Podcasts about Memorial Day

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273. Wise Living: Why to Get Outside and Travel and Read Aloud with Amber O'Neal Johnston   “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17 NIV   *Transcription Below*   Amber O'Neal Johnston is an author, speaker, and Charlotte Mason homeschooling mom who blends life-giving books and a culturally rich environment for her four children and others seeking to do the same. She recommends we offer children opportunities to see themselves and others reflected in their lessons, especially throughout their books, and she's known for sharing literary “mirrors and windows” on HeritageMom.com and @heritagemomblog. Amber is also the author of Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy-Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture and A Place to Belong, a guide for families of all backgrounds on raising kids to celebrate their heritage, community, and the world.   www.HeritageMom.com www.SoulSchoolBook.com www.APlaceToBelongBook.com www.instagram.com/heritagemomblog www.facebook.com/heritagemomblog   Thank You to Our Sponsor:  Sam Leman Eureka   Questions that We Discussed: Looking back, what would you say has helped to shape your children's character the most? What have you learned about the importance of getting our kids (and ourselves) out into nature? How do you actually make time to be a content creator and to also homeschool and travel and host?   Other Related Episodes from The Savvy Sauce: 53 Practical Life Tips with Blogger, Rach Kincaid 57 Implementing Bite-Size Habits That Will Change Your Life with Author, Blogger, Podcaster, and Speaker, Kat Lee 82 Traveling with Your Family with Katie Mueller 84 Ordering Your Priorities with Kat Lee 103 Making Family Memories with Jessica Smartt 200 Planting Seeds of Faith in Our Children with Courtney DeFeo 204 Charlotte Mason Inspired Mini-Series: A Delectable Education with Emily Kiser 207 Cultivating Character in Our Children with Cynthia Yanof 212 School Series: Benefits of Homeschooling with Jodi Mockabee 253 Low Tech Parenting with Erin Loechner   Connect with The Savvy Sauce Our Website, Instagram or Facebook    Please help us out by sharing this episode with a friend, leaving a 5-star rating and review, and subscribing to this podcast!   Gospel Scripture: (all NIV) Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”   Romans 3:24 “and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”   Romans 3:25 (a) “God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.”    Hebrews 9:22 (b) “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”    Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”    Romans 5:11 “Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”    John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”   Romans 10:9 “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”    Luke 15:10 says “In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”   Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession- to the praise of his glory.”   Ephesians 1:15–23 “For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”   Ephesians 2:8–10 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God‘s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“   Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.“   Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”   *Transcription*   Music: (0:00 – 0:09)   Laura Dugger: (0:11 - 2:01) Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, where we have practical chats for intentional living. I'm your host, Laura Dugger, and I'm so glad you're here.   The principles of honesty and integrity that Sam Leman founded his business on continue today over 55 years later at Sam Leman Chevrolet Inc. in Eureka. Owned and operated by the Burchie family, Sam Leman's in Eureka appreciates the support they've received from their customers all over central Illinois and beyond. Visit them today at LehmanGM.com.   Amber O'Neal Johnston is my fascinating guest for today. She's an author and speaker and coach and she's just chosen to live a very wise life as a wife and mother, and I think you're going to enjoy gleaning practical tips such as the benefits of getting our children out in nature regardless of their age. She has teens and makes this super practical for things that they would enjoy too, and she shares these incredible benefits of what happens when we simply step outdoors. She's also going to share approachable ways to introduce our family to great art and other cultures, and she gives us a fabulous book list, so, make sure you stay tuned through the end of the episode so that you can see some of the top books that she recommends. Finally, if you don't have a copy of her own latest release entitled Soul School, I highly recommend you purchase that today. Here's our chat.   Welcome to The Savvy Sauce, Amber.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:02 - 2:04) Thank you so much. I'm so happy to be here.   Laura Dugger: (2:04 - 2:14) Well, I'd love for you just to start us off and introduce us to your family, and will you just share a glimpse of your values and lifestyle?