Podcasts about Vanity

“The Burdensome Weight of Sin's Curse” - a lesson on the futility of searching for true meaning or significance in the things of life apart from God. Music: “The Insanity of Vanity, part 2” lyrics by Toby Logsdon. Performed by “Crimson Covenant.” Copyright ©TobyLogsdon 2025

The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.2 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher,     vanity of vanities! All is vanity.3 What does man gain by all the toil     at which he toils under the sun?4 A generation goes, and a generation comes,     but the earth remains forever.5 The sun rises, and the sun goes down,     and hastens to the place where it rises.6 The wind blows to the south     and goes around to the north; around and around goes the wind,     and on its circuits the wind returns.7 All streams run to the sea,     but the sea is not full; to the place where the streams flow,     there they flow again.8 All things are full of weariness;     a man cannot utter it; the eye is not satisfied with seeing,     nor the ear filled with hearing.9 What has been is what will be,     and what has been done is what will be done,     and there is nothing new under the sun.10 Is there a thing of which it is said,     “See, this is new”? It has been already     in the ages before us.11 There is no remembrance of former things,     nor will there be any remembrance of later things yet to be     among those who come after.Ecclesiastes 1:1-11THINKING ABOUT DEATH 18 But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,    which shines brighter and brighter until full day.19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;    they do not know over what they stumble.Proverbs 4:18-1915 In my vain life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. 16 Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? Ecclesiastes 7:15-17Ecclesiastes is filled with what we might call true lies. Given the perspective “God does not matter,” it is true that all is vanity. Since that perspective is wrong, it is not true that all is vanity. Yet Solomon makes us think through this wrong perspective thoroughly through Ecclesiastes.David GuzikThe Book of Ecclesiastes is a sermon concerning the emptiness of all things without Christ. He who reads it and does not see the Cross in its conclusion has missed its true meaning.Charles SpurgeonMemento Mori: “remember, you will die” or “remember, you are mortal”CD PICTURE*Day by day remind yourself that you are going to die.BenedictPICTURE OF BENEDICT*“What you are, we used to be. What we are, you will be.”In context, Benedict was essentially saying, “Don't waste your life on triviality. Remember what matters. Life is fleeting and precious. Don't squander it. Keep your death before your eyes. Hold eternity in your heart.”John Mark ComerFor the unbeliever, death is avoided for the sake of life. For the Christian, death is the lens through which we view our life and the door through which we finally enter real life.TOMBSTONE PICTURE*What Will YOUR Dash Be?10 Is there a thing of which it is said,     “See, this is new”? It has been already     in the ages before us.11 There is no remembrance of former things,     nor will there be any remembrance of later things[e] yet to be     among those who come after.Ecclesiastes 1:10-1113 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?' 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”'Luke 12:13-19THINKING ABOUT DEATH SAVES US FROM THE ILLUSION OF CONTROL13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.James 4:13-1620 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'Luke 12:20THINKING ABOUT DEATH SAVES US FROM THE ILLUSION OF TIME21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”Luke 12:21THINKING ABOUT DEATH SAVES US FROM THE ILLUSION OF VALUE“Creatures are not born with desires unless satisfaction for those desires exists. A baby feels hunger: well, there is such a thing as food. A duckling wants to swim: well, there is such a thing as water. If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.C.S. LewisTherefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.Hebrews 12:1-2

Bath bun. Bobbinet. Poor basket. Vanity-bait. These are just a few of the words the Oxford English Dictionary credits Jane Austen with using for the first time in print—and almost all are words related to domestic and everyday life. In this episode, we sit down with scholar Charlotte Brewer to explore the Dictionary's 19th-century origins, its reliance on volunteer readers, its ongoing digital evolution, and the literary biases that shaped whose words were recorded. A must-listen for word nerds! Charlotte Brewer is Emerita Fellow in English at Hertford College, Oxford. She began her career as a medievalist, subsequently turning to the history of the English language and in particular its record in the Oxford English Dictionary. Her publications include studies of Jane Austen and Shakespeare in the OED, and she is currently working on the Murray Scriptorium, a co-edited edition of the letters of James Murray, the first chief editor of the OED.For a transcript and show notes, visit https://jasna.org/austen/podcast/ep28/.*********Visit our website: www.jasna.orgFollow us on Instagram and FacebookSubscribe to the podcast on our YouTube channelEmail: podcast@jasna.org

Week 5 of the Football Is Sexy Podcast brings a mix of NFL headlines, comedy, and untold stories with special guest Kwame Siegel - stand-up comedian, NFL correspondent, Baltimore native, and lifelong Ravens fan.In this episode:Monica Madrid shares behind-the-scenes stories of working with Prince and Vanity on Soul TrainShaun Alexander's family of 14 kids (a full football roster at home)Derrick Henry's fumbles and the Ravens' strugglesCan the Los Angeles Rams make another Super Bowl run?What the Helly: Colts owner Carlie Irsay on the field and the backlashKwame's comedy career alongside Arsenio Hall and friendships with WNBA legend Penny TolerThe Football Is Sexy Podcast blends football analysis, comedy, and culture every week. Whether you're here for Ravens fandom, NFL Week 5 breakdowns, or untold entertainment stories, this episode has something for you.

