Podcasts about Westboro

Prekvapujúca veda o viere, názore a presviedčaní. Audiokniha vás prevedie dôkladným výskum dôvodov, prečo niektorí ľudia nikdy nemenia svoje názory a iní áno, a samozrejme nevynecháva ani jeden z najväčších problémov súčastnosti – postfaktickosť a svet konšpirácii. Čo prinútilo prominentného konšpirátora na YouTube konečne uvidieť, že útoky z 11. septembra neboli hoax? Pokúša sa tiež zodpovedať otázky: -Ako je vôbec možné zmeniť niečí, či svoj vlastný názor? -Ako sa posúvajú názory voličov od neutrálnych k rozhodným? -Môže sa rozsiahla spoločenská zmenu udiať len po vymretí generácie? -A ako sa vlastne naše názory utvárajú a čo s tým všetkým má logika a naše emócie…? Audiokniha Ako sa menia názory je vedeckým výstupom o skúsenostiach s transformáciou od jedného z našich najväčších mysliteľov v oblasti logického myslenia a autora bestselleru Nie ste takí múdri Davida McRaneyho. Keď odborník na sebaklam a psychologický nerd David McRaney začal písať knihu o tom, ako v jedinom rozhovore zmeniť niečí názor, nikdy nečakal, že zmení svoj vlastný. Jeho teórie rozmetalo „obrátenie“ tvrdého zástancu údajnej pravdy o udalostiach 11. septembra – čo ho podnietilo k ešte hlbšiemu hľadaniu odpovedí na otázku ako presviedčať, ale aj prečo vôbec niečomu veríme, z pohľadu pozorovateľa. Ponoriac sa do najnovších výskumov psychológov a neurovedcov, audiokniha skúma hranice logického myslenia, moc skupinového myslenia a účinky hĺbkovej agitácie. Je rozpovedaná s tradičným McRaneyho zmyslom pre humor, súcitom a vedeckou zvedavosťou. Je prekvapujúcou cestou do sveta členov kultu, konšpirátorov a politických aktivistov, počnúc demonštrantmi z baptistickej cirkvi Westboro až po bojovníkov za práva LGBTQ v Kalifornii. Táto audiokniha nás rozhodne núti premýšľať aj nad našimi vlastnými motívmi a presvedčeniami. Nabáda nás aj k dnes tak potrebnému pojmu – a tým je empatia. Dokážeme si vo veku nebezpečného konšpiračného myslenia počínať práve vďaka empatii lepšie? Započúvajte sa do tohto pozoruhodného bádania, ktoré dospieva k prekvapujúcim a myšlienkovo provokujúcim záverom, aby demonštroval zriedkavé, no transformačné okolnosti, v ktorých sa názory meniť môžu a dajú. „Poučné a povzbudzujúce vysvetlenie, prečo paralyzujúce šialenstvo v spoločnosti nemusí byť trvalé, a povzbudivo vykonateľný návod na to, ako zmeniť, okrem iného, seba samých.“ - Douglas Rushkoff, autor „Dôkladne si prečítajte túto knihu – zmení váš postoj k riešeniu jednej z najnáročnejších výziev vzťahu: meniť názory ľudí, na ktorých nám záleží, a nepo- škodiť pritom samotný vzťah.“ - Tessa Westová, profesorka psychológie na Newyorskej univerzite a autorka Audiokniha: Ako sa menia názory Autor: David McRaney Interpret: Mário Zeumer Dĺžka: 11:36 h Vydavateľstvo: Publixing a Citadella Audiokniha Ako sa menia názory na webe Publixing (MP3 na stiahnutie) Audiokniha Ako sa menia názory na webe Audiolibrix (MP3 na stiahnutie)

Cold Waters, Bold Dreams: The Courage to Take the Plunge with Linda Townsend What happens when you take a leap of faith… straight into a freezing cold plunge? Join us this week on Look for the Good as returning guest Linda Townsend, Award-Winning Founder of Release Well-Being Center, shares her inspiring journey from corporate exec to wellness trailblazer. Discover how she traded boardroom stress for soul-deep sanctuary—creating a community centered around true self-care and healing. We'll explore the courage it takes to let go of control, embrace uncertainty, and trust the process—even when the water feels icy and the path unclear. Hear how Linda's practice of contrast therapy (a.k.a. cold plunging!) cracked open a new level of clarity, energy, and purpose Bust the myths about self-care and learn what it reallymeans to prioritize your well-being Uncover the subtle signs that you're on the path to your true calling This episode is for anyone standing at the edge of change, wondering if it's too cold to jump in. Tune in and be reminded: sometimes you have to step into the discomfort to find the warmest part of yourself. This week on Dreamvisions7Radio Network! BIO: Linda Townsend, Founder of Release Well-Being Center, had a dream – to bring together the many facets of holistic wellness in one location to meet a growing and unfulfilled need. Linda draws on her extensive background in the corporate environment, as well as her wellness knowledge and experience, to create an ideal “sanctuary” and community where individuals of any age and fitness level can find balance, purpose and well-being. She graduated as Valedictorian when she received her MBA from Northeastern University, has a BA in Journalism from Northeastern University and later received a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching from William James College. Linda started her career as an investigative newspaper and television journalist, then a marketing and sales executive for several high-tech companies. Trying to balance her career while raising three young children, she became attuned to the importance of consistent self-care (you must put on your own oxygen mask first before you can help others!), which led her to become a certified yoga instructor in 2007 and then an executive and life coach. Linda connected with a team of wellness experts to realize and expand her dream for Release Well-Being Center. Release opened in Westborough in 2017 and in Back Bay in 2024. Do you ever wish you could just escape the chaos and step into a space designed for pure relaxation? At Release Well-Being Center we offer a serene sanctuary where you can recharge your mind, recover your body and reconnect with yourself. Whether you choose holistic healing therapies, spa treatments or mindful movement, you will experience the ultimate reset at Release Well-Being Center. Prioritize your self-care today at our new Boston or Westboro location.  Book your escape to bliss at www.ReleaseWellBeingCenter.com today! Voted best of Boston 2024! Want to find out when the next incredible episode of Look for the Good is dropping? Sign up for the Look for the Good Podcast Chat weekly newsletter to get behind the scenes insights, special tips, and insider only offers. Click HERE to sign up today! Learn More about Carrie here: https://carrierowan.com/

this episode Ryan and Neil are joined by Derek Serra, the president of Westboro Mortgage Investment Corporation. With over two decades of experience in the mortgage industry, Derek offers invaluable insights into how private lending has evolved and how Westbro has become a leader in the space, funding over a billion dollars since its expansion.Derek shares the key moments that led him to leave RBC and become a driving force behind Westbro's success, including how the company's strong foundation and customer-focused approach have shaped its rapid growth. Whether you're a mortgage broker, investor, or professional in the lending industry, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate the world of private lending, make better business decisions, and create lasting partnerships with your clients.Don't miss out on Derek's expert advice about building a strong brand, the importance of transparency in private lending, and the factors behind Westbro's billion-dollar success. Tune in for tips on scaling your business and mastering the art of private lending in Ontario.Show notes:1:00 - Derek Serra introduces his career starting at RBC and his path.6:10 - Transition from RBC to XMC, and lessons from Ottawa.9:00 - The challenges of scaling a mortgage investment corporation (MIC).15:30 - Why Westbro focuses on well-capitalized operations and transparent dealings.20:40 - Exploring Westboro's unique approach to rural and urban lending markets.24:30 - Derek's thoughts on private lending for residential, construction, and second mortgages.28:00 - Key factors for private lenders in choosing projects and brokers.33:40 - Derek shares strategies for brokers to build lasting relationships with private lenders.37:00 - Advice for brokers on selecting lenders as an extension of their brand.41:00 - Westbro's expansion and success in Ontario's private lending market.45:30 - Derek discusses future trends in the private lending industry and evolving market conditions.Resources: Keystone Capital Group CPLP Instagram: @cplpodcast Keystone Instagram: @keycapgroupFind Derek On:Instagram - @derek_serraLinkedInFind Neal On:Instagram - @neal.andreinoLinkedInFind Ryan On:LinkedInE-mail - ryan@keycap.ca 

Students from Westboro Academy discuss what privacy means to them [00:52]Cynthia Khoo is a technology and human rights lawyer explains the privacy risks of facial recognition technology [3:37]Robert Fabes of The Ottawa Mission shares insights on the barriers people experiencing homelessness face and how to provide access to essential services while respecting their privacy and dignity [8:07] Dr. Devin Singh of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children speaks about balancing the benefits and risks of the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies in health care [11:33]Priya Shastri, Director of Programs at WomanAct, provides insights from the front lines on information sharing, building trusting relationships with victims and survivors, and taking a collaborative, trauma informed approach to combatting Intimate Partner Violence [14:42]Commissioner Kosseim speaks with Shaun Sanderson, a mediator at the IPC, about how mediation works, what parties should do to prepare, and what they can expect to get out of the process. [17:07]Commissioner Kosseim shines a light on the innovative projects submitted by Ontario's public institutions as part of the IPC's Transparency Challenge 2.0. [21:24]Jeff Ward, CEO of Animikii, discusses the longstanding connection between technology and culture, and how incorporating Indigenous values and principles into the development of new technologies can empower communities. [29:25] Anthony Carabache, a staff officer in the Professional Development Department at the Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association, sheds light on the opportunities and challenges for educators adopting technology in the classroom. [32:35]Commissioner Patricia Kosseim delves into significant health privacy cases of 2024 with her colleagues from the IPC. [36:20]Resources:Digital Privacy Charter for Ontario SchoolsPrivacy Pursuit! Lesson Plans (free IPC lesson plans to teach kids about privacy)Facial Recognition and Mugshot Databases: Guidance for Police in OntarioSharing Information in Situations Involving Intimate Partner Violence: Guidance for Professionals (IPC guidance)Code of Procedure for Appeals under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (IPC resource)IPC Transparency ShowcaseNiiwin data platform (Animikii)Privacy and Access in Public Sector Contracting with Third Party Service ProvidersResponding to a Health Privacy Breach: Guidelines for the Health SectorInfo Matters is a podcast about people, privacy, and access to information hosted by Patricia Kosseim, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. We dive into conversations with people from all walks of life and hear stories about the access and privacy issues that matter most to them. If you enjoyed the podcast, leave us a rating or a review. Have an access to information or privacy topic you want to learn more about? Interested in being a guest on the show? Post @IPCinfoprivacy or email us at podcast@ipc.on.ca. --Des élèves de l'Académie Westboro nous disent ce que la vie privée signifie pour eux [00:52]Cynthia Khoo, avocate spécialisée en technologie et en droits de la personne, explique les risques de la technologie de reconnaissance faciale pour la vie privée [3:37]Robert Fabes de la Mission d'Ottawa nous parle des obstacles auxquels font face les personnes en situation d'itinérance et explique comment leur donner accès à des services essentiels tout en respectant leur vie privée et leur dignité [8:07]Le Dr Devin Singh du Hospital for Sick Children de Toronto explique comment mettre en balance les avantages et les risques des technologies de l'intelligence artificielle dans les soins de santé [11:33]Priya Shastri, directrice des programmes chez WomanAct, donne son point de vue sur l'échange de renseignements, l'établissement de relations de confiance avec les victimes et les survivants, et l'adoption d'une approche collaborative, tenant compte des traumatismes, pour lutter contre la violence conjugale [14:42]La commissaire Kosseim s'entretient avec Shaun Sanderson, médiatrice au CIPVP, sur le fonctionnement de la médiation, sur ce que les parties doivent faire pour se préparer et sur ce qu'elles peuvent attendre du processus [17:07]La commissaire Kosseim traite des projets novateurs que des institutions publiques ontariennes ont présentés dans le cadre du Défi de la transparence 2.0 du CIPVP [21:24]Jeff Ward, PDG d'Animikii, évoque le lien qui existe depuis longtemps entre la technologie et la culture, et explique comment l'intégration des valeurs et des principes autochtones dans le développement de nouvelles technologies peut permettre aux communautés de se prendre en charge[29:25] Anthony Carabache, du service de perfectionnement professionnel de l'Ontario English Catholic Teachers' Association, jette un éclairage sur les avantages et les écueils des technologies pour les pédagogues qui les utilisent en classe [32:35]La commissaire Patricia Kosseim traite de dossiers marquants de 2024 en matière de protection de la vie privée dans le secteur de la santé avec ses collègues du CIPVP [36:20]RessourcesCharte de la protection de la vie privée numérique pour les écoles ontariennesPlans de leçons Ta vie privée : c'est à toi! (plans de leçons gratuits du CIPVP pour enseigner la vie privée aux enfants)La reconnaissance faciale et les bases de données de photos signalétiques : document d'orientation à l'intention des services de police de l'OntarioCommunication de renseignements en situation de violence conjugale : lignes directrices à l'intention des professionnels (document d'orientation du CIPVP)Code de procédure pour les appels interjetés en vertu de la Loi sur l'accès à l'information et la protection de la vie privée et la Loi sur l'accès à l'information municipale et la protection de la vie privée(ressource du CIPVP)Vitrine de la transparence du CIPVPPlateforme de données Niiwin (Animikii)La protection de la vie privée et l'accès à l'information dans les contrats du secteur public avec des fournisseurs externesLignes directrices sur les interventions en cas d'atteinte à la vie privée dans le secteur de la santéL'info, ça compte est un balado sur les gens, la protection de la vie privée et l'accès à l'information animé par Patricia Kosseim, commissaire à l'information et à la protection de la vie privée de l'Ontario. Avec des invités de tous les milieux, nous parlons des questions qui les intéressent le plus sur la protection de la vie privée et l'accès à l'information. Si vous avez aimé cet épisode, laissez-nous une note ou un commentaire.Vous aimeriez en savoir plus sur un sujet lié à l'accès à l'information ou à la protection de la vie privée? Vous aimeriez être invité à notre balado? Envoyez-nous un message à @cipvp_ontario ou un courriel à podcast@ipc.on.ca.  The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the IPC does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this podcast, and information from this podcast should not be used or reproduced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. None of the information, opinions and recommendations presented in this podcast bind the IPC's Tribunal that may be called upon to independently investigate and decide upon an individual complaint or appeal based on the specific facts and unique circumstances of a given case.

Join us as Derek Serra, President of Westboro Mortgage Investment Corporation, shares his expertise on banking, private lending, and offers a glimpse into the future of the company!

Recorded live at a conference in Westboro, Massachusetts, this panel discussion hosted by David Miller from Rosen Dental Transitions, along with experts Mark Rosen, Blake Cohen, and John Eskow, covers critical aspects of dental practice transitions. The panel emphasizes the importance of clean financial records, appropriate equipment investments, and understanding the valuation based on EBITDA and cash flow. They also discuss the advantages and risks of selling to private buyers versus DSOs, and highlight the importance of early planning and involving advisors in the process. Various transaction structures, tax implications, and the significance of associate employment agreements are also explored.   Topics   00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:04 Meet the Panelists 02:35 Importance of a Rapid Sale Plan 04:14 Panelist Introductions and Roles 07:33 Private Practice vs. Corporate Sales 11:00 Buyer Profiles and Considerations 24:54 Emotional and Financial Aspects of Selling 30:50 Understanding Practice Valuation 38:14 Understanding Bank Lending Practices 38:36 The Importance of Documenting Expenses 39:07 Evaluating Business Expenses 40:01 Qualitative Factors in Business Valuation 40:41 Defining DSOs and Their Impact 45:00 DSO Market Trends and Lessons Learned 48:09 DSO Deal Structures and Economics 01:00:10 Risks and Considerations in DSO Sales 01:05:39 Navigating the DSO Transaction Spectrum 01:09:00 Filtering Misinformation and Making Informed Decisions 01:11:46 Navigating Rhode Island's Dental Market 01:12:40 The Value of Technology in Dental Practices 01:16:15 Financial Considerations for Dental Practice Sales 01:24:09 Insurance and Patient Management Strategies 01:29:31 The Role of Advisors in Dental Transactions 01:35:55 Impact of Interest Rates on Dental Practice Values 01:44:17 Real Estate and Associate Contracts in Dental Sales 01:48:03 Final Thoughts and Q&A

