Podcasts about unexpected joy

Flexera Founder @joinflexera, Hannah Joyce @hannahleighjoyce joins me for a brilliant, honest chat about going alcohol-free at 26 and what's possible when you stop breaking promises to yourself. Six years off the booze, Hannah shares the signs that were there from the start: brutal hangovers, lingering anxiety and that inability to “just have one or two”. We talk about how COVID was a forced pause, the unexpected stepping stones (skincare, exercise, journaling), reading The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober and the pink cloud also and what happens when it fades. Plus: how sobriety gave Hannah the clarity and confidence to build Flexera, bringing Reformer Pilates home with folding reformers and an app. Hannah's story is deeply inspiring and gives us some idea of how life can expand in the most incredible ways when we choose to leave the booze behind. Enjoy!Find out more about flexera at www.joinflexera.coomIf you are interested in Alcohol Free Coaching go to www.greyareadrinker.ie, email olivia@greyareadrinker.ie or simply send a DM to Olivia over on instagram @greyareadrinker

This is an excerpt from: E170 | The Unexpected Joy of Sobriety (w/ Catherine Gray)Catherine Gray is the best selling author of The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober (2017). In addition to her books she has also been published in The Guardian, Stylist, The Telegraph, Grazia and The Lancet Psychiatrist. Her most recent book Little Addictions (2026) is out now. Today we discuss her journey to sobriety, the hidden role alcohol can play in mental health, and why giving it up can lead to a richer, more joyful life. We also explore the psychology of addiction, behaviour change, how one can strengthen their long-term thinking, why uncertain rewards are so addictive, the unexpected downside of gossiping and much more. Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist in-training. Website: alexcurmitherapy.comCheck out The Thinking Mind  on Substack: https://substack.com/@thinkingmindpodcastIf you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line.Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for behaviour change coaching , you can email: alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line.Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

What happens when you linger and look closely at a piece of art? Nathalie Ryan, an educator from the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., guides us through a slow looking practice shown to help deepen your sense of awe, presence, and connection.How To Do This Practice: Choose an image to focus on: Pick a piece of art, photograph, postcard, or even a recent photo from your phone that captures a natural or urban scene. Don't overthink it—choose something that draws your attention. Begin with a few slow breaths: Take a moment to settle into the present. Deepen your inhale, lengthen your exhale, and allow your breathing to slow the pace of your day. Let your eyes wander slowly: Scan the image without rushing. Notice the light, colors, shapes, patterns, textures, and details that begin to emerge as you spend more time looking. Imagine yourself inside the scene: Engage all of your senses. What might you hear, smell, feel, or taste in this place? Allow yourself to step into the environment with your imagination. Notice how the scene changes: Picture the image at different times of day and throughout the seasons. Reflect on how the light, colors, atmosphere, and activity might shift over time. Reflect on what arises: Pause to notice any emotions, memories, thoughts, or sensations that surfaced during the practice. Consider what changed when you gave yourself permission to look more slowly. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.Today's Happiness Break Guide:NATHALIE A. RYAN is a Senior Educator at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, where she has led programs for educators, families, teens, and the adult public since 2002.Related Happiness Break episodes:How To Ground Yourself in Nature: https://tinyurl.com/25ftdxpmPause to Look at the Sky: https://tinyurl.com/4jttkbw3Experience Nature Wherever You Are, with Dacher: https://tinyurl.com/mrutudehRelated Science of Happiness episodes:Cities of Awe Series: https://tinyurl.com/2vyhxvnyHow Cities Can Make Space for Awe: https://tinyurl.com/yr7m2zb5What Humans Can Learn From Trees: https://tinyurl.com/48te84psFollow us on Instagram: @ScienceOfHappinessPodWe'd love to hear about your experience with this practice! Share your thoughts at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or use the hashtag #happinesspod.Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapHelp us share Happiness Break! Leave a 5-star review and share this link: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/mt4mcw3m

Olivia Farrelly is an alcohol free coach and mentor. In this day and age more and more of us are becoming sober curious or certainly questioning our relationship with alcohol. This 'grey area drinking' where we turn to alcohol to soothe or celebrate is exactly what Olivia and Stef are discussing in this week's episode. As Olivia says you don't have to hit rock bottom to assess your relationship with alcohol.You can find Olivia at https://greyareadrinker.ie/ or on Insta at @greyareadrinker. She also hosts the podcast No More Booze.Olivia mentioned the book The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober by Catherine Grey Stef McSherry is a mum of 2 and a pre-school activity specialist, working with that age group for over 20 years.Stef is also the creator of the award - winning, multi - activity programme Kinderama. If you're looking for imaginative classes for your pre-schooler check out www.kinderama.com.And if you want to spark some imaginative play at home why not take a look at https://irishfairytails.com/Become a curious mermaid or a brave dragon with these beautiful book and tail sets! Thanks for listening to the podcast, I hope it helps in some way. Please tell a friend or share an episode or Follow/ Subscribe/Review so I can keep continue to produce free and essential parenting content.Want to ask a question or suggest a guest? Email themummind@gmail.comJoin us on Instagram:Stef: @kinderama @irishfairytailsThe Mum Mind: @themummindpodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vic had to properly brace herself for this one… sitting down with Catherine Gray, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober.This is the book that completely changed the course of Vic's sobriety. The one that, for the first time, made an alcohol-free life feel exciting rather than something to endure. So yes… she tried not to gush. No promises.As expected, Vic and Catherine had plenty to share. Catherine's latest book Little Addictions dives into all the little things we lean on, the scrolling, the snacking, the busy distractions, the habits that don't look like a problem… but might quietly be running the show.From favourite reality TV to chewing gum habits and even watching traffic on the M25, nothing is off limits.Together they unpack what “little addictions” really are, and why, as sober people, we might find it easier to quit the big things… but struggle to moderate the small ones.Confused? Don't worry, it all makes sense.And if you fancy listening to two grown, sober women who have both been arrested in the past… you're in luck. (Brixton 1, Brighton 1)No shame here, but lots of laughs and honesty!

I Was Thinking:  Katie Wilson says Housing is a Human Right // GUEST: King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn. King County workers return to the office — to protest RTO mandate // The Unexpected Joy of Talking to Strangers as I Get Older 

GUEST: Todd Meyers joins us for Earth Day // GUEST: King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn. King County workers return to the office — to protest RTO mandate // The Unexpected Joy of Talking to Strangers as I Get Older 

Catherine Gray is the best selling author of The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober (2017). In addition to her books she has also been published in The Guardian, Stylist, The Telegraph, Grazia and The Lancet Psychiatrist. Her most recent book Little Addictions (2026) is out now. Today we discuss her journey to sobriety, the hidden role alcohol can play in mental health, and why giving it up can lead to a richer, more joyful life. We also explore the psychology of addiction, behaviour change, how one can strengthen their long-term thinking, why uncertain rewards are so addictive, the unexpected downside of gossiping and much more. Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist in-training. Website: alexcurmitherapy.comCheck out The Thinking Mind  on Substack: https://substack.com/@thinkingmindpodcastIf you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line.Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line.Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

Kelley Fox and Rev. Terry Williams tackle the topic of evolving spirituality, exploring options for how you can both outgrow the religious practices of your childhood and simultaneously grow into a deeply meaningful spirituality that doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful. Through discussions of their own personal evolutions in spiritual practice, Kelley and Rev. Terry help listeners understand the compelling benefits of finding a spirituality that works for you, including the impact a healthy spiritual life can have on reproductive freedom advocacy and community building. Links to discussed content:  Saturn Return: What is it? https://www.chani.com/astro-education/saturn-return Resurrecting the Goddess Interview Pt. 1: https://faithchoiceohio.podbean.com/e/resurrecting-the-goddess-liberating-christianity-with-the-divine-feminine-part-1/ Pagan Sabbats: https://www.learnreligions.com/eight-pagan-sabbats-2562833 The Gospel According to Ricky Bobby: https://mbird.com/film/the-gospel-according-to-ricky-bobby/ The Unexpected Joy of Being Bad at Something: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/possibilitizing/202502/the-unexpected-joy-of-being-bad-at-something Spirituality & Spring Cleaning: Practices to Help You Find Focus: https://www.faithchoiceohio.org/blog/spirituality-and-spring-cleaning-practices-to-help-you-find-focus Music by Korbin Jones

