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If you've ever hidden in the back of a family photo, skipped a headshot session, or cringed when you saw a candid picture of yourself, this episode is for you.I sat down with Kristen Vallejo, a portrait and branding photographer based in upstate New York, who has made it her mission to help women feel comfortable and confident being seen. In this conversation, we unpack why so many of us (especially women navigating midlife) have such a complicated relationship with being photographed. We talk about the role social media has played in making us feel like every picture has to be perfect, why menopause can make it even harder to recognize yourself in photos, and how we can start to shift that.One of the most powerful reframes Kristen shares is this: visibility is generosity. When you hide from the camera, you're also withholding yourself ( your gifts, your presence, your relatability) from the people who need to see you. That hit me in a deep way, and I think it will for you too.We also talk about body diversity and representation, why photographers aren't looking at you with the critical lens you're using on yourself, and some practical tips to make any photo session feel less like a pressure cooker.Kristen's missing ingredient in midlife? Novelty. And I love that answer.In this episode, we cover:Why so many women approach the camera with terror, and what's underneath itHow social media has raised the bar for "acceptable" photos and what that costs usWhy going through menopause can make seeing yourself in photos feel particularly confrontingWhat body neutrality looks like in practice, even in a portrait sessionThe power of representation and why your visible presence matters more than you thinkPractical tips for preparing for a photo session without the overwhelmAbout Kristen Vallejo: Kristen Vallejo is a portrait and branding photographer based in upstate New York, specializing in entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those with animals in their work. She's passionate about capturing the real person behind the lens — not just a polished pose. You can find her at kristenvallejo.com and on Instagram at @kristenvallejophotography.Related Episodes:Is Feeling Seen the Missing Part of Your Midlife Story? with Dr. Jody Carrington — a beautiful conversation about connection, storytelling, and why being seen matters so deeply in midlife.How to Turn Your Body Image Inside Out in Midlife with Deb Shatker & Whitney Otto — practical frameworks for getting unstuck from the patterns that keep us at war with how we look.Ageism and Body Image in MidlWhat did you think of this episode? Click here and let me know!The wait list for The Midlife Body Image Lab program opens soon! Join my newsletter community to be the first to hear. 

On finding your band, becoming an instrument for the more, and the roadmap to reconnection in an age of loneliness.Welcome to Resonance.After five years of writing and thirty years of research, I'm beginning to share what has become a magnum opus on human connection: how we call in and build the right relationships in our lives, how we become instruments for the music that wants to live in the space between people.In this episode, I explore:The concept of "the more" — the unique song that wants to live through each of usWhy we need to tune our instruments in an age of noise and competing signalsHow to distinguish between resonance and dissonance in relationshipsThe loneliness pandemic: why we're more disconnected than at any point in history, despite being more "connected" than everWhy the quality of our relationships is the single greatest predictor of our long-term health and happinessThe roadmap to reconnection we desperately needKey Quote: "We are so besieged by erroneous signals telling us that a Rolex or a nice car is success. But any billionaire in their 80s would give up everything they have to have what you have now: time. That's our true wealth. So the question becomes: how do you spend your precious time? And there's no more noble way than understanding who you are, the song you're meant to sing, and who you're meant to sing it with."#Resonance #HumanConnection #Loneliness #Relationships #PersonalGrowth #Meaning #Purpose #Community #LonelinessEpidemic #SocialConnection #MichaelTrainer Michael Trainer has spent 30 years learning from Nobel laureates, neuroscientists, and wisdom keepers worldwide. He's the author of RESONANCE: The Art and Science of Human Connection (March 31, 2026), co-creator of Global Citizen and the Global Citizen Festival, and host of the RESONANCE podcast.Featured in Forbes, Inc, Good Morning America. Follow on YouTube

In this eye-opening episode of the 247 Real Talk Podcast, your host takes on a hard truth: just because something has been accepted for generations does not mean it has to be your destiny. From trauma and silence to poverty, broken relationships, and limiting beliefs, many of us were handed a “normal” that was never healthy in the first place.We'll dig into:How generational acceptance quietly teaches us what to tolerate, even when it hurts usWhy “that's just how it's always been” is one of the most dangerous sentences we can believePractical steps to recognize unhealthy cycles, challenge them, and start writing a different story for yourself—and those who come after youIf you've ever felt the tension between where you come from and who you know you could be, this conversation is for you. You are not disloyal for healing. You are not arrogant for dreaming bigger. You are not trapped in patterns just because you were born into them.Watch, share this with someone trying to break their own generational cycles, and drop a comment about one belief, habit, or “normal” you refuse to pass on.Subscribe to 247 Real Talk Podcast for more raw, honest conversations about identity, healing, courage, and building a future that's chosen—not inherited.

Are you training too hard—or not hard enough? In this episode of the Find Your Edge podcast, Coach Chris Newport breaks down heart rate training zones, why common formulas like “220 minus age” miss the mark, and how VO₂ max and lactate testing can dramatically improve your performance, fat burning, and longevity.You'll learn:Why Zone 2 training is so powerfulHow VO₂ max and ventilatory thresholds workWhat lactate testing actually tells usWhy heart rate zones change by sportHow proper testing saves time and boosts resultsWhether you're an endurance athlete or simply want to train smarter, this episode will help you unlock more effective and enjoyable workouts.Book your metabolic testing here: https://www.theenduranceedge.com/sweat-metabolic-vo2-testing/ Read the blog here: https://www.theenduranceedge.com/heart-rate-training-zones/ Support the show

Prepare. To. Be. Happy.Returning to Hospitality Meets, Klaudia Mitura - work psychologist, L&D leader at the Science Museum Group, host of The Happiness Challenge podcast, author of The Alphabet of Happiness, and an actual Certified Chief Happiness Officer (yes, really) delivers one of the most uplifting, honest, and quietly powerful conversations we've ever recorded.This episode is not about toxic positivity, pretending everything's fine, or slapping a smile on life's messier moments.It's about science backed happiness, micro habits, curiosity, resilience, and learning how to live with the noise in your head - not silence it.It's warm.It's funny.It's deeply human.And it might just change how you think about happiness altogether.In This EpisodeKlaudia's return to the podcast nearly four years on, and how life has unfolded sinceLosing a job, being separated from family, rescheduling a wedding four times, a family cancer diagnosis… and why happiness still matteredWhy Klaudia decided to treat her life like a scientific experimentWhat the science of happiness actually tells usWhy happiness isn't a destination - it's a starting pointThe power of micro-habits and why 1% changes beat life overhaulsWhy happiness fuels kindness, generosity, optimism and impactThe danger of “I'll be happy when…” thinkingWhy curiosity might be the most underrated life skill of allHappiness, But Not the Cringey KindKlaudia is very clear on one thing:This is not about toxic positivity.It's not about ignoring grief, stress, uncertainty, or the very real challenges of life and work.It's about acknowledging them and giving yourself the tools to cope, recover, and move forward.As Klaudia explains, happiness:Helps us regulate our nervous systemMakes us more resilient under pressureIncreases kindness, generosity and problem solvingGives us the energy to face hard things, not avoid themOr put simply:Happiness doesn't deny reality.It helps you deal with it.Stand-Out Quotes“Happiness is not a destination. It's a starting point”“We regret not allowing ourselves to be happier”“You can be going through something hard and still experience joy”“Happiness fuels kindness. Without it, we can't change anything”“You don't need a life overhaul - you need small habits, done consistently”Why ListenThis episode is for you if:You're tired of overcomplicating happiness