RE/MAX Canada has released its 2024 RE/MAX Canada Condominium Report. In this video interview, Samantha Villiard, Regional Vice President, RE/MAX Canada, discusses the key findings from the report. PRESS RELEASE TORONTO, Oct. 9, 2024 /CNW/ — Despite fears of leaving money on the table, sellers have returned to housing markets across the country in large numbers as the promise of future interest rate cuts draw skittish buyers back into the fray, according to a report released today by RE/MAX Canada. The 2024 RE/MAX Canada Condominium Report examined condominium activity between January – August 2024 in seven major markets across the country including Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, City of Calgary, Edmonton, Greater Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax Regional Municipality, and found that condo listings have soared in anticipation of increased demand in the fourth quarter of 2024 and early 2025. Growth in inventory levels was highest in the Fraser Valley (58.7 per cent), followed by Greater Toronto (52.8 per cent), City of Calgary (52.4 per cent), Ottawa (44.5 per cent), Edmonton (17.7 per cent), Halifax Regional Municipality (8.1 per cent) and Vancouver (7.3 per cent). Values have held up surprisingly well given the influx of listings, with gains posted in Calgary (15 per cent), Edmonton (four per cent), Ottawa (2.3 per cent), Vancouver (1.9 per cent), Fraser Valley (1.9 per cent), and Halifax (1.2 per cent). Meanwhile in Greater Toronto, the average price fell two per cent short of year-ago. While sales were robust in Alberta thanks to in-migration from other parts of the country, Edmonton led the way in terms of percentage increase in the number of condos sold, up just close to 37 per cent from year-ago levels, marking the region's best performance in the previous five-year period. This is followed by a more tempered Calgary market, which was up 2.6 per cent over 2023. Remaining markets saw home-buying activity soften in the condominium sector. “High interest rates and stringent lending policies pummeled first-time buyers in recent years, preventing many from reaching their home-ownership goal, despite having to pay record high rental costs that mirrored mortgage payments,” says RE/MAX Canada President Christopher Alexander. “The current lull is the calm before the storm. Come spring of 2025, pent-up demand is expected to fuel stronger market activity, particularly at entry-level price points, as both first-time buyers and investors once again vie for affordable condominium product.” SOURCE: Greater Vancouver REALTORS, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, Calgary Real Estate Board, REALTORS Association of Edmonton, Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, Ottawa Real Estate Board, Nova Scotia Association of REALTORS. *Apartments Only **Estimated average price for Greater Vancouver Edmonton and Calgary remain firmly entrenched in seller's market territory, while conditions are more balanced in Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Ottawa and Halifax. These markets will likely transition in 2025. Toronto may be the last to emerge from more sluggish conditions, however, Alexander notes that it's a market that has been known to turn quickly. Absorption rates will be a key indicator. Certainly, the market forces of supply and demand always prevail, so some neighbourhoods will fare better than others. Of note in Toronto, prices have likely bottomed out and that's usually evidence that a turnaround is in sight. The current uptick in inventory levels is drawing more traffic to listings, yet buyers remain somewhat skittish across the country. The first two Bank of Canada interest rate cuts did little to entice prospective homebuyers to engage in the market, given the degree of rate increases that took place. However, with further rate reductions expected and policy adjustments to address affordability and ease entry into the market, activity will likely start to climb, particularly among end users. “Even in softer markets, hot pockets tend to emerge,” says Alexander. “In the condominium segment we're seeing a diverse mix among the most in-demand areas, ranging from traditional blue-chip communities to gentrifying up-and-comers, as well as suburban hot spots. Condominiums in choice recreational areas were among the markets posting stronger sales activity—a trend that was also reflected in our single-detached housing report issued earlier this year.” In each market, there are condominium pockets that defied overall trends. In the Greater Toronto Area, condominium sales were up by double digits in the first eight months of 2024 in midtown communities such as Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB)'s Yonge-Eglinton, Humewood-Cedarvale, Forest Hill South (C03) where activity increased 25.3 per cent (114 condo sales in 2024 compared to 91 sales in 2023) and Bedford-Park-Nortown, Lawrence Park, and Forest Hill North (C04) rose 13.3 per cent (128/113). The west end's High Park, South Parkdale, Swansea and Roncesvalles (W01) communities experienced a 15.7-per-cent upswing in units sold (206/178) while neighbouring W02 including High Park North, Junction, Lambton Baby Point, and Runnymede-Bloor West Village climbed 25.2 per cent (189/151). In the east end, the Beaches (E03) reported a 20.3-per-cent increase in sales activity. In Greater Vancouver, an uptick in apartment sales was noted in suburban markets including Port Coquitlam where the number of units sold was up 11 per cent (263 in 2024 compared to 237 in 2023) while more moderate increases were posted in New Westminster (up 0.4 per cent) and recreational communities such as Whistler/Pemberton (up 3.3 per cent). In Fraser Valley, Mission was the sole market to experience an increase in apartment sales, according to the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, up just over 74 per cent year-over-year (68 in 2024 compared to 39 in 2023). Strong sales were also reported in Calgary neighbourhoods such as Eau Claire (up 59.1 per cent) and Downtown East Village (up 17.3 per cent). Meanwhile, RE/MAX found that investor activity has stalled in most markets. The slowdown has been most notable in Greater Toronto, where up to 30 per cent of investors have experienced negative cashflow on rental properties as mortgage carrying costs climbed, according to analytics by Urbanation and CIBC Economics. Investor confidence is expected to recover in the months ahead, as interest rates fall and return on investment (ROI) improves. Edmonton bucked the trend in investor pullback. With supply outpacing demand in Canada's most affordable condominium market, savvy investors in Edmonton have been actively revitalizing tired condominium stock and subsequently renting it out for top dollar. Affordability has been a significant draw for out-of-province investors, particularly those from Ontario and British Columbia who are seeking opportunities further afield to bulk up their portfolios. Out-of-province developers and builders have been similarly motivated by Edmonton's lower development costs and lack of red tape. Halifax to a lesser extent has drawn investor interest, with affordability, low vacancy rates and upward pressure on rents being the primary factor behind the city's appeal. “In many markets, end users are in the driver's seat right now,” explains Alexander. “While investors are an important part of the purchaser pool, this point in time is a unique opportunity for aspiring condominium buyers who, for a short window of time, will likely see less competition from investors and a better supply of product. This is especially true in Toronto and Vancouver, where the impact of monetary policy has hit investor profit margins to a greater extent despite high rent and low vacancy rates. With values set to rise, this is arguably the most favourable climate condominiums buyers have seen in recent years.” In the longer term, immigration to Canada and in-migration/out-migration from one province or region to another will continue to prop up demand for condominiums in the years to come, as condominiums now represent both a first step to home ownership, and increasingly—in Canada's most expensive markets—the middle step as well. Although population numbers are forecast to contract in the short-term, overall growth will resume, with Statistics Canada's projections falling just short of 44 million to as high as 49 million by 2035. Increasing density and urbanization, along with continued population growth is expected to support the long-term outlook for condominium activity nationally. Canada's urban population has been climbing consistently since the post-WWII period with an estimated 80 per cent of Canadians residing in urban centres. Downtowns are growing fast, and more rapidly than ever before. “The housing mix is evolving very quickly as a result of densification and urbanization. Condominiums now represent the heart of our largest cities, and it is inevitable that further development will see condos become the driving force accounting for the lion's share of sales in years to come,” says Alexander. “It's a physical and cultural shift that Canadians are not only adjusting to but are embracing, as younger generations redefine urban neighbourhoods, sparking demand for vibrant and robust amenities, infusing new life in Canada's urban cores in the process.” Market by market overview Greater Vancouver Area and Fraser Valley Softer market conditions prevailed throughout much of the year in the Greater Vancouver Area and the Fraser Valley, with fewer sales of condominium apartments occurring across the board in 2024. In Greater Vancouver, year-to-date apartment sales between January and August were well off year-ago levels at 9,248, according to Greater Vancouver Realtors, down just over eight per cent from the same period in 2023. Neighbouring Fraser Valley reported just 3,130 apartments changing hands between January and August of this year, down 8.5 per cent from year-ago levels. Values continue to climb in the Fraser Valley, where the overall average price year-to-date for apartment units is up two per cent year-over year ($559,215/$548,658) according to the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board, while Vancouver has edged up two per cent to $823,550 in 2024, compared to $807,085 in 2023. Home-buying activity started with a bang in both Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley this year as the anticipation of interest rate cuts in April fuelled momentum. When it became evident that interest rates would hold steady until June or July, the wind was sucked from the market sails. Several areas in Greater Vancouver have reported an increase in year-to-date sales, including Port Coquitlam (263 sales in 2024 compared to 237 sales in 2023), New Westminster (546/544) and Whistler/Pemberton (186/180). Despite several interest rate cuts to date, however, buyers are still skittish, holding off on purchasing their home until rates decline further, while sellers are reluctant to list their homes for fear of leaving money on the table. The catch-22 situation has been frustrating for buyers and sellers alike, but buyers who pull the trigger now on a purchase, may ultimately find themselves in a better position come spring. Selection is good with more than 2,100 apartments currently listed for sale in Greater Vancouver and another 2,080 available in the Fraser Valley, and buyers have the luxury of time to make thoughtful decisions. Come spring, the number of purchasers in the market is expected to increase, placing upward pressure on values. Some of the most popular areas for condominium sales in Greater Vancouver in recent years are in East Vancouver. Its culturally diverse and artsy neighbourhoods, top-shelf restaurants and cafés, including Michelin Star Published on Main, as well as craft breweries and entertainment, have served to draw a younger demographic. False Creek, Mt. Pleasant, Kits Point, Fairview, Pt. Grey and Dunbar offer condo buyers a spectacular view of North Vancouver and the Burrard Inlet and easy access to the Skytrain, bike and walking paths, parks and recreational facilities. A one-bedroom apartment in an established building in Mt. Pleasant can be purchased for approximately $650,000, while newer product can be picked up for as low as $490,000 to a high of $928,000. Prices in nearby Kits trend higher with a one-bedroom hovering at $715,000 on average. The lion's share of apartment sales in both Greater Vancouver and Fraser Valley are occurring under the $800,000 price point for a one-bedroom apartment, while a two-bedroom priced below $1 million will generate solid interest. The Valley tends to offer greater selection under the $800,000 price point, and typically has more appeal with first-time buyers. As demand rises in tandem with the Bank of Canada's interest rate cuts, absorption levels should increase. Spring of 2025 is expected to be characterized by strong demand and dwindling supply, with modest increases in average price. Strong economic fundamentals going into the new year will support an increase in home-buying activity, with lower interest rates and longer amortization periods helping to draw first time buyers into the market once again. City of Calgary While interprovincial migration has slowed from year-ago levels, overall net migration to Alberta continues to climb, sparking demand in the province's affordable real estate market. In Calgary, the sale of condominium apartments experienced a modest increase of almost three per cent in the first eight months of the year, with 5,722 units changing hands compared to 5,577 sales during the same period in 2023. Year-to-date average price has climbed 15 per cent year-over-year to just over $347,000, up from $301,868 in 2023, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board. Growth has been noted in virtually all areas of the city, with the greatest percentage increases in sales occurring in Eau Claire (59.1 per cent), Killarney/Glengary (46.7 per cent), Garrison Woods (64.7 per cent) Garrison Green (23.5 per cent) and Currie Barracks (18.2 per cent). Most condominium apartment sales are occurring in the downtown district, where walkability plays a major role. Younger buyers tend to gravitate toward the core area, which allows residents to walk to work and amenities. Not surprisingly, the highest number of sales occurred in the Downtown East Village, where 129 units have been sold year to date, up from 110 sales one year ago. Significant gains have also been posted in average price, with Saddle Ridge experiencing an increase in values close to 36 per cent, rising to $317,997 in 2024, followed by Hillhurst, which increased 21.4 per cent to $423,873. Out of the 12 key Calgary markets analyzed by RE/MAX, seven posted double-digit gains in values. Seller's market conditions prevailed in the city throughout much of the year, with strong demand characterizing home-buying activity. Luxury apartment sales are on the upswing, with 49 apartments selling over $1 million so far this year compared to 41 during the same period in 2023, an increase of 19.5 per cent. Empty nesters, retirees and oil executives are behind the push for high-end units, most of which are in the downtown core offering spectacular views of both the Bow River and the mountains. First-time buyers are most active in the suburbs, where they can get the best bang for their buck in communities such as McKenzie Town, Panorama Hills and Saddle Ridge. Apartment values in these areas average around $300,000, making them an attractive first step to home ownership, but also an affordable entry point for small investors. After a heated spring market, inventory levels have improved substantially, with a relatively good selection of condominiums available for sale. Inventory levels hover at close to 1,500, up substantially from year-ago levels, with the sales-to-new listings ratio now sitting at 60 per cent. With interest rates trending lower, more buyers and a greater number of investors are expected to enter the market in the year ahead. Rather than waiting for next spring, when rates are lower but prices are higher, buyers may want to consider making a purchase today when supply is healthy and market conditions are less heated. Buying with a two-month closing could also capture the expected Bank of Canada rate cuts in October and December. Edmonton Home-buying activity in the Edmonton's apartment segment exploded in 2024, with year-to-date sales almost 37 per cent ahead of year-ago levels. Affordability continues to be the catalyst for activity, with 3,351 units changing hands, up from 2,452 sales one year ago, making 2024 the best year for apartment sales in the past five years (for the January to August period). The average price of an apartment in Edmonton year-to-date is $200,951, up four per cent over year-ago levels, according to the Realtors Association of Edmonton, making Edmonton the lowest-priced major market in the country. Immigration and in-migration have seriously contributed to the uptick in sales, with Edmonton reporting record population growth in 2023. Statistics Canada data for Alberta in the second quarter of 2024 show net interprovincial migration continues unabated, up almost 11 per cent, with 9,654 new residents coming from other Canadian centres – the majority hailing from Ontario and British Columbia. During the same period, immigration numbers remained relatively constant at 32,000. The sales-to-new-listings ratio now sits at 65 per cent—clear seller's territory. Many condominiums are now moving in multiple offers. The influx of newcomers has buoyed the city, with growth evident in neighbourhoods from the downtown core to the suburbs. Most are buying up properties, as opposed to renting, as they may have done in years past. Home ownership is more-easily attainable in Edmonton relative to other major cities, with the cost of a condominium apartment as low as $100,000. Newer condominiums are available for less than $300,000. Condominiums vary in shape and size in Edmonton, with row house condominiums featuring a backyard and a garage being a major attraction. Investors have also entered the picture, buying up older, tired condo units, fixing them up and renting them out for top dollar. Lower development costs have also prompted an influx of out-of-province builders and developers who can quickly construct 20- and 30-floor high-rise towers or townhouse developments that fill the missing middle. Well-known builders in Ontario and British Columbia are moving into the Alberta market because of the lack of red tape. Several condominium buildings are currently underway, with many more in various stages of planning. With demand currently outpacing supply, the quicker these units come on stream, the better. By 2027, more balance market conditions are expected. First-time buyers are also exceptionally active in the condo segment. Affordable price points and a notable lack of provincial and municipal land transfer taxes allow younger buyers to easily enter the market. Purchasers who are coming from other provinces quickly realize how far their dollar stretches in Edmonton, as the low cost of housing allows for more disposable income. Homeowners can pay their mortgage, go out for weekly dinners, and have an annual vacation, without too much stress. Amenity-rich Oliver remains one of the most coveted hubs in Edmonton. West of 109th St. and the downtown core, the diverse neighbourhood offers a mix of new condominium development including walk ups, mid- and high-rise buildings, and peripheral spin off including retail shops, restaurants and entertainment, all within a short walk to the River Valley. Demand is especially high thanks to the walkability of the area and close proximity to the ICE District. Old Strathcona and Whyte Avenue are also sought-after. The trendy arts and cultural area boasts a mix of funky, bohemian-style and historic buildings, galleries, boutiques, shops, restaurants, cafes and a vibrant nightlife. Edmonton's housing market continues to be driven from the bottom up. Renters move into condo apartments, who move into condo row housing, who move into townhomes and eventually make their way to single-detached homes. The cycle is expected to be supported by a strong local and provincial economy heading into 2025 as monetary policy continues to ease, households and businesses increase spending, and oil prices climb. Greater Toronto Area Demand for condominium apartments and townhomes in the Greater Toronto Area has softened year-over-year, with sales off 2023 levels by eight per cent. Close to 16,800 condo apartments and townhomes changed hands between January and August 2024, down from 18,263 sales during the same period in 2023. Overall condominium values fell almost two per cent, with average price now sitting at $732,648 for apartments and townhomes, down from $747,039 during the same period in 2023, according to data from the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB). Two buyer pools are impacting the condominium market at present—investors and end users. The investment segment has stalled, as a growing number of condominium investors find themselves unable to cover their carrying costs when closing, despite a relatively strong rental market. In a July 2024 report, Urbanation and CIBC Economics examined the distribution of cash flow by dollar amount and found that 30 per cent of investors of new condos completed in 2023 were cash flow negative by $1,000 or more. End users, especially those seeking larger one-bedroom-plus-den or two-bedroom units, are active in the condo market, particularly in the Forest Hill South, Yonge-Eglinton, Humewood-Cedarvale (C03) and Bedford-Nortown, Lawrence Park and Forest Hill North (C04). Several new buildings in these areas have prompted a 25.3- and 13.3-per-cent uptick in sales activity respectively, while average price has edged slightly higher in Forest Hill South, Yonge-Eglinton, Humewood-Cedarvale ($871,839 in 2024 compared to $863,681 in 2023). Double-digit increases in year-to-date condominium sales in the 416 were also reported in west end communities such as High Park, South Parkdale, Swansea and Roncesvalles (up 15.7 per cent), High Park North, Junction, Lambton- Baby Point, and Runnymede-Bloor West Village (up 25.2 per cent); and in the east, the Beaches area (up 20.3 per cent). In the 905-area code, an uptick in condo activity was noted in Halton Hills (up 21.6 per cent) and Milton (up 13.3 per cent); and in Newmarket (up 30.6 per cent). Close to 43 per cent of TRREB districts in the 416-area code reported modest gains in average price between January and August of 2024, led by the Annex, Yonge-St. Clair (C02), with a close to 14-per-cent increase in values. One in four markets in the 905-area code have posted gains in condominium values year-over-year. Inventory levels continued to climb throughout much of the year as available resale units were joined by an influx of new completions on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Selection has vastly improved over year-ago levels, with over 8,300 apartment units actively listed for sale at the end of August, compared to 5,455 units during the same period in 2023. Almost 1,700 active listings were reported in the condo townhouse segment, up 53 per cent from the 1,110 posted in 2023. Pre-construction condominium assignments are still occurring as investors look to sell their units before registration, but the pace has subsided since 2023. New completions have slowed in the second quarter of this year in Greater Toronto–Hamilton in large part due to the lack of investor interest, with starts off last year's level by 67 per cent, according to Urbanation. Repercussions in the short-term will be negligible but the longer-term impact is expected to be substantial. Twenty-thousand new condominium units are planned for the GTA in 2025; 30,000 in 2026; and 40,000 in 2027. In 2028, the figure falls to 5,000 units. At that point, construction will heat up, but not fast enough to meet demand. With a six-month supply of condominiums currently available for sale, the GTA market is heading into clear buyers' territory. With values at or near bottom and Bank of Canada overnight rates trending lower, the fall market may represent the perfect storm for first-time buyers. As rates drop, more buyers are expected to enter the market in the months ahead. As absorption rates increase, the current oversupply will be diminished and demand will take flight, placing upward pressure on average prices once again. Ottawa Although downsizing empty nesters, retirees and first-time homebuyers fuelled steady demand for condominium apartments and walk-ups in Ottawa in 2024, the number of units sold between January and August fell short of year-ago levels. The Ottawa Real Estate Board reported just over 1,400 condominium apartments changed hands year to date, down less than one per cent from 2023. Meanwhile, values rose 2.3 per cent over last year, with average price rising to $447,042. Affordability remains a major concern in Ottawa, despite changes to monetary policy in recent months. First-time buyers find themselves locked out of the freehold market, given high interest rates and stringent lending policies. Fixed mortgage rates have dropped in recent weeks and are expected to continue to decline for the remainder of the year and into 2025, but potential buyers are still wary. Inventory levels have increased year over year as a result, with active listings in August hovering at 636, approximately 44.5 per cent ahead of 2023. First-time buyers who choose to move forward with a purchase are typically looking for condominiums with low monthly maintenance fees and a parking spot priced from $500,000 to $550,000. The downtown core to Centretown and Dows Lake are popular destinations, given the proximity to the workplace, shops and restaurants. Those seeking to spend less could find a lower-priced unit in an older building for $350,000 but monthly condominium fees would be significantly higher. Suburban condominiums in areas such as Kanata, Barrhaven, and Orleans are also an option, priced from $375,000 to $400,000. Tighter inventory levels exist in the luxury segment, where fewer condominium apartments are available over the $850,000 price point. Empty nesters and retirees are responsible for the lion's share of activity in the top end of Ottawa's condominium market. Westboro, the Golden Triangle, and Centretown, as well as neighbourhoods undergoing gentrification including The Glebe, Lansdowne, and Old Ottawa East, are most sought-after by buyers, many of whom are downsizing. Walkability is a major factor in these communities, with condominium apartments within walking distance to top restaurants and cafes, unique shops and picturesque walking paths. As consumer confidence grows with each interest rate cut, more and more buyers should return to the market. Fourth-quarter sales are expected to be comparable to year-ago levels, but the outlook for spring of 2025 appears to be bright. Pent-up demand is building and those first into the market will reap the rewards. Halifax Regional Municipality After three consecutive interest rate cuts and the prospect of two more by year end, optimism is finally building in the Halifax Regional Municipality housing market. Average condominium values have edged ahead of year-ago levels in the first eight months of the year, now sitting at $484,491, up one per cent over the $479,558 reported during the same period in 2023. Condominium sales, however, declined year over year, with 510 properties changing hands between January and August, down close to seven per cent from last year's levels, according to data compiled by the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors. The trepidation that existed earlier in the year is subsiding and confidence is starting to grow as inflation is curtailed. The most competitive segment of the overall housing market remains under $600,000 in the Halifax area, with first-time buyers most active at this price point. Entry-level condominiums priced between $300,000 and $400,000 are most sought after, while semi-detached and townhomes tend to be the preferred choice over $400,000. At the top end of the market, condominium sales over $750,000 have experienced a modest uptick, with 35 properties sold so far this year, compared to 34 during the same period one year ago. Year-to-date average price in the top end of the market has softened from year-ago levels, sitting at almost $940,000, down from $957,300 during the same timeframe in 2023. Young professionals and retirees are largely behind the push for higher-end condominiums, with most sales occurring within the city's downtown core. Downward pressure on interest rates has prompted more sellers to list their condos in recent weeks, but there are no liquidation sales occurring. Inventory levels are up just over eight per cent from 2023. The vast majority of condominium apartments are found on the peninsula's northeast quadrant, central and downtown cores. Some developments are situated on the waterfront in Dartmouth (near the ferry) and in Bedford, but supply is less plentiful in these areas. Investors are also active in Halifax's condominium market with an eye toward rental properties. Multi-unit housing remains exceptionally popular, with most investors interested in buildings with eight to 10 units. Four-plexes and duplexes are also an option, given the city's low vacancy rates and upward pressure on rent. In-migration and immigration have continued to play a role in the city's growth, although the influx of newcomers has abated somewhat from peak levels. Positive international immigration, coupled with interprovincial migration, contributed to a net increase of 6,000 people in the second quarter of 2024. Major improvements are planned for the Dartmouth waterfront that will make it more pedestrian friendly in the coming years, including public spaces and cruise ships. The redevelopment hopes to mirror the success of Halifax's vibrant waterfront area that continues to attract both visitors and residents to the area's restaurants and cafes, outdoor kiosks, retail shops, playgrounds, museums, and the ferry terminal.  With continuous investment and a bold new vision for the municipality, Halifax is expected to thrive in the years ahead, given the city's affordable real estate and spectacular topography. About the RE/MAX Network  As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX, LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with more than 140,000 agents in almost 9,000 offices with a presence in more than 110 countries and territories. RE/MAX Canada refers to RE/MAX of Western Canada (1998), LLC and RE/MAX Ontario–Atlantic Canada, Inc., and RE/MAX Promotions, Inc., each of which are affiliates of RE/MAX, LLC. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by residential transaction sides. RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. RE/MAX agents have lived, worked and served in their local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® and other charities. To learn more about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit remax.ca. For the latest news from RE/MAX Canada, please visit blog.remax.ca. Mario Toneguzzi Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada's Podcast. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 as one of the Top 10 Business Journalists in the World by PR News – the only Canadian to make the list. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024. About Us Canada's Podcast is the number one podcast in Canada for entrepreneurs and business owners. Established in 2016, the podcast network has interviewed over 600 Canadian entrepreneurs from coast-to-coast. With hosts in each province, entrepreneurs have a local and national format to tell their stories, talk about their journey and provide inspiration for anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey and well- established founders. The commitment to a grass roots approach has built a loyal audience on all our social channels and YouTube – 500,000+ lifetime YouTube views, 200,000 + audio downloads, 35,000 + average monthly social impressions, 10,000 + engaged social followers and 35,000 newsletter subscribers. Canada's Podcast is proud to provide a local, national and international presence for Canadian entrepreneurs to build their brand and tell their story #business #CanadasNumberOnePodcastforEntrepreneurs #Condo Market #Condos #entrepreneurs #entrepreneurship #Homes #Housing #RealEstate #small business

Washington State Attorney General urging federal judge to end restrictions on the abortion drug mifepristone... JD Vance says Republican party doesn't want tax payer funded abortions....former President Trump to hold town hall event just for women...and Vice President Harris speaks at North Carolina church.