Fluent Fiction - Danish: Mismatched Socks Unite: A Tea Salon's Unexpected Joy Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/da/episode/2026-03-24-22-34-01-da Story Transcript:Da: Midt i påsketiden, da forårsblomsterne begyndte at pynte Københavns gader, trådte Mikkel ind i sin yndlings tesalon.En: In the middle of the Easter season, as the spring flowers began to adorn the streets of København, Mikkel stepped into his favorite tea salon.Da: Det var en hyggelig lille butik, indrettet med varme lamper, og de træfarvede borde var perfekt uens.En: It was a cozy little shop, decorated with warm lamps, and the wood-toned tables were perfectly mismatched.Da: Den aromatiske duft af teer fyldte luften, blandet med en svag summen af samtaler og den lejlighedsvise klirren af tekopper.En: The aromatic scent of teas filled the air, mingled with a soft hum of conversations and the occasional clinking of teacups.Da: Mikkel havde en mission.En: Mikkel had a mission.Da: Han ønskede en stille plads til at færdiggøre sin universitetstese, mens han nød en kop af sin favorit, grøn jasminte.En: He wanted a quiet place to finish his university thesis while enjoying a cup of his favorite, green jasmine tea.Da: Hans sind var letvægts, men også lidt distraheret.En: His mind was light, yet slightly distracted.Da: Han bemærkede ikke den lille detalje, der snart skulle blive samtalepunktet for dagen.En: He didn't notice the small detail that would soon become the talk of the day.Da: Da han satte sig ved det lille borde i hjørnet og tog sin bærbare computer frem, så han Sofie og Anders ved et andet table.En: As he sat down at the small table in the corner and pulled out his laptop, he saw Sofie and Anders at another table.Da: Sofie, med sine briller og notesbog, arbejdede koncentreret.En: Sofie, with her glasses and notebook, worked intently.Da: Anders lænede sig tilbage og studerede menukortet med et smil.En: Anders leaned back and studied the menu with a smile.Da: Mikkel rakte ud efter sin taske og stoppede et øjeblik.En: Mikkel reached for his bag and paused for a moment.Da: Da han kiggede ned på sine fødder, så han det: to sokker i helt forskellige farver og mønstre.En: When he looked down at his feet, he saw it: two socks in completely different colors and patterns.Da: Den ene sok var lyserød med blå prikker, mens den anden var grøn med skotsktern.En: One sock was pink with blue dots, while the other was green with plaid.Da: Sofie kiggede op og grinede, da hun spottede Mikkels fødder.En: Sofie looked up and laughed when she spotted Mikkel's feet.Da: "Mikkel, er du begyndt på en ny mode?"En: "Mikkel, have you started a new fashion trend?"Da: Mikkel lo højt, et glimt af forlegenhed i hans øjne, men han besluttede hurtigt at omfavne situationen.En: Mikkel laughed loudly, a hint of embarrassment in his eyes, but he quickly decided to embrace the situation.Da: Hans tanker kredsede om en idé, spontan og lunefuld.En: His thoughts hovered around an idea, spontaneous and whimsical.Da: “Måske skulle vi holde en sokkemodekonkurrence!” foreslog han.En: “Maybe we should hold a sock fashion contest!” he suggested.Da: Butikken fattede interesse.En: The shop took interest.Da: En efter en trak patrons deres stole hen mod Mikkels bord.En: One by one, patrons dragged their chairs over to Mikkel's table.Da: Alle begyndte at rulle bukserne op og vise deres egne skøre sokker.En: Everyone began to roll up their pants and show off their own quirky socks.Da: Det blev hurtigt til en leg, hvor farverige kombinationer blev udstillet.En: It quickly became a game, where colorful combinations were displayed.Da: Mikkels tavse eftermiddag blev en højlydt og glædesfyldt konkurrence.En: Mikkel's silent afternoon turned into a loud and joyous competition.Da: "Og vinderen er... alle sammen!" udbrød Anders, hvilket fik en bølge af latter til at skylle gennem lokalet.En: "And the winner is... everyone!" exclaimed Anders, which brought a wave of laughter through the room.Da: Ejerne af tesalonen, der havde nydt forestillingen, besluttede at belønne Mikkel med en gratis pot te.En: The owners of the tea salon, who had enjoyed the spectacle, decided to reward Mikkel with a free pot of tea.Da: "For at bringe smil og latter til vores butik," sagde de med et nik.En: "For bringing smiles and laughter to our shop," they said with a nod.Da: Som eftermiddagen gled over i aften, indså Mikkel noget nyt.En: As the afternoon turned into evening, Mikkel realized something new.Da: Han havde troet, han kun havde brug for stilhed og te.En: He had thought he only needed silence and tea.Da: Men nu forstod han, at nogle gange kunne en simpel fejl føre til uventede forbindelser.En: But now he understood that sometimes a simple mistake could lead to unexpected connections.Da: Og i de øjeblikke fandt han en glæde, der overskred perfektion.En: And in those moments, he found a joy that transcended perfection.Da: Mikkel forlod butikken med sin laptop, men hvad han bar med sig vigtigere - var en lektie om at omfavne ufuldkommenheder og finde fællesskab i latter.En: Mikkel left the shop with his laptop, but what he carried with him more importantly was a lesson about embracing imperfections and finding community in laughter.Da: Og så gik han ud i Københavns gader, et nyt, varmt minde iboende hans skridt.En: And so he walked out into the streets of København, a new, warm memory accompanying his steps. Vocabulary Words:adorn: pyntecozy: hyggeligaromatic: aromatiskemingled: blandethum: summenclinking: klirrenthesis: teseslightly: lidtdistracted: distraheretdetail: detaljenotebook: notesbogintently: koncentreretplaid: skotskternspotted: spottedeembarrassment: forlegenhedembrace: omfavnespontaneous: spontanwhimsical: lunefuldpatrons: patronsquirky: skørecombinations: kombinationerdisplayed: udstilletspectacle: forestillingreward: belønnetranscended: overskredimperfections: ufuldkommenhederjoyous: glædesfyldtlesson: lektieconnections: forbindelsercommunity: fællesskab

Menopause is not a medical condition or gateway to decline. In this special series devoted to widening our circle of empathy for people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood, watch this illuminating episode featuring Shirley Weir, founder of Menopause Chicks.As one of Canada's most trusted voices in women's health, Shirley cuts through the stigma and misinformation about perimenopause and menopause. Instead, she reframes this mid-life transition as an invitation, arguing that the first generation of women to turn 50 have another 50 quality years ahead  of them - and that changes everything.Together, we discuss:How estrogen affects not just your ovaries but your brain, heart, bones, and sleepWhy sleep disruption is one of the most overlooked and consequential symptomsThe truth about hormone therapy The staggering cost of menopause to organizations without a planExtending empathy to women with menopausal symptomsThis conversation addresses the urgent need to reframe menopause as an invitation for women to invest in their health and quality of life for the decades ahead.00:00 Preview01:04 Introduction 02:58 About Shirley Weir04:58 Shirley's backstory06:55 What is perimenopause?11:12 Symptoms of menopause14:56 Shirley Weir's book, The Unexpected Joy of Menopause19:36 Hormone therapy as a first-line treatment for menopause24:11 Unpacking physiological changes in women's bodies29:36 Menopause at work: what employers are getting wrong or missing entirely35:58 The real cost of ignoring menopause at work42:23 How understanding your hormones empowers you at the doctor's office45:13 Perimenopause & libido: Why intimacy changes in midlife50:21 How partners can be more supportive without trying to fix everything54:33 Menopause as a social issue; not a personal one57:48 Shirley Weir's Purposeful Empathy storyCONNECT WITH SHIRLEY✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirleyweir/✩ Website https://menopausechicks.com/✩ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/menopausechicks/ CONNECT WITH ANITA✩ Email purposefulempathy@gmail.com ✩ Website https://www.anitanowak.com✩ Buy a copy of Purposeful Empathy http://tiny.cc/PurposefulEmpathyCA✩ LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitanowak/✩ Instagram https://tinyurl.com/anitanowakinstagram✩ Podcast Audio https://tinyurl.com/PurposefulEmpathyPodcast✩ Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/anitanowak.bsky.socialSHOW NOTES✩ Feel Amazing: Your Invitation to Rethink Perimenopause, Menopause & Postmenopause https://fliphtml5.com/ctghh/euqe/✩ Menopause Chicks Community https://www.facebook.com/groups/MenopauseChicks✩ Shirley's White Paper https://6c96db96-14e3-4d32-b814-5ff916437257.usrfiles.com/ugd/6c96db_f06bcf5cc9ba46fa84a9582af7b8ede1.pdf ✩ Extent and Health Consequences of Chronic Sleep Loss and Sleep Disorders https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK19961/Video edited by Jad Misri, Green Horizon Studio

Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come in the form of interruptions. Today, we revisit a powerful moment in Acts 3, when a man who had been paralyzed since birth asked for a few coins, but instead received a life-altering miracle through Jesus. He didn't expect anything more than a handout, but what he got was healing, freedom, and the ability to walk, leap, and praise God for the first time in his life. As we step into this new year, maybe what we need most isn't what we've been asking for, but what God is already preparing to give us. Don't miss the joy that can come from a holy interruption. It might be exactly what your soul needs today.Pursuing God with Gene Appel is designed to help you pursue God, build community, and unleash compassion. Grounded in Scripture and shaped by Eastside's conviction that God's grace is for everyone, each episode invites you to discover God's presence and activity in your life.