The discourse around the job impact of artificial intelligence (AI) has reached fever pitch. Headlines scream about mass layoffs, and corporate press releases tout AI as the solution to workforce costs. Yet beneath this cacophony of alarm and hype lies a more nuanced reality. J.P. Gownder, Vice President and Principal Analyst on Forrester’s Future of Work team, has spent decades analysing how technology transforms the workplace. His latest report, The Forrester AI Job Impact Forecast for the US 2025-2030, cuts through the noise with empirical rigour. The verdict? The job apocalypse is not upon us, but a measured reckoning is coming. AI Job Impact in the US: Why the Apocalypse Can Wait JP Gownder is adamant: the AI job. apocalypse can wait. At least until 2030. Phew! All images in this post made with a combination of Midjourney, Gemini Nano Banana pro and Adobe Photoshop The Gap Between AI Job Impact Announcements and Reality When Klarna declared it would stop hiring humans, the tech world took notice. The Swedish fintech became a poster child for AI-driven workforce reduction. Yet a closer examination reveals a pattern Gownder has observed across hundreds of enterprise conversations: the disconnect between C-suite proclamations and operational reality. Nine out of ten companies announcing AI layoffs don’t actually have mature AI solutions ready. So most of the layoffs are financially driven and AI is just the scapegoat, at least today — J.P. Gownder, Forrester The phenomenon echoes what happened after IBM Watson’s Jeopardy victory in 2011, when panic about imminent job losses proved premature by half a decade. The mechanics of this gap are straightforward. A CEO announces a 20% workforce reduction with AI backfilling the work. But standing up an AI solution that actually performs those tasks requires 18 to 24 months, “if it works at all.” Meanwhile, the work still needs doing. Gownder has witnessed organisations that fired employees citing AI capabilities, only to quietly hire teams in lower-cost markets weeks later. “They’re firing people because of AI,” he observes, “and then three weeks later they hire a team in India because the labour is so much cheaper.” The AI narrative, in many cases, serves as convenient cover for old-fashioned cost arbitrage. Klarna’s trajectory illustrates this pattern. After aggressively cutting its workforce by 40% and touting an AI chatbot capable of doing the work of 700 customer service agents, the company reversed course. CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski acknowledged that the aggressive automation had resulted in “lower quality” service. The company is now recruiting human customer service agents in an “Uber-type setup.” Understanding the 6% AI Job Impact Forecast Forrester’s forecast projects a 6% net job loss by 2030, roughly 10.4 million positions in the US economy. Half of this impact stems from generative AI; the remainder from automation, physical robotics, and non-generative AI applications. The number may seem modest compared to the apocalyptic predictions circulating in media, but context matters. During the Great Recession of 2008-2009, the United States lost 8.7 million jobs. Those losses, however, were temporary, tied to macroeconomic conditions that eventually reversed. The jobs Forrester forecasts losing are “structurally replaced by machine labour” and may not return. AI impact on Jobs: I would expect to see a lot more freelance and consulting work to be happening, but it doesn’t mean that there won’t be a traditional job track somewhere as well. JP Gownder The methodology behind this figure draws on the O-Net dataset maintained by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which catalogues over 800 job categories with detailed information about required skills and tasks. By mapping these against AI’s current and projected capabilities, Gownder and his colleague Michael O’Grady can identify which roles face the highest automation potential. “For jobs that involve skills and tasks that are heavily impacted by AI and automation, we predict more job loss,” Gownder explains. “In job categories that are less impacted, obviously, we would predict less.” Forrester analysed 800 different job types. It seems that Art therapy is the right way to go. The Solow Paradox and AI Productivity Robert Solow’s famous observation that “we see computers everywhere except in the productivity statistics” finds a new iteration in the AI era. The parallel is instructive. It took nearly three decades for the internet’s productivity impact to materialise. E-commerce is only now truly disrupting traditional retail, as evidenced by the shuttering of independent shops from New York to Paris. Could Forrester’s five-year window be too narrow? Gownder acknowledges the limitation inherent in forecasting: “Anything that you forecast beyond five years is effectively an impression.” Yet the pace of technology adoption has accelerated dramatically. The telephone required 75 years to reach 100 million users from its 1878 introduction. The personal computer achieved the same milestone in 16 years. Mobile phones took seven years. ChatGPT? Two months. This compression suggests that while the Solow paradox may still apply, its timeline could be considerably shorter. “If there’s a job apocalypse, you’re going to have fewer people working because that’s what the apocalypse means. Those people would have to be producing more output. You cannot see a job apocalypse without aggregate productivity going up.” — J.P. Gownder, Forrester The productivity data tells a sobering story. From 1947 to 1973, US labour productivity grew at 2.7% annually. The current business cycle shows 1.8%. Even isolating the quarters since ChatGPT’s release yields only 2.2%. The numbers don’t lie, and they’re not yet showing the revolutionary gains AI proponents promise. Where the AI Job Impact Pressure Points Lie The AI job impact in the US will not be evenly distributed. Contact centre workers face continued pressure from automation that began with interactive voice response systems and now benefits from far more sophisticated solutions. Technical writers and web content creators occupy vulnerable ground. Insurance underwriters are seeing algorithmic encroachment; computer vision can now assess car accident damage from uploaded photos. Junior-level roles involving spreadsheet or presentation creation face mounting pressure. Software development presents a nuanced case. “If you are a junior level software developer,” Gownder notes, “we know that Claude does a great job of creating basic code.” Yet senior developers with architectural judgement and system-level understanding remain essential. The pattern repeats across knowledge work: AI augments more than it replaces, transforming job descriptions rather than eliminating positions entirely. “It’s not that there aren’t jobs that will go away,” he clarifies, “but they are much more specific and limited, and they need to be architected with the right technology to replace that job. It’s not everybody goes away.” Blue-collar work presents its own dynamics. Physical robotics will play a role in certain sectors: warehouse sorting and picking have improved through computer vision, and construction has seen experiments with brick-laying and cement-pouring robots. But the humanoid robots capturing media attention are unlikely to achieve significant workplace deployment within the forecast period. The physical world, with its infinite variations and unexpected challenges, remains stubbornly resistant to automation. The White-Collar AI Job Impact Misconception White-collar workers now constitute roughly 60% of the workforce in both the US and Europe, a dramatic shift from previous generations. These “symbolic analysts,” as Charles Handy termed them, don’t produce physical goods, which has led some to assume their work is easily transferable to AI systems. Gownder pushes back against this notion. “Most white-collar work is, in fact, fairly productive because there is something on the other end that someone is willing to pay for.” Software engineers create applications that enable other work. Physicians produce healthcare outcomes. Analysts help organisations make better decisions. The practical challenges of AI deployment in white-collar settings corroborate these theoretical objections. Hallucinations remain a persistent problem, introducing error margins that knowledge workers must catch and correct. Employees often lack the skills and understanding to use AI tools effectively. Organisations overextend their expectations of what AI can accomplish. “When it fails, it’s dramatic,” Gownder observes. The Deloitte incidents in Australia and Canada, where AI-generated content with obvious hallucinations reached government clients, illustrate the reputational risks of premature automation. The Australian government report contained fabricated academic citations and even a made-up quote from a federal court judgement. Both governments required refunds. “You don’t want to produce AI work slop and present it as your work without editing, without perspective. That is a losing proposition.” — J.P. Gownder, Forrester A Harvard Business Review study reinforces these concerns. Researchers found that executives who used ChatGPT to make predictions became significantly more optimistic, confident, and produced worse forecasts than those who consulted with peers. The authoritative voice of AI produces a strong sense of assurance, unchecked by the social regulation and useful scepticism that human consultation provides. AI Job Impact on Marketers and Digital Professionals For students entering digital marketing and related fields, the picture is complex but not necessarily bleak. “Marketers are actually on the front lines of job transformation, not job replacement,” Gownder notes. The distinction matters. Transformation implies evolution of roles rather than elimination. “I work with a lot of marketers and they say, ‘I signed up to be a great marketer. I didn’t sign up to be an AI expert. Why am I learning all of these tools?’ But inevitably, they now can’t do their job without using some kind of AI tool.” The prescription for emerging professionals is clear: combine classical education with a genuine understanding of AI capabilities and limitations. Those who master both domains will find themselves in demand. Those who resist the technology or fail to understand its boundaries will struggle. The key lies in approaching AI as augmentation rather than replacement—using tools to enhance existing expertise while maintaining awareness of their limitations. The judgement, ethics, and institutional knowledge that experienced professionals bring cannot be easily replicated by algorithms. Freelancers and AI If AI augments rather than replaces traditional employees, the question arises: will freelancers and gig economy workers absorb the displacement? The white-collar economy is experiencing a broader transition towards more freelance and contract arrangements at all levels. “On some level,” Gownder observes, “this can give people a certain freedom, because they can work with lots of different clients and they can make their own hours. They can work wherever they want to.” The flexibility that defines gig work aligns well with the project-based nature of AI-augmented workflows. Yet the picture is not uniformly positive. In the United States, where people depend upon employment for health care, freelance arrangements can be precarious. The gig economy now encompasses over 64 million American workers, contributing nearly $1.27 trillion to the economy. AI is reshaping this landscape in contradictory ways: platforms use algorithms to match workers with clients more efficiently, but the same technology enables clients to handle tasks they previously outsourced. The freelancers most likely to thrive will be those who combine technical literacy with uniquely human skills—critical thinking, creativity, and client trust. I would expect to see a lot more freelance and consulting work to be happening, but it doesn’t mean that there won’t be a traditional job track somewhere as well — J.P. Gownder, Forrester New niches are emerging even as others contract. Prompt engineering, AI ethics consulting, and AI training roles represent growth areas that didn’t exist before the current wave of generative AI. The bifurcation may prove to be one of AI’s most significant labour market effects: some workers gaining flexibility and autonomy, others losing stability and benefits. Navigating the AI Job Transformation For workers at either end of their careers, the AI transition presents distinct challenges. Early-career professionals face the paradox of entering a workforce that may value their digital nativity while threatening the entry-level positions that traditionally served as training grounds. Gownder’s advice is direct: combine classical education with a genuine understanding of AI capabilities and limitations. Older workers, often stereotyped as technologically resistant, have their own path forward. “One of the negatives that people associate with older workers is that they are incapable of embracing technology,” Gownder observes. “That is something one can work on.” The key lies in approaching AI as augmentation rather than replacement, using tools to enhance existing expertise while maintaining awareness of their limitations. The judgement, ethics, and institutional knowledge that experienced workers bring cannot be easily replicated by algorithms. For business leaders, the prescription is almost counterintuitive. “The irony of AI is that the way that you succeed today is by investing in your human employees.” The technology can augment productivity, but only when workers possess the skills, motivation, and ethical framework to deploy it effectively. The human element, far from being made obsolete, becomes more critical than ever. The Long View on AI and US Jobs The AI job impact in the US will unfold over years, not months. Forrester’s 6% forecast represents a significant transformation affecting millions of workers, but it is a measured shift, not a sudden collapse. The organisations that thrive will be those that resist the temptation to conflate AI announcements with AI capabilities, that invest in their workforce rather than assuming technology will render it obsolete, and that approach automation with the same rigour they would bring to any major capital investment. The irony of AI is that the way that you succeed today is by investing in your human employees. Invest in your people, counterintuitively — J.P. Gownder, Forrester Gownder’s work at Forrester provides a framework for this navigation: empirical rather than hysterical, specific rather than sweeping, attentive to both the genuine capabilities of AI and its persistent limitations. The job apocalypse makes for compelling headlines, but the evidence points to something more complex and ultimately more manageable. For those willing to adapt, invest in skills, and maintain perspective, the future of work remains a human story, augmented but not replaced by artificial intelligence. J.P. Gownder is Vice President and Principal Analyst on Forrester’s Future of Work team. A Harvard graduate, he covers the impacts that technology and human factors jointly have on the future of work, helping clients design strategies that drive productivity, collaboration, and effective hybrid work. His research covers how technologies like devices, collaboration software, extended reality, and artificial intelligence reshape the future of how and where we work. The post AI Job Impact in the US: the Apocalypse Can Wait appeared first on Marketing and Innovation.

The Rise of the "Nones" and the Politics Driving People Out of Church   In this episode of the Good Faith Podcast, Ryan Burge joins Curtis Chang to explore The Vanishing Church and the decline of moderate American congregations, using hard data and his lived experience as a longtime pastor, political scientist, and statistician. Ryan and Curtis explore how evangelicals, mainline Protestants, Catholics, and the religious "nones" are changing—and what that means for polarization, social cohesion, and democracy in America. Burge offers a practical challenge for the lonely or spiritually curious—show up to church even if you don't believe—and makes a case for gratitude and community in an anxious age.   06:25 - Evangelicals: Political Shift and Homogeneity 13:59 - Mainline Protestants: Decline and Diversity 19:06 - Aging and Future of Mainline Churches 23:05 - American Catholics: Stability and Rightward Shift 28:31 - Priest Shortages and Cultural Challenges 30:36 - The Rise of the Nones 31:25 - Political Drivers of Religious Disaffiliation 40:17 - Polarization: Politics and Economics 47:54 - Addressing Polarization: Individual Responsibility 50:23 - Advice for Pastors: Preaching Beyond Politics 52:31 - Signs of Hope and Gratitude   Register for the Illuminate Arts + Faith Conference Sign up for the Good Faith Newsletter   Mentioned In This Episode: Ryan Burge's The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us (Why the Culture Wars Led to Polarization and What We Can Do About It) Read Ephesians 3:10 (ESV) Read Colossians 1:16-18 (ESV) Danforth Center on Religion and Politics Ryan Burge, Michael Graham, and Jim Davis' The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? More about Dorothy Day   More from Ryan Burge: Substack: Graphs About Religion  Follow Ryan on X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/ryanburge More about  Ryan Burge's work   Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   The Good Faith Podcast is a production of a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan organization that does not engage in any political campaign activity to support or oppose any candidate for public office. Any views and opinions expressed by any guests on this program are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Good Faith.  

Over the last 30 years, the number of Americans who say they highly value patriotism, religion, community, and family has dropped dramatically. At the same time, the number of Americans who care about making more money has gone up. Phil, Kaitlyn, and Skye discuss David Brooks' new article about the culture's shift toward autonomy and away from loving attachments, and how Christians can begin rebuilding their social muscles. Sociologist and former pastor, Ryan Burge, is back to discuss why the political polarization of Christianity is hurting both the church and democracy. Also this week, why small houses are better for your soul, and monkeys are missing in St. Louis—or are they?   Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/148707266/   Bonus Interview with Ryan Burge: https://www.patreon.com/posts/148694023/   0:00 - Show Starts   3:38 - Theme Song   4:45 - Sponsor - Poncho - If you've been looking for the perfect shirt—something breathable, fits great, feels even better, and stands out in a good way—give Poncho a try. Get $10 off your first order by using this link: https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/holypost   5:12 - Sponsor - Tyndale - The Life Application Study Bible is here to give you resources to help you understand why scripture matters and how it applies today! Check it out now at: https://www.tyndale.com/sites/lasb/?utm_campaign=Bibles%20-%20NLT%20Life%20Applicati[…]ource=Holy%20Post%20Podcast&utm_medium=Microsite%20Nov%202025   7:00 - The Monkeys are Loose in St. Louis!   15:24 - David Brooks on Love   38:00 - Are You Socially Muscular?   50:33 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month!   51:30 -  Sponsor - PolicyGenius - Secure your family's tomorrow so you have peace of mind today. Go to https://www.policygenius.com/HOLYPOST to find the right life insurance for you   52:34 - Interview   55:34 - Number of Christians Holding Steady   1:00:23 - Do Revivals Need to be Inside the Church?   1:09:38 - What is a Moderate Congregation?   1:17:50 - Evangelicalism Became Fundamentalism   1:24:00 - End Credits   Links Mentioned in News Segment: Monkeys! On the Loose! https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/10/us/monkeys-loose-st-louis.html   We're Living Through the Great Detachment: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/02/opinion/americans-marriage-loneliness-love.html   Elizabeth Oldfield on Social Muscles: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/24/opinion/community-housing-friendship.html   Other Resources: The Vanishing Church: How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us (Why the Culture War Led to Polarization and What We Can Do About it) by Ryan Burge: https://amzn.to/4r1rbKL   Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.  

Send us a textFertility tests can look perfect on paper—and pregnancy still doesn't happen.In this episode of Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday, Dr. Mark Amols breaks down why many fertility treatments, especially IUI, are built on assumptions rather than certainty. Tests like the HSG can confirm that fallopian tubes are open, but they cannot prove that the tubes are functional. Semen analysis can look normal, but it cannot confirm that sperm can reach the egg or successfully fertilize it.This gap between testing and reality is why IUI often requires a leap of faith—and why it works well for some patients but not for others.In this episode, Dr. Amols covers:What fertility tests can—and cannot—tell usWhy “normal results” don't guarantee pregnancyWhy IUI is assumption-based by designWho is more likely to succeed with IUIWhy patients with long-standing infertility face harder decisionsThe difference between assumption-based treatment (IUI) and information-based treatment (IVF)Why IVF often provides answers even when it doesn't lead to pregnancyIf you've ever wondered why IUIs fail despite normal testing—or whether it's time to move on to IVF—this episode explains the logic behind those decisions without pressure or judgment.Thanks for tuning in to another episode of 'Taco Bout Fertility Tuesday' with Dr. Mark Amols. If you found this episode insightful, please share it with friends and family who might benefit from our discussion. Remember, your feedback is invaluable to us – leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred listening platform. Stay connected with us for updates and fertility tips – follow us on Facebook. For more resources and information, visit our website at www.NewDirectionFertility.com. Have a question or a topic you'd like us to cover? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at TBFT@NewDirectionFertility.com. Join us next Tuesday for more discussions on fertility, where we blend medical expertise with a touch of humor to make complex topics accessible and engaging. Until then, keep the conversation going and remember: understanding your fertility is a journey we're on together.