This week's episode felt more like old times! We figured it would take a few episodes to get back into the swing of things, but damn this week was a ton of fun. Brett and Todd give us an update on the new "E" layout because it finally has all of the bench work completed and is ready to begin working UP from the base now. Then Brett gives us a quick update on the status of his new build, which he spent some time this past Monday night showing his work on during a Facebook/YouTube live session. After that, Todd discusses the finishing steps to his diorama of the French Cafe that he's wrapping up before he gets into his HO scale model building again. Then we jump into some listener questions and of course, Todd had a complaint and grievance that he aired out on the show (or two, or three). Since we mentioned RailroadKits & Microlumina, we figured we would give you guys a link to check out some of their awesome kits, details and lighting options for your model railroad layout! Check them out here: RailroadKtis & Microlumina. Don't forget, they also have the F&SM Metal Castings! (neither of these two links are affiliate links, just wanted to direct you to awesome things)

It's Friday and we're rounding up the news of the week. First, Kyle Clark's stellar performance as a moderator for the Congressional District 4 debates caught the attention of Jimmy Kimmel, so we had to ask him about it. The 9News anchor also joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the Colorado GOP's weird week involving the slandering of Pride and a friendly nod to the Westboro Baptist Church. Then, an epic city council sidewalk disappointment, a celebration of the zipper merge, and more wins and fails of the week. We talked about our special series Lauren Boebert Can't Lose, as well as both Kyle and Bree's interviews with congressional district candidate Valdamar Archuleta. Kyle mentioned 9News' review of the handling of the initial investigation into Elijah McClain's death and Paul shouted out Representative Steph Vigil's legislation supporting gig workers. Bree talked about American Culture's show this weekend at D3 Arts — and you can hear “Hey Brother, It's Been a While”, the band's latest release on Bandcamp. For more on the Westboro Baptist Church, Paul recommends this interview with former Westboro member Megan Phelps-Roper. It's from a podcast he produced a few years ago, hosted by the badass local pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber.  What do you think about Kyle Clark's performance at the CD4 debate last week? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418‬ For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Central City Opera Arvada Center Summer Concert Series Museum of Outdoor Arts  PineMelon Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Biden's dismal poll numbers confirm it: a pwesident hunting two wabbits catches neither. Plus, Dementia Joe gets conquered by his own teleprompter begging the question: who's in charge over there? Also: When defective self-esteem pseudoscience collides with social eugenics The Indoctrinated come of age When a President kneels before the Dearborn Caliphate. Look for a follow up episode soon.    Like it? Share it! More: https://toddzillax.substack.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjdLR140l--HufeRSAnj91A   SM7B

In this video interview, Samantha Villiard, Regional Vice President, RE/MAX Canada, discusses the real estate company's latest luxury home market report. Samantha Villiard FULL PRESS RELEASE  TORONTO, April 2, 2024 /CNW/ — With the end of quantitative tightening in sight, luxury home-buying activity in most markets across the country are slowly shifting into high gear as buyers reap the benefits of softer housing values, according to a report released today by RE/MAX Canada. RE/MAX Canada's 2024 Spotlight on Luxury Report examined luxury home-buying activity in 10 markets across the country in the first two months of the year and found that, despite a disconnect between buyers looking for deals and sellers' price expectations, almost all regions reported a strong start to the year. Ninety per cent of markets experienced an increase in high-end sales, with more than two-thirds recording double-digit growth. Saskatoon led the country in terms of percentage increases, with a 57-per-cent uptick in luxury home sales, followed by Montreal at almost 56 per cent and Calgary at 52 per cent. Edmonton posted a 32-per-cent increase in luxury sales year-over-year, while Winnipeg, Halifax, Toronto and London reported increases of 19.4 per cent, 16.7 per cent, 14.4 per cent, and 9.4 per cent respectively. Only Ottawa saw a decline compared to year-ago levels, with sales down nearly eight per cent. “While figures remain off peak levels reported during Covid, the upswing in luxury sales signal a return to overall health in the country's major centres,” according to RE/MAX Canada President Christopher Alexander. “The ripple effect is already underway, with stronger home-buying activity at lower price points pushing sales into the upper end. In some cities where inventory levels are particularly challenging at the lower end, multiple offers have returned with a vengeance. While that isn't the case at the top end, pent-up demand does exist, and activity is gaining momentum.” Lower overall values, strong equity gains and downward trending interest rates are supporting demand for luxury product including freehold and condominium properties in markets across the country. While a disconnect is somewhat hampering activity in larger markets, with sellers holding out for Covid-era values and buyers seeking bargains, those serious about making moves are finding common ground. An ample supply of product exists in most markets, although some neighbourhoods are experiencing exceptionally low inventory levels at sought-after price points. An influx of fresh, new properties in the spring will renew buyer interest and activity, but chronic supply issues will likely persist at the entry level to luxury. “Equity continues to play a significant role in the marketplace, driving demand at the top end of the market,” explains Alexander. “Although overall gains have been elusive in recent years, a good percentage of buyers who purchased in 2018 and 2019 are well positioned to make their next moves. For example, in the Greater Toronto market, buyers who purchased homes at an average price in 2018 saw equity rise by almost 43 per cent by the end of 2023 ($787,842/$1,126,591). These buyers are coming to the table with a larger downstroke and reduced risk from a lending perspective.” Luxury home-buying activity is also undergoing change as a younger demographic moves into the upper end of the market. Demand is strongest for newer, well-appointed homes in traditional hot pockets. Turnkey properties are most coveted, although there are some buyers that are willing to renovate. The desire for more space and less congestion is once again an emerging trend, as acreage properties boasting large homes in suburban-rural or rural areas experience an upswing in popularity in London, Ottawa, Edmonton and Saskatoon. Building activity is also making a comeback, with new construction and infill on the rise in half of all markets examined. Some luxury buyers looking to expand their purchasing power are moving over into markets such as London (drawing buyers from the Greater Toronto Area), Halifax, Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatoon (drawing buyers from Ontario and British Columbia). However, activity among foreign buyers has fallen dramatically since the introduction of the Foreign Buyer Ban by the Federal Government in January 2023, which it extended through to early 2027. The impact has been palpable in the uber-luxe segment of major markets, such as Metro Vancouver and Toronto, as well as the condominium market in the City of Montreal. “While the idea of a Foreign Buyer Ban sounds good in principle, it makes less sense in practice,” says Alexander. “The ban was originally intended to make a greater number of properties available to Canadians and reduce upward pressure on housing values. The Bank of Canada's 10 rate hikes were all that was needed to achieve that objective, all the while supply remains at historical lows.” Condominiums have been a popular option this year, despite single-detached homes comprising the lion's share of luxury sales. Condo activity was strongest in Metro Vancouver, where sales climbed close to 70 per cent in the first two months of the year (27 versus 16). Solid condominium activity at the high-end price points was also reported in London, fuelled by empty nesters and retirees, and in Ottawa and Montreal. Halifax, which has limited condo product in the top end, has already recorded four sales to date. Some baby boomers in Saskatoon are also opting to downsize from larger homes in high demand areas to newer luxury condominiums in the core. “Buyer enthusiasm is evident as the spring market ramps up,” says Alexander. “Yet, despite the uptick, we're still seeing some factors constraining sales at luxury price points. Most significant is the tax implications at the uber-luxe levels, which have been weighing down the segment, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area.” On the sale of a $4 million home in Vancouver, for example, buyers will pay $90,000 in land transfer taxes. On the sale of a property of similar value in the City of Toronto, land transfer taxes will set buyers back close to $183,000. While sale under $7.5 million remain surprisingly resilient, only one sale has occurred over that threshold (and it was not located in the City of Toronto). The adjustment to higher taxation levels has been slow, but it is being offset somewhat by pent-up demand, with some deciding they can only hold off for so long. Others, meanwhile, are reluctant to list their properties, impacting supply, or are choosing to renovate rather than take a substantial tax hit. “Assuming a continuation of current economic fundamentals, momentum is set to climb at luxury price points from coast to coast,” says Alexander. “With recent inflation numbers coming in lower than expectations at 2.8 per cent, the possibility of further improvement in interest rates only strengthens growing optimism. Yet, there is an air of caution as the challenges of recent years remain fresh in the minds of buyers and sellers. Confidence is building, with the light at the end of the tunnel clearly visible. Demand is coming from a mix of high-income professionals/executives, retirees, empty-nesters, Gen X and millennials, newly landed immigrants, as well as large and multigenerational families – a good sign, as the diversity of buyers at the top end of the market today bodes well for its overall health in the future.” HIGHLIGHTS Condominium sales are up almost 70 per cent in Greater Vancouver. Multiple offers occurring in Calgary; some homes selling sight unseen. Some multiple offers are occurring in Saskatoon, although at the lower price points. This may filter upward in coming months. Alberta markets remain strong – Calgary and Edmonton have been bolstered by affordability, providing buyers with more bang for the buck. Double-digit sales growth was seen in two-thirds of markets (70 per cent or seven out of ten markets examined), including Halifax, Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Saskatoon. London is close behind with a 9.4-per-cent increase in top-end sales. The uber-luxe market has heated up significantly in Toronto, with a 77-per-cent jump in sales over $5 million (32 vs. 18), split evenly between the 416 and 905. On the west coast, demand for uber-luxe properties has fallen year-over-year, largely attributed to the Foreign Buyer Ban. Inventory in Toronto is tight in many hot-pocket areas, but values are being held in check for the most part, for now. MARKET-BY-MARKET OVERVIEW METRO VANCOUVER Although softer housing values and greater selection have bolstered sales of detached homes over $3 million in the luxury segment of the Metro Vancouver market in the first two months of the year, strata condominium sales have taken the lead in terms of percentage increases, with sales volumes up 68 per cent year-over-year. Twenty-seven strata condo sales averaging $4 million were recorded between January 1 and February 29 of this year. In contrast, there were 16 sales during the same period in 2023, with an average price of $4.5 million. Just over half of 2024's strata sales (14) occurred in Vancouver's Westside, compared to 11 sales in 2023. Luxury condo buyers at the top end of the market have adjusted expectations, allowing them to sidestep higher interest rates by choosing smaller apartments rather than larger units in the city's most coveted strata buildings. While 2024 appears to be the year of the condominium, year-to-date sales of luxury detached properties in Metro Vancouver have climbed as well, rising almost three per cent in the first of two months of the year. One hundred and fifty-five detached homes changed hands over the $3 million price point so far this year, compared to 151 properties sold during the same period in 2023. Nearly half of those sales (74) occurred in the Westside, where the lion's share of high-end activity occurs in communities, including Point Grey, Dunbar, Kerrisdale, Kitsilano, Kerrisdale and S.W. Marine Dr. Demand for detached housing at uber-luxe levels has fallen this year in large part due to today's high interest rate environment coupled with the Foreign Buyers Ban (implemented by the Canadian government in 2023 and extended until early in 2027). For every quarter point uptick in interest rates, a $50,000 increase in income is required. Those factors, combined with local municipal taxes, including a vacant home tax at two per cent of the total value of the property, and a hefty land transfer tax, have proven insurmountable. Just nine detached homes were sold over $6 million in the first two months of this year in Metro Vancouver, compared to 20 during the same period in 2023. Evidence of the shift in the detached uber-luxe market appeared in the second half of 2023 but has accelerated in the first few months of 2024. Fewer buyers and an increase in the number of high-end detached properties listed for sale in Metro Vancouver has resulted in some downward pressure on values, as evidenced from the sales stats. However, many sellers are holding firm, rather than entertaining lowball offers. Local buyers are the driving force in Vancouver's housing market, but momentum has yet to reach the upper price points for detached housing. Long-anticipated cuts to interest rates are expected to breathe new life into the city's luxury segment as the ripple effect moves through the overall market in the latter half of the year. Demand for both condominiums and detached homes at the top end is expected to improve, especially with rate cuts on the horizon, moving through 2024. CALGARY Calgary's juggernaut real estate market continues to advance, with home-buying activity at the top end of the market climbing 52 per cent in the first two months of 2024. Seventy-six single family homes changed hands over $1.5 million between January 1 and February 29, up from 50 properties during the same period in 2023. Nearly 60 per cent of sales took place in February. Considerable equity gains have allowed local homeowners to step up to larger homes organically in recent years, while luxury buyers from provinces such as British Columbia and Ontario are realizing their dollar stretches much further in the city. The vast majority of purchasers are active in the lower end of the luxury market, stimulating sales between $1.5 million and $2 million. Multiple offers are occurring, and some properties have sold sight unseen in recent weeks. Two-thirds of sales are taking place in Calgary's inner city – including Mt. Royal, Elbow Park, Britannia and Belair – and in neighbourhoods on the periphery of the core such as the Westside, which offer a balance of accessibility and amenities. Communities on the city's outskirts make up the remainder of sales, where the combination of the luxury lifestyle and acreage play a substantial role. Ninety-five per cent of luxury sales are now taking place between $1.5 million and $3 million, with uber-luxe sales over the $4 million price point representing a smaller share of the market. Strong activity at the lower end is likely connected to the mortgage sliding scale and general affordability, with higher interest rates having a greater impact on momentum at the top end. Just over 190 properties are currently listed for sale over $1.5 million, which represents approximately 15 per cent of total inventory. There is a 4.9-month supply of luxury product, which is likely to increase slightly with the spring market just around the corner. The city is on track for a record year of real estate activity in the high end, with any Bank of Canada cut to interest rates expected to encourage greater activity in the luxury segment. With an estimated 3,500 inter-provincial migrants arriving monthly, the pressure on the middle of the market, priced from $800,000 to $1.2 million, will promote spillover into higher price points, further enabling current homeowners to trade up with relative ease to more expensive homes. EDMONTON Edmonton's luxury market continues to fire on all cylinders as both local buyers and those migrating from Ontario and British Columbia spark home-buying activity over the $1 million price point. Sales of high-end homes are up 32 per cent year over year, with 33 single-family and condominium properties sold between January and February of 2024, up from 25 sales during the same period one year earlier. Detached homes in the $1 million to $1.5 million range remain the sweet spot in the market, with the vast majority of sales occurring between these price points. Demand has been greatest in infill core areas of South University, near the University of Alberta and the opposite side of the North Saskatchewan River, including neighbourhoods such as Crestwood, Laurier, and Glenora. The suburban outskirts have also experienced a surge in demand, given new construction in areas like Windemere and acreage properties offering homes with considerable square footage. Condominium sales, on the other hand, are fewer and farther between, with just two sales occurring this year, compared to three one year ago. Large families, multi-generational families, professional athletes, and high-income professionals are behind the push for luxury product in Edmonton. Equity gains have played a role as prices have edged upwards in recent years. Downsizing, lateral moves, and life events have also prompted movement in the market. The upward momentum in the high end is driven by in-migration and relative affordability, where buyers' dollars stretch further. An adequate supply of homes is currently available for sale in Edmonton, with many new builds under construction. The landscape is also changing in many established neighbourhoods as tired, older homes are renovated, or if need be, demolished and replaced by custom builds as investors and builders move to meet the demands of today's buyer. Continued strength and growth are forecast for Edmonton's luxury sector, where the high end represents approximately one per cent of total sales. There are 20 properties pending at present, which foreshadows the strength of the overall market heading into the spring. With lower interest rates on the horizon, there's little doubt that Edmonton's housing market will continue to thrive throughout the remainder of the year. SASKATOON Saskatoon's luxury market is off to a strong start heading into the traditionally busy spring market. Sales of high-end homes over $700,000 are up 57 per cent in the first two months of the year, with 22 homes changing hands between January 1 to February 29, up from 14 during the same period in 2023. A healthy economy and an influx of new Canadians and out-of-province buyers have buoyed home-buying activity in Saskatoon. Net international immigration to the province was just short of 30,000 in the first three quarters of 2023, according to Statistics Canada Quarterly Demographic estimates, provinces and territories: Interactive Dashboard. The strong demand for housing, coupled with a shortage of available properties, is placing strong upward pressure on pricing. Multiple offers are already occurring at lower price points – $350,000 to $500,000 – and threatening to spill over into higher-price ranges. Seventy-nine properties are currently listed for sale over $700,000, with 14 conditional offers pending. New home builders are trying to make up for time lost during the pandemic, when soaring construction and labour costs stymied homebuilding activity. Prices for new construction now start at $600,000 in Saskatoon, with pressure building on existing housing stock. The greatest demand exists at luxury's lower price points, between $700,000 and $800,000 at present, although that could rise in coming months as more sales push through higher price points. Affordability has been drawing buyers from other provinces and there has been a significant increase in young professionals working in oil and gas, mining, and technology. Many are buying properties with small acreage on the outskirts of town where prices are affordable. Equity gains have also played a role, helping local buyers to move up to the next level, particularly those in their late 20s and early 30, who tend to stay in the same neighbourhoods where they grew up. Many are choosing to renovate the older character homes on large lot sizes. Infill is on the rise in many established communities as empty nesters make lateral moves, trading larger lot sizes for newer homes with all the bells and whistles. Baby boomers are selling homes in desirable enclaves such as Caswell Hill, River Heights, Mayfair, Buena Vista, Mt. Royal, North Park, and the original homes along the South Saskatchewan River, and moving to some of the newer condominiums in the centre of the city or across the river in Nutana. The trend toward multi-generational living has also contributed to the uptick in luxury sales, with immigration helping to prop up this segment. With Saskatchewan's commodity-based economy expected to rebound, demand for homes in Saskatoon's luxury segment is forecast to accelerate in 2024. GDP growth in the province is expected to be the second highest in the country in 2024 at 1.3 per cent, following on the heels of Alberta, according to the 2023-24 Mid-Year Report by the Government of Saskatchewan. WINNIPEG Affluent purchasers were strong out of the gate in Winnipeg's luxury housing market, with sales up 19 per cent in the first two months of the year. Forty-three homes sold for over $750,000 between January and February of 2024, the most expensive of which topped $4 million, up from 36 sales during the same period last year. While interest rates have proven challenging for many buyers, the downward trend in mortgage rates has provided some additional incentive for sidelined buyers to take advantage of lower housing values in advance of a Bank of Canada rate drop. Pent-up demand will likely play a significant role in the city housing market once rates fall, placing additional pressure on Winnipeg's already tight inventory levels. Just 130 properties are currently listed for sale over $750,000. Most high-end sales are occurring at entry-level price points, typically between $750,000 and $1 million. Most buyers are young professionals, but there are a growing number of multi-generational purchasers who are looking for larger homes that can accommodate several families. In the city's older luxury enclaves, buyers are looking for dated properties with good bones that are ripe for renovation, allowing them to customize their homes and build value immediately. Demand for infill product is on the upswing, with teardowns now occurring with greater frequency in Tuxedo and North River Heights, where older character homes situated on sprawling lot sizes are commonplace. While many buyers choose to work within the existing structure, custom home builders typically target homes that have been neglected and require a full gut. In some communities, builders are working with the city to sub-divide larger lots in line with the city's commitment to increase density. Depending on their price point, buyers are typically drawn to established communities in Tuxedo, North River Heights, and Victoria Crescent in Norberry, or newer communities in the south including South Pointe, Bridgwater and Sage Creek. These new developments, part of a 15-year development plan between local homebuilders and the Province of Manitoba, are now nearing completion. The average price for a new home in these sought-after communities is close to $1 million. With affordability driving sales at the lower end of Winnipeg's housing market, spillover is expected into higher price points in the months ahead. Many buyers are reluctant to place their homes up for sale too early, fearing that they will not be able to find their next home. Those on the fence are waiting patiently for the right listing to come along, and once it does, they will pounce. LONDON London's housing market is off to a strong start overall with sales up almost 30 per cent in the first two months of the year. Multiple offers are occurring unabated between $400,000–$700,000, yet softer demand exists for luxury properties in the city. Fifty-eight properties have sold to date over $999,999, up 9.4 per cent from year-ago levels for the same period. Most luxury home sales occurred between $1 million and $1.3 million, with just 10 sales reported over the $1.3 million threshold, signifying some hesitancy at the high end. The exception to the rule is the rare uber-luxe property that offers acreage (two to 10 acres), a larger home, and a triple-car garage. Impeding activity at the luxury price point is a disconnect between buyers and sellers, with many sellers still listing properties at loftier 2021 values while buyers are looking for deals. An ample supply of luxury homes is available for sale heading into the busy spring market, where sales of all homes, including freehold and condominium properties, are expected to see increased pressure as the ripple effect takes hold. London continues to experience an influx of buyers from other areas of the province, with the largest segment coming from the Greater Toronto Area. Drawn to the value proposition of the city's residential real estate and its growing base, these affluent buyers are competing with local buyers at the mid-to-top end of the market. Most of the activity in the higher end is occurring in the Southwest (18 sales), where selection is greatest, and the Northwest (20 sales). The remaining sales are occurring on the outskirts of the city. Retirees and upgrading millennials are responsible for the lion's share of activity in the luxury segment, which represented 4.5 per cent of total sales (58/1,036) between January 1 and February 29. Most of the buyers in the city's luxury market are seeking newer homes that are bolder architecturally, with most offering a modern twist, including an open concept, high ceilings, and all the usual bells and whistles. Older character homes in the city's most prominent areas close to the university are also experiencing solid demand, but higher price points are proving challenging. Empty-nesters and retirees are opting for condominiums in close proximity to the city core. Many are willing to renovate older condominiums offering good square footage to their specifications. Home-buying activity in London's luxury segment is expected to heat up in coming months, with lending rates already reflecting the easing expected to impact overall interest rates in the months ahead. Momentum is anticipated to build as buyer's move to realize homeownership before housing values climb beyond their reach. GREATER TORONTO AREA The Greater Toronto Area's (GTA) luxury market has sprung back to life in the first two months of the year, with home sales over the $5 million price point leading the way. Thirty-two freehold and condominium properties changed hands between January 1 and February 29th, up 77 per cent from the 18 sales reported during the same period in 2023. Of the 32 properties sold over $5 million to date, 17 sales occurred in the 416, while 15 were located in the 905. While the new municipal land transfer tax on the luxury segment in the City of Toronto has had some effect on housing sales at the $3-million-plus price point, sales over $7.5 million have borne the brunt, with only one sale occurring over $7.5 million to date, compared to three during the first two months of 2023. Overall luxury sales priced over $3 million are trending higher than year-ago levels, with 167 freehold and condominium properties sold between January and February, up more than 14 per cent from the 146 sales that were recorded during the same period last year. Demand is particularly strong between $3 million and $4 million for detached product, but activity in this range is largely hampered by fewer listings available for sale. Just 115 properties were available for sale between $3 million and $4 million in the central core heading into the traditionally busy spring market. Some communities were down to single-digit inventory levels, including Leaside (3); Cedarvale, Humewood, Forest Hill South, and Yonge-Eglinton (5); Banbury-Don Mills (7); the Beaches (4); and Stonegate-Queensway (5). Realtors with interested buyers have been in constant contact with other realtors regarding upcoming listings in coveted hot pockets and heated price points. Inventory levels remain tight throughout the Greater Toronto Area, with few new listings coming to market at the top end. At least one-third of properties currently listed for sale over $10 million are carryovers from 2023. The disconnect between buyers and sellers remains an issue at luxury price points, where many sellers still expect their homes to fetch similar value to that of the Covid years. Buyers, particularly at uber-luxe levels, are submitting offers at 80 per cent on the dollar but quickly realize that high-end sellers are holding their ground in anticipation of a stronger luxury market down the road. Some areas are more impacted than others, with the Bridle Path in a world of its own, given that listings are especially scarce in the neighbourhood. Some downsizing is also occurring in the market, with empty nesters and retirees making more lateral moves into luxury condominium apartments, townhomes, and new builds on smaller-sized lots in desirable neighbourhoods. Eleven condominiums have sold for more than $3 million in the first two months of the year, compared to 10 between January and February of 2023. Despite strong demand, new builds on small lots are few and far between. Interest rates remain the greatest roadblock to homeownership at present, with many waiting on the sidelines for rate cuts. It's anticipated that once rates start to fall, Toronto's housing market will be exceptionally robust, with pent-up demand the driving force behind heated home-buying activity. OTTAWA While luxury home-buying activity in Ottawa was strong out of the gate, sales softened somewhat in February with affordability taking a backseat to inventory. Just 48 freehold properties priced over $1.2 million changed hands in the first two months of 2024, down over seven per cent when compared to the 52 sales that took place between January and February of 2023. Fewer homes are listed for sale at the top end of the market this year, which has hampered sales activity to some extent. Less than 400 properties are currently available over $1.2 million, 30 per cent of which are priced over $2 million. Equity has played a role in luxury sales this year, as existing homeowners seek to leverage gains against softer housing values. When combined with lending rates that are trending lower, buyers are finding that affordability has improved and what was once beyond their grasp is now attainable. Buying patterns have also changed in the high end this year, given increased demand for detached properties that offer greater privacy and larger lot sizes. As a result, there have been more sales occurring in suburban-rural neighbourhoods, including Stittsville, Kanata, Riverside South, Greely, and Manotick. Demand for more traditional areas, such as McKellar Heights and Westboro, have experienced an uptick. Fewer sales have occurred in Ottawa's coveted Golden Triangle. Luxury condominiums have experienced a slight increase in sales over year-ago levels. Twelve properties were sold over the $800,000 price point in January and February of 2024, up from 10 during the same period in 2023. Condominiums continue to be a popular choice amongst young professionals and downsizing empty nesters and retirees who want to be in the city's core. An ample supply of condominium apartments is available, with 39 properties currently listed for sale. Heated home-buying activity at lower price points, characterized by strong demand and multiple offers, is expected to spill over into Ottawa's luxury market in the second quarter of the year. While a bounce-back is anticipated in the top end, fuelled by lower lending rates and lower housing values, concerns in the civil service sector over the possibility of a federal election could serve to dampen buyer enthusiasm in the short term. CITY OF MONTREAL Strong activity early in the year has set the stage for a robust spring housing market in the City of Montreal's luxury sector. Year-to-date (January 1 – February 29) sales priced over $2.5 million have increased 55 per cent, with 14 freehold and condominium properties changing hands so far this year, compared to nine during the same period in 2023. As lending rates trend lower and consumer confidence levels climb, more buyers and sellers are expected to enter the top end of the market. While inventory is currently ample at higher price points, much of the existing supply has been carried over from 2023. That scenario is expected to change in coming weeks as sellers move to take advantage of the vibrant spring market. While some luxury buyers are still sitting on the fence, hoping values will fall, increased activity is expected to place upward pressure on pricing in the months ahead. Pricing is key in today's market, with local buyers more selective than in years past. Well-appointed homes are generating the greatest interest, especially when located in the city's premier communities that have withstood the test of time – Westmount, Outremont and Hampstead. Younger buyers, looking for more funky architecture, tend to be drawn to areas like Plateau-Mont-Royal, Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie and Villeray, where modern renovations and custom builds are cropping up. New infill properties with the latest finishes, located in established older neighbourhoods have also drawn the attention of some high-end buyers. While luxury condominiums sales are up over last year, the market has been somewhat affected by the Foreign Buyer Ban. Would-be buyers from France, the Middle East, and Asia have been shut out of the market in recent years, and the extension of the Federal government's Foreign Buyer Ban to early 2027 has not helped. Evidence of the slowdown is most noticeable at the $800,000 to $1.3 million price point this year. With the end of quantitative tightening by the Bank of Canada in sight, a much-improved housing market is expected to emerge in the City of Montreal. Sales are forecast to be especially brisk at the lower end of the luxury market, priced under the $1.4 million price point, where multiple offers are expected to be commonplace. HALIFAX Despite an overall flattening in residential real estate activity at luxury price points, sales of properties priced over $1.2 million in Halifax reported a 16 per cent increase in the first two months of the year. Fourteen sales occurred between January 1 and February 29, with 10 single-family homes and four condominium/townhomes changing hands, compared to 12 sales during the same period in 2023. Local executives and newly-landed immigrants have been behind the push for high-end housing in Halifax this year. Some softening in values have contributed to the uptick in activity, with the average price of a luxury property sold in 2024 hovering at $1.56 million compared to $1.73 million one year ago. Halifax's Peninsula area continues to draw the greatest number of buyers, with 50 per cent of sales occurring in the community to date. The area offers up a limited supply of stately character homes, some offering waterfront with riparian rights, in a picturesque setting within five minutes of the city core. While listings are scarce on the Peninsula, there are several properties in the area that offer potential for renovation where the money invested will usually provide a decent return upon sale. The remainder of sales activity is occurring in sought-after suburban neighbourhoods and on the outskirts of town where waterfront properties offering lake frontage are a popular choice. Newer, contemporary construction is cropping up in established older communities such as Bedford West, where modern homes are quickly snapped up. An influx of listings early in the year has contributed to greater selection at the top end of the market for buyers but have held price appreciation in check for sellers. This is primarily due to strong upward momentum at lower price points which has pushed more properties into higher price points. As a result, many would-be trade-up buyers have been sidelined, especially at the $800,000 to $1.2 million price point. There are currently 78 properties listed for sale over the $1.2 million price point. The economic impact of 10 rate hikes by the Bank of Canada in a relatively short period of time has affected a large percentage of local buyers, but falling lending rates are slowly drawing some back into the market at lower price points. On the cusp of the traditional spring market, the forecast is promising. Although the flurry of activity experienced during the Covid era is unlikely to repeat itself, the Halifax housing market is expected to ramp up in coming months. About the RE/MAX Network As one of the leading global real estate franchisors, RE/MAX, LLC is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings (NYSE: RMAX) with more than 140,000 agents in over 9,000 offices with a presence in more than 110 countries and territories. RE/MAX Canada refers to RE/MAX of Western Canada (1998), LLC, RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada, Inc., and RE/MAX Promotions, Inc., each of which are affiliates of RE/MAX, LLC. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by residential transaction sides. RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. RE/MAX agents have lived, worked and served in their local communities for decades, raising millions of dollars every year for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® and other charities. To learn more about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit remax.ca. For the latest news from RE/MAX Canada, please visit blog.remax.ca. Mario Toneguzzi Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada's Podcast. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 as one of the Top 10 Business Journalists in the World by PR News – the only Canadian to make the list. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024. About Us Canada's Podcast is the number one podcast in Canada for entrepreneurs and business owners. Established in 2016, the podcast network has interviewed over 600 Canadian entrepreneurs from coast-to-coast. With hosts in each province, entrepreneurs have a local and national format to tell their stories, talk about their journey and provide inspiration for anyone starting their entrepreneurial journey and well- established founders. The commitment to a grass roots approach has built a loyal audience on all our social channels and YouTube – 500,000+ lifetime YouTube views, 200,000 + audio downloads, 35,000 + average monthly social impressions, 10,000 + engaged social followers and 35,000 newsletter subscribers. Canada's Podcast is proud to provide a local, national and international presence for Canadian entrepreneurs to build their brand and tell their story. businessCanada's Number One Podcast for EntrepreneursentrepreneursentrepreneurshipHomesHousingLuxuryReal Estatesmall business