Fluent Fiction - Hungarian: The Unexpected Joy of the Budapest Christmas Quest Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/hu/episode/2025-12-27-23-34-02-hu Story Transcript:Hu: A Karácsonyi Piac ZűrzavaraEn: The Chaos of the Christmas MarketHu: A belvárosi kávézó ablakából nézve a Duna csillogó vizén megcsillannak Budapest karácsonyi fényei.En: From the window of a downtown cafe, the sparkling waters of the Duna reflect the Christmas lights of Budapest.Hu: A kávézó tele van vidám emberekkel, akik forralt bort kortyolgatnak és karácsony hangulatú dekorációk között beszélgetnek.En: The cafe is filled with cheerful people sipping mulled wine and chatting among Christmas-themed decorations.Hu: Gábor, az alapos könyvelő, és Eszter, a kíváncsi újságíró, az egyik asztalnál ülnek, amikor Lajos, a kissé ügyetlen nyugdíjas belép a kávézóba.En: Gábor, the meticulous accountant, and Eszter, the curious journalist, are sitting at one of the tables when Lajos, the somewhat clumsy retiree, enters the cafe.Hu: Lajos nagy sietségben van.En: Lajos is in a great hurry.Hu: Egy baleset következtében összecserélte a táskáját a Télapóéval a karácsonyi vásárban, és fogalma sincs, hogyan találja meg az igazit.En: Due to an accident, he mixed up his bag with Télapó's at the Christmas market, and he has no idea how to find the real one.Hu: „Segítsetek nekem, könyörgöm!” mondja zihálva, miután elmeséli a történetét.En: "Help me, please!" he says, panting after recounting his story.Hu: Eszter szemei felcsillannak a történet hallatán, és alig várja, hogy egy új kalandra induljanak.En: Eszter's eyes light up upon hearing the story, and she eagerly anticipates embarking on a new adventure.Hu: Gábor eleinte szkeptikus.En: Gábor is initially skeptical.Hu: Nem szereti a spontán dolgokat.En: He doesn't like spontaneous things.Hu: De Eszter lelkesedése magával ragadja, így beleegyezik, hogy csatlakozik a kereséshez.En: But Eszter's enthusiasm captivates him, so he agrees to join the search.Hu: Elindulnak a karácsonyi vásár felé.En: They set off toward the Christmas market.Hu: A hó kristályosan szitál a járdára, a karácsonyi dalok hangjai mindenféle árus standjáról hallatszanak.En: Snow lightly dusts the sidewalk, and the sounds of Christmas songs can be heard from all sorts of vendor stalls.Hu: Lajos aggódik, hogy a gyerekek nem kapják meg a karácsonyi ajándékokat, ha nem találják meg időben a Télapót.En: Lajos worries that the children won't receive their Christmas presents if they don't find Télapó in time.Hu: Miközben átfurakodnak a tömegen, meglátják a színpadot, ahol Télapó éppen megkezdi a játékok kiosztását.En: As they push through the crowd, they spot the stage where Télapó is just beginning to distribute the toys.Hu: Lajos kétségbeesetten keres egy utat a tumultusban, és Eszter segítségével próbálják eljutni a színpadhoz.En: Lajos, desperate, searches for a way through the crowd, and with Eszter's help, they try to reach the stage.Hu: Gábor ekkor elkezd élvezni a káoszt és a váratlan fordulatokat; izgatottan veszi ki részét az eseményekből.En: Gábor starts to enjoy the chaos and unexpected turns; he eagerly takes part in the events.Hu: A végén éppen akkor érik el a színpadot, amikor Télapó kezébe veszi a hibás táskát.En: In the end, they reach the stage just as Télapó picks up the wrong bag.Hu: Lajos sikeresen megcseréli a táskákat a Télapóval, éppen időben.En: Lajos successfully swaps the bags with Télapó, just in time.Hu: Ennek köszönhetően a gyerekek megkapják az ajándékaikat, és az egész rendezvény sikerrel zárul.En: Thanks to this, the children receive their presents, and the entire event concludes successfully.Hu: A kávézóba visszatérve Lajos hálásan megköszöni a segítséget, Eszter pedig már az új sztoriján gondolkodik.En: Returning to the cafe, Lajos gratefully thanks them for their help, while Eszter starts thinking about her new story.Hu: Gábor pedig, boldogan mosolyogva ráébred, hogy az ilyen spontán kalandok néha a legjobb dolgokat hozzák az életbe.En: Gábor, smiling happily, realizes that such spontaneous adventures sometimes bring the best things in life.Hu: És így a három társ ünnepli együtt a karácsony igazi varázsát, a barátságot és a nevetést.En: And so the three friends celebrate the true magic of Christmas together, friendship, and laughter. Vocabulary Words:chaos: zűrzavarmeticulous: alaposcurious: kíváncsiclumsy: ügyetlenretiree: nyugdíjaspanting: zihálvaanticipates: alig várjaskeptical: szkeptikusspontaneous: spontáncaptivates: magával ragadjagratefully: hálásanswap: megcsereembarking: induljanakadventure: kalanddistribute: kiosztástumult: tumultusunexpected: váratlanconclude: zárulsparkling: csillogódusts: szitálvendor: árusstalls: standjárólevent: rendezvényrecounting: elmesélieagerly: izgatottanhurry: sietségthanks: megköszönicelebrate: ünneplirealizes: ráébredlaugher: nevetést

Fluent Fiction - Norwegian: The Unexpected Joy of Astrid's Chaotic Christmas Bash Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/no/episode/2025-12-21-23-34-02-no Story Transcript:No: Snøen lå som et mykt teppe over Astrids gård.En: The snow lay like a soft blanket over Astrid's farm.No: Det var vinter, og julelysene blinket overalt.En: It was winter, and the Christmas lights twinkled everywhere.No: Astrid sto utenfor låven og så på den koselige gården.En: Astrid stood outside the barn and looked at the cozy farm.No: Hun hadde lyst til å lage den mest imponerende julefesten i bygda.En: She wanted to host the most impressive Christmas party in the village.No: Leif, hennes gode venn, sto ved siden av henne og beundret synet.En: Leif, her good friend, stood beside her and admired the view.No: "Klar til å hjelpe?En: "Ready to help?"No: " spurte Astrid.En: asked Astrid.No: "Vi har mye å gjøre før julaften.En: "We have a lot to do before Christmas Eve."No: ""Selvfølgelig," svarte Leif med et varmt smil.En: "Of course," replied Leif with a warm smile.No: Han hadde alltid vært der for Astrid, men hadde aldri klart å fortelle henne hvor mye han brydde seg.En: He had always been there for Astrid, but he had never managed to tell her how much he cared.No: Sigrid, naboen, kom over med en kurv full av saft og pepperkaker.En: Sigrid, the neighbor, came over with a basket full of juice and gingerbread cookies.No: "Tid for en pause, dere to arbeidssomme!En: "Time for a break, you two hard workers!No: Jeg ser at Knut er der borte,” sa hun lattermildt, og pekte på geiten Knut, som tittet ut fra bak låven.En: I see Knut is over there,” she said with a laugh, pointing at Knut the goat, who peeked out from behind the barn.No: Knut, den nysgjerrige geiten, likte å skape litt kaos på gården.En: Knut, the curious goat, liked to create a bit of chaos on the farm.No: Han hadde en tendens til å dukke opp når man minst ventet det, og Astrid måtte stadig rydde opp etter ham.En: He had a tendency to show up when one least expected it, and Astrid often had to clean up after him.No: "Jeg håper han holder seg unna festforberedelsene," mumlet Astrid bekymret.En: "I hope he stays away from the party preparations," Astrid muttered worriedly.No: Dagene gikk, og Astrid jobbet hardt.En: The days went by, and Astrid worked hard.No: Hun pyntet huset, laget mat og planla den perfekte festen.En: She decorated the house, cooked food, and planned the perfect party.No: Men Knut hadde andre planer.En: But Knut had other plans.No: En dag, da hun skulle sette opp et vakkert juletre i stua, hørte hun bråk bak seg.En: One day, as she was setting up a beautiful Christmas tree in the living room, she heard a ruckus behind her.No: Knut hadde klart å komme seg inn og snuset rundt på bordet.En: Knut had managed to get in and was sniffing around the table.No: Han snudde seg og, i et øyeblikk av forvirring, kastet han seg ut døra, med en av Astrids dekorasjoner i munnen.En: He turned around and, in a moment of confusion, dashed out the door with one of Astrid's decorations in his mouth.No: Astrid kunne ikke hjelpe å le litt.En: Astrid couldn't help but laugh a little.No: "Den geiten," sukket hun.En: "That goat," she sighed.No: Leif så alt fra utkanten av rommet.En: Leif watched everything from the edge of the room.No: Han gikk bort til Astrid, la hånden på skulderen hennes og sa, "La oss fikse dette sammen.En: He went over to Astrid, placed a hand on her shoulder, and said, "Let's fix this together."No: "Endelig kom julaften.En: Finally, Christmas Eve arrived.No: Gården glitret i lyset av de mange lysene, og gjestene begynte å ankomme.En: The farm glittered in the light of the many lights, and guests began to arrive.No: Astrid ønsket alle velkommen med et stort smil, mens Leif hjalp til med å sette frem maten.En: Astrid welcomed everyone with a big smile, while Leif helped set out the food.No: Alt gikk som planlagt, helt til Knut gjorde sitt store inntog.En: Everything went as planned, until Knut made his grand entrance.No: Midt i festen smatt han inn gjennom døra og løp rett mot midtpunktet, bordet med desserter.En: In the middle of the party, he slipped in through the door and ran straight towards the center, the dessert table.No: Med et brak og latter fra gjestene, endte Knut opp med å velte kaken.En: With a crash and laughter from the guests, Knut ended up knocking over the cake.No: Astrid så på rotet og skulle til å beklage, men Leif avbrøt henne og sa høyt til alle, "Det er den delen av festen vi kaller 'Knut-showet!En: Astrid looked at the mess and was about to apologize, but Leif interrupted her and loudly said to everyone, "This is the part of the party we call the 'Knut-show!'No: ' Ingen fest er komplett uten litt Knut-kaos!En: No party is complete without a little Knut-chaos!"No: "Det fikk hele gruppen til å bryte ut i smil og latter.En: This made the whole group break out in smiles and laughter.No: Da tok Leif sjenert Astrids hånd.En: Then, Leif shyly took Astrid's hand.No: "Kanskje vi også kan ha vårt eget øyeblikk," sa han med et snev av nervøsitet i stemmen.En: "Maybe we can also have our own moment," he said with a hint of nervousness in his voice.No: De begynte å danse til en av de gamle julemelodiene som spilte i bakgrunnen.En: They began to dance to one of the old Christmas melodies playing in the background.No: Varme blikk fra venner og et øyeblikket av realisering var alt som trengtes.En: Warm glances from friends and a moment of realization were all it took.No: Astrid skjønte at festen ikke trengte å være feilfri for å være perfekt.En: Astrid realized that the party didn't need to be flawless to be perfect.No: Da natten snek seg inn, fylte latter, vennskap og litt uventet kjærlighet luften på gården.En: As night crept in, laughter, friendship, and a bit of unexpected love filled the air on the farm.No: Astrid omfavnet kaoset, og innså at ekte glede ble funnet i øyeblikkene man minst ventet.En: Astrid embraced the chaos, realizing that true joy was found in the moments one least expected.No: Leif, styrket av kvelden, visste han hadde gjort det rette ved å avsløre følelsene sine.En: Leif, strengthened by the evening, knew he had done the right thing by revealing his feelings.No: Dette skulle bli en julefest de aldri glemte, og Knut var selvfølgelig midtpunktet for en ny tradisjon - "Knut-showet", til alle gjestenes store glede.En: This would be a Christmas party they would never forget, and Knut was, of course, the centerpiece of a new tradition—the "Knut-show," much to the delight of all the guests. Vocabulary Words:blanket: teppeimpressive: imponerendeadmired: beundretcosy: koseligebasket: kurvgingerbread cookies: pepperkakerchaos: kaostendency: tendensmuted: mumletdecorated: pyntetruckus: bråkconfusion: forvirringlaughed: lattermildtglittered: glitretdessert: desserterapologize: beklageinterrupted: avbrøtshyly: sjenerthint: snevrealization: realiseringcrept: snekembraced: omfavnetchaos: kaosrevealing: avsløreforgotten: glemtcenterpiece: midtpunkttradition: tradisjondelight: gledevillage: bygdunexpected: uventet

