Podcasts about Vivid

Andy’s Brave New World: Part 5 Ranger Andy and Crystal. Based on a post by the hospital. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. Day 8, Afternoon Andy leaned over the dining room table, studying the building plans Daniela had spread out. The paper was covered in neat handwritten notes and carefully drawn lines. From somewhere upstairs came the sound of drawers opening and closing as Sarah continued her self-assigned task of sorting through the consulate's belongings. "I think these spots here are important," Daniela said, pointing to several areas just inside the perimeter fence. Her finger traced along the paper, leaving a slight smudge. "I'm pretty sure anyone climbing over would probably land in these areas. The fence is lower here, and there's better cover from the street." She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "We could hide the mines under some leaves and dirt." "That makes sense," Andy nodded, examining the spots she'd indicated. "But we need to make sure we don't place anything outside our actual property line. We don't want to hurt random people just walking by." "Yeah, of course," Daniela said quickly. "Dad always said mines are only for protecting your own property, not for random areas." She pulled out another hand-drawn diagram showing the yard. "I was thinking we could also put some here behind the bushes, and maybe here near the side entrance. Those seem like places someone might try to sneak in." Her finger moved to another rough map of the surrounding blocks. "And maybe we should think about these spots across the street too? There are some good hiding places over there. If someone wanted to watch the building or set up some kind of attack, they'd probably use these spots." Andy shook his head. "Let's hold off on anything outside our perimeter for now. I think that's going a bit far." He studied her markings. "But it's good thinking to identify those positions. Keep that map in case things get worse." From upstairs came a loud thump, followed by Sarah's voice: "Who needs seventeen copies of the same trade agreement? This is ridiculous!" Andy smiled slightly, then turned back to Daniela. "We'll need warning signs too. Something that's clear but doesn't seem too aggressive. Maybe just 'Warning: Security Perimeter'?" "Yeah, and we could add 'Please Use Front Entrance' with an arrow," Daniela suggested, already making notes in the margin of her diagram. "Just plain black text on white background would probably work best." "Good idea. We want to keep people away from the dangerous areas without making it seem like we're paranoid." Andy studied her placement plan again. "This looks really well thought out. Go ahead and set them up like you've drawn here." "Okay, will do." Andy watched as she added a few more notes to her diagram, struck by the strange contrast; a teenager calmly planning deadly defenses as if discussing a school project. "Just be really careful when you're placing them, alright?" he said. Daniela gave him a look that clearly said she wasn't an idiot. "I know. I'm not going to blow myself up." A crash echoed from somewhere upstairs, followed by Sarah's voice: "Oops! Just knocked over some really ugly vases. No great loss!" Andy chuckled. "Sounds like the great consulate purge is going well. Do you need any help with the warning signs?" "No sir, I've got it," Daniela replied sharply, then caught herself. "I mean, no thanks, Andy. I can handle it." "I'll make the signs first," she added, gathering her papers. "Then place the mines after it gets dark. Less chance of anyone seeing what I'm doing that way." Day 8, Late Afternoon Andy entered the study. Crystal knelt on the floor beside the large map she'd removed from its frame, her silk pajamas flowing gracefully around her curves as she leaned forward to make another notation. The soft fabric clung and shifted with her movements, the absence of a bra evident as her full tits swayed gently. Her honey-blonde hair fell in perfect waves past her shoulders as she alternated between checking her phone and marking the map. Sensing his presence, she looked up through her lashes, subtly arching her back as she straightened. "Good to see you, sir," she whispered, her blue eyes warm. "I hope the trip to the Presidio went well." She gestured at the map spread before her. "I'm mostly done here, I've mapped out all the businesses and their types within reasonable distance." The sound of furniture being dragged across the floor came from above, followed by muffled thuds as Sarah continued her thorough sweep of the building. "Good job," Andy said, moving closer to examine her work. Crystal shifted slightly, making room for him while ensuring her silk-draped figure remained in his line of sight. Her hard nipples pressed visibly against the thin fabric as she leaned forward again. "Any standouts?" "Several, sir," she replied softly, pointing to various markings. "These three are large grocery stores, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and a local market. They're our best bet for practical supplies." Her finger traced along the paper. "And there's a medical supply store here that might still have inventory." "Good." Andy turned to leave, but found himself unable to tear his eyes off of Crystal's beautiful, kneeling form. Vivid images of her proposition to him the night before flashed in his mind's eye. "Crystal, meet me at the sauna downstairs at 10pm." "Tonight, sir?" said Crystal, looking up at him a little apprehensively. "Yes, it's time for you to fulfill your end of the bargain." Her gorgeous face broke into a warm and confident smile. "Yes, sir. I'm looking forward to it." Day 8, Evening ";and the whole parade ground has been transformed," Sarah explained animatedly, gesturing with her fork. The setting sun painted the bay in golden hues behind them as they sat around their makeshift dinner table on the roof. "There are all these tents set up, really nice ones too, like the expensive outdoor brands. And they've got these designated areas for different things, medical station, trading post, even a charging station someone rigged up with solar panels. There's cell signal all over too" "Are they managing to keep order?" Daniela asked, focused on the practical aspects. "Actually, yes! There's this woman, Meg Lunn, she used to lead wilderness expeditions. She's sort of naturally taken charge of coordinating everything." Sarah leaned forward enthusiastically. "She seems amazing at it." She turned to Andy. "You had quite a discussion with her about the future plans, right?" Andy set down his fork thoughtfully. "Yeah. She's very competent. Politically savvy too, understands the importance of building legitimate authority through actual results, not just claiming power for its own sake." He glanced around the table. "She's coming by tomorrow morning to use our shower and have some coffee. We should make her feel welcome, she'll be a valuable ally." "What do you mean, ally?" Crystal asked, leaning forward with interest. "It looks like they might be forming some kind of semi-formal council for the Presidio soon," Andy explained. "And Meg will certainly be on it." The sharp pop of a can opening interrupted them. Andy pulled back the lid of his canned pineapple, and Sarah's eyes darted to the sound. Their gazes met, and she bit back a grin before she continued. "Oh! And Daniela, there's this former Army sergeant, Guillermo Herrera, who's really interested in meeting you. He's trying to organize some kind of militia, and when Andy mentioned your training, he specifically asked about you." "And there's Dr. Wilson running the medical station," Sarah added. "She's;" she paused, choosing her words carefully, "intense, but in a good way? She's starting training classes, I signed up for Tuesday! And they've got Diana from the Forest Service organizing hunting parties because they know we can't live on scavenged food forever." "Yeah" noted Andy. "I expect these three to end up on the council too. Well Diana maybe, I don't see her playing the political game as much, she seems more of a folksy old hunter to me than someone who cares about managing a settlement. "What about you?" Crystal asked softly. Andy smiled slightly. "I'd like to be on it, if all goes according to plan. We haven't done much yet, but we made a good impression today, bringing medicines, offering help, showing we want to be part of the solution." He took another bite of pineapple. "People remember who stepped up early." Day 8, Night Andy slipped into the sauna, where Crystal was waiting for him, seated on one of the low benches. She had set up several camping lanterns, their soft yellow light casting a warm glow across the room and highlighting the curves of her body. Crystal wore the same lingerie from the previous night. A black lace bra cupped her full tits, pushing them up and creating a deep cleavage. The material was semi-transparent, allowing glimpses of her rosy nipples beneath. A matching garter belt encircled her narrow waist, the straps leading down to sheer black stockings that clung to her long legs. High-cut lace panties completed the ensemble, the dark fabric a stark contrast against her pale skin. Her face was a picture of classic beauty. Large, bright blue eyes looked up at him, framed by long lashes. High cheekbones gave her face an elegant structure, leading down to full, pouty lips painted a soft pink. Her honey-blonde hair fell in soft waves past her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. "Please sit down, sir," Crystal said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. She patted the wooden bench beside her, the movement causing her tits to jiggle slightly within their lacy confines. As Andy sat, the bench creaked slightly under his weight. Crystal immediately shifted closer, her bare thigh pressing against his clothed one. Without hesitation, she reached out and began rubbing his crotch through his pants. Her delicate fingers traced the outline of his rapidly hardening cock. "Before we get started," she purred, her breath warm against his ear, "I was thinking we could discuss the terms of our arrangement." Her hand never stopped its ministrations, applying just enough pressure to be tantalizing without providing real relief. "The terms?" Andy asked, his voice slightly strained. He could feel the heat of her body next to him, smell the light floral scent of her perfume. "Yes," Crystal nodded, her fingers now tracing circles over the bulge in his pants. "Well, for starters, Crystal's body is available to you day and night. Its mouth, tits, and pussy are yours." As she spoke, her free hand moved to her own tit, cupping it through the lace of her bra. The action drew Andy's eyes to her chest, watching as she gently squeezed the soft flesh. Andy swallowed hard, trying to maintain his composure. He had expected that they'd maybe hook up a few times, but here this beautiful woman was offering herself to him almost as some kind of sex slave. The combination of Crystal's words and actions was making it difficult to think clearly. "I see," he managed. "For whatever I want?" "Yes, sir, more or less," Crystal replied. Her hand on his crotch paused, resting on his now fully erect cock. She looked directly into his eyes, her gaze intense. "I would just add a few restrictions. First, nothing too extreme, please. I don't mind a little roughness but nothing that will leave a mark. And nothing to do with excrement, or sharing. Crystal's body is yours, not anyone else's." Her hand resumed its movement, this time with more pressure. Andy could feel the warmth of her palm through the fabric of his pants. "That's fine," Andy agreed, his voice rougher than he intended. "I'm not into those things either." Crystal's face lit up with a smile, her blue eyes sparkling in the lantern light. "Crystal's body is grateful to hear that, sir," she said, her voice warm with what seemed like genuine relief. Andy's eyes roamed over her body, taking in every curve and shadow highlighted by the soft lighting. "I want to see Crystal's body," he said, his voice low and commanding. "Yes, sir," Crystal responded immediately. Crystal stood, her body swaying gently. Her hips moved in slow, hypnotic circles. She reached behind her back, fingers working at the clasp of her bra. With a soft click, it came undone. She let the straps slide down her arms, the lace falling away to reveal her tits. Her tits were full and perky, perfectly proportioned C-cups. They sat high on her chest, defying gravity. Her nipples were a soft pink, already erect in the cool air of the sauna. Crystal cupped her tits, lifting them slightly as if presenting them to Andy. She ran her thumbs over her nipples, causing them to harden further. As she continued her dance, Crystal spoke. "You can also decide what clothes Crystal's body has on, if you want to, sir. If there's anything you want to add to my current wardrobe we can also go scavenging for it." Her hands trailed down her body as she spoke, fingertips tracing the curves of her waist and hips. Andy watched, unable to look away, as Crystal unhooked her garter belt. It fell to the floor with a soft rustle. Her hands moved to her panties, thumbs hooking into the waistband. She paused there, teasing. "I see," Andy said, a thought occurring to him. "What about tattoos or piercings?" Crystal stopped her dance, her thumbs still tucked into her panties. "Hmm. Never been something I've done myself except my ears," she mused. After a moment, she resumed her movement, slowly sliding the panties down her long legs. "I guess I'm open to it, but I'd like the option to say no to anything you propose." As the panties hit the floor, Andy's eyes were drawn to Crystal's newly revealed pussy. It was completely hairless, the skin smooth and pale. Her outer lips were plump and light pink, forming a perfect innie. They were closed tightly, hiding the deeper pink of her inner folds from view. The top of her slit dipped inward slightly, hinting at where her clit was nestled. Crystal ran a finger along her slit, the touch causing her to shiver slightly and her lips to part just a bit, revealing a glimpse of glistening moisture within. She then turned slowly, giving Andy a view of her backside. Her ass was perfectly round and just the right size, not too big, not too small. It was the kind of ass that would look great in tight jeans, fill out a bikini bottom perfectly, or catch the eye when naked like now. The cheeks were firm and smooth, with a gentle curve leading from her lower back down to her thighs. Crystal looked over her shoulder at Andy, a playful smile on her lips. She gave her ass a little shake, the flesh jiggling enticingly but quickly settling back into its perfect shape. Turning back to face him, Crystal's hands roamed her body. She cupped her tits again, lifting and squeezing them. One hand trailed down her flat stomach to her pussy. She rubbed herself for a moment, her middle finger disappearing between her lips. A soft gasp escaped her as she touched herself. Andy felt his mouth go dry at the sight. His eyes roamed Crystal's body, taking in every curve, every smooth expanse of skin. She truly was a vision of perfection, her body seeming to glow in the soft light of the lanterns. Crystal, now fully nude, knelt before Andy. Her tits swayed slightly as she moved, nipples erect in the cool air. She reached for his pants, slender fingers working at the button and zipper. "And speaking of saying no," she added, her voice soft but clear, "Sometimes Crystal's body might be a little tired or reluctant, or might just be pretending because it's fun. I give you consent to force yourself onto Crystal's body in those cases, unless I say a safe word that we decide on." Andy nodded, his eyes fixed on Crystal's hands as they freed his erection from his underwear. Her fingers wrapped around his shaft, warm and soft against his skin. She leaned forward, her full lips parting. Her tongue, pink and wet, flicked out to lick the tip of his cock. Andy inhaled sharply at the contact. Crystal's blue eyes looked up at him as she slowly took him into her mouth. Her lips stretched around his girth, creating a tight seal. The warmth and wetness of her mouth enveloped him. Her tongue pressed against the underside of his shaft as she took him deeper. Andy felt the back of her throat and Crystal paused, adjusting before taking him further. Her cheeks hollowed as she sucked, creating an intense pressure around his cock. After several long moments, Crystal pulled back. A thin strand of saliva connected her lips to the tip of his cock as she continued stroking him with her hand. "In exchange, sir," she said, her voice slightly husky, "I ask that you protect me and take care of me. Even if I'm useless to your survival otherwise, I'd like you to make sure that I'm fed, clothed, and safe. And if circumstances become difficult, I want you to prioritize me even over the others in our group." "I can do that," Andy agreed, not considering the implications, his eyes fixed on the movement of her hand on his shaft. "Great," Crystal smiled, her white teeth flashing. "Shall we finalize the agreement?" She lay back on the floor, her honey-blonde hair fanning out around her head. Her tits settled on her chest, still perky despite her reclined position. She spread her legs, revealing her hairless pussy, the lips slightly parted and glistening with moisture. Andy positioned himself between her thighs. The heat emanating from her core felt like a tangible force against his skin, drawing him closer. He gripped his cock, now throbbing with anticipation, and aligned it with her entrance. The visual contrast was striking; the swollen purple-red head of his cock against the delicate pink of her outer lips. He rubbed the tip along her slit, feeling the slick wetness coat him. Each pass of his cockhead against her opening sent electric tingles through his groin. Crystal looked up at him, her blue eyes wide and expectant, lips slightly parted, her chest rising and falling with quickened breaths. Slowly, Andy began to push inside her. There was a moment of resistance as her entrance yielded to him; a brief tension where her body seemed to hesitate before accepting him. The initial penetration sent a shock of pleasure up his spine as the sensitive head of his cock was enveloped in wet, silky heat. Her outer lips stretched around his girth, clinging to him as he pressed forward. The feeling was indescribable; a combination of warmth, wetness, and a gripping pressure that seemed to pull him deeper. As he sank further into her, he felt the subtle texture changes inside her pussy; the ridged entrance giving way to velvety smoothness, then the rippled sensation of her inner walls. Crystal was incredibly wet, her arousal making his entry smooth despite her tightness. Her body gripped him like a glove tailored perfectly to his dimensions, both yielding and resistant at the same time. Each inch he gained rewarded him with new sensations; subtle changes in pressure, temperature, and texture that his cockhead registered with exquisite sensitivity. By the time he was fully sheathed inside her, Andy felt almost dizzy with pleasure. The base of his cock was nestled against her outer lips, his pubic bone pressing against her clit, and he could feel the subtle pulse of her internal muscles adjusting to accommodate him. The wet heat of her surrounded him completely, creating a perfect seal that seemed to both trap and welcome him. He paused there, savoring the all-encompassing sensation of being fully engulfed in her body. As they began to move together, Crystal's eyes fluttered closed, her head tilting back slightly. "Look at me," Andy whispered, his voice rougher than he intended. "Look me in the eyes while you submit to me." Crystal's eyes snapped open, meeting his gaze with startling intensity. Andy could see flecks of green in her blue irises as he thrust into her, the color seeming to shift with each movement. Her pupils were dilated with arousal, giving her a slightly wild look. Her tits, perfect pale mounds topped with hardened pink nipples, bounced with each thrust. The jiggle of her flesh was hypnotic, the softness contrasting with the firmness of her erect nipples. Andy smiled and leaned down to kiss her, his lips pressing against hers, tasting a hint of mint from her earlier tooth-brushing. She smiled back when he pulled away, her expression now more relaxed, almost smug. Feeling she was a little too at ease, Andy raised his hand and brought it down on her tit with a soft smack. The sensation against his palm was exquisite; the initial firm resistance of her tit giving way to yielding softness. The flesh jiggled at the impact, sending ripples across the creamy skin. A pink handprint formed almost immediately, the color blooming like a rose against her pale complexion. "Your boobs really are amazing," he said, watching them move, fascinated by how they settled back into their perfect shape. "Thank you, sir," Crystal replied, her voice breathy and lower than normal. "They are all yours to play with." The vibration of her voice seemed to travel through her body, creating subtle sensations that Andy could feel around his embedded cock. Andy started with slow, deep strokes. The drag of his cock against her inner walls created a friction that sent sparks of pleasure radiating outward from his groin. He could feel every ridge and fold of Crystal's pussy as he moved; the slight roughness near her entrance, the smoother, deeper recesses, the way certain spots seemed to grip him more tightly than others. Her inner walls clenched around him rhythmically, creating waves of pressure that traveled along his shaft. The contrast between the cool air on his exposed shaft when he pulled back and the engulfing heat when he pushed forward heightened every sensation. Crystal's breath hitched with each thrust, creating little puffs of warmth against his neck as he leaned over her, her eyes half-lidded but still locked on his. Gradually, he picked up the pace. The sound of skin meeting skin filled the room; wet, slapping noises that grew louder as their movements became more vigorous. Their heavy breathing and occasional moans created an erotic soundtrack that seemed to urge him on. Crystal's tits bounced more dramatically with each impact, the flesh quivering with each collision. Beads of sweat began to form on her chest, making her skin glisten in the soft light. Andy could smell their mingled scents; the clean sweat of exertion mixed with the musky, intimate aroma of her arousal. He shifted his angle slightly, pushing deeper, and Crystal gasped, her back arching off the floor, presenting her tits even more prominently. "Oh god, yes," she breathed, her fingers digging into his shoulders. The slight pain of her nails biting into his skin only heightened his pleasure, adding a sharp counterpoint to the soft wetness enveloping his cock. Andy maintained this new angle, enjoying the way Crystal's face contorted with pleasure; the flutter of her eyelids, the way her nostrils flared slightly with each sharp intake of breath, the reddening of her cheeks. Her lips, now swollen from their kisses, parted with soft moans that escaped with each thrust. He could feel a spot inside her that seemed particularly sensitive, a slightly rougher area that made her inner muscles clamp down harder when he dragged his cockhead across it. He leaned down to kiss her, his tongue pushing into her mouth, tasting the sweetness within. Crystal responded eagerly, her tongue sliding against his, her breath hot and quick against his face. After a while, Andy slowed his pace again, opting for long, deep strokes that made Crystal whimper. The change in rhythm allowed him to feel every minute detail of her pussy; the way she tightened around the ridge of his cockhead each time he pulled back, almost as if trying to prevent his withdrawal, the subtle spasms of her deeper muscles when he pushed all the way in. The inside of her was impossibly soft yet gripping, wet but not sloppy, hot enough to make him feel like he was melting into her. Crystal's hips began to move in counter to his thrusts, the slight rotation of her pelvis taking him even deeper and changing the pressure points inside her. "More," Crystal pleaded, her voice breathy and ragged at the edges. "Harder, sir. Please." Tiny beads of sweat had formed along her hairline, making the tendrils of blonde hair there stick to her skin. Andy obliged, gradually increasing his speed and force. The physical impact of their bodies meeting created vibrations that traveled through both of them. He could feel the trembling in her thighs as they wrapped around him, the quivering of her stomach muscles with each thrust. Crystal's moans grew louder, higher pitched, almost desperate. Her face flushed a deep pink that spread down her neck to her chest, a visible sign of her arousal. Her eyes were wide now, the blue almost swallowed by the black of her dilated pupils, filled with a mixture of pain and ecstasy. The sight of her beneath him; this perfectly beautiful woman coming undone through his actions; was almost as intoxicating as the physical sensations. "Yes, yes," she cried out, her voice strained and cracking. "Don't stop, sir. Use Crystal's body." Her internal muscles were beginning to contract in irregular patterns; little fluttering pulses that signaled her approaching climax. The pace became frantic. Andy pounded into Crystal, the force of his thrusts shifting her body slightly on the floor. The impact created a percussive rhythm, punctuated by Crystal's cries. Despite the intensity, she continued to encourage him, her legs wrapped tightly around his waist, heels digging into his lower back. The pressure drove him even deeper, allowing him to feel parts of her that had been unreachable before. The tightness at the very depths of her created an intense pressure around the head of his cock that was almost overwhelming. Andy felt pressure building at the base of his spine, a familiar tightening that signaled his approaching orgasm. His balls drew up closer to his body, heaviness and tension building within them. The muscles in his thighs and ass tensed as he fought to maintain the rhythm that was bringing them both pleasure. "I'm gonna cum," he managed to gasp out, the words coming between labored breaths. "Yes, cum inside Crystal's pussy, sir," she urged, her voice shaky but insistent. A fine sheen of sweat now covered her body, making her skin slick under his hands. Her ankles locked behind his back, pulling him even deeper, the pressure almost painful in its intensity. "Make your ownership official." Her inner walls were contracting more consistently now, rippling along his length in waves that seemed designed to extract his seed. With a few final, powerful thrusts, Andy reached his climax. The sensation started as a tightening at the base of his spine, then exploded outward through his groin. His cock pulsed inside her, each contraction sending jets of hot semen deep into her pussy. The release was overwhelming; waves of pleasure radiating from his core throughout his entire body. Each spurt was accompanied by an intense contraction that made the head of his cock almost painfully sensitive as it pushed against her innermost depths. Crystal shuddered at the sensation of warmth flooding her, her body responding to the physical and psychological impact of his release. Her own pussy clenched down rhythmically, the internal muscles contracting in powerful waves that milked his cock, squeezing and releasing in a primal effort to draw every drop from him. Andy could feel the subtle temperature change as his warm semen mixed with her natural wetness, creating a slick, silky environment that continued to caress him even as his thrusts slowed and eventually stopped. The intensity left Andy breathless. He collapsed onto Crystal, feeling the softness of her tits against his chest, her rapid heartbeat matching his own. Crystal's body trembled beneath him, aftershocks of pleasure running through her as her pussy continued to grip him tightly. As the waves of pleasure washed over them both, Crystal's arms wrapped around Andy, holding him close. Her breath came in short gasps against his ear, her body still quivering slightly from the intensity of their coupling. Andy and Crystal lay together for a few moments, their bodies intertwined. Andy could feel the warmth of Crystal's pussy still enveloping him, her inner walls occasionally twitching around his softening cock. He savored the sensation of being sheathed inside her, feeling the connection between them. Slowly, Andy began to pull out. The movement sent shivers through both of them, the friction of his cock sliding against her sensitive walls creating an agonizingly pleasurable sensation. As the head of his cock finally slipped free, a small trickle of their combined fluids followed. Crystal remained on her back, her legs spread, watching Andy with half-lidded eyes. Her submissive posture, coupled with the sight of his cum slowly leaking from her pink, swollen pussy, stirred something primal within Andy. "Get on your knees," he commanded, his voice low and authoritative as he stood up. Crystal complied, moving a bit unsteadily. She gripped Andy's leg to steady herself, her small hand warm against his skin. Once on her knees, she looked up at him expectantly, her blue eyes wide and eager. She began to lean forward, her full lips parting slightly as if to take his cock into her mouth. Before she could, Andy's hand shot out, gripping the back of her head firmly. With his other hand, he took hold of his cock, still wet and glistening with their combined juices. Without warning, he began to rub it across Crystal's face. Crystal let out a surprised yelp that quickly turned into a moan of pleasure. Andy started at her left cheek, dragging his cock across her soft skin. He could feel the delicate curve of her cheekbone, the slight bump of her nose, the plumpness of her lips as he moved to her right cheek. The degrading act clearly aroused Crystal. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she leaned into Andy's touch, savoring the feeling of his cock smearing their juices across her face. Andy enjoyed the varying sensations, the smoothness of her cheeks, the slight resistance of her nose, the wetness of her parted lips as he passed over them. Getting more into it, Crystal opened her eyes, locking her gaze with Andy's. Her face was now a mess, shiny with their combined fluids. She reached down between her legs, gathering some of the cum that had leaked out of her. Bringing her hand to her mouth, she licked her fingers clean, swallowing with a satisfied smile. Unprompted, Crystal moved her face forward. Her features were now coated with a sheen of their juices, her mascara slightly smudged, giving her a debauched look. She slid Andy's cock up her face until she reached the junction where his shaft met his balls. Crystal began to lick at this spot eagerly, her tongue warm and wet against Andy's sensitive skin. A good amount of their combined fluids had collected here, and she lapped it up hungrily. As she worked, some of the mixture smeared onto her nose, adding to the mess on her face. Her hand came up to gently caress Andy's balls. They were slightly swollen and tender from his intense orgasm, and her soft touch sent conflicting sensations of pleasure and soreness through him. Crystal seemed to sense this, her ministrations becoming even gentler as she continued to clean him with her tongue. Finally, Crystal pulled back, her chest rising and falling with deep breaths. Her face was flushed, a mixture of exertion and arousal coloring her cheeks. "Wow, sir," she said, her voice slightly hoarse. "I had a feeling you were dominant but I didn't realize you'd be this dominant." She looked up at him, her blue eyes wide and sparkling. "Sit down and I'll clean us off now?" Andy sat on the wooden bench, the warm surface a contrast to his cooling skin. Crystal scooted forward on her knees, the movement causing her tits to sway gently. "Seems like you didn't mind," Andy observed, watching her intently. Crystal began her cleanup, using a delicate finger to collect the mixture of their fluids from her face. She slipped the finger into her mouth, her full lips wrapping around it as she sucked it clean. "Yes, I'm technically a switch but," she paused, savoring the taste before swallowing. Her tongue darted out to catch a stray drop at the corner of her mouth. "I'm happy to suppress my dominant side, if that's what you want." She looked at her hand, still glistening with their combined juices. "Man, you really made a mess out of me, huh?" "You look beautiful," Andy said, his eyes roaming over her face, taking in the sight of her disheveled hair and the remnants of their activities still visible on her skin. Crystal made a playful face, wrinkling her nose slightly, before leaning forward to clean Andy's now limp cock with her mouth. She worked carefully, her warm tongue laving over his sensitive skin. She took him fully into her mouth, her lips meeting the base of his shaft, before slowly pulling back. As she did, she sucked hard, her cheeks hollowing with the effort. Her tongue swirled around the head of his cock in a way that made Andy's legs twitch involuntarily with pleasure. "Ok, all done," Crystal announced, sitting back on her heels and looking up at Andy expectantly. Andy's eyes dropped to the floor beneath Crystal. "Actually, I think you missed a spot there," he said, pointing to a small pool of cum that had dripped from her pussy and collected on the wooden planks. Crystal's gaze followed his finger. "Ah yes, thank you sir," she said, her tone one of exaggerated gratitude. She lowered her face to the floor, her ass rising in the air as she extended her tongue. Delicately, she licked his cum from the wood, her pink tongue contrasting sharply with the dark surface. She then turned back to Andy, opening her mouth to display the pearly fluid on her tongue. With a flirty wink, she closed her mouth and swallowed, her throat visibly moving as she did so. "Delicious," she said cheerfully, licking her lips. "You're really up for almost anything, huh?" Andy asked, a mix of admiration and curiosity in his voice. Crystal nodded, her expression becoming more serious. "Yes, well, I told you the things I don't want you to make me do. Outside of that," she paused, reaching out to stroke Andy's cock affectionately, her touch light and gentle on his oversensitive skin, "the way I see it, the better I please you, the more likely you are to protect me and take care of me." Her hand continued its gentle ministrations as she spoke. "If that means having to endure a bit of degradation and cum-play, that's fine." "Endure, huh?" Andy asked, raising an eyebrow. "So you're saying you don't actually enjoy it?" Crystal's demeanor shifted subtly. Her eyes widened slightly and her posture became more exaggerated; back arched to push out her tits, shoulders pulled back, head tilted submissively. Her lips formed a perfect pout as she spoke. "Oh no, sir! Crystal's body loves whatever you do to it," she cooed, her voice taking on a breathy, high-pitched quality that hadn't been present before. Her hand on his cock moved in an overly theatrical manner, her wrist twisting with unnecessary flourish. "Every drop of your cum is like nectar from the gods. Crystal's body was made to be your perfect little fuck-toy." The performance was skillful but noticeably artificial; like watching an actress play the role of "submissive girl" rather than genuine submission. Andy laughed, shaking his head. "No seriously, I'm asking because I want to know." He reached out to brush a strand of hair from her face, tucking it gently behind her ear. His thumb lingered for a moment, wiping away a smear of fluid from her cheekbone. Crystal's posture relaxed at his touch, the exaggerated submissiveness falling away. Her voice returned to its normal register as she looked up at him with curiosity. "Why?" she asked, her hand stilling on his cock. "Well, one because I do want this to be enjoyable for you too," Andy explained, his expression sincere. He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees to bring his face closer to hers. "And, well, making you do things you don't really want to do and watching you put up with them for my sake is kind of hot." Crystal's eyes widened slightly at his admission. Her lips parted as she considered his words, then curved into a small, understanding smile. "I see. In that case I will be totally honest." She sat back on her heels, thoughtful. While she contemplated, her fingers resumed their gentle exploration of his genitals, this time moving lower to massage his balls with feather-light touches. The casual intimacy of the gesture contrasted with her serious expression. "I mean, it depends on what exactly but overall it was fine," she said finally. Her eyes unfocused slightly as she mentally reviewed their encounter. "Stripping, blowing you, getting railed, all hot. Loved it when you made me look you in the eyes and when you came inside of me." As she spoke, her cheeks flushed slightly, either from the memory or from her continued nakedness in the warm sauna room. The lantern light caught the sheen of sweat on her collarbone. "Yes about that," Andy said, suddenly serious. He shifted on the wooden bench, the slats creaking beneath him. "You're on some kind of birth control I assume?" Crystal's hand froze momentarily. She looked up at him with wide eyes, her expression solemn. "Umm, no, but I'm a big believer in the power of prayer." "What??" Andy jerked upright, alarm clear on his face. Crystal's serious expression cracked, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. She giggled, the sound light and playful as she gave his balls a gentle squeeze. "Got you. No, I'm on an I U D." Andy exhaled with relief, his shoulders visibly relaxing. He laughed, running a hand through his short hair. "You got me. Wouldn't be a great time to have kids right now." "No," Crystal agreed, shifting her position. Her knees had begun to redden from pressing against the hard wooden floor. She leaned forward to rest her cheek against Andy's thigh, her breath warm against his skin as she spoke. "Anyway." She paused, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the inside of his thigh. "Ok, rubbing your cock on my face after was objectively disgusting but also super-hot. I don't know, something about the dominance, and the juices, and doing it to my face. And--" Andy raised his hand to stop her, his fingers nearly touching her lips. "Hold on, I'm curious. Where do you think that comes from?" Crystal tilted her head, her expression quizzical. She absently licked her lips, tasting the faint saltiness that still lingered there. "You mean why do I find it hot?" "Yeah," Andy nodded, his gaze intent on her face. "Umm, well." Crystal's eyes dropped to his cock, which she began to stroke again with slow, contemplative movements. Her thumb occasionally circled the sensitive head, making Andy twitch. "In some ways it's like you're marking me as yours when you do that, and like, all of our juices remind me of how hot our sex was and that you just came inside of me." She looked up, making eye contact as her hand continued its ministrations. "And then I guess there's an aspect of like, I know that most girls won't let you do this to them, so when you do this to me I'm giving you a special treat that should make you want to keep me around?" Her voice lilted upward, making it a question. "Maybe. I don't know. It's just hot, ok?" Her cheeks had reddened during her explanation, but she maintained eye contact, her blue eyes clear and honest. "Duly noted," Andy said with a small smile, his hand moving to stroke her hair appreciatively. His fingers combed through the blonde strands, working out small tangles as he went. "And the cum-play stuff?" Crystal shrugged, her bare shoulders rising and falling gracefully. The movement made her tits sway slightly. "Eh, that was ok. I'm not super into it." She leaned forward suddenly, her pink tongue darting out to give his cock a quick, gentle lick before continuing. "I guess there's something kind of hot again about you ordering me to eat it off the floor, just because that's so, like, dirty, and it can be fun to act a little depraved." She wrinkled her nose slightly. "The taste isn't great, to be honest, sir." Andy laughed, the sound echoing slightly in the wooden sauna. His hand still played with her hair, twirling a strand around his finger. "Could have fooled me! Sorry about that, yeah I'm planning to try to eat more fruit." Crystal beamed up at him, her smile bright and genuine. She leaned forward to nuzzle against his softening cock affectionately, her lips brushing against it as she spoke. "Thank you sir, your little cum-slut would really appreciate that." A pause filled the room, broken only by their breathing and the occasional creak of the wooden bench as Andy shifted his weight. The lantern light flickered slightly, casting moving shadows across Crystal's naked form. "You know," Andy admitted, his voice lower, more intimate, "I think it's kind of hot both ways, both pretending to enjoy it and if you show me that you don't like it but you're doing it anyway for my benefit. Feel free to mix it up sometimes." Crystal lifted her head from his thigh, her blue eyes meeting his. "Yes sir," she said simply, her voice warm and sincere. Her hand gave his cock one final, gentle squeeze before releasing it. She glanced up at him, tucking a strand of honey-blonde hair behind her ear. "Is that all, sir?" "Yes," Andy nodded, giving her an appreciative smile. "Thank you." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "Would you like to go upstairs and cuddle in my room? Sleep together tonight?" His tone softened, becoming less commanding. "Not an order, just if you want to." Crystal considered his offer, her expression thoughtful. She ran her hands along her bare thighs, as if suddenly aware of her nakedness in the cooling sauna. After a moment, her face brightened with a genuine smile. "Yes, I'd really appreciate that," she replied, the relief in her voice subtle but unmistakable. Based on a post by the hospital, for Literotica.