Kimberly Hooks, CEO of Frenchy Cannoli Brand and Kevin McGovern owner of First Harvest Hemp join Riley to talk about the history of hashish and the process of making quality product. Kimberly carries on the legacy of her late husband Frenchy Cannoli, a notorious hash maker by sharing workshops across the world. Kimberly and Cherryblossom Belle (Frenchy's apprentice) will be teaching a workshop on Saturday April 6th in Westboro, MA. Join Riley and the Hash making legends for an unforgettable experience at First Harvest Hemp! Resources Buy tickets to the MA Hash workshop  https://www.purplepass.com/#282953/Frenchy_Cannoli-Lost_Art_-_Westboro,_MA-Lost_Art_-_Westboro,_MA-April-06-2024.html   Learn more about Frenchy (his website) https://frenchycannoli.com/about   The Darker Side: Decarbing & the Role of Heat https://thepressclub.co/blogs/tips-tricks/the-darker-side-hashish-why-press-your-resin   Temple ball youtube videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCfzTaGmOa8&rco=1   Whitethorn Rose Strain: https://www.leafly.com/strains/whitethorn-rose   Hashishene (the terpene) https://www.veriheal.com/blog/terpenes/hashishene/   Thai Stick Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0231161344?psc=1&smid=A145U086SR2CTZ&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp   First Harvest Hemp: https://www.thefirsthemp.com/

In this no-holds-barred episode of our blasphemously insightful podcast, we take a deep dive into the enigmatic world of Jeremiah Chapter 27. Join us as we strip away the holy veneer and expose the downright bizarre narrative where Jeremiah, possibly history's first spin doctor, touts the Babylonian tyrant Nebuchadnezzar as God's BFF. Yes, you heard it right – the almighty apparently has a soft spot for foreign despots.We'll unravel the comedic spectacle of Jeremiah donning yokes and bonds, which might just be ancient performance art at its finest, or perhaps a desperate bid for attention. Imagine him at the city gates, the OG protester, giving those Westboro folks a run for their money.Our discussion mercilessly mocks the so-called divine decrees that conveniently support political submission. We're calling out the celestial strings being pulled here, and spoiler alert: it smells like a heavenly load of BS. We're not just questioning the historical accuracy of the famed seventy-year domination prophecy; we're tearing it to shreds and calling out the theological implications.Expect a scathing critique of the Bible's claim that submitting to a conqueror is somehow a spiritual win. Let's be real: If God's plan includes cozying up to invaders, maybe it's time to switch deities or, better yet, abandon the divine stock market altogether.Get ready to question everything you thought you knew about prophets and politics as we dissect the roles of diviners, dreamers, and ancient influencers. Are they the predecessors to modern-day conspiracy theorists? Listen in and decide for yourself.Tune in to this episode of "Jeremiah Chapter 27" for a blasphemously good time, where we don't just read between the lines – we rewrite them with a heavy dose of skepticism and a side of snark. Because let's face it, when it comes to ancient prophecies, we'd rather trust our horoscope.Join us on DISCORD: https://discord.gg/8RwwMrb5zKSkip the ads by joining Acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/6331d364470c7900137bb57dThank you for stopping by Sacrilegious Discourse - Bible Study for Atheists!Check out these links for more information about our podcast and merchandise:Our Homepage: https://sacrilegiousdiscourse.com/ Join Acast+ to enjoy our podcast adfree! https://plus.acast.com/s/sacrilegiousiscourse. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Commissioner Kosseim speaks with Elyane Ruel, Head of School, and Grade 7 and 8 students from Westboro Academy in Ottawa, Ontario. Do kids even care about privacy anymore? [2:01]What does privacy mean, how would you define it? [3:43]Sharing information with some, but not with others [5:56]Strategies for protecting yourself online [8:22]Respecting the privacy of others [12:11]Regrets about posting something online that can't be taken down later [14:01]Concerns young people have about being online [14:44]Teaching kids about privacy at school [21:16]Technology use in the classroom, protecting student privacy [26:59]Strategies for teaching students about digital citizenship [29:08]Using the IPC's Privacy Pursuit! lesson plans in the classroom [31:10]How the lesson plans can be a springboard for other classroom activities [32:30]The IPC's draft Digital Privacy Charter for Ontario Schools [33:10]Developing kid-friendly resources to teach kids about privacy [34:39]It's about more than technology — the importance of social and emotional learning to help kids develop their independence in the digital world [36:54]Resources:Privacy Pursuit! lesson plans (free IPC lesson plans to teach kids about privacy)Digital Privacy Charter for Ontario SchoolsTeaching kids about privacy (Info Matters episode with Daniel Solove)Teenage confidential: Teens, technology, and privacy (Info Matters episode with Matthew Johnson)From high school to university: a young person's perspective on digital privacy (Info Matters episode with Keith Baybayon)Ontario joins Canadian privacy regulators in passing resolutions on the privacy of young people and workers (October 2023, IPC news release)Resolution on children's digital rights (Adopted resolution of the Global Privacy Assembly, October 2021 – IPC co-sponsor)Personal Data Protection Competency Framework for School Students (includes foundational learning principles – International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners – IPC co-sponsor)The IPC's Youth Advisory CouncilIPC Strategic Priorities 2021-2025Children and Youth in a Digital World(IPC resources)Info Matters is a podcast about people, privacy, and access to information hosted by Patricia Kosseim, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. We dive into conversations with people from all walks of life and hear stories about the access and privacy issues that matter most to them. If you enjoyed the podcast, leave us a rating or a review. Have an access to information or privacy topic you want to learn more about? Interested in being a guest on the show? Send us a tweet @IPCinfoprivacy or email us at podcast@ipc.on.ca.  The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only. It should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the IPC does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this podcast, and information from this podcast should not be used or reproduced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. None of the information, opinions and recommendations presented in this podcast bind the IPC's Tribunal that may be called upon to independently investigate and decide upon an individual complaint or appeal based on the specific facts and unique circumstances of a given case.