Listen to Pastor Marc preach from Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, observing how the world's pleasures can gladden the heart, but only God can satisfy it.

The Vanity of Wealth

In this sermon, we walked through Ecclesiastes, where "The Preacher" wrestles with the meaning of life. We heard how wisdom, work, pleasure, and wealth—all things we often chase—are like a vapor that cannot satisfy. Yet, as we were reminded through the text, God has placed eternity in our hearts, pointing us to the only One who can give true meaning. The book concludes that to fear God and keep His commandments is "the whole of man." This is more than just our duty; it is the essence of what we were created for. And ultimately, we saw how Christ entered our vanity, bore our judgment, and rose victorious so that our fleeting lives could carry eternal weight. In Him, our vanity is transformed into victory.

A sermon by Brad Snyder based on Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 preached on September 28th as part of our sermon series called "Devoted: Following Jesus Together."

A sermon by Joe Byler based on Ecclesiastes 1 preached on September 28th for our Short North congregation as part of our sermon series called "Fully Alive: Wisdom and the Way of Jesus in Ecclesiastes"

The 5D Academy with Zarathustra explores universal wisdom to foster total freedom from suffering in all areas of your life; health, wealth, love, and self.Each Academy podcast contains valuable insights and takeaways to become the best version of yourself and create an authentic, fulfilling life. Zarathustra transmits 5th Dimensional Quantum frequencies in each episode with transformational tools while discussing different topics to help you maintain this new frequency in your daily life.Zarathustra has created a practical system of transmitting the truth to his audience allowing transformation and freedom from suffering. Spiritual development requires an open heart. It is virtually impossible for a seeker to advance to higher consciousness if they don't love themselves. The belief system which has been ingrained in our cellular memory from childhood that we are not good enough results in a conditioned mind. The conditioned mind holds the false belief that there is something missing in our lives, that we are incomplete, that we need to gain something in order to become happy and whole, which is not true. After a life time of searching, Zarathustra has blended a practical system of Eastern and Western methods and techniques to help the Academy members to free themselves from anxiety, negative thoughts, lack of self-love and self-acceptance and destructive emotional patterns through a systematic way to raise your vibration to 5D Vibrational Frequency, which enables you to live a vibrant life of freedom and happiness.The Key Elements To Freedom:Zarathustra recognizes continuity and consistency are the key elements to freedom. In order to help you achieve your spiritual goals, it's best to have a highly effective spiritual practice, free of dogmas, false beliefs and superstition that helps you raise your vibration to 5D Vibrational Frequency as well as the ability to maintain this newly found higher level of consciousness. This translates to a life filled with inner peace, self-love and happiness which is the goal of every spiritual seeker.New knowledge and benefits are gained with each replay. Scroll down for a record of all 5D Academy podcasts and for more information about Zarathustra's 5th Dimensional Academy of Higher Consciousness, Upcoming Events, Workshops or 5th Dimensional Quantum Healing & Awareness Training Programs, please visit: www.Zarathustra.TVWARNING: The 5D Academy transformational process is highly effective and very intense. You may find it severely challenging as old patterns shift. Working with Zarathustra requires absolute ownership and personal accountability. If you are mentally unstable, weak, tend to blame others, and/or are unwilling/unable to take personal responsibility please do NOT proceed.Zarathustra is not a doctor and makes no medical claims. Nothing Zarathustra or any agents/employees of 5th Dimensional Quantum Awareness communicates should be construed as medical or psychological advice of any kind. Please see a health professional for all medical assessments & treatments. By viewing this statement and using any products, services or information contained herein, you agree to our Disclaimer and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Zarathustra, 5th Dimensional Quantum Healing & Awareness and any employees/agents of the Company of any liabilities.Website: www.zarathustra.tv/Facebook: www.facebook.com/zarathustra5d/Instagram: www.instagram.com/zarathustra5d/YouTube: www.youtube.com/zarathustra5dTwitter: www.twitter.com/Zarathustra5d

