done better than 3/6 this week. It is still a competitive team, and it will become a more competitive team in the years to come. At least, that is the consensus from our prospect eye-in-the-sky Hunter Noll. Linktree NASP Instagram NASP Twitter Ian's Twitter Jack's Twitter

John 1:1-4, 14-18In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' ”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is the only Son, himself God, who is close to the Father's heart, who has made him known. We're in week three of this series: Asking for a Friend. Real Questions. Honest Faith. We gathered your questions and promised to answer them faithfully. This week: “Do churches or denominations change the meaning of the Bible to fit what they want it to say?”It's a timely question. Just this week, I saw too many stories and news clips about a pastor in Idaho saying things like: women shouldn't vote, “godly women are designed to make sandwiches,” and that Southern slave owners weren't sinning because their relationships with enslaved people were based on “mutual affection and confidence.” Doug Wilson, the pastor who said those awful things, believes they are gospel truth because he thinks he has Scripture to back it up.Like Titus 2:5 which says: young women should be “good managers of the household, kind, and submissive to their husbands, so that the word of God may not be discredited.” Or Ephesians 6:5: “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.”If we don't agree with him, he'd probably say we've changed the meaning of the Bible to fit what we want it to say. Anyone who believes there's only one correct meaning of a text would say the same. Disagree, and you're wrong. But here's the thing: there isn't just one correct meaning.For too long, we've treated the Bible like a locked box, hunting for the interpretive key to the writer's original intent. But words are more complicated than that. They carry layers of meaning, history and emotion. Most communication holds more than one meaning.So No, we don't change the meaning of the Bible—because there isn't just one. We interpret it. We ask: what does this mean for us here, now, in our lives? Sure, some twist Scripture for personal gain. Paula White, for instance, claimed John 11:44 meant people should give her $1,144 to receive a prayer cloth that could possibly bring them miracles. Others accuse us of twisting Scripture to justify our welcome of LGBTQ+ siblings, as a way of attracting more people. Truthfully, if that were our aim, we wouldn't offer such a bold, hospitable welcome. We are the only church in this county to do it—and we do it because the Word of God calls us to, not as a marketing ploy.If we are following the 8th commandment (of not bearing false witness) and interpreting our neighbors' actions in the best light, we'd say most people interpret Scripture in search of the Truth with a capital T. The real question we want answered is: whose interpretation is right? Whose is wrong? And why?Seminary students spend three years wrestling with this. Some pastors and theologians spend their whole lives. And you want me to answer it in 10 or 12 minutes? Sure.A small caveat, I am answering from a Lutheran perspective because it is what I know. That is not to say it's the most right, though I do think it's pretty useful. There are surely other ways to interpret Scripture that are insightful and faithful. But as Pastor Mark said last week, you asked me, sorta, so this is what you get. And so much more could be said, so this is not exhaustive by any means, but it's a start.As Lutherans, we can't talk about interpretation without first talking about what the Word of God is. And you might think, well it's just the Bible, that's the Word of God. Well not exactly. First and foremost, the Word of God is Jesus. John says, “The Word became flesh and lived among us.” It's not a book that became flesh—it's God in Christ. Jesus is the Word. What this means is that we see and understand God most through and because of Jesus.Second, the Word is proclaimed. After the Word became flesh, lived among us, died, and rose, the story could not be contained. People shared it, again and again—witnessing, preaching, proclaiming Christ. Through that proclamation, we encounter Jesus. We hope that's what happens here on Sundays…That you encounter Jesus through this preaching and that it confronts us, transforms us, and pushes out into the world holding onto the promises God makes to us. And then Third, the Word is the written Word—the Bible—because and insofar as it points us to Jesus. The whole Bible, as one story, reveals Christ. Some parts though point more clearly: the gospels, Jesus' teachings, his death and resurrection, and for Luther, the book of Romans. These show most vividly what Christ's life and death mean for us. Other passages, like Titus 2:5 urging women to be submissive, reflect cultural norms more than the gospel's promise of oneness and equality, proclaimed most boldly in Galatians 3:28. How can we say this? Jesus lifted up the role of women. He taught unity, servitude, placing others before ourselves—but never that women must submit. These messages echo far more deeply than cultural instructions ever could.But someone might ask, how can one Scripture matter more than another if all Scripture is inspired by God, as that passage from 2 Timothy says plainly: “All scripture is inspired by God”? I'm not disagreeing with that. But Scripture points us to Jesus. We don't worship the Bible. We worship Christ. Sometimes I fear we get that confused. The Bible is a tool, a means by which the Holy Spirit shows us God's love revealed in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. And when we see that, it changes us. It transforms us. It shapes how we live. What matters most in interpreting Scripture isn't only what it means. Yes, understanding the original intent matters. But what matters most isn't just what the Bible means, but what the Bible does. The Word of God does something to you, to us. When we hear it, when we read it together, when we listen to it proclaimed, the Holy Spirit is at work through that Word. After all it is a living and active Word, not just ink on a page. it calls us, moves us, and shapes us, so much so that we live differently because of it.Take for example that passage from Exodus: You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien. If you are an immigrant or refugee, that word is certainly good news because it shows how God longs for their care and well-being in every time and place. It must give comfort and hope to the desperate migrants in search of safety for themselves and their families. But it also confronts those who see no problem with the rhetoric and policies that harm them. And it should move those of us—like me—who have done nothing, who have simply shaken our heads and said, “How terrible,” without stepping forward to help our immigrant siblings. The Word meets us here, calling us to act, to love, to bear witness to God's justice.You've heard it said that people can make the Bible say whatever they want it to say. And that's true. But I am more interested in what the Bible, what the Word of God makes one do. So if the meaning you find in the text doesn't make you afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted, if it doesn't widen the bounds of your love, if it doesn't encourage unity, or extend forgiveness, or move you toward repentance, and offer grace with no strings attached, then find a different, more Christ like meaning. Because the way we interpret scripture is by reading all of it through the lens of Jesus Christ, through whom we all have received grace upon grace. And that's the gospel truth. Amen.

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What does the Lord want you to let go of?Truthfully, most of us have built monuments in our lives to people or things other than God.If our desire is to live obedient to Christ and His Word, we must surrender everything we have to Him.The cost for an anointed, Holy Ghost led life is high. Our pain can be turned to purpose, and suffering to salvation; but only when it's given unto the Lord.Examine your heart today, are you living a lifestyle rife with self sufficiently, ego, pride, lust, and so on? What is in your heart that you may not want to let go of, but you know you need to give up?Don't delay, not even another day, set everything aside for the sake of Christ, and step in to the kind of life that can be found only in Him!!!!!!