We've all seen the awful signs the Westboro Baptist Church holds up at their disgusting pickets, whether that be at soldier's funerals, university campuses, pride events and more. In today's episode we are doing a deep dive on the WBC from the founder's birth to where they are today. So, buckle up buttercup because, this shit is hateful! Trigger Warnings: CultHomophobia RacismAnti SemitismHate SpeechPhysical AbuseReligious AbuseSpiritual Abuse1 Animal Muder (Not Graphic) Mentions of AbortionDementiaLauren Drain tells her story through her new podcast called Triggered. https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=1680976469&i=1000607603644Lauren Drain's Link Treehttps://linkgenie.net/laurendrainfitBanished | Lauren Drain's Bookhttps://amzn.to/3QTqSCs(Commision Link) Unfollow | Megan Phelps Roper Bookhttps://amzn.to/3QvfqeZ(Commision Link)Phelps Kids interview on The Rosie Showhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxEmCFLMq7o&t=665sDortha Bird Interviewhttps://www.facebook.com/fromhatetohope/videos/1887570784796901/Interview with Mark Phelpshttps://www.facebook.com/fromhatetohope/videos/1887563688130944Interview with Nate Phelpshttps://www.facebook.com/fromhatetohope/videos/1887575568129756Loui Th. Documentary Links (3 Parts)https://ia804509.us.archive.org/20/items/Louis_Theroux_-_Surviving_Americas_Most_Hated_Family_m0006vv7_signed/Louis_Theroux_-_Surviving_Americas_Most_Hated_Family_m0006vv7_signed.mp4https://watchdocumentaries.com/the-most-hated-family-in-america/https://watchdocumentaries.com/americas-most-hated-family-in-crisis/ Follow Us On Social Media The PodcastTik Tok @DeadlyFaithPodcastInstagram @DeadlyFaithPodcastLaciTik Tok @Laci_BeanInstagram @Laci__BeanLolaTik Tok @hellotherelolaInstagram @Spellbound_Shears

Thank you to Heather Greene - CEO, Milam and Greene/Whiskey Author/Speaker Whiskey Road Show Seminar: Milam and Greene at Julio's Liquors, Westboro, MassachusettsMilam & Greene CEO, Heather Greene (Scotch Malt Whisky Society, Order of the Writ) for a tasting across her line of premium whiskies.We tasted: Milam & Greene Triple CaskMilam & Greene Port Finished RyeMilam & Greene Single BarrelMilam & Greene Very Small BatchMilam & Greene Unabridged

HOUR 3 Anne Gross, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN. Senior Vice President, Dana Farber Former Bruins Captain Patrice Bergeron joins and talks about what's next for him in retirement Lisa Blanchard, Chief Clinical Officer (COO)and Marybeth Adams, Executive Director of Inpatient Services at New England RecoveryCenter in Westboro  

A Spencer church goes up in flames after a lightning strike. A Westboro man accused of murdering his mother is sent for a psychiatric evaluation. A class action lawsuit is filed against Compass Medical. 5 minutes of news that will keep you in The Loop.

The New Story Podcast exists to equip you to live out your Christian life as you faithfully love God and love others with truth and grace. On this Equip episode of the New Story Podcast, Jeremy and Dennis discuss how we can respond to Westboro Baptist Church coming to picket the Turner High School Graduation. They then talk through Tim Keller's book Counterfeit Gods and how we can all diagnose the source of our idols. .Resources:• We're Hiring a new Teaching Pastor - Learn more• Sermon - Idols and Icons (Acts Week 14)• Website - Westboro Baptist Church• Link - Westboro's News Release for Public Preaching• Book - Counterfeit Gods by Tim KellerTo learn more about New Story Church, you can do that by visiting NewStory.Church or find us on Instagram and Facebook at @NewStoryKC.

JR Rife - Author, Rocker, Theologian, and Modern Viking - engages in a variety of topics, ranging from Biblical to Heavy Metal to anthropology in this eclectic podcast.

Pro tip: This episode pairs well with a shot of Malort.(JK nothing does)First up Megan takes us back to the greatest moment in music history – Woodstock '99. By greatest, we mean the exact opposite.Then Lauren gets heated talking about the hate-filled family of Westboro Baptist Church. We'll be gone for a few weeks, so while we're out, send us lots and lots of topics to thefreakshowpod@gmail.com. Later, freaks! 

In part two of their discussion with former Westboro Baptist Church member Lauren Drain, she'll share how she was kicked out of the group and struggled to build a new social circle, the fear mongering that the Church used, and her healing journey including the use of fitness, EMDR, and ayahuasca. PLUS an incredible update on her family's current status! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp! Learn more and save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/trust Quote your car insurance at Progressive.com to join the over 29 million drivers who trust Progressive! Got your own story about cults, extreme belief, or abuse of power? Leave a voicemail or text us at 347-86-TRUST (347-868-7878) OR shoot us an email at TrustMePod@gmail.com CHECK OUT OUR MERCH!!! bit.ly/trustmemerch INSTAGRAM: @TrustMePodcast @oohlalola @meaganelizabeth11 TWITTER: @TrustMeCultPod @ohlalola @baberahamhicks TIKTOK: @TrustMeCultPodcast

Powered by Jim Keay Ford, Drake talks about the first two weeks of the season from an individual and team perspective. He gives us some insight on the Josh Norris shoulder injury, which is long term. We get into the story of Magnus Hellberg, who was so good in the win over Dallas Monday. We ask him about Derick Brassard and his veteran presence on the team and the early breakout of Erik Brannstrom. Drake also discusses buying his first house in Westboro, an area of Ottawa which has become home for almost half the current team. And we get the scoop on the Sens recent Halloween party.

"New decade. New rules." Join the gang while we go back to Westboro, Wait that wasn't it. Woodsboro... Thats it. Join the gang there while we try to figure out who done it again. Will Todd die while streaming his own credit card info? Will Mikey get shot RIGHT IN THE DICK? Will Paige finally step out of her Cousin's shadow and into the spotlight she deserves? Find out now. Help Support our HV Family: www.Patreon.com/HorrorVirgin Follow us @HorrorVirgin: Facebook Twitter Instagram Up next: Predator 2 (1990)