Author and Speaker Sam Allberry shares his perspective on how self-consciousness and self-adjustment to our own images, began in the garden of Eden, and continues to plague us to this day. David shares his experience of meeting old couples in restaurants who turn out to be the old friends he'd gone to see.Listen to the full episode here:SpotifyApple----------------------Do you ever struggle with how to share your faith with those who won't walk into a church?Ben has completely revised and updated his powerful book, Jesus in the Secular World: Reaching a Culture in Crisis—a must-read guide for anyone longing to reach those who may never step foot in a church. Packed with real-world insights and practical strategies, this book could be the breakthrough you've been searching for.Don't wait—get your copy today!Click HERE to check it out on Amazon.For more information go to: jesusinthesecularworld.com------------------------  Questions, comments, or feedback? We'd love to hear what you think! Send them to provokeandinspire@steiger.org, or send us a message on Instagram.Click HERE to receive news, thought-provoking articles, and stories directly in your inbox from Ben, David, Luke, and Chad! Click below to follow the regulars on Instagram!Ben PierceDavid PierceChad JohnsonLuke GreenwoodSend us a text

We remember when telemarketers were fun and encyclopaedias were gold-edged, before wondering if C-Dogg has already had his last dance — and is Billy Joel to blame?Paulo brings you a movie for people who found Police Academy too intellectual and Pat Morita too distinguished — while both Teen Wolf movies catch strays from their lead actors.Luckily, Quentin Tarantino is still a fan.It's Three 80s Truths and a Lie — The Last Dragon Edition, but Dori struggles to get The Glow.Jump To:Corey Feldman on Dancing with the Stars (00:03:44): https://ew.com/corey-feldman-dwts-score-first-audience-boos-season-34-11811635Morrissey's Cancelled Concerts (00:11:07): https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/sep/19/morrissey-cancels-two-us-shows-over-credible-threat-on-his-life Night Patrol: The “Hustler” of Police Movies (00:16:10): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8looKBlBJ0Teen Wolf 2 & Jason Bateman (00:31:12)Three 80s Truths and a Lie: The Last Dragon (00:34:21)#80s nostalgia, #telemarketers, #World Book encyclopedias, #libraries, #school projects, #Corey Feldman, #Dancing with the Stars, #Billy Joel, #judges scores, #public voting, #Morrissey, #The Smiths, #death threats, #Police Academy, #stereotypes, #80s comedy, #Night Patrol, #cult classic, #politically incorrect humor, #Vanity, #Prince, #The Last Dragon, #Jason Bateman, #Teen Wolf 2, #cultural sensibilities, #80s movies, #cringe-worthy humor, #pop culture references, #nostalgia podcast, #That 80s Show. 

This week, Shat The Movies enters the world of Harlem kung fu, Motown soundtracks, and glowing fists with 1985's The Last Dragon. Commissioned by listener Daylen, this mashup of martial arts flicks and music videos introduced audiences to Bruce Leroy, the Shogun of Harlem and one of the wildest cult classics of the '80s. But does its mix of camp and kung fu still shine today, or is it just a guilty pleasure best left in the VHS era? Gene and Big D debate whether Taimak was an underrated action star or just a wooden lead propped up by Vanity's charisma.  The Shat Crew relives Sho'nuff's scene-stealing swagger, the bizarre Eddie Arkadian subplot and a soundtrack so strong it sometimes overshadows the movie itself. Along the way, Dick and Gene marvel at the glowing special effects, question if Leroy's innocence makes him endearing or frustrating and admit that this might be the most “1985” movie ever made. Is The Last Dragon a true martial arts masterpiece with soul or just Motown's strangest experiment? Who's the master? Sho'nuff! Subscribe Now Android: https://www.shatpod.com/android Apple/iTunes: https://www.shatpod.com/apple Help Support the Podcast Contact Us: https://www.shatpod.com/contact Commission Movie: https://www.shatpod.com/support Support with Paypal: https://www.shatpod.com/paypal Support With Venmo: https://www.shatpod.com/venmo Shop Merchandise: https://www.shatpod.com/shop Theme Song - Die Hard by Guyz Nite: https://www.facebook.com/guyznite