The Breakdown Before the BreakthroughThere are moments in history that change everything. We're living in one right now.In this solo episode of Raw & Unscripted, Christopher Rausch speaks straight from the heart — no script, no polish, no filters — about the massive global shift humanity is experiencing and what it means for each of us personally.Just like the world-shaking moment of Covid, we're once again in uncertain territory. And here's the truth most only see in hindsight: The seasons that feel the hardest often become the ones that change us for the better.Catch the Videocast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBNp5ZHULRQYet mental health is at an all-time low. Medication is at an all-time high. Loneliness is rising. Division is everywhere. Something is off — and it's time we talk about it honestly.This isn't about fear. - It's about awareness. - Connection. - And remembering that we were never meant to do life alone.What you'll hear in this episode:Why painful seasons often become our greatest turning pointsHow global uncertainty can either divide or unite usWhy reaching out matters more now than everHow curiosity replaces fear in times of changeSimple ways to lift others when you feel stretched yourselfIf you've been feeling unsettled… disconnected… or quietly asking, “What is happening to the world?”This conversation is for you.Because now — we rise together.Are you subscribed to the podcast? Catch up on previous episodes at https://bit.ly/2Njtvf9 and get the audio podcast at Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/3RHpNe8 or wherever you get your podcasts! We're on all platforms!!!#Legacy #PersonalGrowth #MasteringLife #Confidence #Results #NoRegrets #Beliefs #NoExcusesCoach For More Information please check out:www.NoExcusesCoach.comwww.Youtube.com/TheChristopherRausch

Can Therapists Start a Union? The Antitrust Trap, the Shadow Committee, and the Economic Strangulation of American Psychotherapy Analyzing America's Healthcare Regulations and Their Effect on Us: Why the Law Prevents Therapists from Organizing While Allowing a Private Committee to Fix Prices for the Entire Medical System https://gettherapybirmingham.com/can-therapists-start-a-union-spoiler-alert-they-cant/ The Monthly Rage Thread If you hang around therapist forums long enough, you will see it happen. It operates with the regularity of the tides. Someone posts a thread, usually after receiving a contract from an insurance company offering 1998 rates for 2025 work, and asks the obvious question: “We are the ones providing the care. The system collapses without us. Why don't we just all go on strike? Why don't we form a union and demand fair pay?” It is a logical question. In almost every other sector of the economy, workers who feel exploited band together to negotiate better terms. Screenwriters shut down Hollywood to get paid for streaming residuals. Auto workers walk off the line. Teachers fill the state capitol. Nurses at major hospital systems have successfully unionized and won significant concessions. So why, in the midst of a national mental health crisis, does the mental health workforce remain so politically impotent? The answer is not that we lack will. It is not that we lack organization. The answer is that for private practice therapists, forming a union is a federal crime. This is not a political manifesto. It is an analysis of the bizarre regulatory environment that governs American healthcare, a system of antitrust laws, shadow committees, and bureaucratic classifications that effectively strips clinicians of their bargaining power while empowering the corporations that pay them. If you want to understand why corporate tech monopolies are ruining therapy, or why the corporatization of healthcare feels so suffocating, you have to understand the legal straitjacket we are all wearing. And you have to understand the one group that is allowed to set prices, the one group exempt from the rules that bind the rest of us. Part I: You Are Not a Worker, You Are a Standard Oil Tycoon The primary reason therapists cannot unionize dates back to the era of oil barons and railroad tycoons. The Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 was designed to prevent massive corporations like Standard Oil from colluding to fix prices and destroy the free market. It prohibits “every contract, combination… or conspiracy, in restraint of trade.” The law was a response to genuine abuses: companies buying up competitors, dividing territories, and coordinating prices to gouge consumers who had no alternatives. Here is the catch: In the eyes of the federal government, a private practice therapist is not a “worker.” You are a business entity. Even if you are a solo practitioner struggling to pay rent in a subleased office, seeing clients between crying in your car and eating lunch at your desk, the law views you as the CEO of a micro-corporation. You are classified as a 1099 independent contractor, not a W-2 employee, and that distinction makes all the difference in the world. If two workers at Starbucks talk about their wages and agree to ask for a raise, that is “collective bargaining,” which is protected by the National Labor Relations Act. But if two private practice therapists talk about their reimbursement rates and agree to ask Blue Cross for a raise, that is “price-fixing.” It is legally indistinguishable, in the eyes of the Federal Trade Commission, from gas stations conspiring to raise the price of unleaded. It sounds absurd, but the FTC takes it deadly seriously. When independent contractors organize to demand higher rates, when they share information about what they are being paid and coordinate their responses, they are engaging in horizontal price-fixing, one of the most serious violations of antitrust law. The Sherman Act provides for criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment. The law that was meant to break up monopolies is now used to prevent social workers from asking for a cost-of-living adjustment. The irony is crushing. The same regulatory framework that prevents two therapists from discussing their rates allows massive insurance conglomerates to merge repeatedly, concentrating buyer power in fewer and fewer hands. UnitedHealth Group, for example, has acquired dozens of companies over the past two decades, becoming the largest healthcare company in the United States. When they offer a “take it or leave it” contract to providers, they do so with the full knowledge that fragmented, legally prohibited from organizing therapists have no counter-leverage. The antitrust laws, designed to prevent monopoly power, have created a system where sellers are atomized and buyers are consolidated. Economists call this “monopsony,” and it is precisely the market distortion the Sherman Act was supposed to prevent. Part II: The Day the “Learned Profession” Died For a long time, doctors and lawyers thought they were exempt from these laws. They argued that they were “learned professions,” not mere tradespeople, and therefore above the grubby laws of commerce. They believed that their ethical obligations to patients and clients set them apart from the rules that governed steel mills and meatpacking plants. Medicine was a calling, not a business, and surely the government would not regulate the sacred doctor-patient relationship as if it were a commercial transaction. That illusion was shattered in 1975 by the Supreme Court case Goldfarb v. Virginia State Bar. The case involved lawyers, not doctors, but its implications cascaded through every licensed profession in America. The Goldfarbs were purchasing a home and needed a title examination. The Virginia State Bar had established a minimum fee schedule for such services, and every lawyer they contacted quoted the exact same price. They sued, arguing that this fee schedule was illegal price-fixing. The Supreme Court agreed. In a unanimous decision, the Court ruled that professional services, including legal and medical advice, are “trade or commerce” subject to antitrust laws. The “learned profession” exemption, which had been assumed but never explicitly established in law, was declared a myth. “The nature of an occupation, standing alone,” the Court wrote, “does not provide sanctuary from the Sherman Act.” This ruling was intended to lower prices for consumers by preventing lawyers from setting minimum fees, and in that narrow sense it was a good thing. But in healthcare, it had a catastrophic side effect: it made it illegal for doctors and therapists to band together to resist the pricing power of insurance companies. The “learned profession” exemption is dead. We are now just businesses, and businesses are not allowed to hold hands. This creates the illusion of progress: we have “free market” competition among providers, but monopsony power among payers. It is a market where the sellers are forbidden from organizing, but the buyers are allowed to merge until they are too big to fail. The result is not a free market at all. It is a market designed to transfer wealth from one class (providers) to another (insurers and administrators), with the law itself serving as the enforcement mechanism. Part III: The Cartel in the Basement If therapists cannot collude to set prices, surely nobody else can, right? Wrong. There is one group in American healthcare that is allowed to meet in a room, decide what every doctor's time is worth, and set prices for the entire industry. It is called the RUC, the AMA/Specialty Society Relative Value Scale Update Committee. And understanding the RUC is the key to understanding why talk therapy is dying in the medical model, why psychiatrists abandoned the couch for the prescription pad, and why your insurance company offers you a ghost network of providers who never answer the phone. The Birth of a Shadow Government To comprehend the current crisis in mental health economics, one must excavate the foundations of the physician payment system. Prior to 1992, Medicare reimbursed physicians based on a system known as “Customary, Prevailing, and Reasonable” charges. Under this system, physicians were paid based on their historical billing charges. It was inherently inflationary; it rewarded those who raised their fees most aggressively and created wide geographic disparities for identical services. In response to spiraling costs, Congress passed the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989, mandating a transition to a fee schedule based on the resources required to provide a service. This birthed the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale. The intellectual architecture for this system was developed by a team of economists at Harvard University, led by William Hsiao. Hsiao's team sought to create a “unified theory” of medical value, attempting to quantify the “work” involved in disparate medical acts, comparing the cognitive intensity of a psychiatric evaluation with the technical skill of a hernia repair. The Harvard study was revolutionary. It promised to level the playing field, suggesting that cognitive services, the thinking and talking that comprises primary care and mental health, were vastly undervalued relative to surgical procedures. Had Hsiao's original recommendations been implemented purely, the income gap between generalists and specialists might have narrowed significantly. But the administrative complexity of assigning values to over 7,000 Current Procedural Terminology codes overwhelmed the Health Care Financing Administration. Into this administrative vacuum stepped the American Medical Association. The AMA, fearing that the government would unilaterally set prices, proposed a “partnership.” They would convene a committee of experts to maintain and update the relative values, providing this labor-intensive service to the government at no cost. The government accepted. Thus, in 1991, the RUC was born, not as a government agency, but as a private advisory body with unparalleled influence over public funds. The Architecture of Control The RUC's claim to legitimacy rests on its status as an “expert panel.” But a structural analysis of its composition reveals a profound bias that mimics the governance of a cartel designed to protect incumbent interests. The committee consists of 32 members, but power is concentrated in the 29 voting seats. Of these, 21 seats are appointed by major national medical specialty societies. The distribution is not proportional to the volume of services provided to Medicare beneficiaries, nor is it proportional to the physician workforce. Instead, it is frozen in a historical moment that favored high-technology specialties. Primary care physicians, who perform roughly 45 to 50 percent of Medicare work, hold approximately 4 to 5 seats, giving them about 17 percent of the vote. Procedural and surgical specialties, including surgery, radiology, and anesthesiology, hold 15 to 18 seats, giving them roughly 60 percent of the vote despite performing only 35 to 40 percent of Medicare work. The American Psychiatric Association holds a single seat. One seat. This lone representative must negotiate with a supermajority of specialists, neurosurgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, radiologists, and ophthalmologists, whose financial interests are often diametrically opposed to the valuation of cognitive work. The cartel dynamic is enforced by a statutory requirement of budget neutrality. The Medicare Physician Fee Schedule is a zero-sum game. If the total relative value units projected for a given year exceed the budget, a “scaler” is applied to reduce the conversion factor, effectively cutting everyone's pay. Therefore, any proposal to increase the value of psychotherapy, which would increase the total RVU spend, effectively asks every surgeon in the room to take a pay cut to fund the raise for psychiatrists. Given that a two-thirds majority is required to pass a recommendation, the procedural bloc holds absolute veto power over any redistribution of wealth. The Secret Chamber A hallmark of cartel behavior is the restriction of information. For nearly two decades, the RUC operated in near-total secrecy. While recent years have seen minor concessions to transparency, such as the publication of vote totals, the core deliberative process remains opaque. RUC meetings are private. The public, the press, and even non-RUC physicians are largely barred from attending the deliberations where billions of tax dollars are allocated. Participants, including the specialty advisors who present data, must sign strict non-disclosure agreements. These agreements prevent them from discussing the specific tradeoffs, deals, or arguments made within the chamber. A former RUC participant described these agreements as “draconian,” designed to insulate the committee from public accountability. The Government Accountability Office and the Center for American Progress have noted the inherent conflict of interest. The individuals setting the prices are the same individuals who receive the payments. Unlike a regulatory agency, where officials are salaried and divested of industry assets, RUC members are practicing physicians whose personal incomes are directly tied to the decisions they make. This secrecy serves a functional purpose: it allows for “logrolling.” A representative from Orthopedics might support an inflated value for a Cardiology code in exchange for Cardiology's support on a Knee Replacement code. This “I'll scratch your back” dynamic creates an upward pressure on procedural values that excludes those outside the dominant coalition, specifically primary care and mental health. The Antitrust Shield Why has the Department of Justice not broken up this cartel? The legal shield is the Noerr-Pennington Doctrine. This Supreme Court doctrine establishes that private entities are immune from antitrust liability when they are petitioning the government. Because the RUC technically only “recommends” values to CMS (that is petitioning), and CMS “decides” (that is government action), the RUC is protected by the First Amendment right to petition. This legal loophole allows the RUC to operate with monopolistic characteristics without fear of prosecution, provided CMS continues to go through the motions of “reviewing” the recommendations. And CMS accepts those recommendations over 90 percent of the time. Because private insurance companies generally base their rates on Medicare, this private committee effectively sets the price of healthcare for the entire country. If independent therapists did this, if they gathered in a room and agreed on what their services should cost, they would face criminal prosecution. But because the RUC operates under the fiction of “advising” the government, it is protected. The same regulatory framework that criminalizes therapist solidarity provides cover for industry-wide price coordination by the most powerful medical specialties. Part IV: The Mechanics of Suppression To control a market, one must control its currency. In American medicine, that currency is the Relative Value Unit. Every medical service, from a 15-minute therapy session to a heart transplant, is assigned a total RVU value. This value is the sum of three components: the Work RVU, which accounts for physician time, technical skill, mental effort, and judgment; the Practice Expense RVU, which covers overhead costs like rent, staff, and equipment; and the Malpractice RVU, which reflects professional liability insurance costs. The Work RVU, which comprises roughly 50 to 55 percent of the total value, is determined by RUC surveys. When a code is flagged for review, the relevant specialty society distributes a survey to a sample of its members. These respondents are asked to estimate the time and intensity of the service compared to a “reference service.” This methodology violates several principles of statistical validity. The surveys are voluntary and distributed by the specialty societies themselves. The respondents are typically those most active in the society and most invested in maximizing reimbursement, advocates rather than neutral observers. The sample sizes are often shockingly small; RUC surveys frequently rely on fewer than 50 or 70 respondents to set the price for services performed millions of times annually. A sample of 30 orthopedic surgeons might determine the value of a procedure costing Medicare billions. The Time Arbitrage The most critical variable in the RUC equation is time. The Work RVU is conceptually derived from the formula: Work equals Time multiplied by Intensity. Therefore, inflating the time estimate is the most direct route to inflating the price. Independent studies by RAND and the Urban Institute, often using objective data like Operating Room logs, have consistently shown that the RUC overestimates the time required for surgical procedures. A procedure valued by the RUC as taking 60 minutes may, in reality, take 30 minutes. This creates an arbitrage opportunity. If a gastroenterologist can perform a “60-minute” colonoscopy in 20 minutes, they can effectively perform three procedures in the time allotted for one. They bill for three hours of work in one hour of real time. This “efficiency gain” is captured entirely by the physician as profit. Psychotherapy cannot utilize this arbitrage. CPT codes for psychotherapy are explicitly time-based in their definition. Code 90832 requires 16 to 37 minutes. Code 90834 requires 38 to 52 minutes. Code 90837 requires 53 minutes or more. A psychiatrist cannot perform a 60-minute therapy session in 20 minutes; doing so constitutes fraud. Therefore, the revenue of a psychotherapist is capped by the linear passage of time. They can sell, at maximum, roughly 8 to 10 units of labor per day. A proceduralist, aided by RUC-inflated time assumptions, can sell 20 or 30 units of “RUC time” in the same day. This structural discrepancy creates a widening income gap that no amount of “hard work” by the therapist can close. It is not a market failure. It is market design. The “Thinking” Penalty The RUC's bias is not merely structural; it is philosophical. The committee, dominated by surgeons and proceduralists, consistently values “doing things to people,” cutting, scanning, injecting, far more highly than “talking to people,” diagnosing, counseling, managing complex chronic conditions. This creates a regulatory environment that functions as a de facto wealth transfer from cognitive care to procedural care. In 2013, a major revision of psychiatry codes exposed this bias in stark relief. Previously, psychiatrists used codes that bundled the medical evaluation with the psychotherapy. The new system required psychiatrists to bill an E/M code for the medical management plus an “add-on” code for psychotherapy. While intended to improve transparency, this change exposed psychotherapy to the raw mechanics of the RUC's valuation bias. By isolating the “therapy” component, the committee could subject it to rigorous cross-specialty comparison. And the committee, dominated by surgeons, views “talking to a patient” as low-intensity work compared to “operating on a patient.” The economic signal was clear. This created the 15-minute med check culture not because psychiatrists stopped caring, but because the regulatory environment made relational care financial suicide. It effectively “illegalized” the practice of deep, slow psychiatry for anyone who wanted to take insurance. Part V: The “Messenger Model” and Other Legal Fictions When therapists ask about collective bargaining, lawyers will often point them to the only legal loophole available: the “Messenger Model.” In this model, a third party (the messenger) acts as an intermediary between a group of providers and an insurance company. The messenger takes the insurance company's offer and conveys it to each therapist individually. Each therapist must then make a unilateral, independent decision to accept or reject it. The messenger is strictly forbidden from negotiating. They cannot say, “The group rejects this.” They cannot say, “We want 10% more.” They cannot advise the therapists on what to do. They can only carry messages. This is why “Independent Practice Associations” are often toothless. In the 2008 case North Texas Specialty Physicians v. FTC, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals made clear that if an IPA actually tries to leverage its numbers to demand better rates, it violates antitrust laws. If it follows the messenger model, it has no leverage. It is a “heads I win, tails you lose” regulatory structure designed to protect payers, not providers. The only exception is “clinical integration,” where providers genuinely merge their practices, share infrastructure, and accept joint financial risk. But this requires substantial capital investment and essentially means ceasing to be an independent practitioner. It is a legal pathway available mainly to large physician groups and hospital systems, not to solo therapists working out of rented offices. Part VI: Market Distortions and the Flight to Cash When a cartel sets a price below the market equilibrium, suppliers exit the formal market. This is precisely what has happened in psychotherapy. Mental health providers generally have lower overhead than surgeons. They do not need MRI machines or sterile surgical suites. And they face high consumer demand; the national mental health crisis ensures a steady stream of people seeking services. This gives them an “exit option” that proceduralists do not have. They can refuse to accept insurance and operate as cash-only businesses. The statistics are stark. Nearly 50 percent of psychiatrists do not accept commercial insurance, compared to less than 10 percent of other specialists. A 2023 survey indicated that 64 percent of private practice therapists planned to increase their cash-pay rates. Research published in Health Affairs Scholar found that patients are 10.6 times more likely to go out-of-network for mental health care than for medical/surgical care. This mass exodus is a rational economic response to RUC-suppressed rates. If the RUC says an hour of therapy is worth $100 via the RVU-to-dollar conversion, but the market demand is willing to pay $250, the provider will leave the RUC-controlled sector. They are not abandoning their profession; they are abandoning a pricing regime that values their work at less than half its market rate. Ghost Networks The RUC's pricing failure creates “Ghost Networks,” directories filled with providers who are ostensibly “in-network” but are functionally inaccessible. They are either full, not accepting new patients, retired, have moved, or simply do not respond to inquiries from insurance-based patients because the administrative burden of prior authorizations and clawbacks outweighs the suppressed fee. This is not a “shortage” of providers in the absolute sense. There is no shortage of therapists in private practice. There is a shortage of therapists willing to work at the RUC-determined price point. The insurance directories are graveyards of phantom availability, creating the illusion of access where none exists. The Cost Paradox The central thesis of the RUC's defenders is that they “control costs.” By strictly managing RVUs, they claim to save taxpayer money. In psychotherapy, this logic backfires catastrophically. By suppressing reimbursement rates to a level that drives providers out of the network, the RUC forces patients into the cash market. The theoretical in-network cost might be a $20 copay with the insurer paying $100. The actual out-of-network cost is $250 cash out-of-pocket, paid in full by the patient. Thus, the “cost of therapy” for the consumer skyrockets. Therapy becomes a luxury good, accessible only to those with disposable income. For the poor and middle class, the “cost” is effectively infinite, because the service becomes inaccessible. The RUC's cost-control measure for the system becomes a cost-multiplier for the patient. It shifts the financial burden from the risk pool, where it belongs, to the individual, where it causes maximum harm. The Signal to Students The RUC sends powerful economic signals to medical students making career decisions. When a student observes that a dermatologist or radiologist can earn $500,000 working regular hours, while a psychiatrist earns $240,000 handling emotional trauma and on-call emergencies, while a primary care doctor earns even less, the choice is clear for those motivated by financial security. The undervaluation of cognitive codes discourages the best and brightest from entering mental health and primary care. The cartel's pricing structure creates a perpetual labor shortage in the fields most needed for public health, while creating a surplus in high-margin procedural specialties. We then wonder why there are not enough psychiatrists, why primary care is in crisis, why mental health access is collapsing. The answer is in the price signal, and the price signal is set by a committee of proceduralists meeting behind closed doors. The Hands Are Tied The question “Why can't therapists start a union?” is not just a labor question. It is a window into the broken soul of American healthcare. We have built a system where a secret committee of proceduralists can legally fix prices to favor surgery over therapy, but a group of social workers cannot band together to ask for a living wage. We have utilized laws meant to break up Standard Oil to break up the solidarity of caregivers. The same regulatory framework that criminalizes therapist coordination provides legal cover for industry-wide price coordination by the most powerful medical specialties. The result is a regulatory environment that drives doctors crazy, burns out therapists, and leaves patients navigating a fragmented, assembly-line system that was never designed to heal them. It was designed to process them. Until we confront the legal architecture of this system, the RUC, the Sherman Act, the 1099 trap, we will remain powerless to change it. And the reality of therapy is that quick fixes, whether in treatment or in policy, usually end up costing us more in the end. Some states are beginning to push back. New York and California have implemented strict network adequacy standards requiring mental health appointments within 10 business days. These regulations force insurers to expand their networks, which means they must attract providers, which means they must raise reimbursement rates above the RUC/Medicare floor. It is effectively a state-level override of the RUC cartel, forcing capital back into the mental health labor market. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has long advocated for stripping the RUC of its power, proposing the use of empirical data, tax returns, payroll records, practice invoices, to set values automatically. But these are patchwork solutions to a systemic problem. The fundamental issue remains: we have created a healthcare system that knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. We have engineered a system where the only way to survive is to stop acting like a healer and start acting like a factory. And we have wrapped this system in a legal framework that criminalizes resistance while protecting the status quo. The hands are tied. But at least now we can see the ropes. Bibliography For those interested in the primary sources and legal texts that underpin this analysis, the following external resources provide high-trust verification of the claims made above: Goldfarb v. Virginia State Bar, 421 U.S. 773 (1975): The Supreme Court decision that ended the “learned profession” exemption from antitrust laws. Read the Oyez Summary. The Sherman Antitrust Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1–7): The foundational text of US antitrust law prohibiting restraint of trade. Read the Document at the National Archives. North Texas Specialty Physicians v. Federal Trade Commission (5th Cir. 2008): A key ruling establishing that independent physicians cannot collectively bargain on fees without financial integration. Read the Court Opinion. FTC/DOJ Statements of Antitrust Enforcement Policy in Health Care (1996): The federal guidelines explaining the “Messenger Model” and the narrow exceptions for clinical integration. Read the Guidelines (PDF). The RUC (AMA/Specialty Society RVS Update Committee): The AMA's own description of the committee structure and its role in valuing physician work. Visit the AMA RUC Page. “Special Deal” by Haley Sweetland Edwards (Washington Monthly, 2013): An investigative deep-dive into how the RUC operates and its impact on primary care vs. specialty pay. Read the Investigation. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA): The law governing the right to unionize, which specifically excludes independent contractors. Read the NLRA. Laugesen, Miriam J. Fixing Medical Prices: How Physicians Are Paid. Harvard University Press, 2016. The definitive scholarly analysis of the RUC's history, structure, and influence on American healthcare pricing. Government Accountability Office. “Medicare Physician Payment Rates: Better Data and Greater Transparency Could Improve Accuracy.” 2015. GAO's critical analysis of RUC methodology and conflicts of interest. Center for American Progress. “Rethinking the RUC.” 2015. Policy analysis of the RUC's structural bias against primary care and cognitive services. Health Affairs Scholar. “Insurance Acceptance and Cash Pay Rates for Psychotherapy in the US.” 2023. Empirical research on out-of-network utilization in mental health care. Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC). “Report to the Congress: Medicare and the Health Care Delivery System.” 2024. Annual policy recommendations including proposals for reforming physician fee schedule methodology. Joel Blackstock, LICSW-S, is the Clinical Director of Taproot Therapy Collective in Hoover, Alabama. He specializes in complex trauma treatment and writes at GetTherapyBirmingham.com.  