INTRODUCTION: I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Exposition, with an interdisciplinary in Literature, from Moody Bible Institute. I was one of two recipients of the MBI Homiletical Jury Award for outstanding preaching in 2016. I have experience as a youth pastor, pastoral intern, academic journal editor, and guest speaker.  I used to be a part of the largest cult in the United States. In 2019, I published my first book as a first step in addressing the subtle issues of this complex system. In 2021, I continued my work with this podcast!  INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE (But not limited to):  ·      The Cult That Is Christianity ·      Control – Containment - Conversion·      How Sermons Are Put Together·      Toxic Positivity ·      Churches' Role In Divorce·      Religious/Church Trauma·      How The Church Likes To Be Like The World·      Different Rules For Leaders Vs. Followers In Church·      Why We Have Trust Issues With The Church·      Where Did All These Rules Come From?·      An Interesting Explanation Of Narcissism ·      Religious Discrimination  CONNECT WITH JOHN: Website, Social Media & Books: https://linktr.ee/thecultofchristianity CONNECT WITH DE'VANNON: Website: https://www.SexDrugsAndJesus.comWebsite: https://www.DownUnderApparel.comYouTube: https://bit.ly/3daTqCMFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/SexDrugsAndJesus/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sexdrugsandjesuspodcast/Twitter: https://twitter.com/TabooTopixLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devannonPinterest: https://www.pinterest.es/SexDrugsAndJesus/_saved/Email: DeVannon@SexDrugsAndJesus.com  DE'VANNON'S RECOMMENDATIONS: ·      Pray Away Documentary (NETFLIX)o  https://www.netflix.com/title/81040370o  TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk_CqGVfxEs ·      OverviewBible (Jeffrey Kranz)o  https://overviewbible.como  https://www.youtube.com/c/OverviewBible ·      Hillsong: A Megachurch Exposed (Documentary)o  https://press.discoveryplus.com/lifestyle/discovery-announces-key-participants-featured-in-upcoming-expose-of-the-hillsong-church-controversy-hillsong-a-megachurch-exposed/ ·      Leaving Hillsong Podcast With Tanya Levino  https://leavinghillsong.podbean.com  ·      Upwork: https://www.upwork.com·      FreeUp: https://freeup.net VETERAN'S SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS ·      Disabled American Veterans (DAV): https://www.dav.org·      American Legion: https://www.legion.org ·      What The World Needs Now (Dionne Warwick): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfHAs9cdTqg  INTERESTED IN PODCASTING OR BEING A GUEST?: ·      PodMatch is awesome! This application streamlines the process of finding guests for your show and also helps you find shows to be a guest on. The PodMatch Community is a part of this and that is where you can ask questions and get help from an entire network of people so that you save both money and time on your podcasting journey.https://podmatch.com/signup/devannon  TRANSCRIPT: [00:00:00] You're listening to the sex drugs and Jesus podcast, where we discuss whatever the fuck we want to! And yes, we can put sex and drugs and Jesus all in the same bed and still be all right at the end of the day. My name is De'Vannon and I'll be interviewing guests from every corner of this world as we dig into topics that are too risqué for the morning show, as we strive to help you understand what's really going on in your life.There is nothing off the table and we've got a lot to talk about. So let's dive right into this episode.De'Vannon: Hey, y'all and welcome back to the sex drugs in Jesus podcast. I love having you every week. I, so look forward to it and this week is no different and we're coming in hot and heavy with episode 67. As we talk about some religious and church trauma. Y'all John Verner is my guess. And this man is a smart motherfucker.He is well educated. He is well learned, well traveled and well studied. He's the author of the book [00:01:00] called the cult of Christianity. He hosts a podcast after the same title. And in the days episode, we're discussing his very hurtful history with churches as he opens up about his very, very, very personal experiences while he's giving us at the same time, a very inside look at how churches work, because he's been on staff at churches and things like that before.I hope you're delighted about everything. John has to say take a listen.Hello? Are you beautiful bitches? I would like to welcome you right back here to the sex drugs and motherfucking Jesus podcast. I have with me a delicious that nutritious man by the name of John M I'm gonna pronounce his name as VAE because John: VAE, I love that.That's so no one's ever done that. That's good. That's my name from now on. I love that De'Vannon: he is the host of the coat of Christie Andy podcast, and he is [00:02:00] a, the author of a delicious and nutritious book titled the same. And everyone knows my history, my chaotic and turbulent history with the church. And so when I discovered this son of a bitch, I decided, Hey, John: hi.Hi. Hi, how you doing today? I am doing great. Thank you so much for having me on I love the, the title of your pod. I was laughing cuz haven't had a ton of sex. I've only done a little bit of drugs, but boy, I've done a lot of Jesus. So I'm, I'm happy to be on. De'Vannon: Oh, the way Jesus is packaged by these churches makes him just as much of a narcotic as anything.John: absolutely. Absolutely. De'Vannon: So you've had all the drugs and so. In your own words, tell us your history and everything. Before I open my cock holster and do it for you. John: all right. Sounds great. Yeah. So I grew up very religious [00:03:00] very Christian. I had what you might call like a, a reformed upbringing, which is kind of a more conservative and formal version of evangelicalism.And my dad was in leadership in the church. Church was a part of life. We went to Sunday morning and evening service. We went, you know, a couple times during the week. And so all my social life was at church. I was homeschooled. So church was kind of the world to me. But I was always a pretty skeptical child.Things didn't quite add up to me. So it wasn't until age 11, where I officially converted after asking a lot of questions about how we could trust the Bible and what if we're all questions? And so I was really good. Other than that, though, I was a goody two shoes, you know, never did nothing [00:04:00]wrong.But then after I converted to Christianity officially, I yeah. Decided to take it very seriously to the point where at 17 years old, I felt the call to be a pastor. And so started looking at college options and. There weren't a ton for undergrad. And so I was like, well, I want to, I wanna get going now I'm on fire now.Praise Jesus. So wanted to, I wanted to go be a pastor and I didn't want to have to wait eight years to do it. And so I found a good at the time reputable college where I could study biblical exposition. So I went and got that degree. I have a bachelor of arts and biblical exposition with an interdisciplinary literature and got that, got married, got hitched.And by the time I graduated, [00:05:00] I was a little burned out. I thought it was just normal ministry burn. And so I figured I'll take a little time off from this church stuff. I'll still go to church regularly. I was still a youth pastor. That's what taking it taking time off. Looks like when you're a Christian is just doing less, but still being very active.And so. Then I went through a very, very messy divorce that kind of drove me into a downward spiral. Had a bit of a, a flirtatious dance with alcoholism. I like to say where you know, I, and nothing really mattered anymore. And I was trying to reconcile all the problems I had had with Christianity my whole life that I just kept kind of putting on the back burner.And I got burned by the church. My ex-spouse got burned by the church as well through the process of our divorce. And I was like, you know, I'm not sure, I'm not sure if all of this [00:06:00] is true. Fast forwarding through a lot of funny stories. You get to me living in a van, traveling with my cat across the country where I started to write my book, the cult of Christianity, how church's control, contain, and convert.So I wrote that book was expecting a lot of backlash, got some . But not as much as I was expecting, I suppose. So that was nice and refreshing. And then in early 20, 21 I was thinking of different ways to promote the book. And I was like, oh, a lot of authors have podcasts to promote their books.So let me do it that way. And I was like, but you know, probably only six people will listen or whatever, it'll be nothing. And then the podcast did way better than the book did and so I got to start interviewing people. I was very interested in interviewing, including Christians that's. Some of my favorite stuff to do is get into interviews with [00:07:00] Christians.And so that's kind of what I do now. And currently I'm between seasons, but it's really been rewarding to be able to talk about from both my experience and my expertise. How Christianity, especially white American evangelicalism functions as a cult. That's me. De'Vannon: Hallelujah, tabernacle and praiseSo we're gonna dig deep into everything that you just said. I wanted to get into your podcast artwork though. Mm-hmm cause it there's this huge guy standing on a pedestal platform or a chair or something like that. And then three minions surrounding him and bowing. And I couldn't tell, is that supposed to be God or is that supposed to be the church or a preacher?What does that, what does this artwork mean John: to you? Wow, this is FA nobody's ever asked me this. This is a great question. So I've gone through different iterations of artwork have even consulted with other people to update the artwork, cuz it's pretty [00:08:00] old at this point and I haven't been able to get away from it.And one of the main reasons is I love the non-descript nature of it. There it's it's for, for your audience, it's basically clip art and it looks you can't tell if it's. The gender, the race you can't tell if it's God or if it's a preacher. And I like that because I think that's a lot of what goes on at church who, who is being worshiped.Who's the one bowing, the knee, who's the one on the pedestal. So every time I've tried to make the artwork more grabby or more interesting, I end up saying more with it than I mean to but the, the, the, the way I interpret it and other people can interpret it. Other ways is cults have hierarchies.There's always leaders and followers. There's always one person or several people on pedestals, and then other people just basically having to [00:09:00] submit to their authority and in any environment where that is demanded, I think it can qualify as a cult. My three alliterative words are control containment, conversion.And so I hope that the art communicates like that's, if you were able to zoom out and take away all the social constructs, that's kind of what Christianity actually is concur. De'Vannon: Yeah. I appreciate the, I appreciate the the ambiguity of the huge figure. And I I've said the same thing myself and I've, and I've been, I've done this in the past, you know, worship to pastors without really realizing it.I worship the building, the worship leaders you know, anybody up on a stage and yeah. And, you know, so, and I learned in, in my hypnotherapy training, you know, when a person is on a stage, we subconsciously bow them in a way, you know, before we even realize that just by virtue of them being on a stage.And [00:10:00] we're not really as critical of people as we should be, just because they're on a stage. So you said your Bible college was credible at the time. Did they fall into some scandal or anything since you grew? Oh John: A handful it's moody Bible Institute. You can just Google moody Bible Institute, controversy, moody Bible Institute, title nine moody Bible Institute you know abuse, whatever while, while I was there, I mean about just while I was a student there were about.I would say at least two or three, pretty like nationally recognizable scandals. The thing is, it's such a small school that people forget about it very quickly. The campus I went to doesn't even exist anymore. It's it's shut down. They only have one campus now in Chicago and I believe they're struggling pretty hard.But yeah, the, the [00:11:00] what's funny though, is the education I received at the secondary campus, I would say was, was shockingly solid. It was, it was pretty good. But the culture was brutal. It was bad toxic from the top down. De'Vannon: Lie, scandals and John: deceptions. Yeah, the fun. So De'Vannon: a gondola , but you were pretty good.I read where you, you were one of two recipients of the, the moody Bible Institute, home tical jury award for outstanding ING in the year 20 scene. So does that mean you can hoop and holler or John: what? Yeah, I, I won preaching. So yeah, it was silly. It's it's so every graduating senior at moody Bible Institute, I believe on both campuses faces a Holi jury homily, just meaning sermons a jury, meaning people who judge youAnd so [00:12:00] you stand before, it's usually a panel. I think it's four judges, usually a preacher from the local community, the preaching prof. An administrator and another professor and yeah, scored almost perfect on my sermon. So it was fun. But can you imagine anything more boring than a bunch of 22 year olds preaching 30 minutes sermons for three to five hours over two days and sitting through them and marking them on how good their gestures are, their use of visual aids.Did I get the big idea of their sermon? That kind of thing. But I'm apparently I was really good at it, so I don't know what that says about me, but you, De'Vannon: you preached for three or to five hours straight for three John: days. Oh, I just preached 30 minutes, but there was the students rotate through. Okay.For hours. Yeah. Okay. So what De'Vannon: I'm curious about. You, you, you, you, you just said like a few of the things that they critique you on. [00:13:00] I wanna know exactly how they analyze a sermon for quality, because this is my gripe I have with, with this new culture where these churches, the, they pre-write the sermon, they gotta get previewed by the board or whatever, you know, before it's put out to the church, I feel like they're doing that so they can be sure they have certain keywords and phrases and everything.So they can effectively, still mind fuck the congregation. to me, it feels like it's not as authentic. You know, it as how, when you read, like, you know, the Hebrew Bible and everything like that, when those people preach, they just got up and spoke. It was the same thing were the preachers who raised me.There was none of this. I need to write it down shit. And so, yeah. What, what rubric, what are they checking for? John: Wow. This is a huge, I mean, this is worth a whole episode. I, I, I particularly enjoy deconstructing how servants work, because I think a lot of people don't [00:14:00] even know the process and there are a million different styles.So the camp I was trained in would be called big idea, preach. There are literally books about different styles and structures of sermons. But the I guess philosophy or, or ministry style I, I was trained in is called big idea preaching. Big idea. Preaching just means there's one big idea you're trying to get across throughout the whole sermon.It's you repeat one phrase? The sermon I won on the big idea was God lets us be lonely so that we will know he is our only which boy, is that a problematic statement? But, but it won. And so, so, so many things, one in, in the camp I'm trained in, you memorize your sermon, meaning you manuscript it, you type every single word you're going to [00:15:00] say, and you memorize it.You have no notes. And I'm very thankful for that, cuz it makes you an effective speaker. But when. I'm most cynical about my degree. I joke that I have a degree in Ted talks because that's kind of what sermons, at least in the more trendy churches are now. Some of the more old school, if you're in a traditional Protestant church, you might hear three point sermons that was very common.They'll usually have an alliteration or something like that, you know, three CS or, you know, four DS or whatever. Mm-hmm, kind of a point by point sermon that's pretty common. Most sermons are gonna have a, basically like a, a three part structure, a hook, you know, where you get people interested in listening to you.It could be a personal story or an anecdote from history or something like that. Then it's got the meat of the content that can look like reading through the Bible and commentary style, you know, where you're just commenting on the verses as you're going through, or it can [00:16:00] be principles you've drawn out.You might, this is where you would do word studies or talk about the original context and then application, or what, why is this relevant? Is usually the third part in the style I was trained in. And that third part is where you relate it back to Jesus and the gospel story. So sermons are very ordered and structured now in different eras of history, they have been different things.And even in the us, I mean, during the great awakening, they were very you know, fire in brimstone. We joke about that, but, but they were oftentimes off the top of the head and very impassioned different cultures worldwide have viewed sermons very differently. Sermons, in my opinion, didn't even really exist back in ancient Judaism they, they were more storytellers and, and so there might have been parables, but what we would think of [00:17:00] now as a sermon, I, I don't think quite existed until probably the apostolic era.Probably I don't even personally think Jesus preached sermons which is not a popular belief, but I think he was just speaking and people were following him. And some of it got written down. So, so sermons mean different things to different people. But if we're talking about the word preach and Greek, I mean, it really just means proclaiming or talking.It, it's not a thing that a special person ordained by a committee reviewed by peers is supposed to speak about, it's not an academic thing or at least it wasn't originally. So it's definitely turned into something quite different than it used to be.What do De'Vannon: you think about Joel Ostein? John: I love him. De'Vannon: wait. I bring him up. I know. I, I get to sarcasm in your toes. Yeah. I, I [00:18:00] bring him up because that's the church that I was at before I got kicked out. And mm-hmm, I talk about, I talk about Lakewood church a lot because that's where my greatest church trauma happened at.Had it been at beque church of God in Christ or Sally's church, or the way that I would talking about beque or Sally and not Joe Ostein, but that's just where the shit went down. And it just happens to be the largest church in America. And but it's convenient for my task. Since he is, since he does own the largest church in America, other churches look up to him and they try to emulate the things that they do.And so, and that's why I like to dissect them all the time, because you have a lot of people, there's people who even like stream and broadcast their service into like their gym auditorium. And that is their service. Right. At least the case when I still went there. So their influences is global mm-hmm what, what do you, what, what, just tell me what you think [00:19:00] about them.John: So I have a, probably the strangest X evangelical non-Christian anymore relationship with Joel Ostein in that everyone wants to talk about him. And they did when I was at Bible college too, like in, in a negative light. And he deserves a lot of it. Don't get me wrong. I mean, he is, he is very like outwardly Almost unapologetically in it for the money.I mean, you don't have to be a super like analytical person to just look at his church and go something doesn't add up here. The problem with him is he is a great scapegoat for more local churches and people who think they're better than Joel Ostein. And they're not doing the exact same things that Joel Ostein does.He's a great scapegoat for them to say, yeah, you gotta watch out for wolves and sheeps closing, like Joel Ostein instead of facing how they operate Colts in very similar ways. So [00:20:00] that's kind of the angle I come at it from don't get me wrong. Everything negative anyone's ever said about Joel Ostein is probably true.But he does not scare me as much as the local churches do. Primarily because local churches don't have a national audience. They're not under the same kind of microscope. They can get away with a lot more. So those are just my initial thoughts, but I'm happy to dig into more De'Vannon: dissect the preaching style.So when I was there, people used to, you know, criticize him for being too happy. They would say people would jump up in the middle of a sermon and holler and stuff before security and their asses out of the building and stuff like that. I'd show up the church and there'd be protestors and everything like that.I thought all of that was a bit extreme. Mm-hmm but, but I don't know. I mean, on the one hand, I [00:21:00] was like, I'm happy to hear something happy instead of the fire in the Bri me Stoney. But since after I got kicked out of there, I went through so much bad stuff. The person I am now like a message, like his would be too, like Milky, like it wouldn't sustain.Like it, it doesn't really speak to deep shit. John: Yeah. Well, so the it's kind of like the concept of toxic positivity, right. He, and, and in Christian circles, they'll call it the prosperity gospel. So yeah, I think that's bad. I think it's bad not to be able to admit that life is tough and hard and like has bad things in it.And when you're unable to articulate that it's suspicious. I because the background I came from was never positive and toxically cynical. Again, Joel Ostein doesn't trigger me as much. I'm like, oh look, someone being a nice person. Who's a Christian. That's refreshing. [00:22:00] So, so that's kind of what I, I think, but I will say, so I read, I read your best life now.And I, you know, I was in a culture that thought Joel Ostein was the devil. And so I always kind of was more charitable towards him than a lot of other people. But as far as the preaching style, he's a great speaker and people who emulate him are gonna be great speakers. Why? Because it's the same formula Ted talks do.You can watch a Ted talk and think it's the most amazing thing you've ever heard. And then you sit back for another five minutes and you're like, I have no idea what they actually. Like, I, I don't, I don't know if they said anything of value at all, or if they just have such a good speaking style that it was engaging, regardless of whether the material was actually relevant to anythingSo I think the same thing goes on with Joel Ostein. I think it's nice to listen to 'em it feels good. And then you sit back and you go, you didn't really say anything like nothing, [00:23:00] nothing profound was said, I De'Vannon: concur. And y'all when he says your best life. Now he's talking about Joel's first book. And I read that one too.And I agree with you. I was like, and even as I was going to church there for all those years, it got to a point, well, the sermons started being repeated from time to right. And then I would kind of be like and especially now that I'm away from it, I'm like the fuck that you really just say , but you know, that's a part of the whole.Hypnosis aspect of it, you know, by the time you're done with all the laser lights and the worship and the smoke fog and everything like that, your critical mind is blasted. Like you don't have any yeah. You're just open to whatever the fuck is going to be said. And and what you said about it being a formula, it's true.Like I see the same shit replicated in all the OST stings, the way they preach. Mm-hmm, be it, the ones there at Lakewood or their extended family to have other churches in Texas and stuff like that. [00:24:00] And the way they all crank out these books and everything, you know, it finally collected me when, like, this is not it's like, so like rare and special.This is not necessarily God saying thou shall preach this. Or thou she write this book, right. Bitch has got an ABC 1 23 algorithm. And you're just repeating the same shit over again. Mm-hmm and then my problem is with that is that they don't share it to the whole world. Like they're only giving it to like their select few people.Yeah, John: well, any good business model, you don't give away all your content for free, right? And churches are no different. You know, they, they claim everything is free. But it's not, it's, it's a, it's an MLM. It's you know, the, and, and that comes in my opinion, from their theological perspective, that all you need to have a good life is to just believe Jesus was God.I mean, that's a crazy formula to assume, and it comes with a million asterisk because you can [00:25:00] believe Jesus is God, but then all of a sudden you have to serve in the church. You have to have these kind of sexual practices. You have to raise this kind of family. You there's a lot of strings attached the further in you goDe'Vannon: hallelujah, tabernacle and praise. So I wanna go back to this divorce, so sure. How do you identify sexually? John: I don't no, I I I, for, for the sake of my queer friends, I will say that I am SISs head to society. SISs head SISs head SISs head as I'm a cisgender man heterosexual. Sure. Yeah, we'll just go with that.Personally. My, my personal feelings about sexuality is everybody's on a spectrum. The labels are helpful sometimes, but for broad stroke purposes, but if [00:26:00] you actually wanted to get to know me, a simple conversation with a simple label will never do the trick. Oh. De'Vannon: So I might get to have my way with you yet.John: gotta keep the hope alive. De'Vannon: Hercules Hercules. And so, yeah, so, so. I wanna know just how nasty it got with this divorce. Cause I've talked to people like I was kicked out cause they found out I wasn't straight. And they were like, basically you're pedophile will give you conversion therapy if you want it.Other than that, you can't stay. Yeah. So when, and I, but I I've heard of churches treating people who get divorced the same way. Like I don't think getting divorced is I have a lot of opinions on that, but just tell me what happened. I wanna know just, just how nasty did they get? John: Yeah. So I I'll mention, you know, there's obviously parts that I'll omit just outta respect for my expo.But what I will say is it, it came about suddenly it wasn't directly related to any [00:27:00] spiritual issues. We were both, I mean we met at Bible college. So, you know, there, there were expectations that went along with that that I think. Both of us had expectations that changed as we got older, but had no tools to communicate them because we were so indoctrinated to do it a Christian way, but the Christian way did not fit what we wanted to be in our life.So and I wish I was as mature as I am now to, I, I would never have been able to articulate that while it was happening. And, and I was a pretty bad husband. I, I do take 99, if not a hundred percent of the responsibility for that marriage ending. But as far as how it related to the church, they wanted to be so involved and basically micromanage the process of us getting [00:28:00] back together, which initially was both of our goals.When we first separated, we did, we didn't do a clean break. You know, we were. She they had moved out and we were trying to you know, figure out if there was a path forward. And we were, you know, seeing a relationship coach we were actually communicating better than we ever had, but the church was concerned that our relationship coach wasn't, you know, a biblical counselor or whatever.And every time they would meet with us, which we met with them a lot both the head pastor and associate pastor it was like a very mob like, or mafia, like where, you know, well, what are you, are you doing it this way? You know, what, what kind of do, are you interested in our community? I, we would sometimes skip church, right?Because we were exhausted cuz it was an exhausting time and every time we skip church, they would say, even if it's too triggering for y'all to come to ours, you'd need to be going somewhere. [00:29:00]You should never skip church basically. And so it, it, it. It really hurt because by this point I had been burned by churches in big ways, at least two times prior.And so this was definitely a final straw moment for me because I knew what to expect and it happened. And it was just kind of like the, the two previous experiences had really led me to believe that churches can be really toxic, but they're not supposed to be. And the third one was kind of the, the, you know, what do they say in comedy?Two is a suggestion, three confirms the pattern. It was a confirming the pattern that, oh, this is what churches do. This isn't like exception to the rule anymore. They make people feel like crap if they don't do things their way. And it hurt really bad. So that was all kind of vague. I can get [00:30:00]into some more of the details, but, but in general, the idea was.If I did not follow a very specific pass path, I was not going to be welcome regardless of the fact that I had more religious education than most of the congregation, regardless of the fact that I had been a pastoral intern and youth pastor with them, regardless of the fact that I had written some of their policies to protect their children because they had none, regardless of all this effort I had put in, it didn't matter.I was still under their control. De'Vannon: What do you think gives churches the this, this notion that they can poke their nose and the people's personalized? Why do John: they're they're divinely appointed to do so in their head? I mean, that's, that's why they're there. God has put them there to watch over the F.I mean, this is, it is it's from top to bottom, their mentality. [00:31:00] There's there's leaders and followers at church. There always will be because that's, that's the structure that has, has come about. And Catholicism it's stark, right? Like it's, it's obvious, like you have the Pope, you have priests. It's a very, like, you know, they'll even be like you know what clergy is supposed to be abstinent depending on who you ask, but most would say are supposed to be abstinent.I mean, there's like these hu and dressed differently. I mean, these are huge markers, the same things present in evangelicalism and Protestantism. It's just more secretive. It's not as out to the public. They dress different, they talk different, they look different, they eat different. They have different schedules.Everything is different between leaders and follow. Because De'Vannon: when I was and all, all of those activities reinforces the hypnosis and the mind. Fuck. Yeah. Cause it was, I was at Lakewood. They would bring me into the office and ask me if I had a girlfriend. Yeah. You know, see what I'm John: like. It [00:32:00] matters like yeah.De'Vannon: You know, like and that's a huge problem I have with Joel because when he gets on camera, he's all like, everyone's welcome, you know, case sirrah. Yeah. But then he has these policies going on behind closed door that are very discriminatory. Some people have even alleged, possibly legal, you know, and stuff like that.And and so it's just really like a trip. And so you said that you wrote policies to protect children, protect them from. John: Well, just like with any church, you should have policies about you know, relationships with youth ministers and, and kids and, and policies about you know, if, if you're gonna do like any kind of field trips with kids, that kind of stuff, you should just have policies things for parents to sign, just to protect you legally.It's, it's honestly as much to protect the church as anything else from, from lawsuits. But in my opinion, you should also just wanna protect kids from [00:33:00] abuse. And they just didn't have, I mean, they were a pretty young church plant and they just didn't have any after I was pretty much shown the door at that church, I learned they, the policies, they said they weren't gonna use that.I had written, they ended