# Finding Meaning in the Book of Ecclesiastes In today's sermon, we delve into the profound and sometimes perplexing book of **Ecclesiastes**. Known for its candid exploration of life's meaning, this book challenges us to reflect on the purpose behind our daily toil and the transience of our earthly pursuits. ## The Theme of Meaninglessness The sermon begins by addressing the stark declaration from **Ecclesiastes 1:2**: "Meaningless! Meaningless!" says the Teacher. "Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless." This refrain sets the tone for the exploration of human endeavors "under the sun," a phrase used to describe life without divine perspective. The Teacher in Ecclesiastes, often thought to be Solomon, examines life's pursuits—wealth, wisdom, pleasure, and labor—and finds them all lacking in true fulfillment. ### Vanity and the Pursuit of Gains The Hebrew term often translated as "meaningless" could also mean "vanity," akin to chasing after the wind. This metaphor illustrates the futility of seeking satisfaction in worldly achievements. The sermon highlights **Ecclesiastes 1:3**, which poses a rhetorical question: "What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?" The answer is sobering: without God, there is no true gain. ### Observations from Nature The Teacher uses nature to illustrate the cycle of futility: - Generations come and go, yet the earth remains unchanged. - The sun rises and sets, only to return to its starting point. - Winds blow in circles, and streams flow into the sea, yet it never fills. These observations, as noted in **Ecclesiastes 1:4-7**, underscore the repetitive and unchanging nature of the world, mirroring the repetitive cycles of human life. ### The Illusion of Progress Despite technological advancements and modern conveniences, the fundamental human condition remains unchanged. The sermon cites **Ecclesiastes 1:9-10**: "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." Even with the advent of inventions like the light bulb and the internet, our existential questions and quest for meaning persist. ### The Ultimate Destiny The sermon touches on a sobering truth from **Ecclesiastes 9:3**: "This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all. The hearts of people, moreover, are full of evil and there is madness in their hearts while they live, and afterward they join the dead." This verse points to the inevitability of death, which renders all earthly achievements ultimately meaningless without a higher purpose. ## A Hope Beyond the Sun While Ecclesiastes paints a bleak picture of life "under the sun," the sermon concludes with a message of hope. It reminds us that true meaning is found not in earthly pursuits but in a relationship with God. **John 14:6** is cited, where Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life." In this way, the sermon encourages us to seek fulfillment not in the transient but in the eternal. This exploration of Ecclesiastes challenges us to rethink where we place our hope and encourages us to find lasting meaning in the divine rather than the temporary. As we reflect on these teachings, we are invited to live a life grounded in faith, seeking purpose beyond the ephemeral nature of the world.

Tune in as Pastor Jason preaches from Ecclesiastes 4. 

Ecc 1:2  Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

Ecc 1:1  The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.Ecc 1:2  Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.

Production 6C: "Time-Flight" (March 22-30, 1982) - Classic Doctor Who Season 19 Finale Review The Fifth Doctor's planned visit to London's Great Exhibition takes a dramatic detour when the TARDIS becomes trapped in a mysterious time corridor alongside missing Concorde supersonic aircraft, leading to an unexpected encounter with prehistoric Earth and ancient mysteries. Join podcaster John S. Drew and acclaimed writer/editor Jim Beard as they master time and space, delivering in-depth reviews of every Classic Doctor Who serial. In this compelling season finale analysis, they welcome special guest Alan J. Porter (renowned author and podcaster) to explore the emotional aftermath of Adric's shocking death, celebrate the triumphant return of the Master, and dissect the devastating season-ending cliffhanger that leaves companion Tegan Jovanka stranded at Heathrow Airport. Subscribe to The Doctor's Beard Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Connect with our passionate Whovian community by emailing us at thedoctorsbeardpodcast@gmail.com or joining our active Facebook and BlueSky discussions for exclusive Doctor Who content and fan theories. Support our thriving Patreon community for early episode access, bonus behind-the-scenes content, and exclusive deep-dive Doctor Who analysis from your favorite hosts. Hashtags: #DoctorWho #ClassicDoctorWho #FifthDoctor #PeterDavison #TimeFlight #Season19Finale #TheMaster #TeganJovanka #AdricDeath #CompanionExit #Concorde #TimeTravel #DoctorWhoReview #DoctorWhoPodcast #TheDoctorsBeardPodcast #TARDIS #Whovian #SciFi #BBC #DoctorWhoClassic #DoctorWho1982 #SeasonFinale #DoctorWhoAnalysis #AlanJPorter #SpecialGuest #DoctorWhoFandom #TimeLord #Gallifrey #DoctorWhoHistory #BritishSciFi #HeathrowAirport #CompanionDeparture #CliffHanger

Solomon, the son of the well-known and beloved King David, was determined to find out what life was all about. He was known as the wisest man who ever lived. On top of all that, he grew up in the lap of luxury in a palace with servants at his beck and call. But Solomon wanted more - so he pursued all the businesses and pleasures his heart could imagine. At the end of it all, he lamented "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity".  A sad conclusion, isn't it? Abundant life, the life that only Christ can give, is the only thing that satisfies. Do you have it?