Joy in the context of Advent is not escapism, pleasantry or emotional detachment. It is prophetic defiance. This week we hear the story of Elizabeth and Mary proclaim joy not as avoidance of pain but as the response of a people who know God dwells with the lowly. This Sunday, we celebrate the important joy of this […]

Ben Fike Will to Dream - Advent 2025

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Advent 2025: Unexpected Joy | Luke 1:1-25

Dive into Mary's “Magnificat,” her famous hymn of praise, as we explore some of the stresses held by Jesus's mother while she clung to the hope of security in God's provision. Speaker: Pastor Jae Newman Part of the series “The Will to Dream: Persistent courage to imagine, resist, and rebuild a better world.”

God of surprises, you interrupt our world with joy and hope beyond our wildest dreams. When we feel forgotten or despair, bless us with your holy joy. When our world feels barren, bless us with the gift of possibility. We pray as people of deep faith, entrusting ourselves and our world to the holy unknown, brought to birth in Jesus, our light and life. Amen.

Another episode from the season: Booknotes, where Pilar shares the notes she made while reading a book, allowing new insights to emerge spontaneously behind the microphone. In today's episode: Part 1 Pilar shares her booknotes from:  The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary by Catherine Gray Favourite highlight: "Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have."   And don't forget to check out Connection and Disconnection in Remote Teams, the book! Part 2: Personal Updates If you're interested in the future book The A to Z of Spanish Refrains, sign up here: https://atozofspanishculture.com/2025/01/16/n-is-for-un-libro-nuevo/ Pilar talks about her recent experience recording for an audioguide (the producer was great!), how her writing is going (the cozy mystery, not so great) and her ongoing learnings as Pilates teacher. pilarwrites.com

November 30, 2025 | Unexpected Joy | Pastor Shannon DeVries

Fluent Fiction - Mandarin Chinese: From Pumpkin Prank to Thanksgiving: A Dorm's Unexpected Joy Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/zh/episode/2025-11-14-08-38-20-zh Story Transcript:Zh: 踢踏长廊里，凉爽的秋风轻轻拂过，让落叶在古老的寄宿学校的院子里翩翩起舞。En: In the long corridor, the cool autumn breeze gently swept through, setting the fallen leaves dancing in the courtyard of the ancient boarding school.Zh: 梁是个活泼的男孩，总爱搞恶作剧。En: Liang was a lively boy, always fond of playing pranks.Zh: 今天，他已经精心计划了一场能逗笑宿舍主任田老师的恶作剧。En: Today, he had carefully planned a prank to amuse Teacher Tian, the dormitory supervisor.Zh: 在宿舍的公共休息室里，梁和他的好友美正在窃窃私语。En: In the dormitory's common lounge, Liang and his friend Mei were whispering to each other.Zh: 梁用手肘轻轻碰了碰美，压低声音说：“我准备了一个南瓜派，想把它放在田老师的办公桌里。En: Liang nudged Mei with his elbow and said in a low voice, "I have prepared a pumpkin pie, and I want to put it on Teacher Tian's desk.Zh: 等她走进来时，看到派肯定会大吃一惊！”En: When she walks in, she will definitely be surprised!"Zh: 美皱了皱眉头，劝道：“你要小心，田老师非常严格，En: Mei furrowed her brows and advised, "Be careful, Teacher Tian is very strict.Zh: 她可能不会欣赏这样的玩笑。”En: She might not appreciate such a joke."Zh: 梁却毫不在意，En: But Liang wasn't concerned at all.Zh: 他咧嘴一笑说：“放心吧！我只是想给她带来一点乐趣。”En: He grinned and said, "Don't worry! I just want to bring her a bit of joy."Zh: 然而，当天晚上，事情却未按梁的计划进行。En: However, that night, things did not go according to Liang's plan.Zh: 那天，田老师正好宣布要在所有学生出发回家前进行一次严格的宿舍检查。En: On that day, Teacher Tian had announced a thorough dormitory inspection before all students left for home.Zh: 一时间，大家忙着整理自己的房间，全然忘记了梁那份隐藏的南瓜派。En: Suddenly, everyone was busy tidying their rooms, completely forgetting about Liang's hidden pumpkin pie.Zh: 检查开始前，梁忍不住紧张起来。En: Before the inspection started, Liang couldn't help but feel nervous.Zh: 他瞟向美，后者露出了担忧的神情。En: He glanced at Mei, who showed a worried expression.Zh: 然而，为时已晚，田老师已经推开了公共休息室的门，她在桌上一眼就发现了南瓜派。En: However, it was too late, as Teacher Tian had already pushed open the common lounge door and immediately spotted the pumpkin pie on the table.Zh: “这是怎么回事？”田老师惊讶地问。En: "What is this?" Teacher Tian asked in surprise.Zh: 话音未落，一名同学恰巧经过，被椅子绊了一跤，En: Before she could finish her sentence, a student happened to pass by and tripped over a chair.Zh: 手中的书飞了出去，不巧打翻了南瓜派。En: The book in his hand flew out, accidentally toppling the pumpkin pie.Zh: 派飞向空中，然后砰的一声落在一个正好站在附近的同学脸上。En: The pie flew into the air and landed with a splat on the face of another student standing nearby.Zh: 事情突然变糟，公共休息室里爆发了一场即兴的食物大战。En: Suddenly, things took a turn for the worse, and an impromptu food fight erupted in the common lounge.Zh: 没过多久，往日严肃的田老师竟抵挡不住笑意，笑得让她的眼泪也流了出来。En: Before long, the usually stern Teacher Tian couldn't resist smiling, and she laughed so hard that tears began to roll down her face.Zh: 学生们见状，也开始齐声大笑，并挽起袖子帮忙清理混乱。En: Seeing this, the students also started laughing together and rolled up their sleeves to help clean up the mess.Zh: 尴尬的梁最后决定承认自己是这场闹剧的始作俑者。En: The embarrassed Liang finally decided to admit that he was the mastermind behind the prank.Zh: 他走到田老师面前，诚恳地说：“田老师，对不起。En: He approached Teacher Tian and sincerely said, "I'm sorry, Teacher Tian.Zh: 我只想让大家快乐些。”En: I only wanted to make everyone a bit happier."Zh: 田老师轻轻点了点头，说：“看到大家笑得这么开心，我想这也是不错的意外收获。”En: Teacher Tian nodded gently and said, "Seeing everyone laugh so heartily, I think this was a pretty good unexpected outcome."Zh: 当晚，宿舍里的学生和田老师一起举办了一场即兴的感恩节庆祝活动，分享着剩余的南瓜派和其它小吃。En: That evening, the students in the dormitory and Teacher Tian held an impromptu Thanksgiving celebration, sharing the remaining pumpkin pie and other snacks.Zh: 梁终于明白了，有时，不同的人之间，笑声是最好的桥梁。En: Liang finally understood that sometimes, laughter is the best bridge between different people.Zh: 即使是最严厉的老师，也有温柔的内心。”En: Even the strictest teacher has a gentle heart.Zh: 窗外落叶簌簌作响，把一切风波轻轻掩盖。En: Outside, the leaves softly rustled, quietly covering all the commotion.Zh: 冬天即将来临，但在这温暖的房间里，大家的心被连结在了一起。En: Winter was approaching, but in this warm room, everyone's hearts were connected. Vocabulary Words:corridor: 长廊breeze: 秋风courtyard: 院子boarding school: 寄宿学校lively: 活泼prank: 恶作剧whispering: 窃窃私语nudged: 碰了碰furrowed: 皱brows: 眉头inspection: 检查tidying: 整理nervous: 紧张spotted: 发现tripped: 绊了一跤toppling: 打翻stern: 严肃outcome: 收获approaching: 接近commotion: 风波impromptu: 即兴mastermind: 始作俑者sincerely: 诚恳admit: 承认gentle: 温柔rustled: 簌簌作响bridge: 桥梁heartily: 开心tightly: 紧紧chattering: 嗯放