Join Andi Hektor, CEO & Co-founder of mu-ray.tech and serial deeptech founder, in a fascinating conversation with Gary Fowler as they explore what it really takes to build hardware deeptech companies—and whether AI is accelerating or complicating that journey. From Europe's evolving deeptech ecosystem to the impact of defense innovation and shifting US geopolitics, this episode offers a rare look into the future of industrial-scale science startups.

Yuval Golan joins this week's episode to discuss the foreign buyer market and how agents can make the most of working with international buyers.Full Description / Show NotesYuval's history and career backgroundFounding Waltz and what the company doesCurrent state of foreign investing in the USWhy the US is a safe haven for global investorsHow foreigners view interest ratesTax benefits to investor clientsCities and states where international clients are investingHow agents can best work with foreign buyersTrends for 2026

Part 2 goes from definitions to implications.Bottom-up pain does not mean “it's in the tissues.”This episode is a recording of a live interview with pain researcher and clinician Asaf Weissman. If you haven't watched Part 1, start there—we laid the foundation: why pain semantics matter, how mixed messages harm patients, and why “nothing is wrong with your body” is an overreach.In Part 2, we dig into:What “always bottom up” actually means (and what it doesn't)Structural paradigm vs pathophysiology: why imaging often fails usWhy stress, fear, and emotions are usually modulators, not causesThreshold models: when trajectories may (and may not) be changeableThe case for neuroimmune mechanisms in chronic pain statesWhere diagnostics and biologics may take chronic pain care nextWhat role physios may play as case managers and guidesThis is the second half of a two-part series. Part 1 builds the framework. Part 2 challenges how we interpret evidence, scope, and clinical uncertainty—while staying anchored to what helps the patient in front of you.*********************************************************************

In part 3 of this series on Boundaries with Connection, Juliane Taylor Shore talks us through how boundaries work in relationships with our children - relationships where we have to show up every day - and why it is so important for us to have good psychological boundaries when our children are verbally aggressive. In this episode, you'll learn:What are psychological boundariesHow do psychological boundaries help usWhy good psychological boundaries are important when a child is verbally aggressiveHow to create space between your mind and another's mindResources mentioned in this podcast:Juliane Taylor Shore's website: https://www.cleariskind.com/Juliane's boundaries course: ​​https://therapywisdom.com/neurobiology-of-feeling-safe/Jules' Relationship Podcast : https://whydoesmypartner.com/FREEOne-page PDF infographic on Boundaries with Connection!CLICK HERE to get the download sent to your inboxRead a summary or the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/boundaries3We're kicking off 2026 with a LIVE webinar- Creating Felt Safety! Attend live and watch the recording- PLUS get a huge folder of digital resources including a workbook all about how to impact YOUR felt safety!Register at -----> RobynGobbel.com/FeltSafetyWebinar Get access to over 25+ free resources in our brand, new Free Resource Hub! RobynGobbel.com/FreeResourceHub :::Grab a copy of USA Today Best Selling book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubSign up on the waiting list for the 2027 Cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Immersion Program for Professionals robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagram Over on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute's (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)

In Week Five of our Advent to Epiphany series, we focus on Saint Joseph, Head of the Holy Family, and the reality of responding to God when life feels anything but calm. Using the story of the Flight into Egypt, this episode explores what it looks like to hear God's voice in the middle of fear, disruption, and uncertainty—and still move forward.We talk honestly about the tension between wanting peace and feeling overwhelmed, the discomfort of prayer, and the challenge of trusting God when we don't feel ready or capable. Saint Joseph doesn't say much in Scripture, but his actions show us how to lead, protect, and surrender—one faithful step at a time.If you've ever felt like you're not enough, unsure of the next move, or stretched beyond your comfort zone, this conversation is for you.Scripture Focus Matthew 2:13–15, 19–23HighlightsResponding to God instead of the noise around usWhy discomfort might be a sign we're actually listeningTrusting God with what He's placed in front of us—family, faith, and daily responsibilities..............................