(Ecclesiastes 4:7-12) It's very possible to become so consumed by results and achievements that we look past what truly matters, the people God has brought into our lives.  

The Vanity of Extremes

With six wives, Henry VIII must have had something going for him, right? Was he handsome? Charming? Intelligent? Just plain powerful? In this episode, the tables are turned on Professor Suzannah Lipscomb as she becomes the guest of Dr. Kate Lister on our sister podcast, Betwixt the Sheets. Together they discuss the vanity of Henry VIII, his sporting prowess, and his injuries. Listen to discover just how terrible this Tudor king smelt.MORE:Sex and the TudorsHenry VIII's Billionaire WardrobeHear more intimate stories that would make your history teacher blush, on Betwixt the Sheets: the History of Sex, Scandal and SocietyPresented by Dr. Kate Lister. Edited by Tim Arstall and Amy Haddow. The producers are Sophie Gee and Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.All music courtesy of Epidemic Sounds.Not Just the Tudors is a History Hit podcastSign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe. You can take part in our listener survey here: https://insights.historyhit.com/history-hit-podcast-always-on Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's solo pod romp time, superstars; and in this episode I'm pulling back the curtain on the youth-worship scam, the war on aging, and why elderhood is being erased from our culture. I get into vanity, propaganda, the recycling hustle (yup, you're probably paying more to “be sustainable”), and how billionaire “philanthropy” is running the media circus/downfall of Western civilization.Consider this your permission slip to ditch the scripts, embrace your sun spins, and reclaim your own definition of beauty and badassery, as you are so inspired.Watch on Odysee. Listen on Progressive Radio Network and podcast platforms everywhere.Part 2:danikatz.locals.comwww.patreon.com/danikatzAll things Dani, including books, courses, coaching + consulting:www.danikatz.comPlus, schwag:danikatz.threadless.comBrain Supreme:https://brainsupreme.co/WORDUPUse promo WORDUP for 15% off your order!Show notes:· Opening riffs: slammed finger, broken monitor, DIY recording setup.· Housekeeping: books, reviews, newsletter, Brain Supreme supplements.· Recycling rant:o Paying more to refill than to buy new.o Lack of incentives for true recycling.o Idea of creating jobs for youth, disabled, or unhoused to wash/label containers.o Frustration with Santa Fe's city policies + Soros-funded justice programs.· On youth jobs vs. illegal immigration labor debates.· Service industry memories: Nordstrom, waiting tables, and lessons of service.· De-normalizing the attack on aging:o Western erasure of elderhood vs. cultures that honor elders.o Botox, fillers, dye, and surgery as “stealing” the aging process from society.o The “you don't look your age” compliment = toxic hierarchy of youth.o The language trap of “I am X years old” vs. “I have X years.”o Gray hair, skin changes, and embracing time as art.o Personal anecdotes: friend offended at gray hairs, Justine Bateman called “haggard.”o Choosing curiosity and reverence instead of fear and rejection.· Vanity & the 12th Gene Key:o Shadow of vanity vs. gift of discrimination.o Medicine journey insights on vanity.o Occam's razor: simpler to expand our definition of beauty than fight aging.· Broader critique:o How vanity feeds death-phobia and pharma/medical profits.o Normalization of cosmetic procedures as another control mechanism.· The Matrix & propaganda:o Cancel culture, early writing on gender reassignment, Betterarchy insights.o Vanity as last shadow to release on the road to self-realization.o Practices: sitting with judgment until finding beauty (elderly women at YMCA, ecstatic dance).

What if the secret to radiant skin was hiding in your family's orchard? In this episode of How'd She Do That, Emily sits down with Allison Taylor, co-founder of Le Prunier, the clean beauty brand harnessing the power of plums from her family's century-old California farm.Allison shares how she and her sisters turned an unlikely superfruit into a cult-favorite skincare line, the behind-the-scenes journey of building a sustainable beauty business, and what it takes to balance innovation with heritage. From farm life to beauty counters, this conversation is full of entrepreneurial insights, beauty wisdom, and inspiration for anyone dreaming of starting something new.What You'll Hear in This Episode​ The story of Allison's family farm and how Le Prunier came to life​ Why plums are a powerhouse ingredient in skincare​ Challenges and breakthroughs in launching a beauty brand​ Advice for aspiring founders and creatives​ How Le Prunier blends sustainability, wellness, and legacy