**Thank you for supporting this ministry, I lovingly refer to as "The Little Green Pasture." Click here: PayPal: http://paypal.me/JoanStahl **Please prayerfully consider becoming a ministry partner: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/joaniestahl **Contact Email: jsfieldnotes@gmail.com **Subscribe to me on Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-534183Are you tired of striving? In a world that constantly tells us to be strong and self-sufficient, discover the profound, soul-deep rest that comes from surrendering completely to God. This message explores the unexpected beauty of complete dependency on our Creator and the hard lessons that gently guide us into the most powerful peace available—the peace that only Jesus Christ offers.​Based on the incredible promise in John 14:27 ("Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."), we dive into what it truly means to experience His peace. It's not just the absence of conflict; it is the ultimate rest in God—a perfect, joyful stillness found right in the middle of life's storms.​You'll discover the boundless, enduring love God has for us that is revealed as we let go of control and step into this perfect, joyful rest. Stop trying to earn your peace and start receiving the gift already given. This message is for anyone who longs to trade anxiety for absolute assurance in His unfailing love."Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace. If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you will know what His will is." - Amy CarmichaelDiscover the ultimate rest in God based on John 14:27. Learn the beauty of complete dependency on Jesus Christ for perfect, joyful peace and freedom from anxiety.

Send us a text What if the very moments that break your heart could also crack it open to unprecedented joy? Join Jill Baughan as she reveals the art of discovering profound delight not despite our sorrow, but woven directly through it. Support the showBe sure to subscribe and rate us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other forums you use. Check out Transformed on FB.

If you would like all this lovely content without the adverts then follow the link https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/calming-anxiety--4110266/supportBook your one on one hypnotherapy with Martin - https://calendar.app.google/rXHMt8sRYft5iWma8Take back control over your negative thoughts and calm pain and anxiety with this beautiful course in conjunction with The Physio Crew - https://offers.thephysiocrew.co.uk/home-pain Don't forget the app and now all our podcasts are also on YouTube.Gift the app to a loved one, friend or colleague - https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/shop/calming-anxiety-gift-subscription/Try out the new , beautiful and simple breathing challenge to help you relax.https://www.martinhewlett.co.uk/breathing-challenge/Don't forget to download app....Calming Anxiety for IOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/calming-anxiety/id1576159331Calming Anxiety for Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digital.waterfront.calming.anxiety&hl=en-GBPlease download and enjoy.If you have found benefit from my podcast I do have a "buy me a coffee" page which helps to fund the hosting costs and all the time. :)https://www.buymeacoffee.com/calminganxietyI am always open to requests and tips as I try to help as many people as possible .My email is calminganxiety@martinhewlett.co.ukFor those younger listeners struggling with the stress of social media, do check out this amazing website. https://www.icanhelp.net/If you have found benefit in any of our podcasts then it would really help if you could subscribe as well to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/c/martinhewlett?sub_confirmation=1Backing Music by Chris Collins============Affiliate links to the gear I use the items that give me a more tranquil life.Rode Podmic - https://amzn.to/3LN1JEdZoom Livetrak L8 - https://amzn.to/36UCIbySony ZV 1 - https://amzn.to/3JvDUPTGoPro Hero 8 Black - https://amzn.to/372rzFlDJI Mini 2 - https://amzn.to/3NQfMdY=============================Items I use for a more relaxed way of life :)

For most of us, the word “service” doesn't inspire a lot of excitement. “Service” sounds like time-consuming, energy-consuming work that probably won't be much fun to do. So no wonder we often feel a mix of guilt and defensiveness when someone approaches us with an invitation to serve. And yet, Scripture consistently portrays “service” as an unmatched source of profound joy. So in today's sermon, we'll allow Scripture to challenge some of our assumptions and help us to discover why “service” may be the very thing we need to experience true joy in the midst of our insanely busy lives. Join us as we continue our series, “Pillars of Joy.”  Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:29-5:2 VOLUNTEERING: https://kindrednc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/473745   Share: Know someone who needs this message right now? Send them the link! Connect: https://rb.gy/0gguyc Give: https://pushpay.com/g/kindredumc Prayer: https://rb.gy/xwmuok Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/kindrednc.church/kindreds-latest-8-10-2025

The Torah's allure is so powerful, rabbis had to warn against misusing it. Exploring the concept of "limud" (learning) unique to Deuteronomy, we uncover the rabbis' complex relationship with Torah study. From the joy of learning to the fear of misuse, the discussion spans intentionality, secular study, and the power of Torah to attract even non-believers. We delve into the debate between studying "lishma" (for its own sake) vs. applied learning, and examine how different Jewish movements approach Torah study. The rabbis recognized the profound allure of Torah study, to the point where they had to warn against misusing it for personal gain or pride… or even to make a living. We explore the emergence of the academic and scientific study of our texts as well as contemporary women's yeshivot and secular yeshivot and different rabbinic opinions on the matter, from those who believe any Torah study can lead to observance to those who fear misinterpretation. The segment provides insight into an ongoing debate within Judaism about the nature and purpose of sacred text study. We conclude with the potential for new insights to arise from diverse groups studying Torah highlighted with the fascinating Talmudic story of Rabbi Meir learning from the heretic Elisha Ben Abuya, illustrating the idea that valuable wisdom can come from unexpected sources. Key Takeaways The word "limud" (learning) appears only in Deuteronomy, signaling a shift in Torah transmission. Rabbis grappled with the allure of Torah study for non-religious purposes. The debate continues: should Torah study be restricted to believers or open to all? Timestamps [00:00:00] – The episode opens with a provocative framing: Can the Torah survive being studied like secular literature? [00:02:00] – Discussion on Tisha B'Av and the idea that Torah learning brings too much joy to be permitted on a day of mourning. [00:03:00] – Story from Rabbi Riskin about the heretic who insists he's not a goy, highlighting the irresistible pull of Torah study. [00:04:42] – Deep dive into Deuteronomy and the word “limud,” and how teaching and learning emerge in the text. [00:07:00] – Exploring Maimonides' take on the commandment to teach Torah not just to sons, but to students as children. [00:10:00] – Pirkei Avot is introduced, differentiating learning to teach vs. learning to practice. [00:13:00] – Cautionary wisdom from the sages: Don't use Torah as a tool for ego or profit. [00:17:00] – Talmudic view that learning Torah for the wrong reasons may still lead to righteous practice. [00:23:00] – Norman Lamm and others weigh in on secular vs. sacred motivations for Torah study. [00:30:00] – The closing story of Rabbi Meir and Elisha ben Abuya explores the value of learning Torah even from a heretic. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/667572 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/

What happens when life forces you to step up and lead? Shan Latham never expected to find herself at the helm of Cocoa Auto Salvage, but following family tragedy, this second-generation recycler transformed from financial manager to industry leader. Her journey reveals powerful lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the unexpected paths we sometimes must navigate."Treat everybody fairly," Shan shares, echoing the wisdom her parents instilled when founding their Florida recycling operation in 1979. This simple principle has guided her through complex business decisions and helped build a thriving company culture. Her story about repositioning an underperforming employee who became her star parts puller demonstrates her keen insight: "Sometimes you have the right person, they're just in the wrong seat."Shan credits industry connections as her lifeline during challenging transitions. Unlike many competitive fields, automotive recycling fosters a collaborative spirit where even competitors freely share knowledge and support. Her involvement with FADRA, ARA, and URG provided crucial education and relationships, ultimately leading to her presidency of both state and national associations. "What you put into it is what you'll get back," she advises newcomers, emphasizing the unlimited opportunities available.Looking ahead, Shan identifies securing affordable salvage vehicles as the industry's most pressing challenge, with global demand driving fierce competition. She advocates for balanced export regulations and stronger partnerships with insurance companies and auction houses. While acknowledging industry consolidation will continue, she remains optimistic about the future of independent recyclers, noting their ability to pivot quickly gives them certain advantages over larger corporations.Want to connect with industry leaders and access valuable education? Join us at the FADRA conference July 17-19 (celebrating its 50th anniversary!) and the ARA conference in Birmingham October 15-18. These events aren't just educational—they're transformative opportunities to build the relationships that can help your business thrive.