Eyewitness Jo provided a vivid account of the "scary and confronting" ordeal on 3AW Drive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His works are bold, powerful, and memorable. Taiwan-based Mongolian artist Tsengkun Engkhbold talks about how he got his start in Taiwan, and how his father's works served as an inspiration for his art. Enkghbold holds a joint exhibition with his father in December. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Alright, enough of this wrasslin' stuff… for at least one episode. Let's once again turn our attention to another of the fine arts – the world of music. As we are wont to do from time to time, we suggest albums to each for a listen and then come back and compare notes. This time around, we're in a 1988 sort of mood with two of the biggest heavy albums of the year as we go one-on-one with Living Colour's “Vivid” versus Metallica's “...And Justice For All”!   FULL VIDEO EPISODES! That's right folks, you can see our bright smiling idiotic faces in full color on our YouTube channel. Full episodes available as well as clips.   LINKS OF INTEREST: - Here's the Wikipedia for "...And Justice For All" - Here's the Wikipedia for "Vivid" - Corey Glover showing off his vocal chops with Galactic on “Going Down Slowly” - Here's “...And Jason For All” remix of “...And Justice For All”   ...AND ANOTHER THING: The Man They Call Tim suggests listening to or watching Metallica with the San Francisco Orchestra for "S&M" Uncle Todd suggests reading "You Better Be Lightning" by Andrea Gibson   FOLLOW US ON THE SOCIAL MEDIAS: Facebook - http://facebook.com/freerangeidiocy Instagram - http://instagram.com/freerangeidiocy YouTube - http://youtube.com/@freerangeidiocy

VTuber事務所「Vivid V」を運営するLinkUpは倒産手続きを開始しました。

Jess Wallace - adventure host, travel lover, online business manager, teacher turned entrepreneur and promoter of living a big, authentic + full life is back on the pod!  She specializes in helping female entrepreneurs thrive in their businesses.  Jess and Danielle host all women adventure trips to create a space for women to connect, see the world together, make lifelong friends, and unlock core memories.  We love getting women outside, connecting, adventuring, betting on themselves, taking up space, doing it scared, building confidence, living big + chasing magic. Join Jess and Danielle on this episode as they chat about:  Fingers into peoples mouth Amazon web services outage Yeeting fluoride off the mountain Why I'm getting a palate expander Vivid dreams?! Why everyone should have a sleep test What actually IS health? Wtf are palmetto bugs Weird poop stories Come to Patagonia with us!!! WE better see Fitz roy Carrie or Kerry??   Join the adventure party in Patagonia with Jess + Danielle Learn more about working with me  Shop my masterclasses (learn more in 60-90 minutes than years of dr appointments) Follow me on IG Follow Empowered Mind + Body on IG  Follow Jess on IG 