What does the Lord want you to let go of?Truthfully, most of us have built monuments in our lives to people or things other than God.If our desire is to live obedient to Christ and His Word, we must surrender everything we have to Him.The cost for an anointed, Holy Ghost led life is high. Our pain can be turned to purpose, and suffering to salvation; but only when it's given unto the Lord.Examine your heart today, are you living a lifestyle rife with self sufficiently, ego, pride, lust, and so on? What is in your heart that you may not want to let go of, but you know you need to give up?Don't delay, not even another day, set everything aside for the sake of Christ, and step in to the kind of life that can be found only in Him!!!!!!

Ready to transform your customer retention from 3.5 months to 15 months with just five emails?In this tactical deep dive, George Bryant returns to share the exact frameworks he has used to scale companies from $1 million per month to $2 million per day. We explore the three critical mistakes that can kill your customer journey (dubbed the "Triangle of Poop" by George's 8-year-old), and unveil the APPLE communication framework that has revolutionised how businesses build relationships at scale. Whether you're selling supplements, software, or socks, these proven strategies will help you plug the leaks in your business and create customers for life.The Zone of Doubt: When Customers Fall Into Black HolesThe first mistake in the Triangle of Poop is creating what George calls "zones of doubt"- those moments when customers are emotionally invested but encounter a communication black hole.If you've ever put your email address in for a lead magnet on the internet... you get to your inbox and it's not there. What feeling pops up? You get upset. Now do you think you're going to have a seamless experience or be as excited to consume that lead magnet?Common black holes include:Lead magnets that never arriveOrder confirmations that don't acknowledge what was purchasedDMs promising links that arrive days laterPost-purchase emails pushing unrelated productsThe impact? Immediate erosion of trust. As George explains, humans create unspoken contracts with each other - when you break these, you break the relationship before it even begins.The Ego Journey and Why "I" Language Kills ConversionsThe second critical mistake is falling into the ego trap—focusing on your story instead of the customer's transformation.George's brilliant example contrasts two approaches to a skincare welcome email:The Ego Version: "Hey Jane, thank you so much for buying our product. My name is George. I've spent the last 14 years of my life scouring the jungles of Costa Rica..."The Customer-Focused Version:Hey Jane, how does it feel to have healthier skin, and we haven't even shipped your product yet? Truthfully, our commitment to you is to help you glow from the inside out, even if you don't use our product...The difference? One makes it about the founder's journey; the other makes it about the customer's transformation. Remember: customers don't care about your story until they've rewritten theirs.The Fire Hose: Death by Information OverloadThe third mistake is overwhelming customers with too much information at once, which George refers to as the "fire hose effect."Using the parent-child morning routine as an analogy, George illustrates why micro-commitments work better than information dumps:If my son wakes up tomorrow morning at 5 am, and I say, 'Hey bro, we have to leave at 7:30. I need you to brush your hair, brush your teeth, pack your backpack, eat your breakfast, make your bed, check your homework, and meet me at the car...' What are my chances of success? Zero.Instead, successful customer journeys break down the process:Give bite-sized tasksBuild confidence with each stepCreate buy-in through progressionCelebrate small wins along the wayThe APPLE Framework: Your Blueprint for 10x RetentionGeorge's APPLE framework transformed a supplement company from $75 LTV to $744 LTV using just five emails:A - Acknowledge: Close the emotional loop and confirm they made the right choiceP - Prepare: Set clear expectations and reduce uncertaintyP - Project: Paint the vision of their future...

White Claw Zero, Wild & Frost new Venue name, Tommie Town, Minny Weekend Bets, Vikings 1 more offseason move, UNRL, NAW Traded, OKC Thunder a Joke, Truthfully, Wild trade for Tarasenko, NFL Preseason around the corner & more!!!

The hypocrisy of being watch listed while the obvious history of systematic oppression being waged against black people. Well documented acts of violence, sabotage, entrapment by Intelligence agencies like the FBI, CIA and other shadowy groups that have usurped authority over black progress and self-autonomy. Truthfully, we remind them on their own injustices towards other human beings, instead of deep-rooted reflection and change. Their defense mechanism is to label us everything they are. This is the spirit of slander which spiritually is of a dark force that operate within a institution that thrives off of mistreatment, mockery and false accusations. As we strive for righteousness our good works are often ignored while lies, defamation is labeled as truth. This channel despite heavy censorship and me personally being attacked both socially, financially our GOD and POWER have allowed millions of people to hear that platform. Even as they used trickery to create stumbling blocks it's a solid body of work online to teach, edify, and educate those who seek repentance, salvation all while finding out our true history and identity meant to be lost in time. But the truth stands and faith shall wax strong despite opposition.