There are so many wonderful summer musicals to attend this summer, and be sure to add this little gem to your list!  Mills Masquers presents "Unexpected Joy", a musical with lots of harmony, soul, and comedy.  We meet four family members who are in different places in life, and they all come together for a memorial service.  This family has had lots of tension over the years, and suddenly they find a path to acceptance, where before they found conflict. We spoke to Director, Ryan Fuller and Actor, Kristen Binder about this lovely little production in Glenwood IA.  Get your tickets now and enjoy the harmonies of pop, folk, rock and blues in this sweet little theatre. "Unexpected Joy" is a Concord Theatrical Production.  Book and Lyrics by Bill Russell.  Music by Janet Hood. The World Premiere happened in 2016, and then it premiered off-Broadway in 2018. CONTACT INFO: Tickets and Website:  www.millsmasquers.com Address:  56542 221st, Glenwood, IA 51534 HOW TO LISTEN TO THE PLATTE RIVER BARD PODCAST Listen at https://platteriverbard.podbean.com or anywhere you get your podcasts. We are on Apple, Google, Pandora, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Podbean, Overcast, Listen Now, Castbox and anywhere you get your podcasts. You may also find us by just asking Alexa. Listen on your computer or any device on our website: https://www.platteriverbard.com.  Find us on You Tube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCPDzMz8kHvsLcJRV-myurvA.  Please find us and Subscribe!

Ever had that moment when you suddenly realize your child has become their own person? That's exactly what we explore in this episode, sharing the hilarious and heartwarming ways our kids surprise us with their emerging personalities and unexpected passions.Mark takes us through a weekend of revelations - from his three-year-old son becoming inexplicably obsessed with bull riding after a chance encounter at a restaurant ("Not now mom, I'm watching bull riding!") to his daughter secretly mastering ballet and stunning everyone as the lead in her recital. These moments of discovery aren't just entertaining; they're windows into who our children are becoming when we're not looking.We dive deep into the world of kids and sports, questioning our motivations as dads for enrolling them in activities and debating the fine line between healthy encouragement and toxic pressure. Why do sports mean so much to us? Is it about reliving our glory days, teaching valuable life skills, or simply providing opportunities for our kids to find what lights them up?The conversation takes an unexpectedly touching turn when we reflect on our own childhood experiences with sports and our fathers' involvement (or lack thereof). We discover how these memories shape our approach to parenting today, particularly in how we show up for our kids' activities and handle the crucial moments after games or performances.Whether you're cheering from the sidelines, helping with homework, or sitting through countless bull riding videos on YouTube, this episode reminds us that parenting isn't about shaping our kids into who we want them to be—it's about creating space for them to reveal who they truly are, and the privilege we have in witnessing those magical moments of self-discovery.

If you're quick to lift up friends but slow to treat yourself with the same care, this episode is your reminder to soak up a little of your own wonderful energy this weekend!Sign up for my weekly Letters of Rebellion! | A transcript of this episode is available here.About Meg & The Daily Pep!I'm Meg and I'm the host of The Daily Pep! and The Couragemakers Podcast and founder of The Rebel Rousers. I'm a coach, writer and all-round rebel-rouser for creative and multi-passionate women to do the things only they can do and build a wholehearted life. When I'm not recording episodes, writing bullshit-free Letters of Rebellion to my wonderful Couragemakers community or hosting workshops/group programmes, I'm usually covered in paint or walking my wonderfully weird cockapoo Merlin.Website | Instagram | The Couragemakers Podcast | Letters of Rebellion | Rebel Creators 

The Liberation of Letting Go: Finding Joy in What You Choose to Miss Have you ever felt that nagging anxiety when you miss a social gathering, decline an invitation, or don't immediately respond to a text? That feeling has a name—FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)—and it might be silently sabotaging your recovery journey. In this enlightening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore a powerful mindset shift from FOMO to JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). They reveal how the constant pressure to be everywhere and do everything can lead to overwhelm, anxiety, and disconnection from our true values. The hosts share how social media intensifies this fear by showing everyone's highlight reels, making us feel like we're falling behind or missing crucial experiences. This comparison trap hits especially hard during recovery, whispering lies that rest equals laziness or declining invitations means losing connection. But there's hope in embracing JOMO—the conscious choice to find peace in saying no and truly meaning it. Unlike FOMO, which research links to lower life satisfaction and poor self-esteem, JOMO helps build emotional resilience and alignment with personal values. Through six practical steps, Duane and Eric guide listeners on how to recognize FOMO's presence, identify what they're truly afraid of missing, and shift perspective to see what they gain by setting boundaries. This isn't about avoidance—it's about intention and making choices from clarity rather than fear. The hosts emphasize that recovery doesn't mean you're behind; you're exactly where you need to be. Sometimes the most powerful action is choosing peace over pressure and stillness over striving. JOMO isn't disconnection—it's reconnection to yourself, your needs, and what truly matters. For those ready to practice this transformative skill, the episode points to a downloadable worksheet and invites listeners to join The Addicted Mind community for deeper support. Because recovery isn't something you have to face alone—and sometimes, the quiet joy of letting go is exactly what your healing journey needs. Download: FROM FOMO TO JOMO WORKSHEET Join our Deep Dive in the TAM+ Community. Click Here to Join TAM + Community.  Key Topics Understanding the difference between FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) How social media intensifies FOMO and impacts recovery Research showing FOMO's connection to lower life satisfaction and poor self-esteem Six practical steps to shift from FOMO to JOMO mindset Making choices based on values rather than fear The importance of community in recovery Finding peace in intentional choices rather than reactive decisions Support TAM+ Subscribe and Review: We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center. ⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠ We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Liberation of Letting Go: Finding Joy in What You Choose to Miss Have you ever felt that nagging anxiety when you miss a social gathering, decline an invitation, or don't immediately respond to a text? That feeling has a name—FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)—and it might be silently sabotaging your recovery journey. In this enlightening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore a powerful mindset shift from FOMO to JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). They reveal how the constant pressure to be everywhere and do everything can lead to overwhelm, anxiety, and disconnection from our true values. The hosts share how social media intensifies this fear by showing everyone's highlight reels, making us feel like we're falling behind or missing crucial experiences. This comparison trap hits especially hard during recovery, whispering lies that rest equals laziness or declining invitations means losing connection. But there's hope in embracing JOMO—the conscious choice to find peace in saying no and truly meaning it. Unlike FOMO, which research links to lower life satisfaction and poor self-esteem, JOMO helps build emotional resilience and alignment with personal values. Through six practical steps, Duane and Eric guide listeners on how to recognize FOMO's presence, identify what they're truly afraid of missing, and shift perspective to see what they gain by setting boundaries. This isn't about avoidance—it's about intention and making choices from clarity rather than fear. The hosts emphasize that recovery doesn't mean you're behind; you're exactly where you need to be. Sometimes the most powerful action is choosing peace over pressure and stillness over striving. JOMO isn't disconnection—it's reconnection to yourself, your needs, and what truly matters. For those ready to practice this transformative skill, the episode points to a downloadable worksheet and invites listeners to join The Addicted Mind community for deeper support. Because recovery isn't something you have to face alone—and sometimes, the quiet joy of letting go is exactly what your healing journey needs. Download: FROM FOMO TO JOMO WORKSHEET Join our Deep Dive in the TAM+ Community. Click Here to Join TAM + Community.  Key Topics Understanding the difference between FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) How social media intensifies FOMO and impacts recovery Research showing FOMO's connection to lower life satisfaction and poor self-esteem Six practical steps to shift from FOMO to JOMO mindset Making choices based on values rather than fear The importance of community in recovery Finding peace in intentional choices rather than reactive decisions Support TAM+ Subscribe and Review: We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California, Idaho, Vermont, or Florida and are looking for counseling or therapy, please visit Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center. ⁠⁠⁠NovusMindfulLife.com⁠⁠⁠ We want to hear from you. Please leave us a message or ask us a question: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Disclaimer⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this conversation, we welcome fan favorite, Byron Borger, back to the podcast. Along with host Daniel Johnson, they discuss the importance of reading as an embodied experience, the significance of seasonal reading aligned with the liturgical calendar, and the recent resurgence of work and faith materials. He emphasizes the challenges college graduates face transitioning into the workforce and the importance of integrating faith into their work lives. The podcast also highlights various books that can aid in this transition and the necessity of community support for maintaining faith post-college. In this conversation, Byron discusses the importance of balancing vocation and rest, the beauty of nature as explored through literature, and the need for community engagement in environmental care. They highlight books that inspire readers to appreciate creation, engage in ecological restoration, and reflect on personal narratives through memoirs. The discussion emphasizes the interconnectedness of faith, nature, and personal growth, encouraging listeners to explore these themes in their own lives.We encourage you to purchase your books at Heartsandminds Bookstore. Learn more about them here = https://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/ List of books:After College by Erica Young Reitz (2025, InterVarsity Press)Serious Dreams: Bold Ideas for the Rest of Your Life edited by Byron Borger (2015, Square Halo Books)The Call: Finding and Fulfilling God's Purpose for Your Life by Os Guinness (2003, Thomas Nelson)Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good by Steven Garber (2014, IVP Books)Why Your Work Matters: How God Uses Our Everyday Vocations to Transform Us, Our Neighbors, and the World by Tom Nelson (2025, Made to Flourish)Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work by Timothy Keller and Katherine Leary Alsdorf (2012, Dutton)The Sacredness of Secular Work: Four Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity by Jordan Raynor (2025, WaterBrook)Go Forth: God's Purpose for Your Work by Redeemer City to City (2025, Redeemer City to City)Birds in the Sky and Fish in the Sea by Matthew Dickerson (2025, Square Halo Books)Refugee of Faith: Seeking Hidden Shelters, Ordinary Wonders, and the Healing of the Earth by Deborah Rienstra (2025, Fortress Press)Backpacking with the Saints: Wilderness Hiking as a Spiritual Practice by Belden Lane (2015, Oxford University Press)Reconciliation in a Michigan Watershed: Restoring Kenoshae by Gail Hefner and David Warners (2025, Michigan State University Press)Beyond Stewardship: New Approaches to Creation Care edited by David Warners (2025, Calvin College Press)The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found by Frank Bruni (2022, Avid Reader Press)Mr. Oweita's Guide to Gardening: How I Learned the Unexpected Joy of a Green Thumb and an Open Heart by Carol Wall (2014, G.P. Putnam's Sons)God Struck: Seven Women and Their Religious Conversions by Kelsey Osgood (2025, HarperOne)Chapters:00:00 The Embodied Experience of Reading04:29 Seasonal Reading and the Church Calendar09:54 Navigating Work and Faith16:50 Books for Transitioning Graduates24:13 The Importance of Community in Transition27:04 The Balance of Work and Rest28:01 Exploring Nature Through Literature30:16 Creating Habitats and Healing the Earth31:42 Wilderness as a Spiritual Practice36:09 Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship42:23 Reconciliation Ecology and Creation Care43:30 Memoirs and Personal Stories52:25 Summer Reading Recommendations