As we wrap up 2025, we're looking at the conversations that truly landed with small churches - the episodes and quotes that sparked response, resonance, and even pushback. Topics like decline, pressure, money, conflict, and culture change weren't just popular; they named real life. In this episode, we explore what that tells us. And why honesty mattered more than neat solutions.You'll hear:What this year's most-downloaded episodes and most-shared posts reveal for all of usWhy honest conversations drew people in, even when they were uncomfortableThe unexpected hope running through some tough topicsA grounded way to close the year and look ahead with more peace and hope than everGet $20 off your first month of the Small Church Network! (Hit the monthly payment option to redeem): www.clc.thrivecart.com/small-church-networkJoin our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministryRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"

✨ Happy Holidays, friends!This extra segment comes from Season 6, Episode 2 with the award-winning Mada & Hugh Piano Duo. Our conversation ran longer than expected, and while this part didn't make it into the final episode, I couldn't keep it from you — it's just too good.In this excerpt, Mada & Hugh open up about creativity in its purest form:How hobbies and play can recharge usWhy music connects us beyond perfectionWhat it means to reclaim our humanity in an age of technology and AIThe joy of making music without judgment or pressureTheir reflections feel like the perfect reminder for this season: creativity is not about perfection, but about presence, freedom, and connection.

In this episode we'll talk about:Why blessings often arrive before we “feel ready”How God uses responsibility, not rehearsal, to strengthen usWhy growth inside the blessing looks different from preparation before itThe emotional and spiritual stretch that comes with answered prayersLearning to sustain what you once only hoped forWhy capacity is formed through practice, not projectionsand more. CONNECT WITH ME…→ Instagram — @mattgottesman→ My Substack — mattgottesman.substack.com → Apparel — thenicheisyou.comRESOURCES…→ Recommended Book List — CLICK HERE→ Masterclass — CLICK HEREWORKSHOPS + MASTERCLASS:→ Need MORE clarity? - Here's the FREE… 6 Days to Clarity Workshop - clarity for your time, energy, money, creativity, work & play→ Write, Design, Build: Content Creator Studio & OS - Growing the niche of you, your audience, reach, voice, passion & incomeOTHER RELATED EPISODES:Answered Prayers Are Often Disguised As Uncomfortable BlessingsApple: https://apple.co/3HTDsjGSpotify: https://bit.ly/3JYc4l7

In this episode of Soul Sync, I'm joined by Stephen Towell, a spiritual hypnotherapist whose work focuses on accessing the subconscious mind in a gentle, grounded, and deeply human way.We explore how the mind learns through experience — how beliefs are formed as protection, and how healing doesn't come from force or control, but from safety, trust, and awareness. Stephen shares his perspective on hypnosis not as something done to you, but as a bridge back to your own inner intelligence.We also reflect on why nature plays such an important role in healing, how modern life can disconnect us from what's real, and why so many people feel calmer and more aligned when they reconnect with their natural state.This is a reassuring, expansive conversation for anyone curious about healing work, the subconscious, or understanding themselves at a deeper level — without fear, pressure, or performance.

For so many women, sexuality and intimacy feel like the missing piece in living a fully embodied life, especially as we age. Our culture rarely teaches us how to move past the superficial and toward deeper pleasure, healing, and connection. In this episode, longtime teachers and practitioners of tantric and somatic healing, Leah Piper and Dr. Willow Brown, join us to demystify tantra, explore its potential for personal transformation and show how it can help us gently release even the oldest wounds we've been carrying. We'll unpack:What tantra actually is, beyond buzzwords, and how it turns sex into soul-to-soul connection and prayerSimple, practical ways to shift from goal-oriented sex to intentional intimacyWhy so many women hold emotional weight in their bodies and how to begin clearing grief, numbness, and old stories to make room for pleasureWhy women carry so much in their bodies and how to begin to release old wounds, grief, and numbness to make space for pleasureThe science behind the nervous system's role in pleasure and healing, and how ritualized practices can help us release what's no longer serving usWhy giving your own sexuality permission and curiosity is the gateway to up-leveling every relationship in your lifeOUR GUESTS: Dr. Willow Brown and Leah Piper are leaders in tantric, somatic, and holistic sexual healing whose combined decades of experience have helped individuals reclaim deeper pleasure, embodiment, and emotional freedom. Dr. Willow Brown, a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, weaves ancient Taoist philosophy with sexual and spiritual practices to open the body's innate pleasure pathways and facilitate profound cellular and somatic transformation. Leah, co-founder of the Sex Reimagined podcast and founder of More Love Works, brings expertise in Tantra Yoga, Positive Psychology, and Somatic Therapies, drawing from her own healing journey to guide individuals and couples toward conscious intimacy and awakened pleasure. Together, they offer a deeply integrative approach, bridging science, spirituality, and embodied practice, to help people release old wounds, reconnect with their true selves, and experience sexuality as a pathway to joy, vitality, and profound love.Want more Leah and Dr. Willown? Visit sexreimagine.com/adventure for resources, featuring audio trainings to support your journey with sexual, intimacy, and communication obstacles.Learn more about Sex Reimagined and follow their work on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sexreimagined YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SexReimagined TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sxreimagined Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexreimaginedpodcast/ Find episode transcripts at www.hotterthaneverpod.com Follow us on:Instagram: @hotterthaneverpod TikTok: @hotterthaneverpod Youtube:

This episode is a deeply personal one for me.Just after my dad passed away, I travelled to a week-long course with Christine Morgan — a medium whose lineage, clarity and uncompromising honesty have shaped so many modern mediums. That week changed something in me. It was the moment I finally stopped trying… and started truly surrendering to the power.Christine joined me for this conversation at 8am my time — coffee in hand — while she was sitting on the other side of the world absolutely roasting in Australian heat. And yet, she brings her usual warmth, humour, depth and no-nonsense truth about what it really means to “surrender.”In this episode we explore what the power actually is, why so many mediums unknowingly block it, and how surrender is less about letting go of control… and more about finally letting yourself be.What you'll hearWhat “surrender to the power” truly means (and why most people misunderstand it)Christine's revelation that even she wasn't fully surrendered for the first 15 years of her careerWhy trying, pushing or “getting a result” pulls you out of the powerHow trauma, conditioning and self-beliefs shape your connectionThe difference between sitting in the power and trying to get into itWhy the spirit world never tests you — but your own mind doesThe subtlety of the power: how to recognise it, trust it and deepen itThe healing, uncomfortable inner work mediumship asks of usWhy authenticity matters more than perfection for developing mediumsThe moment the Spirit world told me clearly: “Jason, just get on with it.”Who this episode is forThis is for you if:You're developing your mediumship and keep getting in your own wayYou struggle with trying, overthinking, or perfectionismYou're learning to trust yourself — and the Spirit world — more deeplyYou've ever asked: “Is this me or is this spirit?”You're ready to move from “magician” to “mystic”Mentions & ideasPlatform mediumship and the courage to be seenHealing the self as the foundation of spiritual workPatterning, neuroplasticity & why the mind creates blocksThe pioneers who simply sat by the fire and waitedWhy mediums need mediums — and how to find the right teacherGentle noteThis episode touches on personal healing, self-reflection, and the internal barriers many of us face when developing spiritual gifts. If anything here brings up emotions, give yourself space, grounding and kindness. You're not alone in the process.To find out more about Christine, you can visit her website - https://www.christinemorgan.com.au/✨ Get in touchIf you have a story, experience, or idea you'd love to share on Soul Sync, I'd love to hear from you.

Why is English always changing—and why does that change so often make us uneasy? In this fascinating conversation, we're joined by linguist, author, and University of Michigan Dean Professor Anne Curzan to explore how English evolves, who influences that change, and what our reactions to new words and usages reveal about culture, identity, and power.Anne shares insights from her latest book Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Words, and unpacks everything from the rise of pronouns and slang to the hidden rules behind texting, emojis, and intensifiers like “super.” Along the way, Anne explains why dictionaries don't tell us how to use language—they reflect how we already use it.Whether you're a dedicated word-lover, a reformed “grammando,” or simply curious about how English works, this episode offers a lively, accessible look at the stories behind the way we speak today.In This EpisodeWhy language change can feel unsettling—and why it shouldn'tThe origins of words like grammando and wordieAmericanisms in the UK and Britishisms making their way into the USWhy prescriptive grammar rules (like not ending sentences with prepositions) often don't reflect how English actually worksHow kids naturally acquire grammar—and what their “mistakes” teach usWhat dictionaries really do (and don't do)How texting, punctuation, and emojis function as a new kind of tone and gestureThe evolution of singular they—and why it's not a modern inventionWhy language is more like fashion than we thinkHow technological change and global contact influence the pace of language evolutionAbout Anne CurzanProfessor Anne Curzan is  the Geneva Smitherman Collegiate Professor of English, Linguistics, and Education at the University of Michigan, where she also served as the dean of the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts from 2019 - 2024. Her most recent book is Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About Words (2024). Resources & LinksBook: Says Who? A Kinder, Funner Usage Guide for Everyone Who Cares About WordsAnne's website: (https://annecurzan.com/)Question or comment? Send us a text message.www.undercurrentstories.com

Send us a textBerry Good MedicineEnding Physician Overwhelm – Episode 205This week we're diving into one of the easiest, most delicious ways to lower stress and protect your health as a women physician: berries. Yes… berries. No, they won't fix the existential dread of your overflowing inbox, but they will equip your brain and body to handle the demands of physician life with more ease, more resilience, and more energy.In Week 6 of our 10-Week Recharge Challenge we're focusing on how berries help reduce oxidative stress, improve endothelial function, support cognitive performance, lower LDL, reduce inflammation, and literally protect your telomeres. (Translation: they help you age well despite the dumpster fire of modern medicine.)Inside this episode we explore:Why berries outperform apples, bananas, and mangoes on anti-inflammatory scales (by a landslide)The surprisingly robust research on berries and heart health, cognition, joint inflammation, and blood pressureHow berries can support metabolic health when chronic stress, cortisol, and irregular schedules work against usWhy separating dairy from your antioxidants helps you get the full benefit (no shame—just physiology)Easy ways to get more berries into your day, no perfectionism requiredHow this week fits into the broader arc of yoga nidra → greens → breath → sleep → laughter → berriesWe're not aiming for perfect. We're aiming for better—one small intentional practice at a time. You deserve a body and brain that feel supported, not just squeezed for output.✨ Browse the books mentioned in this challenge: How Not to Age and The Telomere Effect on my Bookshop page: 

"We're always running at 100%. Some people love that. I think it's like an adrenaline rush."That's how Katie Coulson describes leading Skanska Advanced Technology—where construction projects that typically take 2-3 years get done in a fraction of the time.In today's episode of Bricks & Bytes, we had Katie Coulson from Skanska Advanced Technology and we got to learn about how they're building data centers and semiconductor fabs at tech company speed, why they're often starting construction before the design is even finalized, and what 31 years in construction has taught her about the future of the industry... and many more!Tune in to find out about:✅ How Skanska's vertical unit model combines national tech expertise with local market knowledge to deliver high-speed projects across the US✅ Why the traditional construction bell curve doesn't exist in data center and semiconductor work—and the type of people who thrive in that chaos✅ The sophisticated subcontractor relationships that make it possible to mobilize quickly across different markets✅ Katie's predictions on AI, offsite manufacturing, and robotics as solutions to construction's labor challenges (especially as remote work isn't an option for field teams)If you're building in the data center or semiconductor space, or just curious about how construction is adapting to move at tech speed, this one's for you. Watch the full episode now. Link in the comment!