Fluent Fiction - Japanese: Sakura Whispers: A Heartfelt Farewell Under Blooming Lanterns Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ja/episode/2025-06-17-22-34-02-ja Story Transcript:Ja: 夕暮れの公園に、ほんのり明かりが灯るランタン。En: In the evening park, lanterns gently illuminated the surroundings.Ja: さくらの花びらが穏やかな風に揺れ、地面をピンク色に染めていた。En: The sakura petals swayed in the gentle breeze, painting the ground pink.Ja: この日は、郊外の公園で行われているさくら祭りの最終日だった。En: This was the final day of the sakura festival held in the suburban park.Ja: アサヒは、公園の中央にある大きなさくらの木の下で立ち止まった。En: Asahi stopped beneath the big sakura tree at the center of the park.Ja: 彼の胸は鼓動を早め、これから話すべき言葉が頭の中を駆け巡っていた。En: His heart began to beat faster as the words he needed to say raced through his mind.Ja: ハルカが遠くに見えた。En: He saw Haruka in the distance.Ja: 彼女は長い旅に出る前にこの美しい景色を忘れないようにと、熱心に写真を撮っていた。En: She was eagerly taking photos so she wouldn't forget this beautiful scene before she embarked on her long journey.Ja: アサヒは静かにハルカに近づき、「ハルカ、少し話してもいい？」と声をかけた。En: Asahi quietly approached Haruka and called out, "Haruka, can we talk for a moment?"Ja: 彼女は振り向き、「もちろん！」と笑顔で応えた。En: She turned around and responded with a smile, "Of course!"Ja: アサヒはさくらの花びらを見上げてから、勇気を振り絞り、En: Asahi looked up at the sakura petals and mustered his courage.Ja: 「ハルカ、君が海外で仕事をする前に、一つ伝えたいことがあるんだ」と言った。En: "Haruka, before you go overseas for work, there's something I want to tell you," he said.Ja: ハルカはその言葉に少し驚き、「何？」と優しく尋ねた。En: Haruka was a bit surprised by his words and gently asked, "What is it?"Ja: 「君のことが好きだ。ずっと前から…ずっと伝えたかった」とアサヒは告白した。緊張で手が震えるのを感じながら。En: "I like you. I've wanted to tell you for a long time," Asahi confessed, feeling his hands tremble with nerves.Ja: ハルカは少し黙って、アサヒの目を見つめた。En: Haruka paused for a moment and then looked into Asahi's eyes.Ja: 「アサヒ…ありがとう。実は、私も君のことがずっと好きだった。En: "Asahi... thank you. Truthfully, I've liked you for a long time too.Ja: でも、今は夢を追いかけるために行かなきゃならないの」と優しく答えた。En: But now, I have to go chase my dreams," she replied gently.Ja: アサヒは理解した。彼はどんな結果も覚悟していた。En: Asahi understood. He was prepared for any outcome.Ja: 「分かってる。でも、君に伝えたかった。正直になりたかったんだ。En: "I understand. But I wanted to tell you. I wanted to be honest.Ja: これからも連絡を取り合おうよ」と提案した。En: Let's keep in touch," he suggested.Ja: ハルカは静かに頷き、「もちろん。En: Haruka nodded quietly, "Of course.Ja: 未来は分からないけど、いつかまた会えるかもしれない」と微笑んだ。En: We don't know what the future holds, but maybe one day we'll meet again," she smiled.Ja: その後、二人はさくらの花が舞う中でしばらく無言で一緒に立っていた。お互いに新しい未来への旅立ちを感じながら。En: After that, the two stood together in silence for a while amidst the dancing sakura petals, both feeling their departure towards a new future.Ja: アサヒは心に平和を感じた。En: Asahi felt a sense of peace in his heart.Ja: 彼は自分の気持ちを表現したことで、再び心が軽くなったことに気づいた。En: He realized that by expressing his feelings, his heart felt lighter again.Ja: そして、二人がどんな未来に進もうとも、彼の気持ちは変わらないと知っていた。En: And he knew that no matter what future lay ahead, his feelings wouldn't change.Ja: 公園は次第に薄暗くなり、ランタンの柔らかい光が二人のシルエットを浮かび上がらせた。En: The park gradually grew dim, and the soft light of the lanterns highlighted their silhouettes.Ja: いつかまた巡り合う日を信じて、二人はそれぞれの道を歩み始めた。En: Believing in the day they would meet again, the two began to walk their separate paths. Vocabulary Words:lantern: ランタンilluminated: 灯るswayed: 揺れpetals: 花びらsuburban: 郊外eagerly: 熱心にembarked: 旅に出るapproached: 近づきmustered: 振り絞りcourage: 勇気tremble: 震えるpaused: 黙るdepartures: 旅立ちsilhouettes: シルエットgradually: 次第にdim: 薄暗くなるfate: 運命chase: 追いかけるfuture: 未来scene: 景色truthfully: 実はsuggested: 提案したhonest: 正直flutter: 舞うbelieving: 信じてoutcome: 結果whisper: ささやくbreeze: 風realized: 気づいたembraced: 抱きしめた

This was yet another highly challenging NYTimes crossword, but, since it was a Saturday, we were not surprised in the least. [Truthfully, we thought that maybe Will would give us a break after yesterday's mental marathon, but nooooo...

In these times, being honestly truthful reinforces listening, hearing and holding students. Dr. Palmer shares the necessary value of understanding the difference between honesty and truth.

EP771# Bryan get's an anonymous email about mental health and TCB's Endless Day. Like a baby, he cries when the email borders on sentimental. Truthfully, it's a beautiful ode to "The Little Podcast That Couldn't". Plus, PodDaddy Marc Maron is leaving the business and much respect is owed and given by B&K. Then, Bryan gracefully bows out of the Shakira concert experience I favor of marriage points. TCBit: Jizzy Jazz Jeff's Male Review & Waxing (From EP#114) Watch EP #771 on YouTube! Text us or leave us a voicemail: +1 (212) 433-3TCB FOLLOW US: Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@thecommercialbreak⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/thecommercialbreak⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@tcbpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.tcbpodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CREDITS: Hosts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bryan Green⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ &⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Krissy Hoadley⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Executive Producer: Bryan Green Producer: Astrid B. Green Voice Over: Rachel McGrath TCBits / TCBits Music: Written, Voiced and Produced by Bryan Green To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I pull back the curtain and share something honest:I don't know where this podcast is going.I've thought about quitting.I've thought about moving to YouTube.I've thought about going solo and ditching the guest format altogether.I'm in a transition — and rather than resisting it, I'm finally letting it be what it is.I know something is being birthed through me, and I can feel the aliveness in that.Truthfully, I feel like I am winning the divine lottery.Not in the sense that I'm chasing it…In the sense that I already have it.It's here. I am it.From there, I dive into something else that's been stirring in me —This silent apology so many of us women carry around for our bodies.We apologize for the parts of us that take up space.We feel the need to explain, shrink, or justify how we look or what we feel.I talk about how I've had so many invisible symptoms, chronic pains that no one can see —And how that's shaped my compassion for others living with invisible struggles.We've been conditioned to search for what's wrong with us.But what if…There's nothing wrong with you?That's the message of this episode.A reclamation.A remembering.A return to enough-ness — as you are.