up using them anyways and plagiarizing and saying someone else had written them, not my biggest the biggest crime anyone's ever done against me. So I'm like, I'm happy those policies are there. so it's fine. But yeah, I mean, it's, it's just, it was kind of the, the toxicity of that environment, De'Vannon: because I was wondering.Like when I signed up the volunteering in the kids department at Lakewood, they had like a clause on their saying specifically that they did not want any homosexual serving around their children. Wow. John: That's specific. Dang, because De'Vannon: they hold a they're, they're the type of people who are like, you're either straight or a pedophile and that's wild and that's just where they're at on that.There is no spectrum for them. And so and so when you said you wrote policies to protect children, I was wondering if it was that same sort of anti LGBTQ thing? No, [00:34:00]John: no, I I've I at my most evangelical and at my most bigoted, which I, I would say I was still bigoted. I still never believed in othering.Queer people. It just never, it never got in at that indoctrination. She never sat in there. it just didn't work. My best friend she's trans and we grew up in the same church together. Same churches actually, when I switched changed churches in high school her family did as well. And so when, when sh I, I, even before she came out, like, I, I wasn't super gung-ho about being bigoted.I always thought Westboro was evil, even at my most evangelical, like, you know, that kind of vitriol hate. I never understood, but I would still say, you know, the bigoted things of like, it's not the best way to please God or some bullshit like that. But but yeah, a after she came out and I started reading [00:35:00] more I kind of took the opinion.I was like, even if it is a sin, which I probably did still think it was. I just was like, it just doesn't seem like that big of a deal. like, I, and it's also someone else's business and it probably didn't help at the time that I had my own hatred towards my own sexuality. You know, even just like masturbating felt like, you know, very shameful to me.So I probably thought it was all garbage. So like who cares which is not necessarily the health healthiest mindset. So no, by the time I was, I was writing church policy. I was not I was not like, yeah. And make sure they're not gay, that, that wasn't in my head at all.Hallelujah. De'Vannon: Tabernacle and praise. What, what for you, do you feel like is the deepest, the deepest [00:36:00] religious or church trauma that you received from your time? I agree with you. It really, really sucks when you've served at a church for a while and you have this history and stuff like that, and it all gets discarded right along with you, because in their opinion, you have fallen from grace.You've done any, you know, you've, you've, you know, none of it, none of it matters. You know, the years that I was at Lakewood and the, the 10, the 10, 12 hours you know, the 10 to 12 hours that I was there every week and stuff like that, you know, it's all great. And we can't replace you. We can't do it without you, until they find the blemish.Then suddenly, you know what, we have a new person coming in today and your services are like, you know, no longer need you're fired from everything. Goodbye. Unless of course you do our conversion therapy package. For me it felt like a [00:37:00] bad breakup. It can, yeah, terrible breakup and It was like the end of a relationship.And, and that is my deepest church or religious trauma that I have ever experienced anywhere. So I'm wondering what it is for you. John: Yeah, it's really hard to rank trauma because it all kind of compounds and turns into the same, cuz you know, even if it's not religious trauma, even if it's any kind of trauma, typically you're going to experience similar kinds of trauma throughout your life.Just based on your personality type, your ways of thinking, how you develop as a child, those kind of factors. So it's hard for me to just like pick a, like a silo, like, oh, this one is the, is the kick. I like to talk about my first one, which is it's a very first chapter in my book. I talk about [00:38:00] being I had written a letter to the pastor and elders at 16 years old at the church I was attending. And I I felt that they were not treating the, the youth, the young, young adults and teenagers very well at that church. They weren't being very respectful towards youth and they had different problematic teachings that I was identifying at 16 years old.And so when I'd written this letter, they said, well, let's talk about it. And so they called me into the church into this horrible, like boardroom meeting. And it really did, like, I don't know if you ever watched the apprentice I did. And like that kind of boardroom, it was just very daunting.And they, they, it was three, the three elders I knew the best. And my parents and I and [00:39:00] I actually asked to do it alone. I was like, this is my deal. I wrote the letter. My parents don't need to be here. And so my parents asked if they'd be comfortable with that. So so they asked, they asked my parents, if it was okay, if I faced them alone, they said, yes. And They just ripped into me for like two to three hours. They called my long hair sinful. That was the big, the big thing I took with me, which is why to this day I still have long hair.And they, you know, said the way we dressed was like the world. They said we hugged the female youth too long, me and my, my best friend and just all this crazy stuff. And it was the first time. And, and what was so crazy about it? They were using scripture so wrongly to justify all their shitty opinions, like clearly like no sane person knowing the context or what the [00:40:00] verses even said themselves would use it.There's that verse that says, let no one despise you for your youth. They use that to say, and that means you shouldn't be worthy of SPR of despise. like, it literally communicates the opposite of that. And so that was the first moment. So I think. I obviously experienced in my opinion, probably worse trauma later related to churches.But I think that was of the aha moment of, oh, even if I'm gonna remain a Christian, I really need to pay attention to what they're actually saying and why they're saying it. So that's the one that sticks with me and probably is responsible for some of my current trust issues. My current anxieties that kind of thing.De'Vannon: It's funny to me how, when it's convenient, these preachers wanna be like, Hey, don't be like the world. Don't, don't fuck with be Zub, you know, and don't [00:41:00] do all that. But when it comes time, you know, time for something that is going to to benefit them, Then they want to be like the world. And so I see this when it comes time to the way they structure the church business models.Yeah. When they pay out salaries and shit like that when they organize the churches behind the scenes and form them mezz like LLCs and shit like that, you know, they don't pay taxes and stuff like that. That's one of my biggest gripes against Lakewood because my friend Barry Bowen, who works with the Trinity foundation in Texas, which investigates churches and stuff like that did, did, did some digging and found out that Lakewood church only has like one actual member on file.You know, it's run by the whole, the whole family is on the board. It's just a bunch of, EENs making all the decisions, but, you know, Which is a very like worldwide thing, you know, there's no voting happening. There's no [00:42:00] congregation, no involvement in decisions and stuff like that. So on the one hand, it's like, Hey, you all are a member, but not really.you know, it's just like in word indeed. So we're gonna pay everyone at church corporate salaries, like the world, we're gonna go business model, like the world, we in a structure, our goddamn sermons, like the motherfucking world, but we don't want y'all to hug too much cuz that would be too worldly and don't drink and for God's sake, cause don't go to a gay bar cause we can't have you looking like the world?No, can we John: yeah. Well and, and again, no notice that pattern. Who can look like the world and who can't, the leaders can look like the world, the followers cannot. The leaders, the, the same rules do not apply to both leaders and followers in church. And what's funny is they would teach with, with their words.They would say, because leaders are held to a higher standard, but time and time. And again, we find they're held to a much lower standard than [00:43:00] followers are. De'Vannon: These are the hypocrites that Jesus warned us about. John: Yeah, Jesus doesn't seem like he was that big of a fan of religious leaders. So no, De'Vannon: he really wasn't though.And, and I wanna give a shout out to my homeboy, Steven, from the book of acts who also threw all the shade at the religious leaders too. He got his ass stoned for it, but you know what? A great honor that Jesus stood up from his position, seated at the right hand of God to receive him at his death. So I'm hashtag team Steven all the way.Fuck the preachers. Fuck the Pope. Fuck every goddamn damn body, but yay God. And so, so I'm gonna switch gears now to your, particularly to your podcast up until now. We just kind of like been talking yeah. About you. So your podcast are called Christianity. I wanna read just some of the titles. I think the titles are just like really titillating [00:44:00] mm-hmm Conversion therapy, Catholicism and Protestant Protestantism.There's so much history between Catholicism and protest Protestantism because my friend Jeffrey Crans runs a website called overview bible.com and he get, he has these really colorful pictures that breaks down like the Bible and shit like that, and is really super fantastic. And I cannot wait to have them on my show, but, you know, from him, I learned, you know, originally like the Catholics had like said like 73 books of the Bible and the Protestants had like 66 and it was like this whole thing and shit like that.And I really don't like the Catholic church. Let's see mental health too narcissism marketing divorce, faith versus works afterlife. And then religious freedom, which is one that I pulled a few questions from. Okay. So [00:45:00] So you talk about like what, what, what, what we've been lied to about. And I was happy to listen to your podcast and hear your own words, echo some of my greatest gripes bitches, moans legitimate complaints against the church.And I don't know if they all meant well, if they were just trying to give us their versions of the truth. So they didn't trust us to make up our own damn minds. But I think about how, like when I was raised and they told me don't drink any alcohol at all, because it's all terrible and bad, don't do any drugs at all because they're all terrible and bad.Don't masturbate. Don't look at porn, don't dance, secular music. Don't go to the bar. And as I've gotten older, now, I realize there's actually therapeutic uses for drugs. And the Lord said not to get drunk, but not to have it, you know, not to not have any of it at all. So if you lied about this, then now I don't trust anything else you have to say.Mm-hmm . And so what do you think about that? John: Yeah, well, alcohol is the drug I have the most experience with. So [00:46:00] you know, and so Christianity, especially the American variety has a really strange relationship with alcohol. There's certainly like subcultures kind of like Baptist are, are the ones that come to mind that take a very anti alcohol stance which is odd since if what's reported about Jesus is to be believed.He definitely drank and enabled people to drink. So it's weird to be a complete tea total, but I would also guess that among Christian cultures, alcohol's probably the most abused drug among them because they're, it's not seen as taboo in the us as some of the other drugs. So, so either way, in my opinion, with alcohol, it's kind of one of those things where if they're prohibiting it it's for the sake of their control, if they're abusing it, it's for the sake of control or containment or coping with [00:47:00]what they're dealing with, you know, so to me, it, it always will just go back to the controlling containment and conversion.So yeah, as far as like how they present that and lie and, and make it, you know, either add rules that aren't present in, in scripture or early Christianity. So my perspective probably goes like this, I think. I think Jesus was the first to reduce a lot of rules. And then ever since him, every Christian has added rules, I think Paul added rules, I think actually most of the apostles added rules personally.I think that a lot of the early church was trying to figure out what it was like to not have as many rules as the previous versions of Judaism. I think that Constantine made all these religious rules now have a relationship with [00:48:00] the, the state and with governments, you know, I think after the east west schism, there were, you.At the, the east Orthodox church and the Roman Catholic church had arguments about how you interpreted the nice creed and, and created more rules out of one creed. I mean, it just, it, it snowballs to the point where you're in the United States and your average church is just going to say things that are, that don't have a source in the Bible that don't have a source in historical understandings of Judaism that don't have historical understandings of what's reported about Jesus.So the lies, whether they're intentional or not don't really matter. It's just, it's so distant. It's hard to even comprehend or trust much of any of it, in my opinion. Mm-hmm De'Vannon: and you were saying like on this particular episode about religious freedoms, how [00:49:00] you feel like the religious freedoms most often protect.Like already established religions. Yeah. As opposed to individual people's religious freedoms. And you give a really nice history of how there used to be all these Christian mandates at different states. And they used to have to recite belief in the Trinity or stuff like that. I think like in Massachusetts.So speak to us about how the religious freedom in this country is really more for organized religion and not John: the person. Well, it's, it's, it's not very much freedom or religion, right? Like it's, , it's it's it's politics more or less. I mean, freedom. The word freedom means very little in Christianity across the board.In my opinion, I the only freedom that I ever resonated with was this idea of freedom in Christ. And now looking back, I'm not sure how much I even resonated with that idea. There's this whole problem of free will of like, does God control everything or are we. Just kind of robots following a script [00:50:00] or are we just doing whatever we want and God judges us based on it.I mean, it's, it's very confusing when you start getting into the idea of freedom and Christianity specifically, but true religious freedom would look like I can practice my religion in any way that doesn't harm others or myself. That's, that's pretty simple. I don't know what that has to do with abortion.I don't know what that has to do with marriage. I don't, I, I don't understand what the disconnect is there. From a rational perspective, I really didn't understand it that much when I was a Christian, even when I thought that gay marriage was sinful, whatever, I thought that meant, I thought it should be legal, cuz it didn't make any sense.Right? It's like, well, marriage is a legal process in the country. It's it's the same word. Clearly means something different to Christians than it does to non-Christian. So why should we be regulating what other people do? Again, that, that [00:51:00] controlling that cult-like mentality of thing, everyone needs to do it our way or get out.That's present in this, this idea of religious freedom which really, again, it's just a, it's just, , it's just a lie. I mean, it, it really just means Christian exceptionalism. I mean, that's probably the, the best term for what it's actually describing De'Vannon: hall, tabernacle and praise. And you also were saying like how the religious rules, the people, and now this is all.White men making up all these rules and shit like that. One of my biggest gripes is that when all this shit was done, when king James, who, according to the book of queer documentary on the discovery channel king, James himself, the author of the king James Bible was a big old queer honey, if you haven't seen it, you need to watch it.You know, all these people, these are all just like white homies. [00:52:00] They didn't have women at the table. They didn't have indigenous people at the table. They didn't have other racists. And certainly not black people, not in this country. We were only three fourths of a person for fuck's sake, you know, for so long, they didn't give a shit about what any of us had to say.And so, so it is impossible that the Bible was interpreted, translated and put together and all of this with everybody in mind, this was written white perspective, you know, Sounds about white. Let me see here. Mm-hmm so, so you said that, you know, religious, the religious rules were designed though by some white man who had some God sense because not every white, white boy is a fucking fool.You actually have some John: good one. We mostly are though. just to be very clear. We're mostly fools. I was gonna say De'Vannon: it. And so if you were saying like the, the few good white men actually put these religious rules in place to protect the church from hurting people, you were saying really didn't originate from within the church.The church had their own way. They would've spun out all [00:53:00] Willy nilly. So talk about how the, the rules are really designed to, to, to stop the church from becoming a monster, even though it did anyway. John: Yes. You're talking about some of the founding fathers at the beginning of the, yeah, so, so the, so first of all, not only were they white guys, they were white young guys, the worst kind you know, at the, at the founding of our country and like.It's there's there was so much religious tension at the founding of our, you almost never hear this, but like it's, you don't have to look far. You can just read what these guys wrote. They like, some of them thought Christianity was the worst thing that has ever happened in history and wrote explicitly saying that, I mean, I'm paraphrasing slightly.I might be paraphrasing in a nicer way than what they were saying. And then there were some who thought it should be a theocracy straight. Puritans very much had this mentality that we just need to be [00:54:00] completely different from the church of England. That's what we need to be. Then you had you know, like you had clashing of cultures at the beginning that state to state the religious culture was different in the original 13 colonies.You know, the north was much more well, I'll start with the south. The south was much more like Calvinist and like formal. The, the middle colonies had much more of this kind of quakes, like approach to spirituality. And then the north was creating something new entirely. I mean, it was, we've always been divided.There's never been like a Christian nationalist foundation. There's never been a Christian nation in that sense. And there's also never been like a completely anti-religion vein through what was written. History's complicated. and sometimes we're just too dumb or too lazy to actually take a look and read about all the different things that are going on in an era and just read what the winners said.And that's really [00:55:00] irresponsible in my opinion. So yes, there were some rules that were trying to protect people. The first amendment was supposed, was never supposed to be. Churches can do whatever they want. It was always supposed to be we'll keep the church under the law. As long as the church understands, they are not above the law, they can do whatever they want.That was what the first amendment was supposed to be. Now it means churches are above the law. They can have those tax exemptions. They can abuse people and deal with it internally, unlike businesses or other organizations, they can exempt themselves from title IX stuff, which is what protects people from being sexually abused on college campuses.They can exempt themselves from that. This is the kind of craziness we're dealing with now. And you can only do that if you're master manipulators, who are the, the largest cult that's ever existed, goddamn. De'Vannon: Okay. [00:56:00] So John: In my opinion, I should always say that just after everything, say De'Vannon: child, it is what it is.You know, I pray for people to take their own look at stuff. And it's hard cause you know, people are raised as kids into this cult, you know? And so trying to unwind, fuck somebody, you know, as bad as it is. I thank God for all of the knowledge that's also available. Yeah. Because it's not like you have to go dig up a, a thick ass concordance.Like what I had when I was in, you know, learning and shit, right. That you can like Google shit. You can watch documentaries. You can listen to podcasts. There's so many books about the fuckery of the church. And so a person is only going to stay ignorant if they kinda wanna stay ignorant in this day time.So it's like the worst it gets. I feel like God is also still giving us a way out of it or a reprieve, you know, to some people. John: Yeah. Well, I, I agree. I would say the unfortunate thing about the information age. It is great. It is great that you can [00:57:00] access. I, I I'm partial to books. I think articles are fine, but really to get to know history, especially read a whole book.But I will say what's unfortunate about that is as equal to the truth as we have in the information age, just as much propaganda is out there and Christians are propaganda making machines. They've been doing it for a long time. They're better at it than anybody. So I, I want to hope, oh, with all this information, a kid who's struggling with church will be able to, you know, watch a TikTok video, go down an internet rabbit hole and find out all this good stuff.The problem is they can also go down a rabbit hole and become a school shooter. They can go down a rabbit hole and become a Christian nationalist just as easy. So that's quite frightening to me.So true. So true. De'Vannon: Well, well, people better get close to God and gain spiritual understanding, you know? Yeah. That way you can have some discernment about what it is that's [00:58:00] being presented to you and be able to detect whether or not it's good or bad. John: Discernment's very important spiritual or not, but yes, having a discerning mind and, and I'm not anti spiritual personally.So I think there's definitely a a route that, of spirituality that can be very positive and good for both your own soul and for other people.De'Vannon: Should I throw a touch of shade? Do it. I'm just going to say, say, and I'm talking about Paula white mm-hmm and again, Jolo thing just because why not? I just think it's really, really fucked up when as separated church and state is supposed to be, you see people like Paul White.Hanging out with Donald Trump, you know, of course he was surrounded by evangelicals anyway. And I just, I really, it just really bugs me. You know, I got kicked out of Lakewood for hanging out in S in the gay district, you know, when I wasn't at church. And then Joe [00:59:00] Osen was on stage with Kanye west, you know, who is the last time I checked.Isn't exactly like, you want your kids to grow up and be like that guy, you know, John: he went off the rails. Holy cow. Which time . Yeah, exactly. De'Vannon: do you mean when he was on stage with Joel or some? Just in general. John: Oh, he is just author. Yeah. I mean, just post-Trump era, just post Trump, era Kanye. I mean, he's always been a little bit narcissistic and crazy, but like, man, he really took it to 11 after, after that.And De'Vannon: so it just, it just baffles me, but I guess it doesn't. We don't really know these preachers. We just know the face that put on. When they're in front of the camera, we don't really know them motherfuckers, you know, for you to think that it is a high moral ground to break bread with Kanye west on stage.You know, [01:00:00] I don't get that, you know, and then to be like, Donald Trump is the greatest person. He's the savior of God he's sent, I don't get this. So John: yeah. Unfortunately I feel like I do get it. I feel like it fits perfectly only because from my understanding of the development of Christianity it narcissists are rewarded.I mean, that's just what it does. It rewards an narcissism. And so yes, I, I think it's very sad and upsetting when yeah. Jesus who might have been, I'm really gonna say something controversial. Jesus, who was probably queer himself. Would've definitely Spent more time with, in a, in a gay community than he would've with a, a president.I mean that, I think that's a it's it would be crazy to characterize Jesus any other way. That De'Vannon: do be facts though, because when he was here, he did hang [01:01:00] out with the unpopular people. You know, it was him who defended the, the town who, you know, with him hanging out the John: ma the majority of Christians, even after Jesus died for the first hundred years, war prostitutes, criminals and tax collectors, the outcast of society, those for the first hundred years.And, and probably a little bit after that, but definitely those first a hundred that's who wanted to be Christians, there was a version of Judaism that now accepted those people. Whereas before there was a version of Judaism that would never accept those kinds of people.De'Vannon: So you're saying you believe like Paula white, Joel Ostein, and a lot of these religious people are straight up narcissists. John: Well, you have to be to being right. I mean, to, to do, to have the kind of image they do. I mean, I find, I have to fight narcissism with a small podcast, right? Like, I can't imagine having that many people looking at you.You said something earlier where you said we, we see these preachers, but we [01:02:00] don't really know who they are. I don't think they know who they are because the the religion messes with your head when I was just preaching to a youth group or getting paid to, you know, go across state lines to give a sermon or whatever.I, I didn't have time for introspection. I was a narcissist as much as anyone. It's part of why I was such a bad husband. I, I, you get in your head about these things automatically. It's a, it's a toxic system from the top down and no one is exempt from the, the horrible mindsets it can instill in you. De'Vannon: Give me more of this.Give me an example of a narcissistic thought, a narcissistic thing that you did than you feel like is common among preachers. John: Well, yeah, it's hard for, it's harder to think. It's not like a thought it's like your, okay, so this is gonna, might be long winded. So I apologize if it [01:03:00] is. If you narcissism is primarily bred when it's not like an actual mental disorder, but when it comes about later in life, it's primarily bred from an apathetic mindset, meaning you don't care about anything when you don't care about anything.The only thing that grounds you to reality is yourself. That's it. That's all you've got because you have to live in your body. You have to wake up, you have to go to sleep, you have to eat, you have to do these things. So the only real reality is yourself. So. It rather than having thoughts people treat the word narcissism, like it just means like abusing people or something.Narcissism is unfortunately way deeper rooted than that. It's an inability to get outside yourself in the way it ends up coming out in a more so sociopathic way, meaning you don't care about right or wrong, you [01:04:00] end up just living your life, devoid of taking into account other people's feelings. So for me, one of the biggest regrets of my life is how, when I was married, I just did not give a shit about my spouse's feelings.I just didn't care. My feelings mattered more than theirs. It wasn't like a conscious decision where I was like, woke up and was like, well, what I want matters and what they want. Doesn't that wasn't my mentality. It was bred in, it was a state of mind where I would want to do something that they, and they would want to do something else.And I won because I cared more about what I wanted to do than what they wanted to do. It applies in church culture, too. Pastors, you see it all the time as a pastoral intern, I, I had another pastoral intern with me. We had a great, I idea for a homeless ministry that would've been so great. It was basically like make a little, I, I lived in Spokane Washington at the time, huge homeless community.I was like, [01:05:00] why don't we make little kits? Like just, you know, protein bars, socks, like, you know, just, just something to lift their day. We can get the whole church together to put the together these boxes and then distribute them. Then we're meeting people and we're serving people and it's great. And everyone's involved and it's cool.The pastor was resistant to it for bullshit reasons. What size socks is would we get, would we be competing with other homeless ministries in the area? What are we talking about? at this point? And so it ended up not coming to fruition because I think two things, one, I think he thought his thoughts were more valuable than ours.And two, I think he was scared because if I'm able to do ministry better than he is, that's a threat, you know? And, and, and I don't think he was like the most narcissistic person I've ever met in my life. I just think it's bred into the culture. A preacher is gonna be either De'Vannon: really, really, really strong or really, [01:06:00] really, really, really weak mm-hmm okay.And that's just the way it is that the problem is you can't just look at them and tell on which side of the fence they're falling. Right. You will rarely ever hear a preacher say, they're sorry. About anything. John: And when they, without a million caveats, at least at least a De'Vannon: million, and when they change their, I hear them say some shit like this.When they, when they find out they've been wrong about something, they'll say like a, I don't preach that the way I used to, or my, my thinking is evolving. So basically bitch, you're saying you were wrong. And then, so you're not gonna apologize to the people who you misinformed for the past years before your mind changed.Nope. John: Well, and even if they do, this is where the narcissism comes in. Even if there's apology, the apology, isn't about the people hurt. The apology is about them and their growth. And you know how, oh, I, you know, when I was a young preacher, when I was preaching at 24, I was wrong about this, this and this, but now listen to how great I am.Like you're saying, who cares about all those people? He hurt [01:07:00] it's about him or, or she now be progressive there's evil women pastors now too. Gotta be, gotta be progressive progress at that. De'Vannon: Yeah, you're right. They have a lot of eye statements and stuff like that, and they don't care. And, and it's in the book of Jeremiah, I think 21 where the Lord has a gripe against these preachers who, who scatter his sheep and is flock and they don't turn around and go and look for them.And you know, all of us who've been kicked out discarded and everything like that. Like when I got kicked out, no one called no one wrote, no one did anything. Right. You know, I don't know if I was just classified as a heretic and just, just gone. But I mean, the PA the priest, the priest was supposed to put a concerted effort into getting anybody who they lose instead of just charging along trucking along and just writing more books and selling out more arenas and filling, you know, getting more money, you know, you know, fuck a next book, bitch.You lost a member. You're supposed to stop everything to go and find them. [01:08:00]John: Yeah, that that mentality has honestly never been a as, as long as churches have existed. That's never been the attitude of church leadership. Even if it was supposedly commanded by Jesus it's it's, it's never been present in history.Oh, well, De'Vannon: shit. So then the last thing that we're going to talk about and we're gonna have to have you back on and really dig into your book. Mm-hmm ca