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (2:15 - 3:48) Absolutely. So, I live outside of Atlanta, Georgia with my husband Scott and our four children. We are just entering birthday season, but shortly they will be 16, 14, 12, and 10. The girls are the two oldest. The boys are the two youngest, and they've been homeschooled from the beginning, so, we're a homeschooling family. I'm originally from Illinois. My husband's originally from Ohio, but we met here in Atlanta at the High Museum of Art, which is really special. We are art loving, you know, fine arts loving, liberal arts loving family, and so, the idea that we met at the museum, I will just cherish that forever. I came to, before homeschooling, I was a stay-at-home mom, and prior to having children, I have an MBA, and I worked in corporate America in like marketing and advertising, and Scott comes from a similar background with the MBA, and he was doing work in that area too, so, we had that as a connection point, but I have always stayed home with the kids, and you know, our values are rooted in our Christian faith, and we're an African-American family, and so, we have values and cultural aspects that enter our home through that avenue as well. We are world travelers, so, we enjoy that as part of who we are, and I'm an author and a speaker, and I'm just a very happy homeschooler.   Laura Dugger: (3:48 - 4:12) I love that, and it sounds like such a rich and abundant life, and there's two little connections that I have to go back to. My husband and I had a date at that same museum. I love that you met your husband there. Oh wow, that's wild! And so, we met when we were in Atlanta, but live in Illinois now, so, which part of Illinois were you originally from?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:12 - 4:33) I'm from Elgin, Illinois. It's out past O'Hare Airport, and I was born and raised there. My parents were both public school principals there. My dad was principal of Elgin High, and there's actually an elementary school, Ron O'Neal Elementary School in Elgin, named after my father, so, that is where I'm from.   Laura Dugger: (4:33 - 4:46) Wow, okay, so, then even with that piece, your father being a principal, and then you said you've homeschooled since the beginning. Did you always anticipate you would homeschool, or what was your journey into that?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (4:47 - 7:15) Oh my gosh, never, and it's both of my parents were principals, so, that's wild. My grandfather was an elected school board official. My sister was an elected school board official, so, public school is just, you know, in my blood from the very beginning, and that's what I assumed I would do for my kids at first. Once Scott and I got married, and we had discussed it, we decided that I would stay home when they were little, and when they were old enough to go to school, I would go back to work, and my salary would pay for private Christian school tuition, and as the years, you know, months really came to fruition for my oldest, my husband started backpedaling, and he started talking this crazy talk about homeschooling. I'm like, that's a switcheroo for you. What are you talking about? I was like, that's weird. I don't want to do that. I don't feel called to do that. That does not seem like a comfortable space for me. I don't want my kids to endure that, and ultimately, I lacked confidence in that. I couldn't even articulate it. It felt scary, terrifying. Why would I take something so weighty into my own hands, and Scott was very persistent, and I can't even explain why he was so persistent about it, but I think to me, I feel like it was planted in him by the Lord, and he felt that this was the way he wanted to lead his family, and he did it so graciously because I was very resistant. He asked, would you please try it for one year, and if you are unhappy, you don't think it's right. I'll never ask you about it again, and that gave me a softer place to land where I felt like it wasn't signing up for a long-term commitment because I knew I was going to hate it, and I said, sure. I will do that, and oh, my gosh. It was the most amazing year, and I laugh now because my daughter was four, so, she's like four and turned five during that year, and so, she was so young, and people were like, well, what were you really doing, but I took it so seriously. I was doing all things, and I joined a homeschool support group, and I was reading about it, and I realized on Friday, I'm a stay-at-home mom, and on Monday, I took on this identity of a homeschooling mom, and it's just been a beautiful journey for us. I'm so thankful that the Lord led Scott in that way. He knew what was right, not just for our children, but for me, too, when I had no vision for it, and so, I'm just, you know, very grateful.   Laura Dugger: (7:16 - 7:30) I love that story. That's such an encouragement, and, okay, your oldest is turning 16, so, when you look back, what would you say has helped shape your children's character the most?