In this episode, I'm sharing my takeaways from reading "The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary" by Catherine Gray. I chat about all the ways that we can learn to find joy in the ordinary moments of our lives, which is especially important for those of us on a sober journey!Join my community, the Happiest Sober HubSubscribe to my newsletter for sober tips & inspoWatch my sober vlogsShop my sober mugsFollow me on InstagramShop my Amazon storefrontShopMy favourite thingsIf my content has helped you on your sober journey and you'd like to support my work, you can buy me a coffee!Thanks for supporting my podcast by supporting my sponsors - you can view my list of current sponsors here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, I'm sharing my takeaways from reading "The Unexpected Joy of the Ordinary" by Catherine Gray. I chat about all the ways that we can learn to find joy in the ordinary moments of our lives, which is especially important for those of us on a sober journey! Join my community, the Happiest Sober Hub Subscribe to my newsletter for sober tips & inspo Watch my sober vlogs Shop my sober mugs Follow me on Instagram Shop my Amazon storefront ShopMy favourite things If my content has helped you on your sober journey and you'd like to support my work, you can buy me a coffee! Thanks for supporting my podcast by supporting my sponsors - you can view my list of current sponsors here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we are talking about one of the most accessible and impactful tools we've got to help our kids thrive. But this tool is so simple and obvious that we may not even realize its immense power. I'm talking about WORDS, as in, the words we use when talking with our children. The language we use with our children can make a profound difference in the way our kids relate to themselves and how their brains process situations.  We're going to explore this concept with Lily Howard Scott, an educator, speaker, and author of the new book,The Words That Shape Us: The Science-Based Power of Teacher Language. Lily has spent nearly a decade teaching elementary school and now helps educators create classrooms where children feel known, valued, and empowered. She's passionate about the ways language can influence how kids see themselves, process emotions, and build resilience, and she wrote this book to help teachers, parents, and any other adults who work with children positively transform how students think, feel, and achieve through effectively tapping into this tool that everyone has access to. During our conversation, Lily shares how small shifts in the way we speak to children—both at home and in the classroom—can make a huge difference in their confidence, emotional intelligence, and ability to navigate challenges. We talked about practical strategies, like using metaphors to help kids manage emotions and reframing how we talk about mistakes and setbacks. Lily also explained the role that words play in fostering a sense of belonging and emotional safety in children, which is essential for learning and growth, especially for neurodivergent kids who may struggle with self-perception. These are small shifts that can make a huge difference, so I hope you can take these suggestions and apply them right after you finish listening to this episode. Enjoy my conversation with Lily Howard Scott.   About Lily Howard Scott Lily Howard Scott (MSEd) is an educator and author. Her work is centered around helping children navigate their inner lives, connect with each other, and take the risks that lead to meaningful learning. Scott presents regularly at national conferences, and her writing about the importance of a child-centric, holistic approach to teaching and learning has been published in Edutopia and The Washington Post, among other publications. For nearly 10 years, Lily taught elementary school in both public and independent settings. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two young children. The Words That Shape Us (Scholastic) is her first book   Things you'll learn from this episode Why the language we use shapes how children see themselves, influencing their confidence, emotional intelligence, and self-perception The way that subtle shifts in language can create big changes, helping children navigate emotions, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and build self-compassion Why connection and belonging are essential—children thrive in environments where they feel known, valued, and encouraged to take risks How using language tools like "president decider" for thoughts and "feelings as visitors" can help kids manage emotions and self-talk in healthy ways. Why it's never too late to start using intentional, supportive language that clarifies feelings, reduces shame, and nurtures creativity and self-trust.   Resources mentioned Lily Howard Scott's Website The Words that Shape Us: The Science-Based Practice of Teacher Language by Lily Howard Scott Lily on Instagram The Antiromantic Child: A Memoir of Unexpected Joy by Priscilla Gilman How Emotions Are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett Dr. Bruce Perry Dr. Richard Schwartz & Internal Family Systems Rainer Maria Rilke Ish: Creatilogy by Peter Reynolds David Foster Wallace On Children by Kahlil Gibran Dr. Ross Greene on Using CPS with Very Young Kids (Tilt Parenting podcast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tribe Sober Activist Jen came to our workshop 8 years ago and has been thriving in her alcohol free life ever since! In this episode:- Jens turning point came on March 14th 2017 – that was the moment when she realised that her life revolved around alcohol She talked of the loneliness and shame of struggling with her drinking as a mom She had tried to made the change alone but kept going back to Day One over and over  Jen explained that attending a Tribe Sober workshop changed everything for her Jen listed her Benefits of Sobriety:- Gaining mental clarity and regaining control over life. Experiencing life in a deeper, more meaningful way. Finding new interests, volunteering, and enjoying family life. I asked Jen how she managed social situations as a non drinker:- She'll always have a drink in her hand and if she's offered some alcohol she'll just say: "I'm fine for now." We agreed on the power of confidence and body language when responding to pressure to drink We discussed the normalisation of alcohol including the:- powerful influence of advertising and the media in shaping our drinking habits. the danger of the “Mommy Juice” culture and how its made alcohol into an essential parenting aid Jen is a bit of an Activist when it comes to… Calling out misleading media messages promoting alcohol. Together we've written letters to women's magazines challenging their alcohol-friendly narratives. Jen left us with 5 great Tips for Those Starting out on this life changing journey Be kind to yourself—focus on one day at a time. Push through those cravings and difficult emotions. – get comfortable with being uncomfortable Set yourself an initial goal – for her reaching 100 days alcohol-free was a game-changer Join Tribe Sober to connect with others on the same path Read quit-lit books that resonate with you (e.g., Holly Whitaker Quit Like a Woman and , Catherine Gray who wrote the Unexpected Joy of Being Sober). More Info We're including a free Masterclass, Membership and Coaching session to the next few people who book into the Tribe Sober Retreat in Bali in October Talking of payment we have a 3-part payment plan – first payment reserves your spot then second and third payments are later in the year. Check out the Bali Retreat info via this link and then email me on janet@tribesober.com and we'll get you started on this life changing journey Episode Sponsor This episode is sponsored by the Tribe Sober Membership Program.  If you want to change your relationship with alcohol then sign up today Read more about our program and subscribe HERE Help us to Spread the Word! We made this podcast so that we can reach more people who need our help.  Please subscribe and share. If you enjoyed the podcast, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple podcasts. Take a screenshot of your review, and DM it to Tribe Sober's Instagram page – see PS below for instructions. We'll send you something special to say thank you! We release a podcast episode every Saturday morning. You can follow Tribe Sober on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram. You can join our private Facebook group HERE. PS: How to Leave a Rating/Review in Apple Podcasts (on an iOS Device) Open the Podcasts app. EASY. Choose “Search” from the bottom row of icons and enter the name of the show (e.g. Recover Like a Mother) into the search field. Select the show under Shows (not under Episodes). Scroll down past the first few episodes until you see Ratings & Reviews. Click Write a Review underneath the displayed reviews from other listeners. You'll then have the option to rate the show on a 5-star scale and write a review (you can rate without writing too but it's always good to read your experience).  