Final episode of this series y'all! Since I came back to my faith a year ago, God's convicted me of SO many habits, choices, and perspectives that ultimately pull me away from him and steal my peace, purpose, and joy. From the words that come out of my mouth to the TV I watch and everything in between. Through this specific series, the convictions have only continued, but now in a different and unexpected way in the context of body image and beauty standards. Tune in to hear more about those convictions and how I'm currently wrestling through them :) Thanks for tuning in to an amazing series!! Follow Wrestling With Life Ledbetter Marketing Services  

#281 CRO | Matt is joined by Haley Carpenter, founder of Chirpy, a conversion rate optimization agency. Haley has nearly a decade of CRO experience across agency, SaaS, and eCommerce, and she's known for helping brands use research and testing to make smarter marketing decisions.Matt and Haley cover:Why CRO isn't just A/B testing, and how research should guide every optimization effortHow to approach CRO when you don't have massive website traffic, including scrappy testing methods and toolsThe role of messaging, value props, and social proof in driving higher conversions (and where B2B often lags behind DTC)By the end, you'll have a clearer picture of how to approach CRO as a system, not just a set of tests.Timestamps(00:00) - – Intro (02:09) - – Who is Haley Carpenter (03:09) - – What CRO really means (06:09) - – Research vs. testing explained (10:09) - – Where to start CRO on a website (13:09) - – Testing with limited traffic (17:09) - – Using data for smarter decisions (20:09) - – Building a culture of testing (24:09) - – How to report CRO results (29:09) - – Scrappy tools: Clarity & Hotjar (34:54) - – What B2B can learn from DTC (38:54) - – Why messaging matters more than features (42:54) - – The power of social proof (48:54) - – Common blockers to CRO success (50:54) - – A surprising test result (+7% sales) (52:54) - – Vanity metrics vs. real business outcomes (56:54) - – Closing thoughts Send guest pitches and ideas to hi@exitfive.comJoin the Exit Five Newsletter here: https://www.exitfive.com/newsletterCheck out the Exit Five job board: https://jobs.exitfive.com/Become an Exit Five member: https://community.exitfive.com/checkout/exit-five-membership***This episode of the Exit Five podcast is brought to you by Qualified.AI is the hottest topic in marketing right now. And one thing we hear a lot of you marketers talking about is how you can use AI Agents to help run your marketing machine.That's where Qualifed comes in with Piper, their AI SDR agent.Piper is the #1 AI SDR Agent on the market according to G2, and hundreds of companies like Box, Asana, and Brex, have hired Piper to autonomously grow inbound pipeline. How good does that sound?Qualified customers are seeing a massive business impact with Piper: a 3X increase in meetings booked and a 2X increase in pipeline.The Agentic Marketing era has arrived. And if you're a B2B marketing leader looking to scale pipeline generation, Piper the #1 AI SDR Agent is here to help.Hire Piper, the #1 AI SDR Agent, and grow your pipeline today.You can learn more at qualified.com/exit5

Rocket Fuel Labs CMO/CEO/Founder Amanda Patterson reveals the brutal truths behind impactful marketing leadership in a startup environment. Having led the growth strategy for MindBody that scaled revenue from $20 million to $200 million, she knows it's all about a focus on the details. "There is usually not a silver bullet solution to a problem. It's a hundred little things that you're doing right." Vanity metrics mean little. If you can't trace it to revenue, you're just playing with pretty numbers. Leadership that lasts is much more about enabling than admiring and Amanda lives out the quote from Gandhi that "a sign of a good leader isn't how many followers you have, but how many leaders you create." Customer focus is key, and she has stopped trying to please everyone while instead obsessing over customers.

“What's the point?” That is Solomon's conclusion after considering the fruit of all his hard work and wisdom. Even when all our work and discipline pay off and we accomplish all our goals, the reward often leaves us wanting. If God is not at the center of our ambitions, our work will not lead to fulfillment. But God does bless the work of the one who keeps Him at the center.“There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24-26a)Take-Home Message: My fulfillment is determined by my choice of worldliness or godliness.The Vanity of Worldly Discipline (12-17) Worldly Discipline: I can live forever. Godly Discipline: I can make the most of my time.The Vanity of Worldly Work (18-23) Worldly Work: It all depends on me. Godly Work: It ultimately depends on God.The Blessing of Life with God (24-26)

(Ecclesiastes 4:4-6) We all feel a pressure to measure up, compete and justify ourselves. It's one of the heaviest, most exhausting parts of life. The good news is that the very thing that we've been trying to secure for ourselves, has already been secured for us by Jesus.  