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In this quick episode, I share what has been going on with the podcast and why I haven't been uploading. The truth is, that I am taking a step back from the show. I explain why and what comes next. Part of the episode is me reading off a post that I wrote, which you can read below. ------ I think it's time to let go of my podcast. Episode 1 of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast aired on 3/16/2016. Nearly 450 episodes later, I think it might be time to let it go. When I began the show, podcasting wasn't cool. This was before Huberman Lab and Diary of a CEO. This is before every influencer had their own podcast. I certainly wasn't one of the first podcasts, but I was in the cohort of podcasters that were influenced by Pat Flynn, Cliff Ravenscraft, and Daniel J. Lewis. Podcasts were the up and coming way to generate an audience and scale your craft. For me, this was a way to bring mental health content to the masses. In 2014, I released my first book, Hardcore Self Help: F**k Anxiety. I wrote this during my pre-doctoral internship at Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. The book was written and published in a matter of a couple weeks, driven by my frustrations with the mental health field following my wife's hospitalization (more about that in my TedX talk). Since the market was not yet saturated with potty-mouth self-help books, it was a hit and quickly became my primary source of income. With the popularity of the book came emails and direct messages asking me questions. As someone who was working toward becoming licensed as a psychologist, it was important that I didn't give out direct advice to people in a private forum unless I had an established care relationship with the person. That's when I realized I could make my childhood dreams of having a newspaper advice column come true by starting a podcast. Truthfully, this was not my first foray into podcasting. I tried to start a podcast about the 90s with my friends called The Good Old Days, but that failed to launch. Then I had a podcast that ran for a good while called The Voices Among Us, in which I interviewed unhoused people on the street about their lives. Those experiences meant that I had the tools and knowledge necessary to launch the Hardcore Self Help Podcast. And man, has it been great. I have had the opportunity to answer questions about anxiety, relationships, sexuality, school, neuroscience, medications, abusive families, PTSD, depression, bipolar, autism, mushrooms, ketamine, queerness, blackness, multiculturalism, gender identity and so much more. I've been able have great conversations with Seth Godin, Dr. Andrea Letamendi, Kati Morton, Gary Bishop, Dr. Anna Yusim, Tiffany Jenkins, Jenn Harris, Dr. Patrick McGrath, Tony Weaver Jr., Dr. Judy Ho, Dr. David Burns, and many others. And yet, as the years of the podcast march on, the interest is waning. I will always have pride for being something of an O.G. in the mental health podcasting space, but as my wife said recently, it's important to make room for other voices and to not force something that isn't working. I wouldn't say the podcast isn't working, but it certainly isn't what it once was. At one point in time, I was getting enough listens to garner thousands per month in advertising revenue. These days, I'm lucky if an episode hits 5,000 listens in a month. To be clear, that is still a substantial amount, but for the hours that I put into the podcast, the decline in listenership over time becomes hard to justify at a certain point. Here's a graph from my podcast hosting platform so you can see what I mean:  I worry a bit about coming off as ungrateful or just chasing numbers. Hopefully it's clear that I am immensely proud of what I've been able to do with the podcast and so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have a platform like this. I have a folder in my email with feedback from people that I have answered questions for, and trust me when I say there is no better pick-me-up on a rainy day than reading through some of them. However, ultimately, I need to figure out the best path forward for myself, for my career, and for my family. Unfortunately, a lot of that comes down to income right now. I need to make more money. While I get many benefits from continuing the podcast, it is no longer lucrative, and it takes up a great deal of time and mental space to maintain. As someone who always has my hands in many pies, I need to take a step back every so often to re-evaluate my priorities. To weigh the pros and cons of each facet of my career and life and determine where I should be increasing or decreasing my focus. Between my clinical work as a neuropsychologist and therapist, podcasting, writing books, giving professional talks, and being a presence for my family and loved ones, there isn't an obvious answer. But there is one that I am begrudgingly starting to admit to myself. I haven't even made an actual change yet, and I am already starting the grieving process. This project has been so incredibly important to me and central to my life. It's like letting go of a child. In fact, as I'm writing this, my 10-year-old just came in and told me that he doesn't want me to quit. Sigh… these choices are never easy. I should know – once upon a time, I wasn't known as Duff The Psych, I was known as the ASMRtist, Justawhisperingguy. And just like there are some OGs out there who have stuck around since my first ASMR videos, there will be OGs who are still with me a decade from now that started following me from my first podcast episodes. So, all of this begs the question: What now? I don't think I am going to be cutting off the podcast cold turkey. For one, I don't have any interest in getting rid of the entire back catalogue, so I'm not going to suddenly stop paying for my podcast host. I also may occasionally come back to post something on the podcast feed if I record an interview or have the bug to make some content. My Youtube channel will continue to be the primary platform where I release longform content. But it's time to take a big step back. It's time to find another avenue to continue building and engaging with my audience. It's time to put some effort into marketing my next book. It's time to stop stressing out because the kids are taking a long time to go to sleep or are being too loud so I can't record. It's time to take a deep breath and step off into the next stage of my life and career. Whatever the hell that may turn out to be.   Love, Robert

Instead of asking, “Am I past my prime?” we should be asking:“Am I living this stage of life with purpose and perspective?” Ecclesiastes invites us to live in light of eternity—not to despair over what we’ve lost, but to rejoice in how much time we still have to glorify God. Whether your “second act” looks like a new calling, a slower pace, or mentoring others—you’re still in the story God is writing. Think of Sarah, Paul, Noah—some of their most meaningful work happened later in life. “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” – Ecclesiastes 12:13 That’s your calling, whether you’re 18 or 80. Join the Conversation:We want to hear from you! How are you embracing your current season of life? Have you discovered a new purpose in your “second act”? Leave a comment on today’s episode, or share your story on Instagram using #Lifeaudionetwork. Let’s encourage one another to live well—no matter what chapter we’re in. Full Transcript Below: Looking Forward to the Second Act By: Laura Bailey “Anyone who is among the living has hope —even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!” Ecclesiastes 9:4 NIV Turning my head from side to side, lifting my eyebrows, and pulling back the skin around my chin, I wondered if it was time for me to start an anti-aging routine. I turn 40 in six months, and truthfully, until a few weeks ago, the approaching descent into middle age didn’t bother me. Most of my friends are in their forties and fifties, and their lives seem to be thriving; they didn’t take going over the hill as their life was over. Instead, it was almost as if they started living. Most were experiencing the perks of older children or an empty nest, reaping the benefits of a successful career, or embracing a slower pace where they could finally stop and smell the roses. And yet, I couldn’t shake the persistent accusing voice that dominated my thoughts, “the best years are behind you.” We live in a society that elevates youth over maturity, but God’s word says the opposite. Proverbs 16:1 tells us that gray hair is a crown of glory, and Job 12:12 shows that more trips around the sun bring more profound knowledge and rich experiences to our lives. Scripture tells us to honor our elders, to respect them, and to glean wisdom from their lifetime of lessons. The “second act” of our lives can be even better than the first half, especially if we live with the proper perspective. The book of Ecclesiastes invites readers to experience the benefits of a life in light of eternity. One of the book's central themes is the reality of our mortality, which shouldn’t drive us to despair but encourage us to ask, “Am I using my time on earth well?” What does it mean to live life well? Solomon, Ecclesiastes's author, tells us in verse 12:13, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” God created humanity with a purpose to glorify Him and make Him known. As the author of our lives, God divinely appoints the days, when we will be born and depart from this earth. Every stage, season, decade, or year serves a purpose, as Ecclesiastes 9:4 tells us that while we have breath in our lungs, we have hope! Not only that, but our lives have a purpose, no matter how many candles are on the cake. We don’t have to fight the signs of aging, cling to the memories of yesterday, or long for youth. Instead, we can embrace God’s plan and purpose for a new life stage. Perhaps, like Sarah, in our second act, the Lord grants a request we’ve been praying about for decades ( Genesis 21:1-7). Maybe God will call us to a completely different career path, project, or passion, like Paul ( Acts 9). Or, potentially, God will make room for you to rest, shedding the weight of the responsibilities of your younger years and having time to invest in the next generation before you go to glory like Noah ( Genesis 6-9). I don’t know what the Lord has planned for me next. Truthfully, my life is not what my 18-year-old self would have envisioned for my forties. But it is beautiful, and I am assured that it will be infinitely better than I had planned because of God’s providence. I am learning that God is more interested in my heart’s posture than my productivity. This allows me freedom and grace to age well, knowing that I am fulfilling my purpose as long as I bring God glory and honor. And well, that looks different in different seasons of life. I pray that as the years tick by, I grow in spiritual maturity and biblical wisdom and that my life always looks more like Christ today than it did yesterday. The best is yet to come, if not in this life; those of us in Christ have the promise of eternity. The end of earthly existence is not the end but only the beginning. May we use the time the Lord grants us well, making the most of every season as we live in light of eternity. Intersecting Faith and Life: A friend once encouraged me to stop asking, “What does God want me to do?” and instead think, “Who does God want me to serve?” This season, take some time to consider your current circumstances. Who can you serve, show God’s love, or pray over? For Further Reading: Hope if You Aren’t Living Your Best Life Now The Aging Process: Life is Seasonal Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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Send us a textThis week on Haunt Weekly, we're looking on the bright side of life and finding seven reasons that the 2025 haunt season may be amazing.Truthfully, this was a tough episode to write. However, there is some genuinely good news and some ways haunts could be an in-demand experience this fall.This Week's Episode Includes: 1. Intro2. Question of the Week3. Conference Reminders 4. 7 Reasons the 2025 Haunt Season is Looking Great5. ConclusionsAll in all, this is one episode you do NOT want to miss!NPR Article: https://www.npr.org/2025/05/13/nx-s1-5395866/us-china-tariffs-trade-dealGet in Touch and Follow Us!Facebook: @HauntWeeklyTwitter: @HauntWeeklyYouTube: @HauntWeeklyEmail: info@hauntweekly.com