What do you do when God calls you into something you never expected—and asks you to trust Him in the process?In this episode, Tom sits down with Phill Tague—husband, dad, pastor, and author of the new book Jesus, Be the Centerfold: Choosing Covenant Faith over Airbrushed Christianity—for a vulnerable conversation about calling, obedience, and faithfulness.Together they talk about:How God redirected Phill's life and ministry in surprising waysThe heart behind his new book and what “airbrushed Christianity” is costing usWhy covenant faith invites us into deeper formation, not polished performanceThe tension between leading a church and leading a familyHow to follow God when you can't see the whole mapPhill's honesty and grounded wisdom offer hope for anyone wrestling with direction, identity, or what faithful discipleship really looks like today.The Giving Life Podcast: Conversations about being a man whose life in Christ gives life to others.Watch the video version on YouTube - https://youtu.be/dXoCSuUCoZo

In this wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation, Matt Russell sits down with The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, the ninth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, to explore what it means to live faithfully in an age marked by polarization, digital noise, and spiritual disconnection.Drawing from his background as an artist, pastor, author, and public theologian, Bishop Doyle reflects on:How technology forms—and often malforms—our imaginationsWhy embodied community, nature, and real relationships matter more than everThe difference between charity and justiceThe church's calling to offer a different imagination than the culture around usWhy leaning into community, mercy, and service changes usHow discipleship must evolve in a world facing inequality, climate pressures, and isolationHe also shares stories from his newest book Unabashed Faith, reflects on reconciliation, creativity, and public theology, and even talks Jeeps, camping, and the spirituality of being outdoors.This episode is a hopeful, challenging, and grounding invitation to imagine a new way forward—one rooted in mercy, dignity, justice, and the presence of Christ in the everyday.Learn more about Bishop Doyle:https://www.epicenter.org/about/the-diocese/bishops/the-rt-rev-c-andrew-doyle-ix-bishop-of-texas/

Learn how to reframe self-doubt, regulate your nervous system, and unlock the breakthrough that's been waiting for you.Do you hear that voice telling you, “You're not enough”? What if that inner critic is actually a signal you're on the verge of breakthrough, not failure? This episode will help you reframe resistance, turn self-doubt into fuel, and step into your power.We dive deep into how those negative inner voices don't mean you're unworthy—they mean you're challenging old limits. Together we explore how to engage with your inner critic, reframe ego, and move toward transformation through emotional regulation and nervous system support.Why resistance doesn't mean “stop,” but often signals a ceiling you're ready to breakHow to dialogue with your ego instead of suppressing itA powerful story of my daughter confronting fear and what that teaches usWhy supportive community and aligned friendships magnify your growthPractical next steps to shift fear, reclaim confidence, and make forward movesThis episode is for you if you've ever felt internal conflict, shame over wanting more, or stuck in your next big step. Let's re-parent the voice inside, expand your confidence, and lean into the truth that you are capable.What you'll learn:Why resistance doesn't mean “stop,” but often signals a ceiling you're ready to breakHow to dialogue with your ego instead of suppressing itA powerful story of my daughter confronting fear and what that teaches usWhy supportive community and aligned friendships magnify your growthPractical next steps to shift fear, reclaim confidence, and make forward movesThis episode is for you if you've ever felt internal conflict, shame over wanting more, or stuck in your next big step. Let's re-parent the voice inside, expand your confidence, and lean into the truth that you are capable.Resources•Preorder my book ‘The Connection Code': https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/the-connection-code•Join our amazing community of women growing through books: https://beehive.drmelissasonners.com/book-nook‌#SelfDoubt #InnerVoiceHealing #WomenEmpowerment #MindsetShift #EgoHealing #BreakthroughMindset #EmotionalRegulation #NervousSystem

Send Katie a Text Message!! Hey designers, it's Katie Decker Erickson, and today I'm giving you something totally different — no fluff, no hype, and no sugarcoating. This is your five-minute State of the Industry for interior designers, and a heart-to-heart about what's really going on behind the pretty photos and Pinterest boards.Because let's be honest — the economy isn't doing us any favors right now. Margins are tight, clients want miracles for pennies, and too many designers are drowning in ideas instead of action. So today, I'm breaking down what's actually happening, why inspiration alone won't save your business, and what it's going to take to not just survive, but win in this season. IN THIS EPISODE, I TALK ABOUT:The real numbers behind the 2025 design economy (spoiler: it's not great)What the data from Barron's, the Wall Street Journal, and the NFIB optimism index really means for usWhy “attitude + affirmation” isn't a business strategyThe biggest traps I'm seeing designers fall into right now — undercharging, over-consuming, and constant pivotingHow I'm shifting my own business to adapt (and how you can too)A preview of my upcoming 3-part series and live workshop to help you implement — not just learn — strategies that work in this market We don't need more motivation. We need clarity, accountability, and a plan that actually makes money. This industry is at a crossroads — and if you're ready to stop waiting for things to “get better” and start taking control, this is where it starts.Connect with Katie LinkedInBusiness Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers Free Resources for scaling your interior design firmWebsite

Ever had one of those moments in ministry where you just wanted to crawl under a pew? Same. In this episode, we're laughing our way through the awkward, embarrassing, and just plain ridiculous moments that come with church life. Haley kicks things off with a hilarious story from her campus ministry days (spoiler: it's wild), and the laughs don't stop there. From worship whoopsies to relationship real talk, we're keeping it honest, light-hearted, and full of grace... and giggles.In This Episode:Haley's campus ministry chaosWorship fails that still haunt usWhy your ministry partner deserves a gold medalLaughing through the madness of church lifeReal talk: church staff life is a whole thingFinding joy (and Jesus) in the mess Quick Takeaways:Embarrassment = good story laterMinistry isn't boring. Ever.Humor keeps us saneYou're not alone in the crazyGet all the info about our next pastors' wives retreat and apply here:https://www.pastorswivestellall.com/attendaretreatTo purchase the BOOK, head here: ⁠https://pastorswivestellall.com/book⁠⁠To shop our MERCH, head here: ⁠https://pastorswivestellall.com/shop⁠⁠Want to support the Pastors' Wives Tell All podcast ministry? Become a patron: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/pastorswivestellall ⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE: ⁠Sign up⁠ for our email list and receive updates on new episodes, free gifts, and all the fun! Email sign up ⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠!CONTACT US: ⁠hello@pastorswivestellall.com⁠⁠FOLLOW US:Website: ⁠⁠pastorswivestellall.com⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠⁠@pastorswivestellall⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠@pastorswivestellall⁠⁠JESSICA:Instagram: ⁠⁠@jessica_taylor_83⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@come_away_missions⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@do_good_project__⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠Come Away Missions⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Do Good Project⁠⁠Websites: ⁠⁠Do Good Project⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Come Away Missions⁠⁠JENNA:Instagram: ⁠⁠@jennaallen⁠⁠, ⁠⁠@jennaallendesign⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠@JennaAllenDesign⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠Jenna Allen Design⁠⁠STEPHANIE:Instagram: ⁠⁠@msstephaniegilbert⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠I Literally LOL⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠Stephanie Gilbert⁠

In this episode of Chai Beauty, I reflect on Session Six of the When You Pray Bible study, which focuses on interceding for others in prayer. While it's easy to pray for friends, intercession often challenges us most when it involves those who are difficult to love or those we've been separated from.I share how scriptures like 1 Peter 5:8–11 and Romans remind us that suffering is universal—and that God calls us to stand firm in faith by lifting others up, even in our own trials. Through personal stories and lessons, I explore the tension between selfishness and obedience, what it means to truly love with patience, and why forgiveness and reconciliation matter in God's eyes.We'll explore:Why interceding can feel harder than personal prayerLearning to pray for those who challenge usThe privilege of caring for others as God cares for usWhy forgiveness is for you, and reconciliation is for usLiving out patient, protective, and unconditional Christian love

Faith in a World That Feels Like It's BurningWhen another person is killed over words... when it feels like the world is tearing itself apart... and when your own storm is raging inside, where does faith go?In this raw episode, recorded on September 11th, I open up about the grief, the anger, and the calling to not give up on each other.We talk about:The storm inside our culture and how it's shaping usWhy compassion takes more strength than outrageHow God doesn't send storms to destroy but to reshape usWhy we need real conversations now more than everIf you're tired of the noise, the division, the hate, and you're still trying to stay grounded in faith… this one's for you.Let's get real. Let's rebuild. From the inside out.

Faith Hits Different When the Bank Account's EmptyThis is what it feels like to wait on God… when your bills are due, the storm won't lift, and your prayers feel like whispers into silence.In this raw episode, I share what Deuteronomy 8 taught me this week while I'm still in the storm—financially strapped, faith stretched, and unsure how it's all going to work out.You'll hear:What I've learned when God delays provisionWhy this storm might be protecting—not punishing—youHow tithing, patience, and obedience are changing meThe truth about modern idols and what they cost usWhy peace during the storm is more powerful than the breakthroughIf you're a believer struggling with money, trust, or purpose right now… this episode is for you. I see you. I am you.Let's walk this out together.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dan Tocchini—executive coach, transformation catalyst, and founder of Take New Ground. Dan's work has had a profound impact on me personally and professionally, and I'm thrilled to bring this conversation to you.We talk about:Why transformation > change, and what most people get wrongWhat it means to “tell the truth”—and why that's where real growth beginsThe concept of identity patterning and how to break the invisible scripts that limit usWhy responsibility isn't blame—it's powerWhat it looks like to lead yourself and others with more courage, honesty, and agencyWhether you're navigating a season of change, leading a team, or doing deep personal work, this episode will challenge and equip you to take new ground in your own life.

What will it take to get humanoid robots out of the experimental phase and into our daily lives? A lot of us always dreamed of having our own C-3PO at the ready, but how close are we really?Well, it's a little more complicated than simply getting them on a production line. If we want robots to make an appearance not just in the manufacturing space, but also in healthcare, construction, public spaces, and even at home, there's a whole lot more work to do.In this episode, we bring you a two-part conversation, recorded live at the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston. First up, Aaron Prather, Director of Robotics & Autonomous Systems Program at ASTM, sits down with Jake Hall, the Manufacturing Millennial, to talk about the number one important thing shaping robotics – safety standards. We talk about how safety standards have a long way to go and will need to look a bit different in different industries.Next, we speak to Spencer Krause, the President and CEO of SKA Robotics, about the best use cases for robots right now and where they could end up in the future. We look at healthcare and hospitals, mining and construction, and break down what will need to happen to increase robotics use and make it a buyer's market one day.In this episode, find out:Aaron explains his work at ASTM and the importance of pairing standards with new technologyThe biggest hurdles to improving standards for humanoid robotsWhy we'll need different standards for different scenarios if we want robots in the home, in healthcare, and industryThe most exciting use cases for humanoids and why there's still a lot of work to do to make it feasible How interest in robotics is growing, as shown by increased talk outside of technical fields in social science, law, and moreSpencer explains his work at SKA Robotics and how robotics is evolvingWhere the biggest current use cases for robotics are nowHow robotics is branching out into industries like mining and constructionWhat will it take to push robot use in areas like healthcare from the current 3% in the USWhy safety, use, and productivity are the keys to making robotics a buyer's marketEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“More people will embrace the idea of robotics and look for those solutions, and ultimately that's what we need. We need more problem solvers at the table because not all of these are technical.” – Aaron Prather“In the last five years, what we've been able to see with the ability to run perception on the edge and some of these AI algorithms has been incredible.” – Spencer Krause”We're going to see more and more different types of niche surgical robots coming out in the hospital logistics space. That's a market that's only penetrated 3% of hospitals so far in the US. I think we'll see more of that.” – Spencer KrauseLinks & mentions:Robotics Summit & Expo, robotics convention that brings together over 5,000 developers focused on building robots for various industries including aerospace, defense, healthcare, and logisticsSKA Robotics, robotics hardware, software, and systems engineering developer

What does it mean to truly belong? In this message, Pastor Aaron McRae teaches from Acts 2 and other key scriptures to help us rediscover the power of biblical community. When we commit to relationships centered on Jesus—marked by prayer, scripture, vulnerability, and compassion—we experience spiritual growth that can't happen in isolation.We're not called to walk alone. The early church devoted themselves—to each other, to teaching, to breaking bread, and to prayer. What if that same devotion became our rhythm today?Whether you're new to church, rebuilding after hurt, or seeking deeper connection, this message invites you to experience the beauty and challenge of life together.