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Caller Andrew was in the CBD yesterday, and witnessed the violent chaos unfold in front of him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever feel like you had to start over from zero? I sit down with writer and teacher Peter William Murphy, an Irish expat who rebuilt after a family business collapse, a serious injury, and a move to Reunion Island that reset his path. I wanted to understand what it really takes to choose growth when life gets loud, and Peter shows us how clear decisions, steady practice, and honest support can open new doors. We talk about the power of owning your choices, moving through anxiety, and asking for help before pride gets in the way. Peter explains how he built Peak English to help students raise their IELTS scores and change their futures. We get into how online teaching actually works when you design it with care, why in-person connection still matters, and how writing became a tool for clarity, confidence, and service. What I love most in this conversation is Peter's calm style of resilience. It is not flashy. It is daily. If you are starting over, switching careers, or simply trying to make your next decision with intention, you will hear practical steps you can use right away. I think you will walk away encouraged, with a clearer view of what steady progress looks like and how to keep going when the ground shifts under your feet.   Highlights:   00:10 – Meet the guest and set the theme of choosing growth over comfort. 01:12 – Hear how a family hospitality legacy shaped early values and work ethic. 02:25 – Learn how the 2008 crash ended the bar and pushed a search for a new path. 07:37 – See why a one-way ticket to Reunion Island became a turning point. 10:11 – Follow the move into teaching without a degree and the first classroom wins. 14:20 – Pick up online teaching tactics like gamification and lesson design. 15:56 – Understand imposter syndrome and the pivot into writing and Peak English. 21:16 – Get a clear take on when online learning works and when it does not. 28:38 – Compare virtual vs. in-person speaking for connection and impact. 32:41 – Learn Peak English's mission to make IELTS success more accessible. 46:32 – Try a simple decision tool: write pros and cons and choose with intent. 54:55 – Hear the advice to younger self: talk to someone sooner and keep going   About the Guest:   Peter William Murphy is an Irish writer, educator, and host whose path has been anything but conventional. Raised in a small family-run hotel on Ireland's west coast, Peter immigrated to America following the hotel's closure, attending school there before returning home to rediscover his Irish roots—and a deep love for sport. But beneath the rugby and soccer fields, a creative instinct stirred.   When the 2008 crash brought down his family's business for a second time, Peter booked a one-way ticket to an island off the coast of Madagascar with just €20 and no job prospects. After a brief period of sleeping rough, he was helped by strangers who offered support without judgment—a lesson in quiet empathy that never left him.   Peter made his name on Medium, where he was curated 39 times for his memoir-style essays on travel and the lessons learned along the way, before pivoting to sharp, comedic takes on current affairs. Notable among his growing body of work are original characters like Jack Hennessy, a wry Irish journalist with a nose for trouble, and the Rick and Morty-inspired duo, Peta and Freeman—two chaotic, absurdist voices that serve as both satire and self-reflection. He now splits his creative focus between personal essays, humor writing, and his new livestream comedy podcast, The Peter and Philip Show, which he co-hosts with author Philip Ogley and which is gaining a mini-cult following on Substack. Peter is currently working on a book loosely inspired by his global misadventures, missteps, and the redemptive power of human connection.   Some of Peter's creative and personal heroes include Hunter S. Thompson, Ernest Hemingway, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, as well as his mother, father, and brother—who continue to inspire his voice, values, and pursuit of honest storytelling.   Peter is currently developing the Peta and Freeman series into a comic and is halfway through writing his first novel, The Red Beach in Paradise, which tells the story of his time on Réunion Island through the fictional lens of Jack Hennessy. While Peter still teaches full-time with his own private students, he is also working on opening an online school to help students prepare for exams and gain university admission across Europe. Every cent he earns from his writing goes directly toward making that school a reality.   Ways to connect with Peter:   My GoFundMe to fund the school: Link here Peak English Instagram account: Link here Peak English TikTok: Link here My substack that contains writing and podcasts: Link here My Medium Account: Link here     About the Host:   Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!   Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast   If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset .   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review   Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.       Transcription Notes:   Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Hi, everyone. Welcome wherever you happen to be to unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. And today, I think we're mostly going to get to do the unexpected, which is anything that doesn't have to do with inclusion or diversity. Peter Murphy, or Peter William Murphy, as he refers to himself in all the emails that he sends to me, is a writer. He has been a teacher, has an interesting story, I think, all the way around, and I'm not going to tell it, because it's more fun to listen to him tell it, and we'll see what we can learn from it and how we progress. So anyway, Peter, I want to welcome you to unstoppable mindset. We're really glad you're here.   Peter William Murphy ** 02:00 Thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate it.   Michael Hingson ** 02:03 And although Peter is Irish, he's in Turkey today, or he's he's over there, so he does move around, as you're going to learn in the course of this next hour or so. So why don't we start, why don't you tell us, kind of about the early Peter, growing up and so on.   Peter William Murphy ** 02:19 Um, well, I'm from truly, county Terry in Ireland, beautiful small town in the west coast, the Southwest we I come from a family of Hoteliers and publicans. My great grand Well, yeah, my great grandfather had the Meadowlands hotel in Chile, and then passed to my grandfather. But then after that, my father decided to open up his own bar. And that's kind of where after growing up, you know, around the hotel and, you know, seeing all the customers talking to people, very social kind of atmosphere, but unfortunately, it closed down. We had to move to America, back to Ireland. I attended Glendale Abbey school in County Limerick and yeah, I had a great upbringing, great family, but unfortunately, I never really liked school, if I'm be honest with you, which is a strange thing for a teacher today, I did not do well in school. I did just okay. But after the economic crash in 2008 Unfortunately, our family business closed down, so I had to try and find my own path. It was a little bit different than Ireland and I took off, got myself a teaching cert, and went to Reunion Island. And from there, my story kind of took off, and it's kind of where I learned a lot of my lessons. And after that, I just kept on going and didn't stop.   Michael Hingson ** 03:59 So why did the family business closed down the first time.   Peter William Murphy ** 04:04 The first time was because my grandfather basically needed a retirement, and he sold the hotel. And then my father then decided to open up his own bar, and just rising then 10 years later, that closed down during in 2011 I think there is a big economic crash in Ireland, rents went up. People weren't eating or socializing like they were, and through no fault of RL, it was just time to close the doors, which was a pity, because name of the bar was wooly Darcy's. It was a fantastic bar, very social, no televisions, very traditional, and yeah, so we all kind of had to go off and find other ways. And, you know, figure out who we are without, say, bars or. Hells or general hospitality and so kind of, yeah, right.   Michael Hingson ** 05:06 Well, so what? What was the reason for commuting or immigrating all the way to America after that?   Peter William Murphy ** 05:14 Well, we immigrated to America after   Michael Hingson ** 05:17 the hotel, yeah, after the hotel closed, right?   Peter William Murphy ** 05:21 Yeah, that was in 1998 and we were there for maybe two years, I believe, I'm not sure, and went to school there. My father worked in summers pubs, which is owned by my uncle in Boston, and then he made enough money to come back to Ireland in 2000 and open up his own bar. But yeah, it's just,   Michael Hingson ** 05:49 why America? Why America? When the hotel closed, half   Peter William Murphy ** 05:53 our family live over there, so my mom's side of the family live in America. Yeah, okay,   Michael Hingson ** 05:59 well, that makes it a little bit more logical that you would you would consider doing that.   Peter William Murphy ** 06:05 Oh, I loved it, Michael. I After, after two weeks, I was no longer Irish. I was playing baseball, eating pizza. I good American accent. I loved America, I   Michael Hingson ** 06:17 must say now, so are you in the Boston area?   Peter William Murphy ** 06:21 Yeah, we lived in West Roxbury, okay, just outside the city.   Michael Hingson ** 06:26 I lived in Winthrop Massachusetts, which is by East Boston, for three years. Very nice. So I never really got a Boston accent, but I do know how to say things like, pack your kind of have a yacht, you know? I can, I can still do it. Great accent, actually, but that's lovely. But I enjoyed being in Boston and just being around all the history. It's pretty, pretty amazing. But then you move back to Ireland, so that worked out, and he started a bar, and then you did that. So when, when that closed, and then you left again? Why did you leave again?   Peter William Murphy ** 07:06 Uh, basically, um, it feels difficult, kind of speaking about publicly, but I, I was kind of Joe there's, and I say that because there are people out there with bigger problems than me like I was a rugby player and the son of a publican. So for my formative years, my identity, for me at least, was kind of set. I was either going to be a rugby player or I was going to work in a bar or go into hotel management or something like that, but I had a pretty horrific leg injury during rugby training, and I suffered a few blows to the head, and then the bar closed down, so it was like one year you kind of had it all figured out. And then going into university as a young man, I had nothing. I could barely really walk I my family identity was gone. We're in the midst of a economic crash, a depression, and then I kind of developed my own sort of depression, but I, at the time, I didn't know it was depression. It's only Lacher that, when I spoke about it to professional that I kind of, we kind of spoke through and just said, Yeah, that's what it was. So I kind of, I wouldn't say, lied to my parents, but I told my mom, who's listening? Hi, Mom, I love you that I got a job in France, and I'd gotten an English certificate, and I didn't want to do University. I wanted to take a year out because I just couldn't handle it. Um, so, you know, I thought solving my problems would, you know, going away would solve my problems. So I there was no job in France. In fact, I wasn't going to France. I booked a one way ticket to Reunion Island, which is an island often called to the Madagascar in the Indian Ocean.   Michael Hingson ** 09:22 So why there? Why there? Because my friend   Peter William Murphy ** 09:26 was there, and he was there getting University credits for his degree. And, you know, back then, I wasn't a very good listener. I was a bit silly. I'm sure he told me all the details, but I just, I just heard son see maybe a job, and it's not and it's not Ireland, you know, it's not gray, it's not depressed. People aren't on social welfare. Let's, let's go. So I booked a one way ticket with what remained in my savings. And blew over there. And Michael, I'm going to be honest with you, when I landed at the airport in fentanyl, and I was hit with the hot Island air, and I could see it the volcano and, you know, the blue ocean surrounding me, I immediately regretted my decision. I want to go home, but I couldn't, because I had no money to buy a return ticket. So then the kind of Island Adventure kind of started, and yeah, I was stuck there for two years trying to get home.   Michael Hingson ** 10:34 Did you ever kind of make peace with all that and decide that maybe it wasn't such a bad place?   Peter William Murphy ** 10:40 Yeah, I, I, I kind of, because I'm a storyteller. I love writing, so I'm good at, kind of, you know, I wouldn't say I think all writers are good at, you know, giving dramatic effect. You know, maybe there, there's instead of one shark, there's five sharks. Instead of a storm, it's a cyclone. But when I would tell people about it, I would say it was difficult, but looking back at it now, it was probably the best thing I ever did, just taking that leap and going for it.   Michael Hingson ** 11:19 Did you ever finish in going to university? Or did you ever   Peter William Murphy ** 11:23 No, I just kept going. Kept going, kept going. I I got a job teaching English at a course. A lady by the name of Daniela from Angola gave me my first ever job, and you know, we hit it off. And this is back in 2011 or 12. I After about six or seven months working with her, so all the kids love me, the students love me. I learned a lot about her kind of holistic approach to education and teaching, and we were speaking in her kitchen one day, and she says, okay, when all this is over, what are you going to do? And I said, Well, I'm going to try and open up my own school. And she seemed surprised, but yeah, over 1310, or 11 years later, I'm not sure that's exactly what I'm trying to do now, is open up my own school.   Michael Hingson ** 12:21 Tell   Peter William Murphy ** 12:22 me about the school. Well, my wife, well, I'll go back a little bit. When I finally built up enough money to fly home, I got a job working with a man from America, actually teaching students in Cork. And I said I wasn't ready to go back to university just yet. I'd been in university for three years before I left, and it just something wasn't clicking with me. I'm an intelligent enough person, but in university just something, it just wasn't clicking. So I've decided to, you know, go to Turkey, simply because it was, you know, the closest. It wasn't like France, which is familiar, and it wasn't like, you know, far away, like China or somewhere like that. So I went there and got a job. But within six months, I think I landed a very, very good job at the top private school there, and they knew that I didn't have a degree. They just knew that I had selfless certificates and TEFL and other English certificates. But they have about 60 campuses in Turkey, and they gave me, and one of them is a university in Istanbul. So I was given a lot of education. By then, I was kind of a teacher for 15th. I observed, if I was doing a lesson, I'd be observed lots of seminars, getting more certificates, learning more and more. And you know that as time went on, I just kind of became Mr. Murphy, you know what I mean? I became a teacher, kind of, I proved myself, and just my students started getting good results. The parents were very fond of me. My colleagues were fond of me, my boss, my principal was fond of me. So I went from kind of not really having any identity, not knowing what I was doing, to kind of having it. So I stayed working in this big school for eight years, and to get back to kind of your question on the degree and the school i i was chosen by them to give a talk in Istanbul to all my peers on online methodology and how I help kids. Do you know? With gamifications, using the right websites for them, things like this, I slowly became very adept at, and they asked me to do it the second year. And then I got offered by Pierce in Turkey, which is an educational publishing company, and to do seminars on their behalf. And then this is, it was the first time since I left Ireland. This was in 2002 or three where I began to have imposter syndrome, where I was like, Okay, I know I'm good, but am I better than the people who I'm, who I'm speaking to, you know, and I raised this with the person who gave me the opportunity, and he said, Everyone feels, feels this way, you know. But I couldn't shake it, so I decided to in 2023 to step back from teaching, and I told my principal that I'm going to take some time away from it, and I became a writer on medium, and my writing on medium then took off. I started making a lot of money, and I found myself in this little hole where everything I was I was trying, was working for me, but it still didn't feel like something that I could 100% stick with well, which is why I started writing the book, and then it's why my wife and I decided to open up our own course, which will be a methodology, kind of created by the two of us, a curriculum, curriculum created by the two of us, which will have third party eyes who will sign off on it, and it's called Peak English, and we'll take it from there. So that's kind of my long answer to your very simple question.   Michael Hingson ** 17:05 Sorry, Kay, that's fine. Going back to when you went to Reunion Island. Do you think there was something deeper than just escaping from Ireland and the life you had, or you think it was just that simple?   Peter William Murphy ** 17:24 Um, yeah, it's strange, because I have a great relationship. My brother, my father and my mother were all very close. But I, I think, I think I became afraid of life, you know, because, you know, my father's my hero, of course, and he's a well respected man in the community. He He was awarded, I can't remember the name of the award, but basically, best host of the Year, Best host in Ireland last year by the hospitality board in the country. And when I saw what the economic crash did to him, it didn't break him, but when I saw that what it did to him, I was like, my god, if life can do that to my dad, take away his bar, you know, make him sad, or whatever it's like, what's it going to do to someone like me, you know, so I became very afraid of life, and I suppose I just wanted to go somewhere that felt other worldly, and that just felt so different, you know, that just so different, Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 18:38 well, and, and now you say that you really feel that it was the best decision that you could make.   Peter William Murphy ** 18:48 Yeah, I wouldn't change it for the world. I mean, I've got some great stories. Yeah, halfway through a book about it now. So hopefully in the next year, that book will hopefully get published, and if not, I'll put it out there myself.   Michael Hingson ** 19:06 So when the pandemic hit, how did that affect or deal with your teaching and so on? Because you were teaching all that time since you you stepped back from that in 2023 so you must have had to deal with a lot of stuff with the pandemic, I would think,   Peter William Murphy ** 19:25 yeah, I know a lot of people suffered during the pandemic, but if I'm going to speak, it was difficult for everyone, but if I'm going to just for me in my apartment in Turkey, it was a good pandemic for me, you know, I took the opportunity to learn the guitar, get better at my job, did a lot of study, got more certificates, and also. Uh, I was familiar with Zoom before the big zoom thing happened. So I kind of knew before our first online lesson. You know, I spent about maybe three weeks because we went into lockdown in Turkey, I think March 2020, I believe we were a bit Lacher than most, but we, we stopped school in February, I think, and there was about a two or three week time where they were trying to figure it out. And, you know, you you know, everyone's going to go. If America and England are go and China are locked down. We're going to be locked down too. So I started doing tutorials on Zoom Near Pod, other online teaching websites, and started learning about them. So when the first lesson started on Zoom, I was really good at it, and all the students loved it. I wasn't the only teacher who did that. Lots of my colleagues I did that. But, you know, the pandemic was definitely a time where a lot of us who were lucky enough not to get ill were able to, you know, put more strings to our boat, right?   Michael Hingson ** 21:24 What do you think about all the discussions and all the arguments and all the conversations that go on now about online teaching as opposed to doing it live, and where, where all of it fits in. Can people really do it, you know, kind of what are your thoughts   Peter William Murphy ** 21:47 for children? I do not recommend this as the primary source of their education. I believe that socializing is very important for them, even having a teacher. You know, one of the biggest things you can do as a teacher with your classroom management is where you stand in the classroom. You know, being able to observe the students, then knowing that you're there as a present all the materials that you would have in the classroom. These are all things that actually, they need something small, but they do help kids that kind of five minute break every 14 minutes where they can run outside, keep a ball around and talk to each other. That's really important, yeah. But if you're talking about maybe between the 18 and up age group, I think it depends on the person. I've had students who who are prepared for IELTS, and they have needed a top score, and only have three months, and we've been face to face, working, helping them with their writing, doing everything, and it just doesn't work. There's something about the school environment where it just doesn't rub off on them. But then the minute you get them online and you start introducing games, you gamify it, just do lots of different things with them, for some reason they feel more comfortable. It could be an anxiety thing could be where they just feel more relaxed. At home, everyone's different, but for children, from my experience, definitely face to face learning is the best. Zoom is okay in an emergency. I do not recommend hybrid learning whatsoever.   Michael Hingson ** 23:40 Yeah, it's a it's a challenge. I know, for me personally, I can do online and, or and, or I can do things in person, in terms of learning and so on. I'm used to doing a lot of things outside of the typical corporate or office environment. So I can do that, but I also value and appreciate the social interaction when you go into an office and you have an opportunity to to meet with people. The only thing I would would say is way too often, unfortunately, people socialize so much that they forget in a work environment, you're really there to work and really need to figure out how to focus more on getting the job done. But I think there are a lot of aspects to that as well, because it isn't necessarily that people are lazy, but by the same token, if they don't really recognize what the job is about and what they're doing and that they have to put the appropriate time into it, or figure out a way to put in the appropriate time, then that's, you know, an issue too.   Peter William Murphy ** 24:58 Yeah, I would, you percent people. Be With You.   Michael Hingson ** 25:01 I think that, yeah, it's interesting. I've had a few people on the podcast here where we've talked about time management. We've talked about how people work in Europe, as opposed to in the United States, and some of the statistics that show that, in reality, if people put in longer days, but don't spend as many days at work, like if you put in 410, hour days, as opposed to five, eight hour days or something like that, you tend to get more work done, which I think is very interesting.   Peter William Murphy ** 25:36 Yeah, I've noticed that too, since I started working at home more and more. That I had a discussion with my wife the other day, and I said, you know, I think I need to rent an office, you know, because whilst I do like having, you know, low overheads and not paying rent. There is something about getting up in the morning, putting on a nice shirt, black coffee, and walk to the office. And you know, have your work day. One thing that I'm noticing is working online, with writing and helping students, is I'll wake up at 5am and I'll shower and I'll I'll work from 6am until midnight, and I am looking at my looking at myself in the mirror the next day and saying, Joe, this is unsustainable, like we It's you can say to yourself, oh, sure, just, you know, make your own routine. But it's very hard to stick to a routine if you are, you know, writing articles, if you have meetings at various times throughout the day, if you're dealing with multiple time zones. So there's, there is something attractive of going back and renting an office, you know, having a base where work is work and home is home. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 27:10 and I, and I appreciate that. I, I personally am able to work at home and separate that out. But I do know what you're what you're saying. And not everyone can do that. I've just done that a lot in my life because I've worked for companies where I worked remotely anyway, so I'm used to that, but I also appreciate your discipline. I'm sorry   Peter William Murphy ** 27:35 you've got discipline. It's something I need to work   Michael Hingson ** 27:38 on. Well, I guess that's probably it, yeah, I guess that's that's probably it. And I have enough other things during the day that demand time. So for example, at five o'clock, that's the time to feed the guide dog, and he wants to eat. And if I don't do that, I'm going to hear about it. So what's your dog's name? His name is Alamo. Like the Alamo? Yeah. So, you know, the issue is that I do have some things to help keep me honest, but, yeah, I can be fairly well disciplined with it, and I can make that work, and I understand that a lot of people can't. The other thing for me being a public speaker is I'm not as great a fan of speaking virtually, speaking online, as I am speaking in person. And the reason is, and it took me a while to kind of figure out why I didn't really like it as much as as probably some people that I don't have nearly the same kind of connection with the audience to whom I'm speaking if I'm doing it online, and I don't get to hear their reactions to things that I say. And for me, having that audio interaction, those auditory signals are part of what tells me if I'm doing a good job or not. On the other hand, I've done this long enough that I can pretty well tell what's probably going to work and what's not. So I'm perfectly happy to do virtual presentations, but if I have a choice, I like to do it in person, right?   Peter William Murphy ** 29:09 Yeah, I agree with you there. There is something very cool about being up on stage, yeah, and talking to a lot of people, but my favorite part has to be afterwards, when you're having the teas and the coffees and you're talking to everybody in the lobby. I really do love that part.   Michael Hingson ** 29:29 Oh, yeah. Well, and I try to integrate some of that even into the talks that I give, so that I have audiences participating. And sometimes the participation may be that I ask them something to answer, and sometimes it's how I tell a story to draw them in. And I've had any number of people tell me we were just following you down the stairs in the World Trade Center as you were telling the story. You were just so. Vivid with what you were saying. We were right there with you. And that's the thing that I think is a lot harder to do in a virtual environment than it is in a in an environment where you're actually speaking to people.   Peter William Murphy ** 30:13 Yeah, that's I told you when we had a chat before I came on, that it's really great honor to speak to you. And you know, I really do love your story and the way that you tell it, and of course, about your guide dog that led you out. It's really like an amazing story   Michael Hingson ** 30:36 well, and you know, it's it, it's a team effort. Both of us had jobs to do, and it was a matter of me being the team leader and keeping the team on course and doing the things that we needed to do. But it did work out well, and I'm glad about that. So it's that's important, but tell me more about the school that you're trying to start as you're working toward it, what will it be? Well, we   Peter William Murphy ** 31:07 are deadline to open it up was in three weeks ago, we found three buildings. I can't go into the detail, but it's, let's just say that, you know, someone said one price in the advertisements, and then when we got face to face, there was a new price. There was a lot of that kind of carry on. So my wife and I had a discussion, and we said, let's put peak English online first and get a base in because we do plan to either maybe perhaps move to Ireland in the future. So it is going to have to be a business that can, you know, move anywhere. We are going to have to have a online base. We've started working with the school in Brazil, and we've got some clients in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. So it's a nice space to get online at the moment, as we head into September, when all the kids are back to school, and then we will start small. We on sub stack. I started a small GoFundMe to help me reach my goal before the deadline, and people were very, very supportive. They gained a lot of traction. And then I spoke with my subscribers, and I said I gave them the plan because I like to tell them to know what's going to happen if they're paid subscribers, because everything I make from my writing goes directly back into education. So everything I make from medium top back, everything it goes towards building the school. And we are now going to go into September on a good footing, but we're going to have to downsize our expectations and perhaps buy some or smaller but our methodology and our mission will remain the same, to make education affordable, to help students pass their IELTS exams, to give them an opportunity to go work in Canada, America, the UK, Ireland.   Michael Hingson ** 33:15 So yes, that's peak English. Well, there you go. Which is, which is pretty cool. Well, what does your wife work? Or does she just help you with the school? Or what does she do?   Peter William Murphy ** 33:26 My wife? What does she do? My wife is an artist. She's a gamer, she's a teacher and she's a website designer. She's everything. She's the Peter whisperer. She's definitely good at when I'm in a whirlwind writing or, you know, I'll do too many things at once. She's, she's like a tablet for ADHD. I think she just, she's good at, kind of directing me calm down. So she she knows everything. Michael, she's a teacher, English language teacher. Graduated from Palm college, university, and she worked in an ink, in a in a college, and she's just about to embark on her Master's. So one of us will get that degree.   Michael Hingson ** 34:18 Yeah, one way or another, you'll have one in the family. Yeah,   Peter William Murphy ** 34:22 exactly. Well, she has one, but she'll get a master's. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 34:26 you'll have a master's in the family. Do you have any children? No, no, no, we're children. No children yet? Well, that's another thing to look forward to in in the future, which is, which is,   Peter William Murphy ** 34:38 where we don't know what to do. We love turkey, but also we want them to have a, you know, a Turkish. We want them to, you know, have an appreciation for Turkey and for Ireland. So we're trying to figure out where would be the best place to to raise kids in the in. You know, current global environment. And you know, despite all the trouble that Ireland has in 2008 every time I go home, it's still solid ground. And you know, it's the older I get, the more I'm kind of, I think we will end up there eventually, but we'll see. Yeah, well,   Michael Hingson ** 35:28 it'll all work out in time. I suspect you strike me as individuals. Yeah, you strike me as a person that will, will make things work out. And you're, you're willing to step back and and do it in a methodical and in very positive way, which is, which is pretty cool. Well, tell me about some of your writing. What kind of what have you written?   Peter William Murphy ** 35:54 Well, I told you about the book. I'm halfway through. It's the working title is becoming useful. Then on medium, I started writing about mental health, and I got imposter syndrome again. Of course, there's nothing wrong with writing anecdotally about your experience, but sometimes on the internet, it's probably better not to talk about kind of medical kind of things, you know what I mean. So I said, well, what could I pivot to? And I started writing travel memoirs about my time on the island, and I ended up getting curated about 40 times by medium selected for curation is basically where they choose the staff choose your story, and they give it a boost into the algorithm, and basically it just gets sent all over the internet. So that happened 40 times. Then I wrote for your tango, which is a New York based website. And then after a year and a half on medium, I pivoted to sub stack, where I continued to do my writing. And about three months ago, sub stack began doing live streams, kind of like on YouTube or Instagram, they have these live streams on sub stack. So I didn't feel comfortable talking about my teaching on sub stack, because I felt like my my writing persona, not that it's controversial, had its own space in my life, so I kept it separate from my teaching, and I spoke with a friend, and we saw everyone on Sub stack was doing these live one hour streams. So we thought we would do a comedy show. So we started doing these 1015, minute comedy shows live on substack, and they became very popular. And a lot of you know big authors like Walter Reed, Robin wilding, who would be very popular on that website came on as guest, and it's kind of this new outlet where everything leads back to teaching, where I'm learning about video editing now and how to reach an audience, and then straight away, with peak English, I said, Okay, so that's that. Now I know more about how the internet works, so now open up a Tiktok and an Instagram and, you know, focus that into peak English. So our Instagram account now is growing. It's got close to 1000 followers, and our Tiktok is just open. So, yeah, going to use what I learned from sub stack to reach more students give more tips on how to pass exams on other social platforms.   Michael Hingson ** 39:12 Okay, and you've, you've created some fictional characters along the way, haven't you?   Peter William Murphy ** 39:20 Yeah, I have Peter and Freeman, who have a small little cult following on on substack, kind of based on a relationship I have with a friend of mine and my brother and I. My brother has done the Olympics. He's done the not as an athlete, but he's worked for Warner Brothers and other companies, doing the filming of it, and we're both very much in the film. We're working on a script, and we're trying to develop something at the moment together. Of course, our day jobs are our main focus, but it's very nice to have a similar interest with your brother, that you can just work. Worked on together, you know,   Michael Hingson ** 40:01 yeah, well, you know, back in the days of old radio, there was a ven Troy lacherist, Edgar Bergen, who had his creature, Charlie McCarthy. And it was interesting that a lot of times Charlie spoke for Edgar. Edgar would, would would communicate through Charlie, as opposed to just communicating himself, and it was a way that he felt comfortable doing, which was interesting.   Peter William Murphy ** 40:32 Yeah, that's interesting with Murphy's Law, which is my medium pending, after about a year and a half, I, you know, I said I can't keep writing about the island or this or that, or memoirs. I have to try grow as a writer. So I started trying different styles. I started writing a satire. I started writing a political satire or just pure comedy pieces. And lo and behold, I was okay at it, and they gained traction, and they were funny. And this is strange, so then Murphy's law went to kind of satire. And then I started writing about politics, say what's happening in the USA, the friction over there, some other world events. And I enjoyed it. The editors liked it, and it was published in some very good publications. And it was great. I found many voices, you know, but as time went on, and I love medium, and I love substack, it's, it's my passion, and it has helped me grow, not just as a writer, but as I mentioned earlier, helped me hone all the skills I use that become, you know, big enough on it into how I can create this business that my wife and I try to open up, and it has really helped. But you are always chasing the algorithm, you know, and I would rather have a product out there that helps people, you know, pass their exams, give them guidance with these as, you know, do volunteer work, things like that, that will actually help people. And people will remember it as peak English, as a brand that will help them, because Murphy's Law and the exile files online, I love them, and they are my babies, but they are very much passion projects that, like Reunion Island, have helped me figure out what I want to do. You know?   Michael Hingson ** 42:58 Yeah, well now you talk about Murphy's Law. And of course, we all know Murphy's Law is, if anything can go wrong at will. But there was a book written years ago that was called Murphy's Law and other reasons why things go wrong. And the first, I think I've heard of that, and the first thing in the book after Murphy's Law was o'toole's commentary on Murphy's Law, which was, Murphy was an optimist. I always thought was cute. I like that. Murphy was an optimist.   Peter William Murphy ** 43:30 Well, it's, you know, I think in life, like you said yourself, when, when that terrible day happens in the World Trade Center, it was like you could either lose your mind or you stay calm, you know. And no, I think, I think everybody, kind of you know, can learn from that, from learn from your book, that you just have to keep going moving forward. People react differently to different you know, setbacks like I mentioned, with the leg break and the bar closing another young man, it might, it might not have affected them at all. They would have said, It's okay. I just kept going. But it just so happened that it affected me that way. And you my brother, for example, he stuck it out. He stayed in Ireland, and he he did it so it's it really does depend on the person and how they how one can deal with what life throws at you. Some people think it was like it was the best thing I ever did, but looking back on it, like I wouldn't change it, but looking back on it, I would have liked to have done it, maybe in a calmer way.   Michael Hingson ** 44:56 The other the other side of that though, is that. So there are a lot of things that happen around us, and we don't have any control over the fact that they happen as such, but we absolutely have control over how we deal with what happened, and I think that's what so many people miss and don't, don't deal with and the reality is that we can always make choices based on what goes on around us, and we can do that and and that can be a positive thing, or it can be a negative thing, and that's a choice that we have To make.   Peter William Murphy ** 45:37 Yeah, you're dead, right? Yeah, I, when I first came to Turkey, I was only supposed to be here for three months, you know, but there was something intoxicating about the country. There just the smell, the food people and I about six months into my stay here, back in 2013, or 14, like I did, have that decision where I had to kind of look at myself saying, Am I staying here because I'm running away, or am I staying here because I feel this is where I can achieve what I want to achieve. And I stayed because I felt this was like the environment where I could kind of deal with myself and kind of deal with life, and, you know, just be who I wanted to be, not that I couldn't do that in Ireland, but just the 24 year old version of myself. That's what like he was thinking, you know? And I got to respect that,   Michael Hingson ** 46:46 sure. And the other part about it, though, is that you you at least ask yourself the question, and you really took the responsibility to try to make a decision and come up with an answer, which is what a lot of people avoid doing.   Peter William Murphy ** 47:01 I wrote out the pros and cons on a piece of paper. I still have that piece of paper under your bed, and went up to the top of the mountain. There's, there's a huge mountain next to the city here. I'd go up there every day, but I just sat down and I just stared at the piece of paper. And there was just something where I said, you know, I have to try and become something here, you know, because if I can become something, even if it's something small, like something, you know, as humble, as just being a language teacher or helping one person or two people, it doesn't matter if I can do that here, then it would have been worth it. Yeah, of course. If time goes on, you learn more, you become stronger, you become more educated, you become trained. And then if you just keep going, no matter how you know down the dumps you were in the past, if you just keep going, one day, you will wake up and you will know exactly who you are and what you're supposed to do, and that's kind of what Turkey and Reunion Island gave to me.   Michael Hingson ** 48:10 Do you think that as you were growing up and so on, that the system failed you?   Peter William Murphy ** 48:18 I do remember one time. And I have to preface this for saying that I hold nothing against this person, but I remember I went to the psychologist or counselor in, I won't name the university, and the university I went to and and I didn't know them at all, and I sat down and I told them I was struggling with mental health. And, you know, there was, I'm not saying anything now like but there was a lot of young men taking their own lives in Ireland around this time, a lot and women, and I wasn't like that at all, but I was feeling down, and I wanted to see what the university could do for me. And I remember just being turned away saying, Come back next Tuesday, you know, at 405 and I did find it very hard to kind of like communicate and get help in university through Washington, like I didn't need directions on how to get to the Lacher hall or anything like that. I knew all that, but there was something else going on that I needed help with, and there, it wasn't there at all. Since then, of course, in the last 1516, years, Ireland is, you know, I suggest mental health capital of the world. But when, when I was there, maybe, maybe I just caught them on a bad day.   Michael Hingson ** 49:58 Yeah, hard to say. But the. Other part about it is look at what you've done since then, and look how you talk about it today, which really illustrates a lot of resilience on your part. And I'm sure that that's something that had to develop over time, but you still did it, and you became a more resilient individual because of all of that.   Peter William Murphy ** 50:22 Yeah, I'd say I've got that for my mom and dad. They're very resilient. But also that resilience has changed from, you know, booking a one way ticket to reunion and, you know, just doing all that crazy stuff, then go ahead and stand ball bus rides around Turkey, not knowing where I'm going, not having money, not enough for rent, all this kind of stuff. But it's changed because I remember I got a job partnering with a recruitment company that's based in Amsterdam, and I remember just willy nilly booking the flight over to Amsterdam, and just kind of, I just gotten married, and I Michael. I was not resilient at all. I did not want to go, I did not want to travel, I wanted to be at home with my wife, you know what I mean? And so I definitely got softer in other ways. So your resilience does change. It becomes more kind of a mental toughness than, say, that kind of young book physical resilience that you had when you were younger. It completely switches.   Michael Hingson ** 51:32 Yeah, well, and I think resilience is, is really, to a large degree about the whole concept of, well, mental toughness, or maybe the ability to look at what you're doing and going through and being able to make a decision about how to proceed, I think that's really kind of more of it than anything else, right, right? And so resilience, I think, as oftentimes, it's a term that's overused, but the reality is, I think what resilience really is is your ability to keep things whoever you are, keep things in perspective, and be able to step back and ask the tough questions of yourself and listen to your inner self and get the answers that you need. Yes.   Peter William Murphy ** 52:25 If that makes sense. It does. It makes perfect sense. Just gotta keep going. Yeah, yeah, yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 52:35 You do have to keep going, and it's kind of important to do that, but you've had a lot of different things that you've done. You know, you've been, you're an author, by the way. Do you still make drinks anywhere?   Peter William Murphy ** 52:51 No, I just at home, right away home. Good for you. Yeah? Yeah, we it's a drinking God. Drinking is such a funny one. It's something that just, I don't know, dissolved from my life. When I aged 30, I didn't become a teetotaler or anything like that. Like I'll still have red wine and I'll be here with friends, but I rarely touch the stuff. And I think it's mostly due to the fact that I start work so early in the morning, you know, and I just cannot wake up with any sort of grogginess. I leave black coffee, you know, look at the news for 20 minutes, pet my cat, take a shower and then start, yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 53:42 Well, my wife and I used to have a drink on Friday night. I mean, we're capable. We were capable of going to restaurants and parties and occasionally have something. But I know since she passed in 2022 we were married 40 years. I part of honoring her is that I have a drink on Friday night. One drink. I don't because I've never nice. I've never really felt that I need to have alcohol or anything like that. I've never been a great fan of the taste, but I have a drink to honor her on Friday night. So that's kind of fun.   Peter William Murphy ** 54:21 Yeah, that's very nice. I mean, we it's my wife's birthday in two days, actually, so I'm very lucky. She's very she's like me in a way. I want to take her to a nice, fancy restaurant, or to do this and do that, but she just wants a chicken burger. And hello, yeah, so we just go out to our favorite restaurant. And you know, they're good burgers. They're pretty gourmet, but yeah, she's pretty down to earth with me. And yeah, we have a lot of fun together. And yeah. But I'm currently planning her birthday presents as as I'm speaking to you.   Michael Hingson ** 55:07 If you could go back and talk to a younger Peter, what would you what would you tell them? What would you want them to learn?   Peter William Murphy ** 55:15 Oh, I would tell him to go straight to a to talk to somebody, yeah, just to go straight to talk to somebody, that's the biggest thing. I had an interview where I was the host yesterday with a man who does Astro photography, and one of his, you know, other projects he does. He's a recovering alcoholic. Where he's he really talks about, you know, men talking to other men too, like, if your friend call, pick up, always speak. Tell people what's going on. Of course, don't nag people and to tell them every problem you have, but if you're down into dumps, you should talk to somebody. So anybody who's like young, you know, late, late teens coming up, should definitely talk to someone straight away, because I think a few simple sentences from a professional could have saved me a lot of let's call them headaches in the future, all   Michael Hingson ** 56:28 too often we the way we're taught. We just don't get encouraged to do that, do we?   Peter William Murphy ** 56:34 No, no. People listen. People are good. People will do what they can. But I think sometimes, I think the way it's framed maybe scares men. I think we're a lot better now, but maybe 1015, years ago, and even before that, trying to get a kid to, you know, talk to professional, nobody wants to be different in that way. You know, back then anyway and but it's so healthy. It's so good to have someone who can regurgitate back what you've just told them, but in a clear, calm fashion that you know makes sense. It does the world of good. It's, it's, it's better than medicine   Michael Hingson ** 57:27 for most. Puts a lot of things in perspective, doesn't it? It does, yeah, which, which makes a lot of sense. Well, yeah, I think this has been great. I've very much enjoyed having the opportunity to talk with you and and and hear a lot of great life lessons. I hope everyone who is out there listening to us appreciates all the things that you had to say as well. If anybody wants to reach out to you, how do they do that?   Peter William Murphy ** 57:57 Well, we're on Instagram as peak English. We're also on Tiktok as peak English,   Michael Hingson ** 58:04 peak as in P, E, A, K, that's right   Peter William Murphy ** 58:07 behind me here. So if anybody can see it's there's the spelling on my wallpaper.   Michael Hingson ** 58:14 And, yeah, a lot of people probably aren't watching videos, so that's why I asked you to spell   Peter William Murphy ** 58:19 it. Yeah? Well, actually, I'm blocking it, so I moved out of the way. There   Michael Hingson ** 58:23 you go. Well, I won't see it,   Peter William Murphy ** 58:27 yeah, so I Yeah. So that's the best way to get in contact with me. You can Google me. Peter William Murphy, medium writer, I pretty much on the top of the lid, if you're interested in writing, also the exile files. And we're also on YouTube with the exile files, so there's lots of stuff going on. This is an English speaking audience, so I'm assuming nobody's going to want lessons from me. So if you're interested in my writing, check out medium and sub stack. And if you know anybody of friends who needs English, tell them about peak English, and I will help you.   Michael Hingson ** 59:11 There you go. Well, I don't know, there may be people who aren't the greatest English speakers listening who, who might reach out. Well, I hope that they do, and I hope they appreciate all that you've offered today. I really appreciate you coming on and spending an hour with us. I hope that all it's an honor. Oh, it's been fun. And I would say to all of you out there, I'd love to hear what your thoughts are. Feel free to email me at Michael H i@accessibe.com that's m, I, C, H, A, E, L, H, I, at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S, i, b, e.com, love to hear from you. I'd love to hear your thoughts wherever you're listening. I hope that you'll give us a five star rating. We really appreciate your ratings and your reviews and Peter for you and for all of you, if you know anyone who ought to be a. Guest on the podcast. We're always looking for people to come on and tell their stories, so don't hesitate to provide introductions. We love it. We really appreciate you all doing that. And again, Peter, I just want to thank you for for coming on. This has been a lot of fun today.   1:00:14 Thank you so much. It's pleasure to speak with you.   **Michael Hingson ** 1:00:23 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