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (7:32 - 9:29) Well, I think the time that we've all had to spend together, like intense amounts of time, so, not just quality time or quantity time, but both, and I think that there's nothing else I could have done that could replace that, so, I think that's one of the things. I think my own acceptance of the divine nature of me being their mother and those being my children, and really that leading me to embrace my mother's intuition, which is something that I was hesitant for at first because there are so many experts, and surely they know so much more than me, and that's not to say that that's not important. I read so widely. I'm always reading expert ideas and views, but what I realized is that those things can help me as tools. They can mentor me, but they can't master me because the master has already appointed me as the perfect mom for these children, and nobody knows them, the little tiny details of them that nobody knows more than me, and so, when I leaned into that and I'm like, yeah, this says this online, this book said that, this thing says that, I can take what I can from those, but ultimately I feel the spirit telling me and leading me in this way with these children, and when I really leaned into that, I have a right to do that. I am their mother. That revolutionized things, and I think that's what's helped shape my children's character the most is my willingness to lean into how I'm led to lead them, and so, that's been a motherhood journey for me, and I hope that it's a legacy that I leave with my children.   Laura Dugger: (9:31 - 9:53) And do you have any specific stories that come to mind that were examples of that mother's intuition, something that really I think it is such a gift from the Lord and that the Holy Spirit speaks to us in some unique way as mothers to be in tune with our kids, so, is there a time that it really benefited them when you exercised your mother's intuition?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (9:53 - 12:42) Well, there was one time with my third, my son, my oldest son, his name is Beckett, and he was in the high chair eating while I was braiding my daughter's hair, and I heard him start making like these really weird noises, and I looked over and it was like he was choking and gagging, and I run over, and but he seemed fine, but then he would do it again, and he started sweating, and you know today I really would say, you should call 9-1-1, but I didn't, I threw all the kids in the car, and I rushed to the ER, and when we got there he wasn't choking anymore, he wasn't sweating, they did his vitals and everything, and they said, well mom, whatever happened passed, he's fine, and you guys can go home, and I was like, no, he's not fine, I'm looking at him, he's not my little boy, his vitals are checking out, but he's not looking at me the way he normally looks at me, he's not interacting with me, the little funny things that I can make him smile all the time, he's not responding to them, and so, like, I know you have your tests, but like my, I'm telling you something's wrong with my little boy, so, they have a doctor, he comes in to tell me everything's fine, and he's sending me home, and so, I was like, well I'm not leaving, I'll just spend the night in the ER then with all my kids, because I know something's wrong, and the doctor, who's this older man, he turns to me, he looks me in my eyes, and he says, you know, in all my years of medical training, there's something that they never told us, but something I've learned throughout my career, never doubt a mother's intuition, and he said, we'll take him and run more tests, and they took Beckett back to run more tests, and they came back and said, you were right, he has swallowed a coin, and it's like just teetering on the precipice, and so, at times it was blocking his airway, and at times it was shifted a little bit, and we have to go in immediately and get it, and that could have choked him, if you had just gone home and put him down to bed, and so, in that story, I took away two things, one, that I am his mother, and I don't care what the test says, or what the data says, or what the news, or a book, at the end of the day, I knew that something was wrong with my boy, the other thing is the graciousness of that doctor, to see my humanity and my personhood beyond just the insurance payment, or protocol, or whatever, it let me know that like there's something powerful about letting other people know that you see them, and that you are connected to them, as another part of God's creation, like he respected me on that level, so.   Laura Dugger: (12:43 - 13:35) That is incredible, I'm so grateful that that story has a happy ending, and that you were assertive to say that, I think sometimes as women, probably especially as Christian women, we can think, oh I want to be nice, or not push back on somebody, but I love that you were assertive, it was what was in your child's best interest, and like you highlighted, that doctor's humility is admirable, but Amber, you mentioned too that you're a writer, and you contribute a lot to things like the Wild and Free bundles, and I was always struck by the way that you would be out in nature, and there's so much to learn, so, if you had to boil it down, what wisdom would you have to share from what you've learned about the importance of getting our kids and ourselves outdoors into nature?