Mark 7:1-13 speaks a powerful word against external practices that are disconnected from genuinely faith-filled hearts. Pastor Isaiah exorts us to consider our own lives and actions in light of the warning that Jesus gives and the promise of the power of the Gospel to change our internal state so that all our external actions can be true worship! Preached on 09/14/25.

In our sermon series, Everything is Meaningless... Or is it?, Pastor Levi Matteson talks about paradoxes from Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:11, including 1) Knowledge Alone Brings Sorrow, 2) Pleasure Can Thrill You but Never Fulfill You, and 3) The Purpose of Pleasure. This episode of the Evangel Houghton podcast is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 14, 2025.

40 years ago this week our nation was under assault by forces of evil. These forces were conspiring to control artists and take away Americans' constitutionally-guaranteed rights to freedom of expression. In the halls of the United States Senate, three righteous warriors - Frank Zappa, Dee Snider and John Denver - stood up for artists and free speech by directly confronting the evil in power. The evil in power were the so-called "Washington Wives" - spouses to powerful Senators that were weighing a bipartisan violation of the first amendment to the constitution. The head of this clan otherwise known as the PMRC, or the Parents Music Resource Center, was the dreaded Tipper Gore. In the name of "protecting children" Tipper and her friends aimed for censorship. In the process, they gave us a weird but fascinating playlist they dubbed "The Filthy Fifteen" - fifteen songs they deemed to be obscene. This playlist is worth another look, and ATTT has decided to enlist our friends the ATTT All-Stars to give it our patented Worst To First treatment. Shannon Hurley, Gabe Scalone, Joe Lavelle, Matt Dinan and David Daskal were on hand to rank these songs and wax poetic about what a fucked up time the Reagan years were. Picks 15-8 are featured here in Part 1.If you haven't watched them, do yourself a favor and check out Frank, Dee and John's testimony from 1985:Frank - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgAF8Vu8G0w&t=126sDee - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0Vyr1TylTE John - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH0hYabzudkOur All-Stars are always up to stuff. Follow them on the social medias:Shannon - https://www.instagram.com/shannonsongs/Joe - https://www.instagram.com/therealjoelavelle/Matt - https://www.instagram.com/the_la_frankenstein_channel/Ryan - https://www.instagram.com/soulsurfhb/David - https://www.facebook.com/xyzyxGabe - https://www.facebook.com/gabescaloneWe've lowered our prices, but not our standards over at the ATTT Patreon! Those who are kindly contributing $2 a month are receiving an exclusive monthly Emergency Pod episode featuring our favorite guests and utilizing our patent-pending improv format in which we miraculously pull a playlist out of thin air. Ryan Stockstad returned for his second EP attempt, and there was much rejoicing! Check out Volume 19 out September 1st. Find out more at https://www.patreon.com/c/alltimetoptenWe're having a blast chatting it up about music over on the ATTT Facebook Group. Join us and start a conversation about music!https://www.facebook.com/groups/940749894391295

The Vanity of Wisdom

All Is Vanity | Ecclesiastes 1

Siblings Ashley Engle and Brandon Birdwell discuss life, teenage catfishing documentaries, the return of the MTV VMAs, teenage angst and they try to crack the code of Lenny Kravitz.

The vanity is restored but my sanity is not.

Pastor Levi and Lisa talk about "hevel" vanity from Ecclesiastes, including Vapor / Breath, Having It All is Meaningless, and Seek First the Kingdom of God. This is an episode of Pearls & Swine on the Evangel Houghton Podcast from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 9, 2025.

"I would like to buy about three dollars' worth of gospel, please. Not too much – just enough to make me happy, but not so much that I get addicted. I don't want so much gospel that I learn to really hate covetousness and lust. I certainly don't want so much that I start to love my enemies, cherish self-denial, and contemplate missionary service in some alien culture. I want ecstasy, not repentance; I want transcendence, not transformation. I would like to be cherished by some nice, forgiving, broad-minded people, but I myself don't want to love those from different races. I would like enough gospel to make my family secure and my children well behaved, but not so much that I find my ambitions redirected or my giving too greatly enlarged. I would like about three dollars' worth of gospel, please." – D.A. Carson.If we want true fulfillment, we must desire more than "three dollars' worth" of gospel. We must go all in on godliness.Take-Home Message: My fulfillment is determined by my choice of worldliness or godliness.The Vanity of Worldly Wisdom (1:12-18) Worldly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom Worldly wisdom – I can play the role of God. Godly wisdom – Fear God and turn away from evil.The Vanity of Worldly Pleasure (2:1-3) Worldly Pleasure vs. Godly Pleasure Worldly pleasure – God doesn't want me to have fun. Godly pleasure – God gives me true pleasure.The Vanity of Worldly Materialism (2:4-11) Worldly Materialism vs. Godly Management Worldly materialism – I'm an owner. Godly management – I'm a manager.