Could the healing power of flower consciousness be the key to unlocking your true potential? Josh Trent welcomes Katie Hess, Flower Alchemist and Founder of Lotuswei, to the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast, episode 761, to explore how flower essences can help us heal emotional wounds, transcend our generational patterns, and tap into our divine power, the difference between flower essences and aromatherapy, and how flower consciousness works from a deep, cellular level to shift your frequency. Get 10% Off Lotuswei Flower Essences Flower essences are liquid infusions of wildflowers that contain the bioenergetic imprint of the flowers' life force and they instantly impact your state of mind and enhance your energy. Different from aromatherapy, flower essences don't have a scent; whereas essential oils are distilled or extracted from the plant into a highly aromatic oil. Taken consistently over time, flower essences accelerate our personal growth. LOTUSWEI integrates ancient wisdom with modern practices, using flowers' vibrational qualities to bring about personal transformation. The essence blends are designed to support different aspects of emotional balance, mental clarity, and personal growth. Save 10% with code JOSH In This Episode, Katie Hess Uncovers: [01:05] Pay Attention to Which Plants Grow Around You How the dandelion is sprouting everywhere because we need its healing. Why the plants that grow in our backyard grow to heal us. How herbalists receive information about each plant from the plants. Why we forget how to communicate with nature as we get older. Resources: Katie Hess Lotuswei - Get 10% off with code JOSH [06:45] Receiving Divine Guidance How Katie started talking to plants. How animals showed her which plants she should collect to help humans heal. Why they put yarrow in every floral essence. How dissolving the ego allows us to receive divine guidance. [11:00] What Are Flower Essences? The difference between essences and aromatherapy. How flower essences extract the consciousness of the plants. Why flowers impact our meridians. The process of essence extraction. How the flower essences get more powerful the more diluted they are. The weight of the human spirit can be measured. Why we don't have any tension in our body when we die. [16:35] New Ways of Healing If only 3% of people used flower essences, it could change the world. Why transformation can happen very fast. How we store information in our cellular and energetic memory. Why we're impacted by our ancestors, the collective, and everything we've been through in our life. [20:50] How to Speed Up Your Growth How flower essences can help us speed up self-development. Why Katie feels responsible for her products. How experiencing intense grief made her want to help others. Why the 'Sacred Awareness' essence helps us say what needs to be said. [27:00] The Impact of Thoughts + Emotions on The Physical Body Why thinking doesn't solve anything. How overthinking tightens our body. What causes people to get kyphosis. Why physical constrictions are caused by mental, emotional, and spiritual constrictions. How humans have no neutral. Why we need to put our attention to being a better person every day. How flower essences can opens us up to our blindspots. [31:55] Healing The Lineage Why all of us at our core are good people. How transcending our patterns helps us liberate our lineage. Why we are walking crystals. Resources: 754 Dr. Steven Young | How to Use Your Mind to Change Reality Beyond Limitations [35:50] Tools for Liberation How our bodies create light. Why the intelligence of our body magnifies energy. How Katie is committed to reaching 120 million people before she dies. Why her goal is to give people the tools to liberate themselves. [39:50] Flower Essences for Trauma Healing How what we focus on grows. The role of flower essences in trauma healing. How Katie used the essences to help a war veteran reveal his trauma. Why we may not be aware of our trauma, even though it's running our system. What Katie's healing in herself right now. Why doing what's more fun is what can help us and our businesses grow. [46:00] Spiritual Commodification How Katie receives connection and understanding through public speaking. Why humanity is waking up to see through people's facade. How we don't become an embodied expert after a one-week workshop. The importance of asking ourselves whether the people we're learning from have what we want for ourselves. Resources: 361 Luke Storey: Relationships, Consciousness, & Coming Home To Yourself [50:35] Honoring The Mystery How we're still meeting new parts of ourselves. Why we might not know our hidden gifts until much later on in life. How Josh knew as a kid that he wanted to be a radio host. Why Katie's father left when she was a baby gave her the gift of being an achiever. [55:25] How to Access + Heal Different Parts of Us Why we need more critical thinking. How choosing our flower essence can activate a curious child within us. Why flower essence blend can calm down the scared parts of us. How Katie combines flowers intuitively. Why every person is drawn to the Japanese Camellia. Resources: Richard C. Schwarz [59:30] The Power of Flower Essences How flower essences can create healing from many different angles. The benefits of using the Banana Blossom essence. Why Josh organizes his entire life in a calendar to not miss any opportunities. Why many people fear being successful. Resources: 756 Alison Armstrong | Top Secrets Women Have Never Known About Men (Until Now) [01:07:05] What Is True Vulnerability? How researchers found that our happiness brings our friends more happiness than money. Why we misunderstand vulnerability. How true vulnerability is about ourselves, not other people. Resources: Dynamic spread of happiness in a large social network: longitudinal analysis over 20 years in the Framingham Heart Study Brene Brown [01:11:15] The Wisdom of Nature The meaning of the name 'Lotuswei.' How vulnerability makes us stronger through us being truthful. How we all have the potential to make the planet better. What it takes to make our responsibilities and inconveniences more playful and fun. How flower essences help us connect with the divine power inside of us. Resources: 668 Evolve Your Consciousness: The True Healing Work To BE An Adult, Learn How To Love + Live A Thriving Life | Margo Running Leave Wellness + Wisdom a Review on Apple Podcasts All Resources From This Episode Katie Hess Lotuswei - Get 10% off with code JOSH 754 Dr. Steven Young | How to Use Your Mind to Change Reality Beyond Limitations 361 Luke Storey: Relationships, Consciousness, & Coming Home To Yourself Richard C. Schwarz 756 Alison Armstrong | Top Secrets Women Have Never Known About Men (Until Now) Dynamic spread of happiness in a large social network: longitudinal analysis over 20 years in the Framingham Heart Study Brene Brown 668 Evolve Your Consciousness: The True Healing Work To BE An Adult, Learn How To Love + Live A Thriving Life | Margo Running Power Quotes From Katie Hess "A flower essence is the consciousness of a plant that is then operating on our consciousness. It helps us reconnect with the divine power inside of us. It's penetrating deeply into what makes us a human." — Katie Hess "Flower essences will speed up and accelerate our personal and spiritual growth process so that we fully realize our true nature a little bit faster. The normal amount of personal growth people go through in about six months gets sped up into one month." — Katie Hess "Look in your backyard and see what flowers pop up naturally. 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With over 25 years of independent research in flower and plant-based healing, she has hand-collected more than 300 flower remedies from around the world, including sacred sites in India, Costa Rica, and Iceland. Katie's work integrates ancient wisdom with modern wellness practices, offering products that promote clarity, focus, and personal growth. She also founded the Self-Arising Nature (SAN) Center in Phoenix, Arizona, which serves as a destination for flower essence education, experiences, and practitioner training. Through her work, Katie Hess continues to inspire individuals worldwide to reconnect with their true nature and embrace the transformative power of flowers Website Instagram - Katie Instagram - Lotuswei Facebook YouTube X

Ever hear someone say “the yield curve is inverted,” but have no idea what that means? Or people talking about the “10-year” yields and not knowing why that matters? Or what "bond prices and yields have an inverse relationship" means?? Saaaaammmeeee.In this episode, we're definitely getting a bit more advanced, but it's important to grasp these concepts as best as you can, because it will really help you understand how the economy, monetary policy, and what's happening in the world - really does affect how our money makes money. Today we are FULLY breaking down the yield curve—what it is, what moves it, and why it's one of the most important signals in the entire market. We'll explains how things like inflation, economic growth, government debt, and even global drama (yes, drama) can make yields rise or fall.You'll learn:What the yield curve actually shows usWhy inflation expectations are everythingHow supply and demand for bonds move the marketWhat the bond market thinks about the FedWhy geopolitics can send yields swinging in both directionsIf you've ever wanted to understand bond yields without needing a finance degree, this one's for you.------------------------------------------------------------Send a question, leave a review, subscribe, follow & share!✨⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠

  Where in the world am I? Brazil planning Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, returning from a recent trip to Asia. I'm in San Diego now, sharing my best travel ideas and working on another book for you to enjoy: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, Part C. I'm about to launch on a 90-day trip around the world. Listener Story Spotlight I want to tell you about a listener named Juliana who is from Brazil. She was a student of mine and now she works with me. She gave me a list of all the places in Brazil that I should be going to.She and I have known each other for 3 years. She's so beautiful and full of life. I'm so grateful for. Quick fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is:  Should I carry books with me to read on the trip? I recommend you download them from your local or cloud library. Then you read on the go. Don't carry more than you need. 3 things: neighborhood selection, daylight itineraries, scam avoidance Select neighborhoods that are walkable and have public transportation nearby if you don't drive. Read reviews on the AirBNB website before you select. When booking a flight or train, be sure it arrives at a daylight time, which can differ in winter months. If it comes after dark, it will be more of a challenge for you.  To avoid scams, be cautious when choosing passwords, logging out of websites, and making online purchases. These are very typical scams. If you are suspicious, you may be right to avoid that vendor and choose another. Don't look like a target, either   Today's destination is: Brazil. Optimized for a budget‑minded solo woman in her 60s who loves beaches, nature, and a relaxed—but organized—pace.   Date Overnight Key plans How to get around Budget tips & cautions Rio de Janeiro (Leme / Copacabana) • Easy sunset stroll along Copacabana & watch locals at Arpoador point. • For a light dinner, try a fresh‑juice “sucos” bar and a tapioca crêpe. Take a taxi or Uber from GIG airport (≈ R$75). Choose a sea‑view “quarto feminine” at Selina Copacabana (~US $45 priv.). Keep valuables hidden on the beach. Wed 4 Jun Rio • Christ the Redeemer early (08:00 train from Cosme Velho). • Ride the Santa Teresa Tram then lunch in a colonial café. • Late afternoon cable car up Sugarloaf for golden‑hour photos. Day‑pass on RioCard metro + tram; cable/Uber for Sugarloaf. Buy Sugarloaf ticket online to skip queue; take a light jacket—windy on top. Rio Choose your mini‑escape ① Nature: half‑day to Prainha & Grumari wild beaches (shared van tour). ② Culture: ferry to Niterói for Niemeyer‑designed MAC museum & quiet Itacoatiara beach. ③ History: cool mountain air in imperial Petrópolis (bus 2 h). Tours or local buses; all safe in daylight. Pack reef‑safe sunscreen—Rio's winter sun still strong. Foz do Iguaçu Morning flight RIO → IGU (1 h 45 m; promo fares from US $68 one‑way)    Drop bags, then spend the afternoon on the Brazilian side catwalks for sweeping views of Iguazu Falls (entry R$199 ≈ US $39)  iguazufalls.com End day at Parque das Aves bird sanctuary (1 hr)  iguazufalls.com Bus 120 links airport ↔ falls ↔ downtown. Taxi to hotel after dark. Stay at Tarobá Express (single en‑suite ~US $40, rooftop pool). Foz do Iguaçu Full‑day hop into Argentina's Iguazú National Park for the Devil's Throat boardwalk & eco‑train (passport needed, no visa/fee for US). Evening option: Itaipu Dam illumination tour. Shared shuttle (~US $25 rt) handles border formalities. Bring ARS pesos or pay by card for Arg. park ticket (US $45)  iguazufalls.com .São Paulo Morning nonstop IGU → GRU (1 h 35 m; fares from US $56)  KAYAK . Walk tree‑lined Paulista Avenue, pop into MASP art museum (free Sun mornings), coffee in Vila Madalena murals. Airport bus to Paulista (R$55) or Uber. Metro is clean & safe in daytime. Base yourself in Ibis Paulista or female pod at Selina Aurora (~US $50). São Paulo • Morning in Ibirapuera Park—rent a bike or visit Afro‑Brasil Museum (opens 10 am)  Tripadvisor . • Afternoon at Municipal Market (pastel de bacalhau!) & nearby Pinacoteca gallery. Metro Brigadeiro ↔ Luz. Watch bags on busy Linha 3 Red line; pickpockets work in crowds.  São Paulo Relaxed day‑trip choices: ① Santos coast: historic coffee port + beach promenade (1 h 30 m bus). ② Embu das Artes craft town (45 min EMTU bus). Buy a round‑trip bus ticket; depart before dusk. Wed 11 Jun — Free morning for souvenir shopping on Paulista, then head to GRU airport for onward flight. Allow 3 hours pre‑international departure.   Essential Practicalities E‑visa now required for U.S. visitors entering Brazil from 10 Apr 2025; online application fee US $80.90 and proof of ≈ US $2 000 funds (3 bank statements) are needed. Apply at least 3 weeks ahead.  VFSE Visa New York Post   Weather: Early June is Brazil's mild winter—pleasant 72 °F / 22 °C in Rio & São Paulo, warmer at Iguazu (upper 70s °F) with possible mist; pack a light rain shell for the falls.   Money: ATMs are plentiful. Withdraw in R$ and use cards where possible. Carry small notes for kiosks, buses, and street food.   Health & safety:   No yellow fever shot is demanded for the coast, but it is recommended for the Iguazu region.   Wear non‑slip shoes on Iguazu catwalks (spray makes surfaces slick).   Use registered taxis or ride‑share at night; avoid deserted beach stretches after dark.   Language: Basic Portuguese greetings go a long way; Spanish is understood in Iguazu. Learn “Obrigado” (thank you from a woman).   Hand‑Picked Stays (private room prices, low‑season) City Comfortable & friendly Approx. US $ Why you'll like it Rio Selina Copacabana (female dorm or priv.), Ibis Budget Botafogo 35–60 24 h desk, beach steps away, rooftop bar. Foz Tarobá Express, Che Lagarto Hostel 35–45 Central, free shuttle to falls stop, tour desk. SP Ibis Paulista, Soul Hostel (single) $45–60. It is Walkable to the metro and lively but safe at night.   Quick Activity Bucket‑List Region Must‑do Nice extra Rio Watch sunrise from Leme end of Copacabana; Sugarloaf cable car; caipirinha & bossa‑nova in Lapa. Short jungle hike to Mirante Dois Irmãos for postcard view. Iguazu “Devil's Throat” platform roar; boat‑ride under the falls (waterproof bag!). Evening jungle moon‑bow walk (full‑moon nights only). São Paulo MASP's suspended concrete gallery; bike Ibirapuera lagoon; coffee tasting at Octavio Café. Live samba at Bar Brahma or vinyl jazz in Vila Madalena.   Approximate Trip Budget (USD) Category Rio (3 nts) Iguazu (2 nts) São Paulo (3 nts) Total Lodging $150 $80 $150 $380 Flights (internal) — RIO→IGU $68 IGU→GRU $64 $132 Inter‑city buses / ferries $20 $25 (Arg. shuttle) $25 (Santos) $70 Sight tickets & tours $65 $110 $40 $215 Meals & local transit $30/day × 8 $240 Grand estimate ≈ $1 040   (Budget assumes dorm‑style breakfast included and a few splurges; private rooms or extra tours will raise totals.)   Enjoy Brazil's unbeatable mix of beach life, rainforest thundering waterfalls, and South America's most cosmopolitan metropolis—at a tempo that feels adventurous yet comfortable. Boa viagem!   Smart Move and Slip up pairings Brazil slip ups, are that there's no way I can see all of the country in a week. So I have to be very picky about only going to the Rio and Sao Paolo regions, and possibly Iguazu Falls, if that works out and I am able physically and mentally.     Can you figure out A RAH LO   Local, regional, and global esims Local towers and networks in that country. Anticipate which eSim you need.  Whole wide world 90 days $59 for me. My first time in India, I thought it was part of Asia.  I found out that I missed out the night before I was leaving.   Supported countries. Read that carefully. It helps you make a decision. My code to get $3.00 off is MARY2856. You get the discount, and I get the credit.   Timer won't start counting down until you get to the country you are traveling to, and once it connects, the plan will start—for example, 30 days and 5 Gig. Validity starts when you get there. Refill as needed. 5G devices   Watch this video for instructions.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi1Cb1tEeSI Resources Roundup   How do you travel if you don't know anyone who can go with you, and maybe you want to see some unique places that no one you know cares about? Maybe you want to travel because you never saw these places while you raised your children and supported the family. You may want to visit where you were born and want to do it on your own. You may want to lie on a beach in Tahiti and have a long nap. How does one get to do this? We will help you with instruction, guidance, and good stories. This book must be published now because 14.8% of women are over 65, and most outlive their spouses. Another large chunk of women are in their 50s and early 60s and have years of activity to go. Plus, there are 38 million members of AARP, many looking for active choices on how they live and travel.  Gone are the days of your travel agent booking your paper airline ticket. You will not likely contact a travel agent for your trip. The more we understand others and their cultures, the more we can get along with them. Dr. Mary Travelbest is like Rick Steves for Women adventure travelers who are seasoned in years but have yet to gain travel experience. My daughter, my co-author, Tina, and I have been traveling since she was born 22 years ago. She's also made many solo trips, including visiting her sister in China for a month this year. She's completed her degree in Business, working on a Master's degree, and living/working in the San Francisco area. This book needs to be published so the Golden Years can be just that for those who like active travel.    The take away mantra is to go and find peace where you rest and bring good to others    You can travel solo and never be alone. Dr. Travelbest.  