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (13:36 - 16:49) Yeah, that's so funny, I love that you asked me that, because I like to tell people I was raised in the air conditioning, and so, there is no one who began motherhood further away from nature and being outdoors than me, like, and I can look back at those early days of like, I knew you could take your kids to the playground, and I did do that, but like what else would you do outside, you know, and people would be like, oh we went hiking on this trail, and I was like, where did you get on it, like where do you find a trailhead, like I mean this is back, like this is where I was coming from, and I was just like, and then what would we do, like we just walk, and do we talk about trees, I don't know any trees, I know Christmas trees are evergreens, you know, so, it was just like coming from this very like foundational place where I didn't know anything, but I believed, right, I believed, I somehow inherently believed when I read that being outdoors was important for children, so, I'm reading Charlotte Mason's work, and she's talking about nature study, I'm reading Last Child in the Woods by Louvre, and I'm hearing about this, he calls it a nature deficit disorder, and I'm reading all of these different kind of people who really respected childhood, and personhood, and really wanted the best for children, I'm reading a Christian perspective of the joy in connecting with God's creation, first and foremost, but also this idea of encouraging natural and authentic physical activity, running, climbing, balancing, exploring, developing coordination, and confidence, and the mental health components, you know, reducing stress, and improving mood, and not just for the kids, but my friend from A Thousand Hours Outside, she talks about how the first time she like took her kids out for the whole day, it was for her, because she was going crazy with these all these little kids, and the house, and the bags, and the diaper bag, and the snacks, and she didn't know what else to do, so, she just went outside, and how healing that was, and therapeutic that was for all of them, the idea of curiosity, of fueling curiosity, and creativity, I've never seen my kids come up with the most, I mean, they come up with imaginative things in our house, but outside, the, oh my goodness, the things they come up with, the things they create, and make, and the storytelling that comes out of that, and I think the family bonds, our experiences, it's another way of memory making, I mean, we make memories when we go see plays, and musicals, and travel as well, so, it's not the only way, but it's a strong way of that shared outdoor adventures, so, like a couple weeks ago, we were all whitewater rafting, it's funny, like a lot of funny things happen when you're out there doing crazy stuff, and so, we have a lot of laughter, and we have a lot of inside jokes that come from our time together, so, I think that all of those, it's not just one thing, it's one of those rare things where there are all the pros, and there really are no cons, and so, I intentionally embrace that for my family, even though it's everything that I didn't have growing up.   Laura Dugger: (16:50 - 17:41) Wow, that is so interesting, I love how books have really inspired you to make changes that have benefited your entire family, and I'm thinking back years ago when I was in grad school, studying marriage and family therapy, there was this book that we read, Letters to a Young Therapist, I believe the author is Mary Pipher, and she said something that I found to be very true in my life, she said, from childhood when we all look back, our memories typically boil down to three categories, one is family dinners around the table, the second is traveling with our family, and the third is anytime we were outdoors, and so, I'm wondering that legacy that you're giving your kids, they're going to have an abundance of memories in all three of those buckets.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (17:42 - 18:29) Yeah, I love that, and I had never read that, it's making me want to go and read her work, but I can't agree more, I mean that's what I've seen anecdotally, at least in my family, and it's definitely been the case for us, I can totally see that, the other thing I love about outdoors too is it's free, you know, so, there have, we've had times of plenty and times of not quite enough financially throughout our journey, due to layoffs, and you know, recessions, and all these different things, but that has been one thing that the travel hasn't always been as consistent as we wanted, but the nature, the time outside has always been accessible, even during COVID, that was accessible to us, so, I love it for that too, but yeah, that's really cool.   