Antonio Gutierrez of Vivid Creative Aquatics joins Eric discussing the Random Flow Generator (RFG) nozzle, a product designed to create non-laminar, turbulent, and natural water flow in enclosed systems like aquariums and ponds. The conversation highlights the counterintuitive nature of the product's function, often leading to user disbelief until they see it in action, which is facilitated by its unique, non-mechanical internal design. Gutierrez explains that the RFG works by generating pressure imbalances that result in randomized directional pulses of water, unlike traditional directional nozzles, and notes that the product, which is manufactured using 3D printing, can effectively replace multiple traditional powerheads in a reef tank. The discussion also touches on the potential applications of the technology in different environments, such as ponds and specialized reptile enclosures, where natural circulation is beneficial for the health of fish and other organisms. Key Takeaways: Prioritize creating natural, turbulent water movement in your aquatic systems to mimic ocean or river environments. Focus on providing random, varied flow to encourage fish to swim and forage naturally, instead of hiding in calm areas. Utilize randomized flow patterns to keep debris suspended, reducing the frequency of cleaning needed in tanks or ponds. Understand that achieving proper water circulation can be more critical to coral and aquatic life health than maximizing light intensity alone. Choose advanced flow devices that operate without internal moving mechanical parts to prevent equipment failure and rust.