Send Us Your Prayer Requests --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

The centre of the world. It's a funny concept, really, because on a planet with 8 billion people, the world's attention never settles on any one event or thing for much more than a moment. Most of the time you would probably argue that the world's attention is divided and scattered. It takes an historic moment, something really big, truly significant, to hone those 8 billion sets of eyes to one point. And to be there in person, to actually experience it for yourself is to be an eyewitness to history. I met a guy who was on his OE in Europe in 1989 when he woke up one morning and heard maybe something was stirring. He hustled to a train and ended up with his photograph in the New York Times, tearing down the Berlin Wall. Truthfully, I can't compete with that. But by the nature of my job, I guess I've been fortunate to witness some reasonably significant events, first hand. I sat there as Pope Francis addressed the General Assembly of the United Nations. I've seen Presidential inaugurations, Obama speaking on the mall. I was there in the room in 2016 when Donald Trump strode into a Philadelphia arena and formally accepted the Republican nomination for President of the United States. Something tells me that despite our geographic isolation, New Zealanders are good at sniffing out big historic moments. It could be a regal one – a royal wedding of a funeral? It can be a tragic event like witnessing the 9/11 attacks. Sport can be a good one. I saw Leo Messi score for Argentina at the opening game of the 2014 Football World Cup. That was special. And I was sitting on the finish line when Usain Bolt won the 100m at the Rio Olympic Games. Sometimes it takes luck. Sometimes it takes money. And sometimes it takes an exclusive kind of privilege that almost none of us will ever have. Take a papal conclave. There might be 1.4 billion Catholics on the planet, but only those cardinals who were in the room will ever truly know what it was like to be a part of that conclave. Just being outside in St Peters Square would be an incredible experience; the moment everyone saw the white smoke. But just imagine being inside. If you were to divide the number of followers worldwide by every man in that room, there are more than ten million Catholics for each individual cardinal. But only those cardinals will know what it's like to be there in person, to see the votes tallied, to hear the new Pope choose a name. The world's attention might have been focused on the Vatican, waiting for the smoke, but for this moment, only a tiny few were there. 133 eyewitnesses to a moment in history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send Us A Message or Ask Us A Question? Join host Savia Rocks on this captivating episode of the Us People Podcast as she gets emotional and into a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Natalie Micale, CEO - Growth Strategist, Entrepreneur, and Head of Business Development. Together, they unpack the realities of building a thriving business, the power of creative thinking, and the deeply personal stories that shape who we become. Natalie opens up about her tumultuous childhood, the pivotal moments that could have changed her life's course, and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, teamwork, and the art of transformation, offering listeners a roadmap to growth, both in business and in life.Key highlights from this episode:- Discover how Natalie's business fuels growth for other businesses with strategy and empathy.- The huge impact of relationships on personal and professional development.- A candid look at Natalie's childhood and the unforgettable moment her mother was arrested.- How adversity became a catalyst for her entrepreneurial drive.- The role of creativity in shaping identity and unlocking hidden potential.- Building a rock-solid team and a culture of collaboration.- Natalie's reflections on the alternate paths her life could have taken.- Savia and Natalie's honest conversation about vulnerability and authenticity in leadership.- Practical tips for overcoming challenges and staying motivated.Insightful stories and empowering advice you won't hear anywhere else.Tune in for inspiration, real talk, and a celebration of growth in every sense of the word!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemicale/Thank you so much, Natalie, for showing us that we shape our own path within life.There are so many ways that our life can turn out, but we have the key to make the choices to shape it in our own way through our choices. - Savia RocksSupport the show

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When you faithfully behold the glory of Christ and relish in the way he lived, his Spirit will transform you so that you resemble your Savior, gradually becoming more beautiful – more like Psalm 15.-------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.   Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Truthfully, being tall can be an isolating experience. I mean, it's very rare to have a moment where you can just feel like everyone else. Whenever you walk into a room, you're immediately noticed and get stares. People feel the need to make comments about your height. You see that cute fit your friends are wearing? Yeah, you can't wear that because it's not long enough. Experiences like these add up over time, causing us to feel like the odd one out constantly. Like the world treats you differently because of something you can't control. After a while, you start to wonder if there's a place for you or just anyone who can understand or relate or literally treat you like a normal human being. Today, I will be breaking down why many of us tall women feel this silent loneliness and why we shouldn't downplay this or pretend it doesn't affect us. Ok, was this a bit dramatic?? Maybe. But also not really. Because high school me/middle school me felt this way. Felt really isolated, felt like the odd one out. And I wanna say super early on that this episode is to not complain about being tall or hating on it. Because I know people will say “oh you're so lucky to be tall”  and bla bla bla like I get it. For real. Being tall is a blessing but it also has its trying moments. People will call you the weirdest names. And say the most heinous things about your body and height. Strangers will stare and point at you in public. Even your friends will say/do some shady things. All of this is on top of the fact that you're hyper-aware of your height in public and are constantly comparing your height to your shorter peers.When living in a world where many people are shorter than you, it can be hard. Truthfully. If you can relate, I highly recommend checking this episode out! Buy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/atallgirlspodcast Subscribe to A Tall Girl's Newsletter: https://atallgirlspodcast.beehiiv.com/subscribeLet's stay connected: https://beacons.ai/atallgirlspodcast Leave a review and let me know how tall you are: https://atallgirlspodcast.com/reviews