The Cosmic Spheres of Being Human + A Lost Nightingale Laura Cannell The Rituals of Hildegard Reimagined Record LabelUnexpected Joy + The Veil + To the Rising Moon Stephan Micus To the Rising Moon ECM RecordsPervane Erkan + Neyledim + Neyi Erenler Râhı (con Merdan Güzelgün) Erkan Oğur Sakla Kalan Ses GörüntüEssaouira + Stranger in a Mirror Lionel Loueke y Dave Holland United Edition RecordsA Faithful Longing John Zorn, Brian Marsella, Jorge Roeder, Ches Smith Ou Phrontis Edition RecordsEscuchar audio

In this episode of The Normal Christian Life, Father Michael Trummer is joined by Miriam Johl and Mary Bielski to explore the theme of spiritual childhood and the profound importance of childlikeness in the spiritual life. Through personal anecdotes, scriptural insights, and heartfelt discussions, the team delves into the distinctive aspects of being childlike, such as joy, surrender, and playfulness. They reflect on the balance between childlike faith and mature responsibility, the power of joy and humor, and the significance of trust and surrender to God. This episode encourages listeners to embrace a childlike disposition, find joy in God, and foster a joyful, playful, and trusting relationship with the Heavenly Father.     00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties 00:32 The Importance of Spiritual Childhood 01:28 Childlike vs. Childish 02:57 Humility and Lowly Status in Spirituality 04:06 Aging and Childlikeness 06:01 Balancing Responsibilities and Joy 08:09 Trust and Worry in Spiritual Life 09:40 Playfulness in Saints' Lives 10:17 Simplicity and Humility 27:45 Joy and Expressed Faith 35:53 Unexpected Joy and Setting the Tone 36:40 Expressing Gratitude and Vulnerability 38:17 Creating and Sharing Joy 40:23 The Power of Humor and Joy 42:12 Cultivating Joy and Trust in God 47:13 Surrendering to God's Plan 51:50 Childlike Trust and Joy in Prayer 01:03:01 Concluding Thoughts and Prayer  

Theo Delaney hosts this week and is joined by Dominic Powell, Marc Trainis and Lee Bramzell to catch up after two wins, some exciting transfer news, two huge games coming up and lots more! The Spurs Show podcast is delighted to welcome FA Cup winner Steve Sedgley along for a night of Spurs chat. These nights are intimate and entertaining as Spurs fans old and young mingle and socialise with former players with a chance for photos and signings. Get your tickets here: https://tinyurl.com/ybvbp9wy For exclusive Spurs Show merchandise including new Sonny and new beautiful retro designs go to https://the-spurs-show-store.creator-spring.com   Come and join us at our #SpursShowLIVE events for just £10 a month! Grab your season ticket now from season.spursshow.net  For more exclusive daily Spurs Show podcasts check out Patreon.com/spursshow  spursshow.net  @spursshow  Support us at season.spursshow.net  Produced by Paul Myers and Mike Leigh  A Playback Media Production- contact us here too for show sponsorship playbackmedia.co.uk  Copyright 2025 Playback Media Ltd - playbackmedia.co.uk/copyright Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you know it takes just 66 days to break a bad habit? Or that the relentless “I'm not good enough” voice in your head can be silenced for good? Catherine Gray—one of my personal heroes—has made it her life's work to unravel these challenges and share the solutions.As the bestselling author of Versions of a Girl and the Unexpected Joy of series, Catherine brings a witty, no-judgment approach to quitting alcohol—and figuring out how to live joyfully afterward. Her fresh perspective makes sobriety not just achievable but genuinely aspirational.In this episode, we dive into Catherine's story: how alcoholism shaped her life, the moment sobriety finally stuck, and the unexpected joy she found on the other side. We discuss practical ways to stop people-pleasing, explore the fascinating interplay of nature vs. nurture, and unpack the neuroscience behind addiction and gratitude. Catherine also shares the small, daily habits that create lasting change and reveals why managing your ego might just be the ultimate life hack.If you're battling a bad habit, experimenting with a sober month, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is for you. It's a powerful reminder that no matter how stuck you feel, change is possible and transformative—and there's magic waiting for you on the other side.Guest: Catherine Gray @unexpectedjoyofVersions of a Girl by Catherine Gray - I LOVED it, really explores nature vs nurture - I gobbled it up on holiday and cried at the end.Catherine's Unexpected Joy Of.. … Being Sober …The Ordinary…Being Single All of them are life changing.Together with Alcohol Change UK the founders of Dry January, Catherine Gray has developed Sober Spring, a 90 day alcohol reset, to find out more sign up to the Try Dry app. The Enoughness with Melanie Rickey.Produced and edited by Steve Hankey. The podcast is recorded at 1 Warwick in Soho, a welcoming club for members and visitors alike, and the home of The Enoughness with Melanie Rickey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DateDecember 24, 2024SynopsisIn this sermon, we explore how God disrupts and rewrites our expected endings through the lens of a surprising Christmas carol and a fresh look at the nativity story. By examining how the traditional interpretation of "no room at the inn" might actually be a story of radical hospitality, we discover a God who consistently shows up in unexpected places and subverts our assumptions about how things "must" end. This message of divine disruption reminds us that our seemingly fixed endings are never truly final in God's economy of grace and possibility.ReferencesScripture: [Luke 2:1–20](URL here) About The Local ChurchFor more information about The Local Church, visit our website. Feedback? Questions? Comments? We'd love to hear it. Email Brent at brent@thelocalchurchpbo.org.To invest in what God's doing through The Local Church and help support these podcasting efforts and this movement of God's love, give online here.

What happens when your life changes in the blink of an eye? In this powerful finale of our 12 Days of Giving series, successful business owner Shana Sissel shares her raw, unfiltered journey through an unimaginable year. After suddenly losing her partner, Shana faced a devastating stage 4 cancer diagnosis while running her company and raising her young son as a single mother. But what started as a story of loss transformed into an inspiring testament to human resilience, the power of community, and finding unexpected joy in life's darkest moments.This episode goes beyond the typical cancer survival story - it's a masterclass in vulnerability, leadership, and the profound impact of letting others in when everything feels like it's falling apart. Shana's candid account of maintaining her business through personal crisis while learning to accept help offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone facing life's overwhelming challenges.From learning to walk again to achieving cancer-free status within months, Shana's story reminds us that even in our lowest moments, we're never truly alone. Her message of hope, resilience, and the unexpected gifts that can emerge from life's greatest challenges will leave you inspired and ready to face whatever comes your way.Visit https://www.banrioncapital.com/ to learn more about Shana's work and connect with her team.Shoot us a message, we are here for you and we listen!As always we ask you to comment, DM, whatever it takes to have a conversation to help you take the next step in your journey, reach out on any platform!Twitter, FaceBook, Instagram, Tiktok, Linkedin

Pastor Fredo explains how God is aware of what we go through, including the hardships, and how He orchestrates an interruption that leads to Joy.YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUV2tfAVC_fOy2waw3Jo-KyFCeWqVFtBq--Support content like this and the vision of Sandals Church at http://sandalschurch.com/support/Join our email list for content updates: http://sandalschurch.com/subscribeDownload the Sandals Church App: http://sandalschurch.com/app/If you have questions, need prayer or want to get connected, please email us anytime at online@sandalschurch.com!- Other Sandals Church YouTube Channels -The Debrief with Matt Brown: www.youtube.com/c/TheDebriefShowSandalschurch.tv:www.youtube.com/channel/UC0BBn1VFrdLWtB-TpEM1jjwSandals Church Español:www.youtube.com/channel/UC7Glhzd2qXPbiitxyiWKJggSandals Church Youth: www.youtube.com/channel/UCnklO4l6HduzlKOh_Me8tdg

In part 3, Catherine Gray and Dr Alex George share all the best bits of not drinking – and some may surprise you. Catherine shares the financial and personal development benefits of sobriety, how it affected her relationships and how it changes the way you deal with tougher times. Follow @unexpectedjoyof and get her book, ‘The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober'Get Catherine's debut novel ‘Versions of a Girl' Follow the podcast on Instagram @thestompcastTo improve your mental fitness, get Dr Alex's book The Mind ManualDownload Mettle: the mental fitness app for men Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thank you SO much for all being here with me for 200 episodes! What a wild ride! Here are the single book recommendations at the top of the ep (aff links): The Unexpected Joy of Being Single Single. On Purpose.You can come and find me on the gram at: @francescaamber and @lawofattractionchangedmylifeYou can find everything else on my website, www.francescaamber.comI'll see you next week, Fran x Join today for twice monthly Manifest With The Moon episodes every new and full moon. https://plus.acast.com/s/loacml. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.