Author Meagan Church unpacks the hidden lives of women in her chilling novel, The Mad Wife, as we explore the history of hysteria in women's health diagnoses.If you loved Meagan Church's historical fiction, you'll be captivated by the bold turn she takes in The Mad Wife, her third novel. Rooted in the untold medical stories of women's lives, this book lulls readers into the familiar rhythms of mid-century domesticity, before flipping the script with a shocking plot twist.In our revealing conversation, we explore:Building a Vivid 1950s World – From S&H stamps to molded salads, how Meagan nailed the texture of the era, weaving ordinary domestic details into a setting that feels both authentic and unsettling.From History to Suspense – Why Meagan pivoted from a traditional historical fiction lens in her earlier novels to the creeping tension of domestic suspense, and how she made the genre shift feel authentic to her writing process. We discuss the bravery required for this project and how she felt haunted, both in real life and on the page, as she told Lulu's story.The Medical History of “Hysteria” – What her chilling research revealed about diagnoses like hysteria, prescriptions like Miltown, and procedures like lobotomy and ECT that shaped women's lives in disturbing ways.

Today I have the real pleasure of speaking with Maytha Alhassen and Halah Ahmad, two prominent feminist activists, writers, and scholars deeply committed to exploring the connections between the Arabic language, storytelling, and political agency, from the historical past to the present. We talk about the continuity of storytelling forms and techniques that bridge generations and support and convey a durable set of values and beliefs that resist western appropriation and distortion. These phenomena have everything to do with continuing and advancing the struggle for Palestinian rights and the celebration of Palestinian life.Halah Ahmad is a Harvard and Cambridge-trained writer, researcher, and political strategist whose work has appeared in multiple outlets from The Hill to Vox and the New York Times. She writes for Al-Shabaka, The Palestinian Policy Network and provides research and communications services to Palestinian and economic rights organizations across the country. Much of her work focuses on narrative change through storytelling in organizing and media. At a recent Stanford event, Halah discussed the historic forms of Palestinian storytelling, the Hakawati tradition, and the ways it has evolved and continued to be relevant amid the ongoing genocide. As a practitioner in the world of policy and politics, she grapples with the limitations of present avenues for Palestinian storytelling.Maytha Alhassen is a journalist, poet, community organizer, and scholar whose work bridges media, justice advocacy, research, and artistic expression. She's a Co-Executive Producer on Hulu's award-winning Ramy, Executive Producer of the award-nominated PBS docu-series American Muslims: A History Revealed, a Pop Culture Collaborative Pluralist Visionaries Fellow, TED Resident, and Harvard Religion and Public Life Art and Pop Culture Fellow (2021–2024), lectures at Stanford University's Center for Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, and is currenlty a Research Fellow at the Center for Scholars and Storytellers at UCLA. As a journalist, she has hosted on Al Jazeera English, reported for CNN, Huffington Post, Mic, and The Baffler, and written for Boston Review and LA Review of Books. Her work explores how storytelling shapes cultural and political belonging, with a focus on Muslim representation and equity in popular culture. She co-edited Demanding Dignity: Young Voices from the Front Lines of the Arab Revolutions, authored Haqq and Hollywood: Illuminating 100 Years of Muslim Tropes and Traps and How to Transform Them, and has published widely in academic journals. She earned her Ph.D. in American Studies & Ethnicity from USC, an M.A. in Anthropology from Columbia, and a B.A. in Political Science and Arabic & Islamic Studies from UCLA. 

Welcome back to our weekend Cabral HouseCall shows! This is where we answer our community's wellness, weight loss, and anti-aging questions to help people get back on track! Check out today's questions:    Allison: As an IHP I have a question that has come up for a few clients. Although most people do great with 1-2 full droppers of liquid melatonin why can it cause nightmaresor vivid dreams for some?      Oliver: Hi Dr Cabral, can you tell me anything about Lichen Planus? My dad has it in his mouth, causing it to be very sensitive to temperature, acid and spice. My mum has it on her head causing hair loss. Do you know what the root cause is and if there is anything that can be done to help?                                                                                                                 Al: Dr. Cabral. I don't have any real health or weight issues and would like to support my body to stay that way. Once a year, I do AIP dietary protocol (just fish, poultry, broth, vegetables, low-glycemic fruits, olive & coconut oil) for a month, but no supplements. Could you please suggest annual supplements that are the most economical for a healthy male in early 40's. Could herbs like milk thistle, dandelion, NAC (for liver support), oregano, thyme, clove oils (for anti-bacterial/parasitic support) and maybe chlorella (for heavy metal detox) be taken together during that one month of AIP annually? Or would it be better to take some during AIP and others in a different time of a year? I eat and live clean during the whole year, but don't have funds for any labs. Please advise, thank you.                                                                                                                        Mike: Hello Dr.Cabral. I have tried your liver detox, parasite cleanse, CBO and then heavy metal detox. My health is pretty great by now and since I would like to keep it that way, I am considering annual maintenance protocols. Since I don't want to be on some sort of detox almost every other month (quarterly liver, parasite cleanse, heavy metal detox), can I combine them to make it simpler for me? Lets say spring one month liver support + heavy metals and autumn one month liver support + parasite cleanse? Would that work? Thank you.                                                                                                        Eleazar: Hello dr cabral i would like to know if everyone with autoimmune diseases need to avoid gluten permanently i have heard u say in people with celiac disease it does need to be avoided permanently and even in people with hashimoto because it acts as a perpetrator antigen could u explain what that means and if i need to avoid gluten forever regardless of what autoimmune disease i have or does it apply to only people with celiac or hashimoto thank you so much for everything u do.       Thank you for tuning into today's Cabral HouseCall and be sure to check back tomorrow where we answer more of our community's questions!      - - - Show Notes and Resources: StephenCabral.com/3522 - - - Get a FREE Copy of Dr. Cabral's Book: The Rain Barrel Effect - - - Join the Community & Get Your Questions Answered: CabralSupportGroup.com - - - Dr. Cabral's Most Popular At-Home Lab Tests: > Complete Minerals & Metals Test (Test for mineral imbalances & heavy metal toxicity) - - - > Complete Candida, Metabolic & Vitamins Test (Test for 75 biomarkers including yeast & bacterial gut overgrowth, as well as vitamin levels) - - - > Complete Stress, Mood & Metabolism Test (Discover your complete thyroid, adrenal, hormone, vitamin D & insulin levels) - - - > Complete Food Sensitivity Test (Find out your hidden food sensitivities) - - - > Complete Omega-3 & Inflammation Test (Discover your levels of inflammation related to your omega-6 to omega-3 levels) - - - Get Your Question Answered On An Upcoming HouseCall: StephenCabral.com/askcabral - - - Would You Take 30 Seconds To Rate & Review The Cabral Concept? The best way to help me spread our mission of true natural health is to pass on the good word, and I read and appreciate every review!  

In part two, Bud remembers his marriage with Asia Carrera and the films for Vivid and Playboy. The post Bud Lee – From Hyapatia and Asia to Only Fans, Part 2 – Podcast 156 appeared first on The Rialto Report.