Do you feel like the powerhouse in the wrong community? Do you feel disconnected from your community? Well you probably are because you're trying to pour so much while not allowing yourself to disrupt the “peace” you created for others while creating chaos within yourself. So now the test I have for you which is usually “the stress + the mess” I need you pass it. Trust your self during the stress and actually do the work and pass the test. You are in your own way trying to save everybody while silencing yourself. Your voice matters just as much as what you pour from your cup. Truthfully you silly anyways for pouring so much out and not pouring any in. With all this being said love yourself enough to trust yourself

In his 1962 book, Propaganda, Jacques Ellul outlines three conditions for propaganda's success. Bombard people with excessive information so they will forget, always have “breaking news” so they do not reflect or think critically, and have no North Star or standard to measure deviation. As Christians we are called to remember, called to think, and called to follow our certain and firm North Star. Dr. Stephen J. Nichols, president of Reformation Bible College and chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries, discussed how a Christian worldview speaks to these conditions and encourages us to both speak and live truthfully in difficult times.Support the show

Ben Tatlow takes off his artist-hat and puts on his label head-hat for a great round-2-interview with Mike about the ins & outs of running his label family of Echoes Blue Music, slow echo, and more. (Truthfully, Ben doesn't have to take off his artist-hat in order to wear the labelhead-hat... he does both at the same time with grace & poise. But it makes for some good wordplay, so there you go)Got any questions you want answered in an upcoming episode? Email us at podcast@all-ambient.com.The all:ambient podcast is a part of the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠all-ambient.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ family – the best site to license ambient/cinematic music for your next film, video, or creative project. The⁠⁠⁠⁠ all:ambient Discord server⁠⁠⁠⁠ is now live! Come join the community & conversation with a bunch of like-minded artists & creators. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Join us here⁠⁠⁠⁠ – you'll need to create a Discord account if you've never done so – and welcome to the all:ambient family!Podcast exclusive – use code ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠PODCAST25⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get 25% off any purchase at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠all-ambient.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Premium music, curated bundles, and a streamlined experience just makes life better for anyone looking to license some of the best music out there.the all:ambient podcast is an inside look at the incredible artists in ambient music, digging into creative processes, hearing untold stories, and following the rabbit trail to wherever that conversation may lead.Don't forget to leave a review and text a friend or fellow musician about the podcast. We really appreciate it!

Heist time! MONEY PLANE brings us a classic professional-thief-redemption plot, and who better to lead this ragtag group of high stakes thieves than the Rated-R Superstar himself, Edge? And you know what, throw in Fraiser Crane smoking cigars and threatening everyone just for the hell of it. Truthfully, this one was a rough watch, but we had fun tearing it apart and we think you will too. Find us online: Instagram: @bmoviebeatFacebook: The B Movie BeatdownEmail: thebmoviebeatdown@gmail.com Letterboxd: @Petedown @SlenderJames  

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Who is the most loyal person you've ever known? A parent? Spouse? Friend?Truthfully, we all crave loyalty. It gives us a sense of safety. We feel that if there is some loyalty in our world, it's like a warm blanket on a cold night. Life seems less scary.As we discuss the role of Jesus in our personal stories, it is good to remind ourselves often of ultimate loyalty. In turn, it encourages us to be loyal to that One person we can always count on. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”Jesus gives us loyalty that cannot be broken. Are we willing to stay true to Him, as well? In other words, if life's road gets rough, do we stay on the path He has set for us? Like Peter, we tend to think nothing could pry us from Jesus, but our choices can do that. Then we regret being disloyal to Christ. Resolve to never let that happen to you. Keep His sacrifice for you in your mind and heart. That will help you stay true to Him when life isn't so great.He promised to never leave you. Tell Jesus that you love Him for that, and keep your eyes looking ahead to the eternity He has made for you.Let's pray. Lord, make us strong in our loyalty to our Savior. Then let that light shine for those who see us. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Few frills, no gimmicks, just good food. That's what you'll find at Madison's many strip mall eateries. But which ones are the best? Truthfully, it depends on who you ask. These spots are special and deeply personal. To get the scoop on Madison's best strip mall restaurants, we turned to the lovely readers of our Madison Minutes newsletter to get their takes. To dig deeper into these recommendations, we spoke with none other than Cap Times food and culture editor Lindsay Christians, who also just published an article on the subject. Join us every Thursday as we explore Madison's food culture, from the brewers and bakers to the chefs and cheesemakers. Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm. We're also on Instagram!  Want more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Subscribe to the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.  Looking to advertise on City Cast Madison? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.  Learn more about the sponsors of this March 20th episode: Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These days there seems to be a propensity to diagnose normal life challenges as some kind of condition. Truthfully, for the majority of us in society life has never been easier or come with more access to a lot of what we need. Yet we still find reason to complain. ADVENTURE WITH ME ONLINE PROGRAMS 1-ON-1 MENTORINGSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textRandom thoughts from a mad man. That could be the title of this episode. I sat down with not much to talk about and made it over an hour. Truthfully, I am listening back to make sure I didn't go off the rails. I did record 9 minutes that I stopped. Listen for that 9 mins on a future episode. Anyway, enjoy the harvest. 

What do matching bike fits and cordless air tools have in common? Truthfully, very little, but you'll hear them both discussed in this week's episode of Geek Warning.Join Ronan Mc Laughlin, Dave Rome, and Zach Edwards as they discuss these topics on their minds, plus share the latest in tech.Listeners on our free feed will get a whole hour, meanwhile members of Escape Collective get treated to an extra geeky 30 minutes with Dave Rome and pro race mechanic Brad Copeland answering listener questions.Time stamps:3:30 - Our methods, tips, and tools for matching fit between bikes25:00 - On our mind: Air powered tools versus an air compressor39:40 - PSA: Don't forget your computer mount42:00 - Cannondale's new Topstone45:20 - Vittoria has a 29 mm road tyre just for wide rims50:10 - Specialized has a busy week of new tyres51:45 - Ari's new Signal Peak 3.0 cross-country bike53:30 - State Bicycle's budget Carbon All-Road59:39 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland1:03:00 - Repairing bikes for friends (member-only)1:10:30 - Do jockey pulley wheels have a direction? (member-only)1:18:15 - Is there a benefit to warming a chain? (member-only)1:25:30 - Tips for removing frayed cables from shifters (member-only)