Laura Dugger: (18:29 - 18:41) Absolutely, okay, so, you started with, you were getting some inspiration from different books and speakers, but then when did you actually implement this? Do you remember how old your kids were?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (18:42 - 20:11) Right away, so, my oldest was like four, five years old, and we started going outside, now again, we had always been going to the park, so, they had been spending a lot of time outside, but I will say like that's like a very, you know, man-made structures, and you know, I can't think of it, like very cultivated space, so, we weren't spending time in uncultivated space until around there, so, maybe a four-year-old, two-year-old, and infant, and I know they started growing up in that way, and I had kids in an ergo on the back, and I remember hiking with a kid in an ergo on the front, and then snapped another one on the back, and you know, these are memories I have of being outdoors thoroughly by the time the boys were coming along, and I remember the story where we were at a creek, and I looked up for a moment, and just sheer panic that my little boy was gone, he wasn't in my eyesight anymore, and the girls were playing there, and I'm like, you know, and I look, and look, and look, and there's nothing, and no one, and all I can think you sees in the water, and I wasn't paying attention, and my heart's racing, and I'm like, girls, where's your brother? And my daughter says, mommy, he's sleeping on your back. And I'm like, oh my gosh, I just think, like, I was so tired during those years, and I just remember, I would just think, let's just go outside, and some days that's just the most I could come up with, but yeah, I was freaking out, and the little boy was sleeping on my back.   Laura Dugger: (20:12 - 21:50) And now a brief message from our sponsor.   Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka has been owned and operated by the Burchie family for over 25 years. A lot has changed in the car business since Sam and Stephen's grandfather, Sam Leman, opened his first Chevrolet dealership over 55 years ago.   If you visit their dealership today though, you'll find that not everything has changed. They still operate their dealership like their grandfather did, with honesty and integrity. Sam and Stephen understand that you have many different choices in where you buy or service your vehicle. This is why they do everything they can to make the car buying process as easy and hassle-free as possible. They are thankful for the many lasting friendships that began with a simple welcome to Sam Leman's. Their customers keep coming back because they experience something different.   I've known Sam and Stephen and their wives my entire life, and I can vouch for their character and integrity, which makes it easy to highly recommend you check them out today. Your car buying process doesn't have to be something you dread, so, come see for yourself at Sam Leman Chevrolet in Eureka. Sam and Stephen would love to see you, and they appreciate your business. Learn more at their website, LehmanEureka.com, or visit them on Facebook by searching for Sam Leman Eureka. You can also call them at 309-467-2351. Thanks for your sponsorship.   I'm wondering too, so, when you began, what did you start with? What did you do outside?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (21:51 - 24:13) So, we started with walking, and I also was very verbal about my, what I felt were my inadequacies with friends, and that's why, you know, I can't overemphasize the, I haven't brought that up yet, but the idea of community. You don't need a hundred friends, just a few people who either are doing the same thing as you, have done it, or know you personally so well. But I had a friend who was like this outdoor enthusiast, and I always admired her for that, and she'd be like, oh, I went to the hydrangeas, they're coming out today, and they're gonna bloom for four days, and you know, like, and she would be like, oh, do you want some wild blueberries? And I'd be looking at her with side eye, like, girl, I only eat blueberries from Publix, because how do I know that you know what you're doing? You know, those could be poisonous berries you identified wrong. So, we had this kind of ongoing thing, I just asked her, I was like, hey, could we go outside with you guys sometimes? And she was like, of course. So, our first hike was with her and her kids, and she showed me how to go outside and do nothing. Like, we didn't do anything, we just walked. And the kids let us, you know, they would stop and ponder things and ask questions, which she knew the answers to, but wouldn't answer. So, she was like, well, what do you think? Or that's something cool we can investigate, or whatever. So, I realized, wow, here's this expert naturalist who's not even using her expertise. I don't have any expertise, so I could do the same thing. Well, what do you think about that? So, the kids let