01. Artemas - I Like The Way You Kiss Me (Bassjackers Bootleg) [2024] 02. Blasterjaxx, Vion Konger - Tokyo Drift (Smash The House) [2025] 03. Chicane, Moya Brennan - Saltwater (Paul Webster Remix) [2025] 04. Indecent Noise - Make You Move (Unkonscious Recordings) [2025] 05. Brisa (Es) - Berlin (Exetra Records) [2025] 06. Bry Ortega - The Secret (Kurai Records) [2025] 07. Josh Le Tissier - Kernkraft 400 (Club Mix) [2025] 08. Lange, Skye - Drifting Away (RIVER Remix) (Armada Captivating) [2025 09. Mauro Picotto, Lilly Palmer - Komodo (ZYX Music) [2025] 10. Matrick, Meirlin - 404 Control Lost (Reaching Altitude) [2025] 11. B1Rdie, Mantza - Just The Way I Want It (Revealed Recordings) [2025] 12. Matty Ralph - IDGAF (Dreamstate) [2025] 13. Boys Noize, Human Resource - Dominator (Armada Music) [2025] 14. Mairee, Sterbinszky, MYNEA - No Good (Start the Dance) (LoveStyle Records) [2025] 15. Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Tavalti, Taylor Torrence - Guess The Underground [Bonka Mashup] [2025] 16. Armin Van Buuren, Natalie Gioia - Viva L'opera (Armind) [2024] 17. Faustix, Ilyaa, 666 - Paradoxx (Spinnin' Records) [2025] 18. Brynx - The Rave (SubHarmony) [2025] 19. Coolio, Hi Lo, Danny Avila - Gangsta's Paradise (Joyfire 'paradise' Edit) [2024] 20. Gabry Ponte - Motor City (PENTAPHONIA) [2025] 21. Bassjackers - I Fink U Freeky (Smash The House) [2025] 22. Storm - Time To Burn (David Forbes Remix) (Black Hole Recordings) [2025] 23. Vivid, Sesco - Hey Dj! (Revealed Recordings) [2025] 24. Shugz - The Dreamer (Armada Music) [2025]

Entrevistamos y conversamos con Armando Platero, director de Vivid en España, para que nos cuente porque la compañía se ha fijado en este nicho de mercado.

Sometimes the veil between this world and the next doesn't slam open—it drifts, quietly, revealing just enough to make your heart stop. In this chilling episode of Real Ghost Stories Online, three true encounters unravel the mystery of what lies just beyond the edge of logic and reason. It begins with a dream. Vivid, unnerving, and disturbingly real. A college student starts to dream about ordinary things that happen exactly as he saw them—down to the smallest detail. At first, it's harmless. Then, one night, he dreams of a bar he frequents and sees a man getting shot. He cancels his plans to go out. The next day, news breaks: someone was shot at that very bar, in the exact place he would have been sitting. Was it coincidence—or did something intervene to protect him? Across the country, a mother and daughter check into a historic inn in Savannah, Georgia. While enjoying the garden, the daughter notices a man in a black suit and top hat, quietly watching. Later, she casually mentions him to a local, who freezes. That man, she's told, isn't alive. He's the inn's most famous spirit—and she described him perfectly. The daughter isn't alone in the sighting. Her mother saw him too. Neither of them knew they were sharing space with the dead. And finally, there's the shadow. Faceless. Female. Standing at the foot of the bed. A teenage boy sees her, curses at her, and hides under the covers—only to wake up later, unable to move, speak, or scream. Trapped in his own body as the room fills with an unseen weight, he begins to wonder if this is more than sleep paralysis. Was it a haunting—or a warning? These stories aren't just eerie—they linger. Because sometimes the most terrifying thing isn't the ghost itself…It's that it was real. #RealGhostStories #PremonitionDream #ParanormalDreams #SavannahHaunting #FoleyInnGhost #SleepParalysisStory #HauntedHotel #GhostInTopHat #DreamThatSavedMyLife #TrueParanormalEncounters  Love real ghost stories? Don't just listen—join us on YouTube and be part of the largest community of real paranormal encounters anywhere. Subscribe now and never miss a chilling new story:

Vivid, emotional, and sometimes unsettling dreams are a common experience during pregnancy. This episode explores how sleep cycles function and why we dream. Learn why dreams may feel more intense during pregnancy, why you may recall more dreams, and the role stress and emotions can play in shaping them. Discover what research reveals about dreaming during pregnancy and practical strategies to calm your mind, help you fall back asleep, and enjoy more restful nights. Full article and resources for this episode: https://pregnancypodcast.com/pregnancydreams   Thank you to the brands that power this podcast: The Sleepy Body Lotion from 8 Sheep Organics is specially formulated to help pregnant moms sleep better. This is the #1 lotion for pregnancy aches and pains like lower back pain, hip pain, leg cramps, restless legs, and general insomnia. The sleepy lotion is made only with six organic ingredients and is safe for mom and baby. Like all 8 Sheep products, the Sleepy Body Lotion comes with a 100-day Happiness Guarantee. You can try it completely risk-free for 100 days! If you feel the lotion has not worked for you, or if you're not 100% happy with your purchase, simply send them an email and they will get you a refund, no questions asked! Save 10% off 8 Sheep Organics at https://pregnancypodcast.com/8sheep/   Get More from the Pregnancy Podcast See all discounts exclusive for Pregnancy Podcast listeners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/resources Join Pregnancy Podcast Premium for ad-free episodes, full access to the back catalog, and a copy of the Your Birth Plan Book: https://pregnancypodcast.com/premium Follow your pregnancy week-by-week with the 40 Weeks podcast. Learn how your baby grows, what's happening in your body, what to expect at prenatal appointments, and get tips for dads and partners: https://pregnancypodcast.com/week For more evidence-based information, visit the Pregnancy Podcast website: https://pregnancypodcast.com

coming with vivid faces - #4281 (94R38 percent 255 left) by chair house 250903 (again, William Butler Yeats from May 22, 2025) *** NEW CATCHPHRASE FOR PIANO TEN THOUSAND LEAVES *** " Gentleness, carried on 4,536 leaves of sound " *** "PIANO TEN THOUSAND LEAVE" COMPLETE WORK ALBUM SERIES START *** Now begins a new challenge: to compile all 4,536 pieces into 91 albums and deliver them to the future. Just as "Ten Thousand Leaves ( Manyoushu ) " carried the hearts of lovers across a thousand years, we hope these piano pieces will reach people a thousand years from now. =================== VOLUME1-3 =================== *** youtube full video https://youtu.be/ue7KsUBdLME?si=5UbdJelOAPjqboiJ *** spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-ja/album/6BAV5XloL6HDGboFeiE3VF?si=e4E-3zI0RqCt8aQNrnMHrQ *** Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/jp/album/the-complete-works-of-piano-ten-thousand-leaves-vol-1-3/1834912123 *** all music streaming services: https://linkco.re/8RNRdEa3?lang=en =================== VOLUME1-2 =================== *** youtube: full video of 50 pieces 2 hours https://youtu.be/fBmIMLpM10g?si=MQmAdF95M7GCm4Ve *** spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-ja/album/1KDM283kVS8x7fO9q79w2v?si=iIJ4sZidSqWW8ah59Y_a1g *** Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/jp/album/the-complete-works-of-piano-ten-thousand-leaves-vol-1-2/1832629621 *** all music streaming services: https://linkco.re/VeA0UreQ?lang=en =================== VOLUME1-1 =================== *** youtube: full video of 50 pieces 2 hours https://youtu.be/YERNF74cvKw?si=6FiU67TOdybggkQk *** spotify: https://open.spotify.com/intl-ja/album/12vCnNiO4EfBz6eVPGhvOr?si=P3cL7RZSTV-87jeswyI8BA *** Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/jp/album/the-complete-works-of-piano-ten-thousand-leaves-vol-1-1/1831717286 *** all music streaming services: https://linkco.re/Y9VNVN23

7/8. Professor Emily Wilson's translation of The Iliad powerfully conveys the vivid and often gory reality of Bronze Age combat. The poem meticulously details how men died, showing the brutality of warfare. A crucial aspect of Homeric battle culture, as highlighted by Wilson, is the understanding that once a warrior is dead, their body and armor must be protected and treated honorably. The desecration of corpses, like Achilles dragging Hector's body, is a profound act of humiliation, intended to further punish the enemy beyond death. 1599 ARMS FOR ACHILLES

Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen Are you striving for both happiness and financial security but finding the balance elusive? This episode of Inspired Money dives deep into the science-backed connections between happiness and money, breaking down common myths, practical strategies, and life-changing perspectives. If you want to build not just your net worth, but your life satisfaction, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.  Meet the Expert Panelists Tal Ben-Shahar is a renowned expert in the field of happiness studies. He is a New York Times bestselling author whose books have been translated into more than 30 languages. He previously taught two of the most popular courses in Harvard University's history on positive psychology and leadership, and today he co-leads global initiatives like the Happiness Studies Academy and VIVID, helping individuals and organizations cultivate resilience, wellbeing, and authentic leadership. He is a professor at Centenary University where he created the world's first MA and PhD degrees in Happiness Studies. https://www.talbenshahar.com Scott Rick is an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, where he studies the emotional causes and consequences of consumer financial decision-making. He is the author of Tightwads and Spendthrifts: Navigating the Money Minefield in Real Relationships (St. Martin's Press, 2024), and his research has been featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, and NPR. https://www.scottrick.com Talya Miron-Shatz is a psychologist, researcher, and author specializing in medical decision-making, patient experience, and happiness. A former postdoctoral fellow with Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman at Princeton and Wharton faculty member, she is now a full professor at Ono Academic College and a visiting researcher at Cambridge University, with over 60 publications and extensive consulting work for global healthcare and technology companies. https://www.talyamironshatz.com Key Highlights Happiness is the Ultimate Currency Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar explains that happiness, not wealth, is the real end goal, echoing Aristotle's ancient wisdom. He reminds us that money is simply a means, and that “if you had all the money in the world but were guaranteed misery, would you take it?” The lesson: prioritize well-being over chasing financial milestones. Know Your Financial Personality Dr. Scott Rick demystifies the tension between “tightwads” and “spendthrifts,” and how both can miss out on happiness if financial habits aren't balanced. His advice is practical: in couples, defer to the “tightwad” on material purchases and the “spendthrift” on shared experiences, reinforcing that spending on relationships and novel memories pays more happiness dividends.  Purposeful Spending Outshines Consumption Dr. Talya Miron-Shatz highlights the importance of aligning spending with values and experiences, not just social media-worthy purchases. “What makes us truly happy are not just things that look good, but experiences, connections, and personal growth,” she shares, urging us to break free from comparison culture and savor what truly matters. Call-to-Action Here's my challenge for you this week: pay attention to one financial decision you make, big or small, and notice the emotions behind it. Are you spending out of joy, fear, habit, or something else? Just the act of noticing can be the first step toward more clarity and confidence with your money. Find the Inspired Money channel on YouTube or listen to Inspired Money in your favorite podcast player. Andy Wang, Host/Producer of Inspired Money

Michael sent an audio recording asking about TV picture modes; in particular, why Cinema or Movie mode looks a bit reddish or sepia compared with Vivid or Game mode. Scott Wilkinson knows the answer! Host: Scott Wilkinson Download or subscribe to Home Theater Geeks at https://twit.tv/shows/home-theater-geeks Want access to the ad-free video and exclusive features? Become a member of Club TWiT today! https://twit.tv/clubtwit Club TWiT members can discuss this episode and leave feedback in the Club TWiT Discord.

What happens when you book a brand-new all-inclusive resort on points? Joanna is back from Cancun with the inside scoop on her stay at the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island — and spoiler alert: it was absolutely incredible.From smooth Southwest flights with the Companion Pass to standout dining, lively entertainment, unique room details, and even an airport horror story you WON'T want to miss, this trip had plenty of stories worth sharing. You'll hear why she chose this resort, what it was like to stay at the Vantage Club level, the unexpected highlights along the way, and the smart packing choices that paid off.Most importantly, Joanna gives her honest take on whether the Hyatt Vivid Grand Island is worth booking — and what she'd do differently next time. Grab your sunscreen and earbuds, because this episode brings the sunshine straight to you.Facebook GroupWonderland On Points BlogFind Us On InstagramMary Ellen | JoMentioned in this EpisodeVisitax- OFFICIAL WEBSITEAmstar Hotel TransfersAffiliate LinksCapitalOne Venture and Venture X LinksChase Sapphire Preferred LinksFlyKitt- the BEST Jet Lag Solution!30% off the CardPointers subscription!Tripiamo Driving TutorialsOur Favorite Travel NecessitiesWe receive a small commission when you choose to use any of our links to purchase your products or apply for your cards! We SO appreciate when you choose to give back to the podcast in this way!

Part album duel, part Rock Hall induction pitch, join us as we discuss Living Colour's albums Vivid and Time's Up. We discuss each album's merits, our favorite songs, the lyrical themes and then each pick our personal "winner".

An old friend of Clear and Vivid is back to enlighten Alan on some of the oddities of human behavior – both good and bad – and to talk about his entertaining new podcast, Father Offspring Interviews, hosted by his daughter.