James 5:12

Horror is one of my favorite genres and I've often heard horror creators on the show talk about avoiding a modern setting in their work. How do you deal with technology, cell phones, and social media? It's way easier to just drop it in the nostalgia of the 80s before much of that happened and we've seen an explosion of popular IPs set in the era of Pac Man and MTV, but what if you had a horror story with a social media influencer as the protagonist putting their experience front and center in front of a live worldwide audience? That's the hook of the new five issue mini-series Dark Pyramid from Mad Cave Studios and I'm lucky enough to have co-creators Eisner Winning comics writer Paul Tobin and his extraordinary artist accomplice PJ Holden to tell us all about it on today's episode. Truthfully, prior to my interest in this book, I didn't know all that much about the Dark Pyramid in Alaska. Conspiracy theorist I am not, but it does make for an interesting backdrop to this folk horror take in rural Alaska. We get into how the myth inspired some of the book's elements, how using a protagonist who is documenting their life live works in a horror story, and PJ tells us all about his experience starting improv. Dark Pyramid hits shelves on March 12th. Paul's website: https://www.paultobin.net PJ's website: https://www.pauljholden.com From the publisher Hooky Hidalgo, adventurist and popular live streamer, has gone missing while climbing Mt. Denali in Alaska! When his girlfriend, Becca, arrives at the base of the mountain to retrace his steps, she soon discovers something beyond the dreamy and impressive landscape. There's a conspiracy deep within the heart of Denali itself—a dark pyramid, silent, waiting. Becca—and the scores of Hooky fans determined to either find him or find some fun—will face death, avalanches….and monsters to find the truth. PATREON We have a new Patreon, CryptidCreatorCornerpod. If you like what we do, please consider supporting us. We got two simple tiers, $1 and $3. I'll be uploading a story every Sunday about some of the crazy things I've gotten into over the years. The first one dropped last week about me relocating a drug lord's sharks. Yes, it did happen, and the alligators didn't even get in the way. Want to know more, you know what to do. Arkenforge Play TTRPG games? Make sure to check out our partner Arkenforge. They have everything you need to make your TTRPG more fun and immersive, allowing you to build, play, and export animated maps including in person fog of war capability that let's your players interact with maps as the adventure unfolds while you, the DM get the full picture. Use the discount code YETI5 to get $5 off your order. Global Comix Save on a subscription to GlobalComix with us. Visit the link below and use the discount code COMICBOOKYETI. https://globalcomix.com/lp/promos/af/comicbookyeti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IHP YouTube video podcast episode made available to our other IHP podcast platforms. IHP content is for people who are interested in topics, stories, & guidance for spiritual, self-help, personal development, spirituality journey, the 5D mystic path, & enlightenment the human way. The content resonates with the human love narrative, not the human suffering narrative. Don't tune in if you don't love life & humanity because this won't be for you. Don't tune in if you still believe in evil or the devil. Topic not ideal for ego-sensitive or emotionally sensitive people. Please don't tune in. Thank you! All IHP content resonates with people who are or want to be emotionally aware, accountable, & self-regulate. The 5D Mystic Enlightenment Functional Adult Expanding Consciousness - Channeled Guidance and/or Tarot-Oracle Reading Messages and/or the IHP Channeled Guidance and/or Tarot-Oracle Reading Messages are for people who interested in topics, stories, & guidance for personal development, self-help, spirituality journey, the 5D mystic path, & enlightenment the human way. The episodes are for people who know relationships are important to our humanity and to help people who take their humanity and childhood trauma seriously and are healing and/or healed from it; as well as for navigating the 5D Ascension Energies and/or Personal Development Expansion of Consciousness, your Inner Growth journey. The IHP content resonates with the human love narrative, not the human suffering narrative. Don't tune in if you don't love life & humanity because this won't be for you. Don't tune in if you still believe in evil or the devil. Topic not ideal for ego-sensitive or emotionally sensitive people. Please don't tune in. Thank you! All IHP content resonates with people who are or want to be emotionally aware, accountable, & self-regulate. The content is for people who are or want to be self-aware, accountable & want to establish functional adult secure attachment emotionally mature behaviors & relationships in life. Your humanity is living a life of meaning & connection beyond the solo-self, as is the true spirituality life. We welcome all people of all walks of life to reclaim their inner child & live their inner child adult, to pursue integration of the brain & restorative embodied self-aware life in time & through healthy self-worth functional adult secure attachment 5D relationships. IHP podcast host Maria Florio shares voices, stories & perspectives from her 5D mystic enlightenment functional adult life to give examples of what it's like to know emotional self-regulation skills, experience secure attachment, have functional adult conversations & experiences & 5D relationships. This and more is what the IHP content and community is all about. Welcome and thanks for tuning in! Love, Maria your 5D mystic enlightenment functional adult woo-woo pseudoscience lady IHP podcast host talking about the amazing journey of human evolution & consciousness ♾️

Truthfully there was so much on this morning's show that we had to throw in some additional bonus content with this edition of 'Instant PODification'. Did you miss Left on Read or Am I The A-Hole? Or maybe you missed who on the show was accused of being a serial killer because of this move before the first date. Well, you can check out all of the highlights from this morning on demand now with our free NEW and improved iHeart Radio App!

Episode 210 How 2 Style Sensers! First show in 2025 so let me get right to it, have you ever wanted something but looking back you became glad that you didn't get said thing? I think about three things that at one point wanted to have in my life (so I thought) which turned out putting me on a better path. Life happens as it's designed to be along with your effort, I'm learning more and more every day. Peep the events from life that I share and reflect on your own as to how you became the person that you are today. If you're fortunate enough, its a blessing to spend time with your grandparents. Many lessons, to do and not to do by doing so. Removing the labels and just seeing them humans who have walked the earth a bit longer that you have. All in all, there's so much about life that can be learned from grandparents. I talk about some moments spent with them throughout life. Lastly, in my unasked for opinion, style is everything to me! It brings out much of your personality when you free yourself to embrace various ways you can formulate an attire. Why does it matter though? Truthfully, it doesn't matter when it comes to just living life, however it's a tool that can be very useful navigating through life with society and how it engages with you based on people and their preconceived perceptions of you. I believe you'll appreciate this perspective on the topic of fashion and what it means to me. May God and His Universe remove any negative energy you may have stored from reading this. If you dig the episode, click love and share on your page. Help build the tribe of healing

It's time to pick up your folding chair and bring it to the table for this fantastic episode with Hilary Haron!Have you ever faced the emotional turmoil of leaving behind a career that defined you? Hilary shares her heartfelt narrative about the complexities of stepping away from the family dealership after its sale, revealing feelings of irrelevance and the challenge of finding a new identity. Our candid discussion revolves around mourning what was once integral to one's life while recognizing the benefits and practicalities of career change, especially in an industry that often moves on without a backward glance.Join us as we explore Hilary's mission to create a supportive community for women in the automotive sector, driven by her challenges and the desire to establish a genuine environment of empowerment. Listen to her inspiring anecdotes about ensuring women's voices are heard and celebrated. Check out Hilary's "A Road Less Traveled" podcast and her exciting mastermind initiative designed to empower and support career-oriented individuals in crafting their brand identity inside and outside the industry. A Road Less Traveled:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-road-less-traveled-podcast/id1728522909Hilary's Website & AAA Mastermind:https://hilaryharon.com/Hilary's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/hilaryharon/