Westboro Baptist Church has been labeled a hate group by the Anti-Defamation League and Southern Poverty Law Center, along with any sane person who has heard their rhetoric.  Pastor Fred Phelps started the church in 1955 and their congregation is made up of Fred, his family members, and some brain-washed friends.   They are most known for picketing outside military funerals, celebrity funerals, and public events with signs that praise the death of that person for being a sinner.   Fred Phelps died in 2014, and unfortunately did not take Westboro with him.  His family still run the church today and keeps spewing their hate-filled doctrine.  Sources https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/westboro-baptist-church https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westboro_Baptist_Church https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Phelps www.godhatesfags.com Join us on PATREON!  https://www.patreon.com/MysteryHistoryPodcast Buy our merch! https://www.mysteryhistorypodcast.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/mysteryhistorypodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mysteryhistorypodcast/support

Catch up with Caleb Funke with WestBoro Nutrition! They create a healthy community by providing smoothies, shakes, coffees, frappes, and energy beverages!

When you hear people talk about zealots and religious hate groups, you tend to think of some dour old cave dweller with a long beard or a 17th century puritan with an obscenely large and seemingly unnecessary buckle on his hat. You don't typically think of a smiling, colorfully dressed, personable wife and mother who drops terms of endearment like “hun” into conversation while discussing serious topics such as hellfire and brimstone. But just down the road from where I live here in Kansas, a small Calvinist protestant congregation – the Westboro baptist church – has made international headlines for their novel approach to funerals. Instead of offering flowers and sympathy cards and attending services for friends and family, they hold signs proclaiming damnation for the deceased and frequently show up at the funerals of strangers. They've also been particularly critical of anyone engaged in sexual activity outside of procreation and male/female marriage. In fact today, here in Kansas City they are holding a protest against comedian Jim Gaffigan who as they put it was raised in the grotesque idolatry and perversion of the catholic pedophile machine. As a Catholic myself, and coincidentally a fan of Gaffigan, I've always been curious about this group not in terms of what they do – as that's been pretty well documented. But rather why they do it. The Bible prompts me to go to Mass once a week and to try not to do anything that can't be offset by a few Hail Marys after confession. The same book or rather collection of books has had a profoundly different impact on them. With covid restrictions still in effect – I reached out to spokesperson Shirley Phelps-Roper whose father Fred, now deceased, founded the church. She agreed to a Skype interview. Now, this is the bit where ordinarily I'd jump into the audio but on this occasion, I have to offer a trigger warning. It would take a while to list everything that might be triggering in the following interview, but pretty much if you're not in good standing as a member of the Westboro baptist church then you will hear something from Shirley that could well offend you. If you're OK with that and like myself curious to hear how they reconcile conventional understandings of Christianity with their activities, then buckle in. With thanks to Shirley Phelps-Roper and The Westboro Baptist Church Sounds from Pixabay --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daniel-mainwaring5/support

When Albert Snyder arrived for the funeral service of his son Matthew, a young Marine who died in the Iraq War, he was surprised by the noise and chaos that greeted him. Seven members of the Westboro Baptist Church — which believes that U.S. military casualties are a result of God's anger at an America that embraces sin — were picketing the funeral, holding signs with messages like “Thank God for Dead Soldiers.” Snyder sued Westboro for intentional infliction of emotional distress, and the Supreme Court had to decide: Does the First Amendment protect hurtful speech directed at a private citizen? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unprecedented.substack.com

I am so sorry. You're all good people. - Fred Phelps This riveting conclusion of the Westboro Baptist Church and my oh my what a wild turn of events it is. Hear about defectors, epiphanies, and a heartfelt realization to this two part series. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: Join the Monster fam! Disclaimer: *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

Scratch off the paint on your church and it'll say "Whore House" - Shirley Phelps-Roper We are talking about Westboro this week. The hate group that can't stand to see others happy or thriving in any way. Why are they so miserable? Join us as we talk about the most hated family in America. Socials: Facebook, Instagram & Twitter - Join the Monster Fam! Disclaimer: *(Views Expressed Disclaimer): The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the audio recordings/show belong solely to the participants, and do not belong to the participants' employer, organization, committee or other group or individual.*

In Central regional report, Karen Magee tells us about Canine's in the Classroom, a new program coming to a secondary school in Barrie, Ontario. She also shares an update on Marcie Stevens, a Westboro bus crash survivor who is now in search of new prosthetics with microprocessor knees. From the March 3, 2022 episode.

Today on NOW with Dave Brown, Dr. Margaret MacMillan from the University of Toronto reflects on the 50th anniversary of former U.S. president Richard Nixon's historic visit to China. Producer Dawn Dickinson previews The Guardian This Week with an article about a sculpture that is being made out of a stash of gems from Philippine's former first lady Imelda Marcos. Shaun Preece of Double Tap Canada describes Sony Electronics' LinkBuds, a new pair of wireless headphones. And in Central regional report, Karen Magee tells us about Canine's in the Classroom, a new program coming to a secondary school in Barrie, Ontario. This is the March 3, 2022 episode.

Everyone knows the protests. Everyone hates these people. But did you know it was all based around a guy trying to make money without doing any real work?You can follow the show here:https://ifyoucatchmygrift.com/Twitter: @catchmygriftpod@catchdalton@austinagogo@charly_buttersInstagram: @catchmygriftpodhttps://www.facebook.com/IfYouCatchMyGrift/Sources: https://www.thestranger.com/slog/2018/10/26/34543412/matthew-shepard-is-the-worlds-most-famous-gay-hate-crime-victim-but-was-he-really-killed-for-being-gayhttps://radaronline.com/exclusives/2012/12/westboro-baptist-church-anonymous-protest-sandy-hook-victims-funerals/https://blank.org/addict/https://www.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2011/05/battle-hate-groups/351238/https://web.archive.org/web/20130101115350/http://cjonline.com/indepth/phelps/stories/080394_phelps16.shtmlhttps://www.kansas.com/news/article1137753.htmlhttps://blank.org/addict/https://www.businessinsider.com/heres-how-the-reviled-westboro-baptist-church-makes-money-2015-6https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/westboro-baptist-churchhttps://www.motherjones.com/politics/1999/03/man-who-loves-hate/https://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/facts-and-case-summary-snyder-v-phelpshttps://www.npr.org/2019/10/10/768894901/how-twitter-helped-change-the-mind-of-a-westboro-baptist-church-memberhttps://www.salon.com/2013/02/07/two_phelps_kids_bravely_defect_from_westboro_baptist_church/https://www.godhatesfags.com/video/hatemongers.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/21/us/fred-phelps-founder-of-westboro-baptist-church-dies-at-84.html?searchResultPosition=13 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/08/books/review/megan-phelps-roper-unfollow.html?searchResultPosition=7

We've heard the stories, we've seen their signs, our jaws have dropped, our stomachs have turned. Why do they do what they do? How do they reconcile their actions with the teachings of Jesus? How do they claim to practice love? Back in August of 2020, Jack Hoey III and Joey talked to the leader of Westboro Baptist, Tim Phelps.   You can listen to that episode here (part 1).  This time around, we challenge some different practices of Westboro, including their clear “double-standard” use of scripture.  Jack  amongst other things, suggests that the folks at Westboro would greatly benefit from  approaching the bible with more humility.   Tim amongst other things, points at what he'd call clear doctrinal instructions in the bible that guide the day to day of his organization.  Joey is accompanied this time by Jack Hoey (the father) who is closer in age to Tim and quite likely as studied in scripture.  Unfortunately a bit of the same result, as far as finding substantial common ground but that wasn't a surprise.  This time though, Joey did manage to ask Tim if he liked him and Jack.Join us as a Patron! Join our mailing list to keep up with everything. Tip any amount $ to Venmo for a PWNA Sticker. Joey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter Current DonorSee giving opportunity Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group PWNAcontact@gmail.com  for correspondence. Theme song, courtesy of Derek Minor Other music originally composed by Robbie Madison, Joel Hamilton and Joel Hamilton + friends, and Ray Deezy. Executive Producer of PWNApod:  Jared SvendsenSupport the show

Stook Nation welcomes back Jared Lord to talk about life in the desert and radicals of Westboro. The episode transitions into freezing cold takes and a story of moving an animal grave.

This episode features Jessica Oliver. Jessica is a retired Registered Massage Therapist after practicing for 18 years when she decided during the pandemic to open a clothing store called MUST boutique in Ottawa, Canada (@mustboutiquewestboro). If you have been feeling like you are outgrowing massage or you are interested in pursuing a creative project, this episode will encourage you to explore your creativity and to embrace your interests. On this podcast, I like to explore that we are more than just massage therapists and it is the unique qualities we bring to the table that help us to build a successful massage practice and have a fulfilling life. We also cover... Anime Fashion BTS Similarities between trying on clothing and being a client on the massage table What it can look like if you want to give yourself the space to pursue a new adventure without fulling taking the leap from massage I hope you enjoy this episode with Jessica! This episode was recorded in compliance with the Covid safety measures in effect at the time and place of recording. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. August 23, 2021 www.theradicalrmt.com @theradicalrmt krista@theradicalrmt.com

In full disclosure this show was about two hours and fifteen minutes. We edited it down to about an hour and a half. Now that forty-five minutes will come out at some point point, but we're going to avoid killing off the show for a little bit. Good stuff was discussed and we had a great Ask Whiskey Hell. Our listener wanted to know our thoughts on his getting back into the dating scene or skipping that and just getting a Sex Robot. Other stuff the guys talked aboutPassangers being aholes on flightsDave Grohl Trolling the Westboro Baptist Church

On this weeks episode, we get an inside look at what it's like growing up in the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. We had the privilege to speak to Danni Phelps, the granddaughter of Fred Phelps, the founder of the WBC. Danni jokes about how she is everything the church hates, with her being in the LGBT community and an ex-Marine. Come and listen as we laugh and cry through her deconstructing story, and how she is still finding her way through it. You can find Danni Phelps on TikTok: @danni_phantom7 Her shared account with her girlfriend Autumn: @thatwestborolesbian --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/burningeden666/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/burningeden666/support

On this weeks episode, we get an inside look at what it's like growing up in the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. We had the privilege to speak to Danni Phelps, the granddaughter of Fred Phelps, the founder of the WBC. Danni jokes about how she is everything the church hates, with her being in the LGBT community and an ex-Marine. Come and listen as we laugh and cry through her deconstructing story, and how she is still finding her way through it. You can find Danni Phelps on TikTok: @danni_phantom7 Her shared account with her girlfriend Autumn: @thatwestborolesbian --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/burningeden666/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/burningeden666/support

Over the years, Pastor With No Answers has had a big tent,  allowing for a wide array of perspectives, some of which would get your ass canceled by the liberals and others getting you completely cancelled by the conservatives.  The intent of this podcast however has always been to be a platform for people, not a position.  A podcast where real people share their real journeys and utilize a public space to share candidly, raw and honest personal reflections, right or wrong, for better or for worst.   It's a "pro people's podcast" that operates with the following belief:  If we can find a common ground of love, we can also find a way to learn from one another and change personally for the better.   Today, as we celebrate 300 episodes, representing the hearts and souls of people, we relive key moments of 5 different episodes that represent why this podcast exists (enjoy some fun, pivotal and light-hearted moments in between these five focal points):Episode 11:A pastor who didn't want us to air this episode, offended by the vulgarity  we discussed.  We ended up airing the episode, keeping him anonymous and voice disguised. Episode 251: Interview with a leader at Westboro Baptist “Church” Episode 120: Joey's and Pricilla recounting the day Pricilla flew out to say her last good-byes to her ailing father.  Joey implored Pricilla before her departure, to make sure her dad is saved, so he wouldn't spend eternity in hell.  They two discuss that sort of "christian thinking" and how Joey has changed in how he sees these things.  Episodes 74 and 81: Mars Hill Women, in the context of love,  speak out on the atrocities of Mark Driscoll.**Joey also processes his current  processing of being connected to leadership who endorses Mark Driscoll's continued leadership in ministry. **Episode 150:After doing everything "by the book" (i.e. Bible), a father faces the prospect of God's promises not working the way he always believed they would. Thank you so much, listeners! Joey/PWNA Instagram:  www.instagram.com/joeysvendsenCurrent DonorSee giving opportunity: https://donorsee.com/pwnahelpsSupport Us:Join us as a patron! https://www.patreon.com/pwnapodor leave a Venmo tip right @  https://venmo.com/joey-svendsenJoin the discussion:https://www.facebook.com/groups/PWNAtalkSocials:https://twitter.com/pwnapodhttps://twitter.com/joeysvendsenhttps://www.facebook.com/PWNApodE-mail PWNAcontact@gmail.com for correspondence.Theme Song courtesy of Derek Minor:  http://www.derekminor.comOther music originally composed by Joel Hamilton + friends https://mechanicalriver.bandcamp.com/http://embassyfreqs.com/Executive Producer of PWNApod:  Jared SvendsenSupport the show

In this episode of Coffee Gals, we spoke with Paige Watts, Owner Wild Child Coffee Project in Westboro. Paige discusses what inspired this playful child-friendly café and the need for more inclusive spaces in our community. We also talk about how the team is pivoting in unique ways to adapt to the pandemic and remain open. Note for mobile Apple devices: Please take phone off silent/vibrate for audio to work.

Part 1 of Episode 2 looks at the recent discovery that the Magnetic North Pole, which has always drifted slowly, is now picking up speed. We also look at some interesting facts about the geographic North and South Poles.In Part 2, we hear about Lena's blizzard-delayed train trip from Minnesota, during which she meets Pedro and Ming Hua and their wives, who are on their way to Williston because of ticket agent errors. Those errors prompt Lena to become an English tutor, and leads to temporary houseguests and lifelong friends.Part 3 continues an examination of the NFL protest, noting that it engages in a particular error: "The Westboro Playbook."

It's exhausting to talk about Westboro Baptist Church. This small cult, made up almost entirely of a single family and their kids' spouses, has caused a tremendous amount of pain around the country. Not only do they hurt those they picket, like families of fallen military heroes, they're often trotted out by media outlets as an example of Christian bigotry. Somehow Christians are often forced to answer for a group that horrifies all of us. Like I said, it's exhausting. Megan Phelps-Roper is the granddaughter of Westboro founder Fred Phelps. She made news a few years ago when she escaped and renounced the cult of her childhood, an experience she describes in a new book. Her story, which I've followed since she first left the so-called church, is absolutely fascinating. And in her recent interview with popular atheist podcaster Sam Harris, Phelps-Roper offers a glimpse into the evil philosophy behind Westboro. According to Phelps-Roper, the group's motivation for publicly celebrating terrorist attacks or praising their so-called God for a deadly famine, is all grounded in a perverted interpretation of God's sovereignty. Because God always accomplishes his will, they believe, and because 1 John 5 says it's not burdensome to love God and His commandments, Phelps and company concluded we must celebrate everything that happens. It's a deeply inconsistent worldview to be sure: Why would they call others to repentance while rejoicing at their arrival into Hell as being God's will?  Nor is it clear how Westboro explains the loving Father God who created His people to enjoy Him forever that is revealed to us throughout the Biblical narrative. Why would we believe that God rejoices in our pain if He sent his Son to suffer and die in order to heal our pain? How many times in the Old Testament do we read that God “hears the cries” of His people? How many times is God described as “the God of all comfort”? Jesus cried when His friend died, and upon seeing the pain that death caused to His siblings, just before He turned their tears into rejoicing by bringing Lazarus back to life! The Phelps family believes so many wrong and damaging ideas, but at the root of them all is a bad idea about God. That bad idea leads to another: that the world today is exactly the way God always intended (not just allowed) it to be. Romans 8 tells us that the creation itself begs (and groans) to differ. Of course, we cannot gloss over the fact that Westboro's goal has always been to get attention. They go where the cameras are. Bad actions are never justified by bad theology, but bad theology does help to explain bad actions. After all, ideas have consequences - and bad ideas have victims. One really bad, wrong idea about God can infect the way we read the Bible and see the world until what comes out of us is nothing less than hateful nonsense. To be clear, Westboro's theological fatalism has much more in common with Islam than Christianity, both in their view of God and in their view of how He acts within human history. Many Muslims see within the Qur'an that Allah does what he wills without any particular affection for his creation. That one idea even infects how the Muslim world handles its own infrastructure. For example, in 2015, after a construction crane collapsed near the Muslim holy site of Mecca, killing 118 people, the Saudi company that operated the crane claimed zero responsibility. What happened was a holy act of Allah, they said. This is why Paul tells Christians to work out their faith. We need to be conscious about what we believe and why we believe it. We need to be vigilant about what ideas we hold, knowing which ideas are shaping our beliefs. That, of course, is why BreakPoint and the Colson Center are here: To bring clarity to the issues and trends surrounding us, and to help believers understand them in the light of a Christian worldview. Nothing brings me more joy than when a mom or a dad stops me at an event somewhere and tells me how BreakPoint provides their dinner table conversations. I know this daily commentary, founded by Chuck Colson nearly thirty years ago, is helping Christians connect their faith to the world around them. I am very thankful to be a part of this. And we exist because of generous listeners like you. So please consider giving a year-end gift. 

NARAL's The Morning After is a production of NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio. This week, Kelley and Gabe are again joined by Elaina Ramsey, from the Ohio Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. Elaina spent the weekend with 130 of her closest friends showing the Westboro Baptist Church they support their pastor, who just happens to be a woman: Rev. Virginia Lohmann Bauman. Elaina's church, St. John's UCC, was targeted by the baddies from Westboro... all six of them. Find info about upcoming events on our Facebook page.

-Yet another prediction made by Pat Gray has come true in this administration. The guys also talk about how border crossings by illegal immigrants have gone down since President Trump has taken office as well as how the media backed Trump into a corner during the primaries and how he used their actions against them.-A new study by border agencies show that the number of illegal immigrants crossing the border has gone down by 40% since Donald Trump has taken office. The guys discuss the reasons for the decrease and talk about how much it costs for some people to be smuggled into the US by "coyotes" and how they could use that money to better themselves in their home countries.-The guys talk about how blind allegiance is bad and we end up finding out that Pat Gray is a part of the famous Tay Tay Squad. Let's be honest; who isn't?-According to Stu's son, doughnuts are not treats. They're only meant to be eaten for breakfast and nothing else.... he is way smarter than Stu.-Healthcare has been a topic since Woodrow Wilson's time in the early 1900's. But, in our panel's opinion, Americans did not want universal coverage until the modern day Democrats decided to ignore the American people's wishes and create Obamacare.-The guys listen to a speech by Westboro Baptist Church defector Megan Phelps Roper as she tells her story about why she left the group.-The guys are angry with the producers of the new Star Wars film because they released new footage of 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' but only for the executives of the movie.-Pat and Stu talk about opioids and other drug addictions that are becoming a huge epidemic across the United States and have already caused a few states to declare a state of emergency.-President Trump has been nominated for Noble Peace Prize. For what, you might ask. The guys are here to tell you.-Radiation from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear facility is starting to show signs of affecting wildlife in the area. Radioactive pigs and fish are starting to take over. That can on mean one thing... Godzilla could become real!!!-The guys talk about "Mike and the Mad Dog" from New York and how ESPN is making a new 30 for 30 documentary about them and the show.-The guys are freaked out by a guy who is playing on a ledge of a building, because who decides to play on the side of a skyscraper and try not to fall to their death?-A new NYU research study, in which they reverse gender roles from the 2016 election, shows that people liked the woman who played Donald Trump rather than the man who played Hilary Clinton, thus disproving their hypothesis that the election was gender biases. Pat was unaffected by this because he was not a fan of either candidate.-The guys talk about the cake that Donald Trump had at his victory party after the election. He is not the first president to do something like this, as President William H. Taft had two massive pies made (the second of which required an armed escort).-Hurts Doughnuts is today's subject of SPOONS! and the guys were not all that impressed with the doughnuts. The decoration just did not add much to the flavor of the doughnut itself. Listen to Pat & Stu for FREE on TheBlaze Radio Network from 5p-7p ET, Mon. through Fri. www.theblaze.com/radioTwitter: @PatandStuFacebook: PatandStu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ottawa Native, Stephen Beckta graduated with honors from Algonquin College's Sommelier program. After completion, Stephen departed Ottawa to hone his skills in New York City for four years with the top players in the restaurant industry. While in New York he worked for Cafe Boulud and Eleven Madison Park before returning to his native city. Today, Stephen Beckta is proprietor of Beckta, one of Canada's premier fine dining restaurants, along with the critically acclaimed, small-plates Play Food & Wine, located in the historic Byward Market, along with the upscale neighborhood restaurant Gezellig in Westboro.  

Rod and Karen discuss haters writing in, Jared, Jim Ardis, Kim Davis hated by Westboro, Jimmy Superfly arrested for old murder, disgusting Florida restaurant, Ben Carson on border control, crispy chicken taco, Kim Davis is Rosa Parks, confederate march, BallerAlert, bug on reporter, Blue Bell returns, man doesn't want white people touching him, purse theft and sword ratchetness. Twitter: @rodimusprime @SayDatAgain @TBGWT Email: theblackguywhotips@gmail.com Blog: www.theblackguywhotips.com Voice Mail: 704-557-0186 Sponsors: www.getbevel.com Code: TBGWT