“The Insanity of Vanity” - a lesson on finding true fulfillment, satisfaction, meaning, and joy in life. Music: “The Insanity of Vanity” Lyrics by Toby Logsdon. Performed by “Crimson Covenant.” Copyright @Toby Logsdon, 2025.

Pastor Levi Matteson kicks off our new sermon series, Everything is Meaningless... Or is it?, talking about Life Feels Like Cycles, The Context of Ecclesiastes, Vanity and Hevel, The Harsh Reality, The Gospel Pivot, Takeaways: From Vanity to Blessing, The Decision, and Which path Will You Choose? This podcast episode is a Sunday message from Evangel Community Church, Houghton, Michigan, September 7, 2025.

What does it really mean to grow your business? In this episode, Morgan Weber of Lucky Pup shares why growth isn't always the answer and how defining success on your own terms is crucial for long-term sustainability. She unpacks the danger of chasing vanity metrics, the importance of budgeting your time like your finances, and why business owners must avoid resentment and burnout. Morgan also explains how to build a “filter system” based on values and goals to guide decision-making. Whether you're solo or scaling, this is an honest look at staying aligned in a world pushing constant expansion. Main Topics Time, money, and energy profit Boundaries and burnout prevention Making values-based decisions Vanity metrics vs real success Transitioning to pet retail ownership Main takeaway: ““You don't get an award for how much pain you carry.” In pet care, it's easy to fall into the trap of overworking, overgiving, and overcommitting. But martyrdom isn't a badge of honor—it's a fast track to burnout. Your clients don't expect you to sacrifice everything, and your business won't thrive if you're running on empty. Instead, choose sustainability. Set boundaries. Prioritize time, energy, and joy. You deserve a business that supports your life—not one that consumes it. About our guest: Morgan Weber is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and the founder of Lucky Pup Adventures, a pet sitting and dog walking company launched in 2013. Following a deeply personal loss, she founded Memory Flame Candle Co. to bring comfort to grieving hearts. She also hosts the Lucky Pup Podcast and offers coaching for pet professionals, helping them build values-based businesses. Most recently, Morgan and her husband purchased a local pet supply store, adding retail ownership to their entrepreneurial journey. With a background in design and a heart for community, Morgan helps others grow intentionally and sustainably. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Links: Lucky Pup Adventures: https://www.luckypupadventures.com Memory Flame Candle Co.: https://www.memoryflamecandleco.com Lucky Pup Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luckypuppod IndiePet (for retail pet stores): https://www.indiepet.org Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off

Self-care podcast exploring Body Image Pressure During Pregnancy, Intentional VS Vanity Health Goals During Pregnancy & Pregnancy Fitness Myths with Gina Conley. TOPICS:: ** Body Image Pressure During Pregnancy (10:18). ** Intentional VS Vanity Health Goals During Pregnancy (23:51). ** Pregnancy Fitness Myths (31:55).   NOTES:: Show notes: amberapproved.ca/podcast/604 Leave me a review at amberapproved.ca/review Email me at info@amberapproved.ca Subscribe to newsletter: https://amber-romaniuk.mykajabi.com/newsletter-sign-up    SHOW LINKS: Click below to schedule a 30 minute Complimentary Body Freedom Consultation https://amberapproved.ca/body-freedom-consultation/  Take my free Emotional Eating Quiz here: http://amberapproved.ca/emotional-eating-quiz Listen to Episode 291 about what it's like to work with me here: http://amberapproved.ca/podcast/291/ Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/amberromaniuk Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@amberromaniuk/    ABOUT MY GUEST: Gina Conley is the founder of MamasteFit, a perinatal fitness trainer, birth doula, and mom of four. She bridges the gap between fitness and birthwork, offering both in-person training and online support to help parents stay strong, confident, and informed throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.   As the author of Training for Two, Gina provides evidence-based strategies for movement, pelvic health, and birth preparation. Her unique approach combines fitness and birth support, empowering families with the knowledge and strength to navigate this transformative journey. instagram.com/mamastefit  youtube.com/@mamastefit  Prenatal Sample: https://mamastefit.com/freebies/prenatal-fitness-program-guide/