The extraterrestrial comedy podcast where we probe our most mischievous but kind of pointless festive trouble-makers yet, the Christmas Goblins. Known in ancient antiquity such as ancient greek culture as Kallikantzaros, these things have been rodeo'ing strangers and weeing on flowerbeds in between trying to cause the end of the world. For millennia. But can we find any evidence of their existence? What if we told you that we can? Allegedly. Truthfully. If you were born on one of the twelve days of Christmas, you just might turn in to one of these creatures. Unless someone singed your toes as a baby… All that and more on this week's episode (released two days earlier than usual - Happy Christmas probers).     Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/butitwasaliens   Store: https://butitwasaliens.co.uk/shop/     Probe us: Email: butitwasaliens@gmail.com Instagram/Threads @ ButItWasAliens Twitter @ ButItWasAliens Facebook: @ ButItWasAliens - join Extraterrestrial Towers     Music:  Music created via Garageband. Additional music via: https://freepd.com - thank you most kindly good people. We closed out the episode with the 'Staff Roll' aka credits theme from Nintendo's 1990-1992 Super Mario World from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, composed by Hero of Sound Kōji Kondō.    Sources: Archaeology dot com: https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2016/04/01/the-goblins-kαλικάντζαροι-of-the-twelve-days-of-christmas/    Argophilia: https://www.argophilia.com/news/kallikantzaroi-greek-christmas-goblins/232499/amp/    Hannah Fielding: https://hannahfielding.net/goblins-of-greek-folklore/   Boxing Day Wrecking Spree of 2020 via Edinburgh News: https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/disgusting-boxing-day-vandals-went-on-vehicle-wrecking-spree-in-musselburgh-3079519   The Five Bus Stop Spree of Moorthorpe via Wakefield Express: https://www.wakefieldexpress.co.uk/news/five-bus-stops-on-single-road-mindlessly-vandalised-in-boxing-day-rampage-176184

There is no doubt about it, having a training lab is a wonderful asset to have for elevating the quality of your training...until it isn't. Truthfully, much like any tool, it depends on how it is used and whether it is part of a bigger picture. Today on Shift Break we will be talking about the good and the bad of training labs. You don't necessarily need one, but if you do have a lab or are wanting to create one, then this episode will help you create it and use it in a way that produces more than just classroom knowledge, but real world skill.   Related episodes: 505: Maintaining Excellence in the Everyday Work of Coffee Shops w/ Maxwell Dashwood SHIFT BREAK: Minding Our Business SHIFT BREAK: Detail Oriented Staff Starts With You You Need to Prioritize In-House Training! INTERESTED IN CONSULTING AND COACHING? If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min    Thank you to out sponsors! Everything you need for back of the house operations https://rattleware.qualitybystainless.com/   The best and most revered espresso machines on the planet: www.lamarzoccousa.com  

In this episode, we're going to talk about how to overcome the fear of taking risks in your business so that you can thrive as an entrepreneur. Being an entrepreneur means embracing calculated risks, even when they feel intimidating. While I naturally lean towards high-risk opportunities, I always assess the risk-reward ratio before taking the leap. Risk-taking in entrepreneurship isn't about being reckless—it's about being strategic. Truthfully, there are moments when I'm absolutely terrified of the risks required to grow as an entrepreneur. I know how overwhelming it can feel to push beyond your comfort zone. So, how do I manage it? How can you determine if a risk is worth taking? And what steps should you take after overcoming those entrepreneurial fears? Let's explore five practical strategies to help you confidently navigate risk-taking as an entrepreneur. Action Plan: 1 - Evaluate the risk: Take the time to write down and analyze the potential risks in your business, whether financial, emotional or otherwise. This will help you gain clarity and reduce anxiety about taking the leap. 2 - Start small: Begin by taking on smaller, low-stakes risks to build your confidence. Completing these smaller challenges will show you that risks don't have to be as daunting as they may seem. 3 - Create a risk wish list: Make a list of the bigger risks you know you need to take, and revisit it regularly. This will keep your intentions clear and motivate you to follow through. 4 - Focus on the rewards: Visualize the potential benefits and opportunities that could arise from taking a particular risk. Let this positive outlook propel you forward through the initial fear. 5 - Reward your progress: Give yourself small treats and celebrations when you successfully take on a risk, no matter how big or small. This positive reinforcement will strengthen your risk-taking mindset. Further Reading: 7 Reasons Why Risk-Taking Leads to Success (Huffington Post) Get in touch with Megan if there is a specific mindset and self-care topic you'd like her to cover. Website | Instagram

Nik's answering YOUR questions as we wrap up 2024. What were some fails? What are we gonna see more of in 2025? First, does Nik have a recommended team structure for DTC teams? Truthfully, it depends—you should have enough for each person to have a main duty—but DTC teams tend to work best on the leaner side.  Then, Nik talks about revenue from each channel and how that differs between consumables and other products. Is there a sweet spot, or does it all vary from brand to brand? Plus, you shouldn't discount your existing customers if you don't need to—and Nik reveals why providing a gift with purchase might be a better idea.  Visit motionapp.com or watch a demo of Motion here Don't forget to check out Nik's helpful hacks here: nik.co/tiktokads nik.co/everydaydose Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips.   Check out the Nik's DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ   And if you're looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik's most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts.   Follow Nik: Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma

Hey Sis! Are you in an unexpected season right now? Truthfully, no season should be spent waiting for the next one. There's always a way to enjoy the season that you're in. So whether you are heartbroken or simply desiring a relationship, you can reframe your thoughts to find joy in this season while you heal and prepare for the next season. Get your pen and paper and press play to get these tips.   ***Important Update—this week's Black Friday Sale is being rescheduled for Cyber Week, starting Tuesday 12/2/24. Resources and Services FREE End of Year Reflection Journal (Limited Time) My YouVersion Bible Plans  Goodbye Heartbreak Hello Purpose, 365-Day Devotional (Use coupon code PODCAST10 at checkout for a 10% discount) Grieving The Living Ecourse 60-minute Heartbreak Coaching Session  My TeePublic Merch (Tee shirts, mugs, toes, pillow, and so much more) Get a FREE Hello Fresh box on me Free prayer:  A Prayer To Move On After A Broken Heart Facebook group:  The Healing Heartbreak Community Instagram: @goodbyeheartbreakhellopurpose Let me know what topics you want me to discuss or questions you want me to answer on the podcast. Send me a message here!   ***Check out these episodes that are related to this one   Ep. 144 6 Tips To Enjoy Your Single Season As a Christian Woman Ep. 178 Keys To Contentment As a Single Christian Woman  Ep. 194 How Gratitude Helps You Heal After a Breakup   Sis, are you enjoying the content from the show and want to support? Here's 2 easy things you can do: 1. Make sure you are subscribed to the podcast wherever you listen and 2. Leave a 5-star written review on Apple Podcast (grab your friend's phone for a second if you're not an Apple user lol). Know that I really appreciate you!