What if the future version of you isn't some far-off fantasy—but a reality already within reach- quickly? In this powerful meditation, Moira guides you to embody your next-level self—the one who walks with confidence, knows her worth, and calls in what she desires without hesitation. Based on timeless spiritual truths and modern manifestation practices, this meditation is your reminder: the moment you believe it's already yours… it becomes yours. ✨ You'll be guided through: A heart-centered reflection on your resilience and growth Vivid visualization of your highest self The energetic shift from wanting… to being

Tracklist: 01. Aldor, Nour - Inside My Head [Deeper Harmonies] 02. LÜRUM - Closer [Eccentricity] 03. Daijo - In The Air [Find Your Harmony] 04. Joris Voorn feat. Goodboys - Utopia [Armada Music] LIGHT SIDE TRACK 05. Nucrise - Afterlight [Deeper Harmonies] 06. Laura Van Dam & Q.U.A.K.E - Holding On (Extended Mix) [Dreamstate Records] 07. Protoculture - Lightforms [Marula Music] 08. ARTBAT - Galaxy [Mahool] 09. OTTAGON feat. Jai Ryu - Only Midnight Knows [Armada Music] 10. Coast 2 Coast feat. Discovery x Hel-sløwed -  Home [Armada Captivating] 11. Northern Project - Falling Down (Eugenio Tokarev Remix) [Elpida Music] 12. Andrew Rayel - Euphoria (Skytech Remix) [Find Your Harmoony] 13. Calvin Harris, Clementine Douglas - Blessings (Cassian Remix) [Columbia (Sony)] 14. DIM3NSION - Vortex [A State Of Trance] 15. Argy, MEDUZA feat. Polly-Anna - Melodia [Aeterna] 16. Veracocha, Orjan Nilsen & Ferry Corsten - Carte Blanche [A State Of Trance] FAVORITE OF THE MOMENT 17. SaberZ & NARCYZ - Paradise [Find Your Harmony] 18. Ashley Wallbridge, Christina Novelli, Pulse Gate - Impossible [Embrace The Journey] 19. Oliver Heldens, Poppy Baskcomb - Heart Cry [Heldeep] 20. Pinkque - The World Is On Fire [Reason II Rise: Realms] 21. Daxson & Susana - Miracle [Coldharbour] 22. Ralphie B & Frank Waanders presents Collide1 - Gravitation [In Trance We Trust] 23. Cold Blue & Nicole Willerton - Radiate [Cold Blue Records] 24. Alexander Komarov - Olympus [Interplay] 25. Paula van Klar - Sopranos [Kurai] 26. Paipy & Daniela Presta & Winterborn - Hero [Nocturnal Knights] 27. onTune - The Laserfather [Find Your Harmony] 28. Alex Mueller, Retrika, NYROK - Salvation [FUTURE RAVE MUSIC] DARK SIDE TRACK  29. Maddix, Space 92 - Rolling [Extatic] 30. DJ T.H. & TEKNO – Over the Rainbow [Future Sequence] 31. Taylor Torrence & Kyra Mastro - Voodoo [Dreamstate Records] 32. VIVID & SESCO - Hey DJ [Revealed] CLASSIC SELECTION 33. Hannah - Falling Away (Armin van Buuren Remix) [Armind]

In today's session, #399 Advanced Visualization Skills Meditation- Hypnosis Session, you'll experience a powerful and supportive hypnotherapy journey designed to strengthen your natural ability to create vivid mental images that align perfectly with your goals, so you can use the power of your mind to manifest what you truly desire. This isn't just about daydreaming—it's about training your mind to visualize with purpose, so you can send clear, focused signals to the universe. Using the Law of Attraction, this session will help you consistently improve your visualization skills each and every day, making it easier to see, feel, and believe in your dreams before they arrive. As a hypnotherapist, I know that your mind works best when it has a clear, detailed picture to follow. This session gently guides your subconscious to release mental blocks, awaken your imagination, and trust the images you create—turning your vision into your reality. Whether you're manifesting wealth, success, love, health, or any other goal, this session will help you tune in to the feeling of already having it—and strengthen your ability to hold that vision with confidence and ease. Here's what you can expect in this session: – A relaxing induction to quiet your mind and open your imagination – Subconscious reprogramming to sharpen your mental imagery – Vivid, guided visualization practice aligned with your goals – Reinforcement of belief, focus, and trust in the process – A closing suggestion sequence that leaves you feeling clear, inspired, and ready to see your dreams as real Your mind is your greatest manifesting tool—this session will help you master it, one image at a time. Tips for best results: • Use headphones for the most immersive experience • Listen daily for at least 21–30 days • Use this session when you can fully relax and won't be disturbed • Avoid multitasking during hypnosis This session is one of the many premium recordings found inside my BELIEVE app — where you'll find over 1000 high-quality hypnosis, meditation, and affirmation sessions covering every area of manifesting success. — Helpful Links: → Get the BELIEVE App with 1000+ sessions: https://www.believehypnosis.app  → Download individual MP3s from my library: https://www.hyptalk.com  → Take full transformational courses: https://www.personalgrowthclub.com  → Work with me or learn more: https://www.victoriamgallagher.com  → Grab your copy of Practical Law of Attraction: https://a.co/d/5VUdyAu Thanks for listening to the Power of Your Mind podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate and review — it helps more people discover these powerful tools. Stay consistent. Stay focused. And most importantly, believe in what's possible for you. – Victoria  

Patrick explores Charlie Kirk’s surprising comments urging Protestants to embrace greater reverence for Mary while pushing back on Catholic teachings like the Immaculate Conception and Assumption; audio clips and sharp reactions from both Protestant and Catholic perspectives tumble out as Patrick brings biblical and historical insight, citing even reformers like Luther, in thoughtful response. Vivid stories from callers swirl in, including modern accounts of extraordinary events and personal encounters with Marian devotion. The conversation turns candid and sometimes challenging as Patrick questions assumptions and connects these issues straight to faith’s daily impact. Robert - In 2007, something happened to image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Did you hear about this? (02:24) Patrick shares and comments on Charlie Kirk’s talk about our Blessed Mother (21:20) Audio: reaction to Charlie Kirk (38:41)

Neige shares some essential skills, and the devastating weight of their consequences.Transcript: https://hangingslothstudios.com/nqd-54Or: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vHDCNEyEAkxOHGfIEjG2gPwOVhLdbzpxfvoR1lkwZ3I/edit?usp=sharingPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/hangingslothstudiosEpisode Content WarningsPlease bear in mind that this show is a work of horror fiction and frequently places characters in situations which jeopardise their psychological and physical health. This episode contains: Vivid descriptions of violence and killing, with details about viscera and goreDiscussions of unethical medical experimentation, including some detailed discussions of methodsMentions of tortureMentions of mass killingMoments of intense relived suicidal ideation, which is then walked back fromNot Quite Dead is written, created and performed by Eira Major, under a creative commons 4.0 attribution license, with Kickstarter Vampire Producers Aster and Ted. Live, laugh, bite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Colorful messages are constantly being exchanged across the natural world, to communicate everything from sexual attraction to self defense. But which came first: these evocative signals or the sophisticated vision needed to see them? In this episode, host Samir Patel speaks with contributing writer Molly Herring about free diving, mantis shrimp, and the challenges of tracking coloration through evolutionary history. This topic was covered in a recent story for Quanta Magazine. Each week on The Quanta Podcast, Quanta Magazine editor in chief Samir Patel speaks with the minds behind the award-winning publication to navigate through some of the most important and mind-expanding questions in science and math.

In today's session, #395 Self Esteem Affirmations- Hypnosis Session, you'll experience a deeply supportive hypnotherapy journey designed to help you build a strong, lasting foundation of confidence from within—so you can move through life with unshakable self-belief and inner strength. This isn't just about feeling good in the moment—it's about rewiring your inner world so that confidence becomes your natural state. Using the Law of Attraction, this session will help you start each day with a core feeling of strength, focus, and the deep knowing that you can handle anything that comes your way. As a hypnotherapist, I know that true confidence doesn't come from perfection or pretending—it's built on an inner trust that no matter what happens, you are capable, resourceful, and worthy. This session gently guides your subconscious mind to release self-doubt and step into the powerful energy of certainty and self-respect. Whether you're facing new challenges, pursuing big goals, or simply ready to trust yourself more deeply, this session will help you wake up each day feeling strong, grounded, and ready to lead your life with clarity and courage. Here's what you can expect in this session: – A calming induction to relax your body and clear your mind – Subconscious reprogramming to strengthen your inner foundation of confidence – Vivid mental imagery of calm strength, courage, and focus – Reinforcement of self-belief, inner power, and resilience – A closing suggestion sequence that leaves you feeling clear, strong, and ready for anything Your strength lives within you—it's time to wake it up every single day. Tips for best results: • Use headphones for the most immersive experience • Listen daily for at least 21–30 days • Use this session when you can fully relax and won't be disturbed • Avoid multitasking during hypnosis This session is one of the many premium recordings found inside my BELIEVE app — where you'll find over 1000 high-quality hypnosis, meditation, and affirmation sessions covering every area of manifesting success. — Helpful Links: → Get the BELIEVE App with 1000+ sessions: https://www.believehypnosis.app  → Download individual MP3s from my library: https://www.hyptalk.com  → Take full transformational courses: https://www.personalgrowthclub.com  → Work with me or learn more: https://www.victoriamgallagher.com  → Grab your copy of Practical Law of Attraction: https://a.co/d/5VUdyAu Thanks for listening to the Power of Your Mind podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate and review — it helps more people discover these powerful tools. Stay consistent. Stay focused. And most importantly, believe in what's possible for you. – Victoria  

Alan and Clear and Vivid's executive producer Graham Chedd chat about and play clips from some of the shows coming up in season 30. Guests include actor Bob Odenkirk, scuba diver Tara Roberts, and some AI chatbots.

In today's session, #390 Be Hilariously Funny- Hypnosis Session, you'll experience a fun and confidence-boosting hypnotherapy journey designed to unlock your natural sense of humor and help you feel at ease in any social situation—so you can light up every room you enter with authenticity and charm. This isn't about trying too hard or forcing laughs—it's about aligning with the playful, witty, confident version of you that's already within. Using the Law of Attraction, this session will help you become the funniest person in the room effortlessly, by tuning into your natural flow of humor and presence. As a hypnotherapist, I've seen how social nerves and self-doubt can dim even the brightest personalities. This session gently quiets that inner critic and reprograms your subconscious mind to embrace fun, spontaneity, and fearless self-expression—so you can confidently enjoy being seen and heard. Whether you want to connect more easily at gatherings, make people smile at work, or simply feel light and joyful in any conversation, this session will guide you to own your unique humor and social magnetism with ease. Here's what you can expect in this session: – A relaxing induction to quiet your mind and release social anxiety – Subconscious reprogramming to boost humor, confidence, and charm – Vivid mental imagery of effortless, joyful, and engaging interactions – Reinforcement of self-belief, playfulness, and natural likability – A closing suggestion sequence that leaves you feeling confident, lighthearted, and socially magnetic The world is ready for your humor and charm. This session will help you share it with ease. Tips for best results: • Use headphones for the most immersive experience • Listen daily for at least 21–30 days • Use this session when you can fully relax and won't be disturbed • Avoid multitasking during hypnosis This session is one of the many premium recordings found inside my BELIEVE app — where you'll find over 1000 high-quality hypnosis, meditation, and affirmation sessions covering every area of manifesting success. — Helpful Links: → Get the BELIEVE App with 1000+ sessions: https://www.believehypnosis.app  → Download individual MP3s from my library: https://www.hyptalk.com  → Take full transformational courses: https://www.personalgrowthclub.com  → Work with me or learn more: https://www.victoriamgallagher.com  → Grab your copy of Practical Law of Attraction: https://a.co/d/5VUdyAu Thanks for listening to the Power of Your Mind podcast. If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate and review — it helps more people discover these powerful tools. Stay consistent. Stay focused. And most importantly, believe in what's possible for you. – Victoria  

These are clips highlighting some of the topics discussed in the full episode! Check it out if you want a bite-sized version of the full episode. Olaplex pro artist award winner @jenthehairmagician fills her books with over 70% vivid clients living in a small suburb. We chat about how she built and maintains her clientele, how they handled her increasing prices twice in one year, and the challenges of being a lefty. This Week's Topics: • Growing Up in the Hair Industry • Navigating Left-Handed Challenges in Hairdressing • The Current State of the Vivid Hair Market • Transitioning from Commission to Indie • Managing Demand and Pricing Strategies • Client Reactions to Pricing Changes • The Shift to Hourly Pricing • Managing Client Expectations • Self-Care in the Service Industry Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out ‘The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'  - Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)!  - Click on ‘Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US http://www.instagram.com/thehairgamepodcast http://www.instagram.com/salonrepublic http://www.instagram.com/loveerictaylor 

Olaplex pro artist award winner @jenthehairmagician fills her books with over 70% vivid clients living in a small suburb. We chat about how she built and maintains her clientele, how they handled her increasing prices twice in one year, and the challenges of being a lefty. This Week's Topics: • Growing Up in the Hair Industry • Navigating Left-Handed Challenges in Hairdressing • The Current State of the Vivid Hair Market • Transitioning from Commission to Indie • Managing Demand and Pricing Strategies • Client Reactions to Pricing Changes • The Shift to Hourly Pricing • Managing Client Expectations • Self-Care in the Service Industry Video versions of our episodes are on our YouTube channel for you to watch! Subscribe to our channel The Hair Game on YouTube and check out ‘The Hair Game Podcast' playlist. Our podcast thrives on the opinions of you, the listener... if you have a moment (and you are an Apple user), please leave us a rating & review on the Apple podcasts app or iTunes! Here's what you do: - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'  - Click on the empty purple stars (5 is the best)!  - Click on ‘Write a Review' and let us know what you love most! Each rating & review helps us reach more and more of your fellow hair loves, and our goal is to help as many hairdressers as we can find success. Thanks in advance! FOLLOW US http://www.instagram.com/thehairgamepodcast http://www.instagram.com/salonrepublic http://www.instagram.com/loveerictaylor 

Reaching back to the first season of Clear and Vivid, a replay of the July 2018 episode when the violin virtuoso tells Alan why he likes to talk to his audience as well as play for them; why he plays Bach very differently from Tchaikovsky; and why the first time he played the Stradivarius that was to become his 30 years later, “I thought that I'd died and went to heaven.”

From epic failures and ego clashes to tender moments of empowerment and encouragement, Raghunath and Kaustubha open up about what they love most about Krishna Bhakti—and how it transforms even the most ordinary day into an offering of beauty, meaning, and joy.   In this candid Q & A episode, you'll hear stories of spiritual growth, forgiveness, and the joy that comes from living with a fully invested heart.   Highlights include: • Black-and-white Vedanta vs. full-color Bhakti • One humbling breakfast invitation, one roasted ego, and a lot of growth • Gossip vs. grace: a Bhakti PSA on spiritual etiquette • Parking lot kirtans and singing past your comfort zone • Rūpa Gosvāmī's poetry, Draupadī's forgiveness, and the art of full-hearted living   A rich, funny, and inspiring conversation rooted in the lived experience of Krishna devotion.   Check out Supersoul Farm's first annual kirtan fest at  https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/supersoul-farm-kirtan-fest-tickets-1376536139649?aff=oddtdtcreator Check out Radhanath Swami's class on how to treat people at   https://youtu.be/ed0Effi7Kfo?si=b97G8C-cUaBtVWf6 ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108

Preview Author Michael Paradis, "The Light of Battle," comments on the romantic speculation of the clearly affectionate relationship between Ike Eisenhower and his vivid, capable and tireless driver, Kay Summersby. More later.