What happens when humanitarian work collides with political upheaval and shifting policies? In this episode, Rebekah Teuscher and Michaela Dowen, graduates of the Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership program, share what it's like to navigate being young humanitarian professionals in this time of uncertainty. They offer honest insight into the challenges and realities humanitarian workers face, and share what's kept them going. We talk about the importance of clear communication, collaboration across organizations, and staying grounded when things feel chaotic. Rebekah and Michaela also reflect on finding purpose in unexpected roles and the need for good support systems to sustain their work. Their reflections are honest, practical, and rooted in the real-world complexity of an ever-changing work sector. Listen in to learn more :   (11:24) Overview article of refugee resettlement history in the US: Why does Trump's executive order about refugees matter? Read More from Rebekah “Lord, but When Did We See You?” Harrisburg area refugees share their stories, perspectives amidst shifting immigration landscape     Bios: Over the past six years, Rebekah Teuscher has worked with refugees in various contexts in the U.S. and internationally. In addition to her work for refugees and migrant populations, she is passionate about trauma-informed care and community development. She now lives and serves in Lithuania, working with international university student populations.   Michaela Dowen is a humanitarian professional who has spent the last four years in the field of forced migration. With experience in local, national, and international spaces, she is passionate about advocating for this especially vulnerable demographic through storytelling and public education. —-- The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website. Get your application fee to the HDL M.A. program waived with code TBS25. Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid. This episode was produced by WildfireCreative  Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | Stitcher | RSS Follow us on Twitter:  @drjamieaten |  @kentannan Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco @wheaton_hdi (Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the very strategies you've used to survive—perfectionism, overachievement, emotional detachment—are now keeping you from the love and connection you crave?In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Stephanie Lopez, founder of The Brave Method and former NASA psychologist, for a deep and honest conversation about the defense mechanisms we develop early in life to stay safe—and how those same patterns can quietly disconnect us from our truth, our relationships, and ourselves.Stephanie shares her journey of stepping away from a prestigious, successful career in psychology to follow her intuition into work that felt more aligned. Even after years of training, she found that traditional tools often failed to get to the heart of true healing and self-love. It wasn't until she began listening to her body, her heart, and her inner knowing that everything began to shift.I also share how attending one of Stephanie's Brave Method events cracked something open in me. Her work helped me recognize the subtle ways I was still armored and allowed me to soften into a deeper connection with myself.If you've ever felt stuck in old patterns—striving, pleasing, avoiding—and you're ready to come back home to yourself, this episode is a must.In this episode, we explore:The subtle ways defense mechanisms shape our behavior and disconnect usWhy perfectionism, anxiety, and control are often unhealed protectionThe limits of traditional psychology in accessing true self-loveHow intuition, embodiment, and self-compassion open the door to real healingWhat it looks like to release the armor and live more bravely and openlyResources Mentioned:Learn more about Dr. Stephanie Lopez and The Brave Method: www.brave-method.comConnect with Stephanie on Instagram: @drstephanielopezDiscover her 4 step process to ditch anxiety for good: https://www.brave-method.com/anxiety

In this episode, I'm challenging the fear-based narrative around high cholesterol and unpacking what your labs are really telling you. Spoiler: high cholesterol isn't a diagnosis—it's a data point that needs context.We dive into why dietary cholesterol (hello, eggs and beef) isn't the cause of clogged arteries, why inflammation and metabolic health matter way more, and how to read your cholesterol panel in a more informed and less fear-driven way.Here's what we cover:

In this episode, we explore the subtle, often missed moments of human connection—and what they reveal about our deeper needs.A brief exchange with a mailman sparks reflection on communication and misunderstandingThe physical sensation of a missed connection—what it tells usWhy we often choose efficiency or comfort over connectionHow being unseen can create deep emotional painThe power of pausing, noticing, and trying again—with empathyThrive With Leo Coaching: If you want to improve in the areas of health, wealth and/or relationships, go to www.thrivewithleo.com to begin your journey.If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help:In the US: Crisis Text Line: Text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or 988The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386Outside the US:International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.

Today’s guest is the brilliant Sarah Wilson. Sarah Wilson is a multi-New York Times bestselling author, social philosopher, international keynote speaker, minimalist and philanthropist. She edited Cosmopolitan Australia at 29, founded the global I Quit Sugar movement, hosted Masterchef Australia – and wrote the bestseller First, We Make the Beast Beautiful. We previously had Sarah on the podcast 2 years ago where we spoke about dating in your forties, how Sarah had moved to Paris with only own 2 suitcases worth of belongings! Since we last spoke, Sarah has ended her long-running podcast Wild, and started serialising her new book on system collapse. Today, we’re talking about the chaos we’re all living through — the systems collapsing around us, the tech bros running wild, and the very real sense that everything’s just... a bit cooked. We also dive into: Living in a minimalistic way and how it’s classy in some cultures Australia is a young person’s culture with botox, lashes and ‘invisible’ older women Should we also have a tax on fast fashion? How beauty ideals change based on what’s going on economically What it means to find meaning in messy times Why Sarah’s book will likely be banned in the US Why community and connection are more important than ever You can find Sarah on Substack You can find Sarah on Instagram You can watch us on Youtube Find us on Instagram Join us on tiktok Or join the Facebook Discussion Group Tell your mum, tell your dad, tell your dog, tell your friend and share the love because WE LOVE LOVE! XxSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the Federal Drive with Terry Gerton Big plans for workforce expansion at Customs and Border Protection Why we should be thinking about drone attacks in the US Why resolving the debt limit while also passing the reconciliation bill might be the next installment of Mission ImpossibleSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Emotions are foundational in our overall well-being. They shape our relationships, affect our careers, and influence countless other areas where our clients seek support. Yet, for many of us and our clients, sometimes emotions can feel vague or ambiguous. Why? We were never taught to clearly identify our emotions and still may not have the language to articulate them. Understanding and accurately labeling the feelings we experience is crucial for mental health. If most people are unable to do this, that means we've got some work to do. But here's the great news: Emotional capacity and intelligence are measurable and learnable–we can build them just like we build muscles. This is the essential skill we'll focus on in today's podcast episode. The truth is, we are all going to face setbacks. But your emotional world–your skills, awareness, and connectedness surrounding your emotions–is one of the most vital components of your stability. To help you understand how significant our emotions are, I'll share insights from the largest study on emotional intelligence and explore the current "emotional recession" impacting us and our clients. I'll also take you through a relevant analogy to help you understand how emotions act as stabilizers and how to expand our emotional capacity—practically and powerfully.When we develop our knowledge around the power and importance of emotions–and understand what it means to truly connect with them–we can expand our capacity to navigate life. Building your emotional intelligence muscles as a coach not only allows you to show up powerfully for your clients and cultivate lasting change in their lives, but it also means you are increasing their awareness of the muscles that they need to strengthen. When we do this work—individually and collectively—we have more meaningful life experiences filled with purpose, gratitude, connection, and empathy. I can't wait to show you how this is possible in today's episode.What you'll learn:Key summary points from the State of the Heart 2024 report on emotional intelligenceThe definition of “emotional recession” and how one is currently affecting all of usWhy many people lack the awareness to understand and label their emotions accuratelyA personal story that highlights the importance of emotional skills as a stabilization toolWhat it really means to be with our emotions and how skilled coaches guide clients through this processRead the full show notes here.Connect with Molly ClaireMolly's Website: MollyClaire.ComMaster Coach Training 2026 Application Open Have a question or thoughts about the podcast? Don't hesitate to contact Molly at:Instagram | Molly Claire Coaching IGmolly@mollyclaire.comFacebookMolly's book: The Happy Mom Mindset:

Send us a textWe're getting real in this episode, talking openly about what it means to be a creative with mental health struggles, from panic attacks and perfectionism to ADHD and burnout. Whether you've felt overwhelmed by your to-do list, stuck chasing an impossible standard, or just totally unmotivated and scattered, you're not alone. And you're not broken.In this heart-to-heart episode, we're sharing how our own brains work (and sometimes how they work against us), how we've found ways to collaborate with compassion, and what tools help us keep going when the mental health stuff hits hard. It's been a journey of learning, unlearning, and showing up as our whole selves. We also reflect on the ups and downs of working together while navigating different work styles, energy levels, and expectations. This one's for anyone who's felt like they're “too much” or “not enough”–we see you. All that and more when you listen to this episode:What perfectionism and ADHD really look like when collaborating How we collaborate without losing our minds (or friendship)The toll that anxiety and panic attacks can take, and what helped usWhy finishing creative projects is sometimes the most challenging partTools we use to manage time, prioritize, and avoid burnoutCreative identity and letting go of “productivity = self-worth”How different brains process time, feedback, and focusAmy Poehler (and Leslie Knope) as our collective creative spirit guide Mentioned in this episode:Creative South Conference Crop Austin ConferenceHow to Be an Imperfectionist by Stephen Guise Made by James Eisenhower Matrix Calm AppConnect with Katie & Ilana from Goodtype Goodtype Website Goodtype on Instagram Goodtype on Youtube Love The Typecast and free stuff? Leave a review, and send a screenshot of it to us on Slack. Each month we pick a random reviewer to win a Goodtype Goodie! Goodies include merch, courses and Kernference tickets! Leave us a review on Apple PodcastsSubscribe to the showTag us on Instagram @GoodtypeFollow us on Tiktok @lovegoodtypeLearn from Katie and IlanaGrab your tea, coffee, or drink of choice, kick back, and let's get down to business!

There are the stories we tell out loud, and then there are the ones we keep tucked away—the ones that ache the most, because we've carried them in silence.On this episode of On Health, we're breaking the silence—and the stigma—around some of the most vulnerable, hidden experiences women carry: miscarriage, illness, identity loss, perfectionism, aging, and the loneliness so many of us feel but rarely name.I'm joined by the phenomenal Dr. Jessica Zucker, clinical psychologist and author of the groundbreaking memoir I Had a Miscarriage, and her latest book, Normalize It, which is just what we need: an invitation to stop apologizing for what we're going through—and start talking about it.Together, we explore:How grief grows in silence—and thrives in stigmaWhat it means when you don't feel like yourselfWhy midlife isn't a decline—it's a reckoningWhat being a “good girl” has cost usWhy loneliness is a serious health issueWhy we are more than what we doHow perfectionism is stealing our joyThis one's for all the women tired of pretending they're fine.Who are aching to be seen.Who are ready to stop carrying the weight alone.Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplementsMentioned in this episode:Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

[EP 25-148] I must say that I'm skeptical of ALL Chinese congressmen now. I honestly believe that some if not all are sleepers. I'm not a bigot for saying that I don't trust Muslims serving in our government. I've seen how they operate, and I don't think the Chinese are any different. They are playing the long game…  Somebody tweeted, “We are a week away from seeing Chinese flags in people's X bios.” 469 American students in China 280,000 Chinese students in the US Why are we educating our enemies and letting them spy and steal intellectual property to undermine our country? Communist China controls 90% of the world's antibiotics. They don't need to wage a war, they just need to unleash another disease, then withhold the medication.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-kevin-jackson-show--2896352/support.

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. In this episode, the crew is joined by SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce—aka “CryptoMom”—for a rare, candid conversation. They unpack the SEC's vibe shift, why airdrops might be doomed, and whether memecoins are just collectibles or cleverly disguised securities. Plus, Hester dishes on Paul Atkins' potential leadership, the SEC's new crypto task force, and what real regulatory clarity might finally look like. Show highlights