us, we stopped when they stopped, we kept going when they kept going. We had plenty of water and snacks, which she had told me, which was important. And that was my first thing. It was a hike. And after that, I only went back to that place by myself with my kids without her, because that was the only trail I knew. I knew where to park and where to go, and I felt confident. And then lo and behold, I run into Charlotte Mason's work, where she talks about returning to the same place throughout the year, and having your kids compare what's happening their season to season. And so, different rationale for why I was doing that. But then I was like, look, there's beauty, even in the simplicity of me not knowing what else to do. So, that's kind of how we got into it. And then I started having more experience and going out and being more adventurous further away from home with my kids.   Laura Dugger: (24:14 - 24:24) Okay, so, then what other ways has it evolved? You mentioned whitewater rafting. So, you've got teens now. What does your time outdoors look like in this phase?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (24:25 - 26:02) So, lots of camping. So, you know, Memorial Day weekend, you know, we were camping in yurts with friends. This past weekend, we camped, we had a big Juneteenth celebration, and then we went camping for Juneteenth weekend. And so, I would say that kayaking, paddle boards, we have paddle boards, we take out fishing, I hate fishing personally, don't like it at all. But two of my kids enjoy fishing. So, I'm there for that. I'll just bring a book or whatever, because it's quite boring to me, but they love it. So, we moved. I mean, how much of a commitment is that we moved to a different house, when we were able to have our whole property is forest floor. So, it's completely shaded and intertwined with trees and plants and a kind of wild scape. And across the road is a lake where the boys can fish and I can call their names for lunch and they can hear me now. I have to yell it loud. It's kind of country. Other people probably like what is going on? I'm like, you know, but they can hear me right there. And so, the creek and just really everything. A lot, a lot of hiking, I will say we live near a mountain and we're in Georgia. So, the North Georgia mountains are not far from us. We have Appalachia or Appalachia, as my friend said, I mispronounce it. And yeah, there's nothing that isn't my one of my first dates with Scott was whitewater rafting. So, we've always kind of embraced that.   Laura Dugger: (26:03 - 26:37) Oh, that's a special way to tie in a married couple memory with your kids and get to pass that along. And water and mountains, those things are, they never get old. But I've heard others even say like, you don't have to take stuff other than water and snacks, like you mentioned, to go outside. But I like the practical tips that sometimes people take art supplies, and they can nature journal or a book to read aloud. Do you have any other practical tips like that, that you would encourage if somebody wanted to get started with this lifestyle?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (26:38 - 28:47) Yeah, I would say, um, we, okay, the best thing I can say is to just try it like I think that oftentimes I know my I'm like this, you want to try to be an expert at something before you actually put it into practice. And the point is, like, we're looking at someone's work or something that they're doing after years that they've been in practice. And then we're expecting to do that from the very beginning. And until we get there, we don't want to do it. So, for example, nature study, nature journaling, I always admired nature journaling. But when you look at people's nature journals that they people who are willing to share, there's usually a reason they're willing to share theirs because it looks beautiful. And mine didn't also look beautiful. But I was still willing to give it a try. And I love that. And I love my kids, what they've worked on. And I cherish all of our early beginning sketches. And quite honestly, I'm still not great. But I think having tools like watercolor pens and water pens where we can do watercolor on the go. And we've done many pictures out by the side of the creek on picnic blankets, especially like my older children while younger people are like, What do I do with these little ones like water, you know, like they love that splashing, making sandcastles and things while I'm painting or doing things watercolors with the with the older ones. And were they museum worthy? No. But there was a lot of enjoyment involved in a skill-based learning. So, I think asking questions and inquiry, using pictures, sure and painting, but also keeping track of things the the date that our cherry blossoms bloom, and our white cherry blossom blooms before the pink one every year and keeping track of that or paying trying to map all of the vegetation in our yard like we are, you know, know which trees what they're called where they come from that takes time. And those are things we've done. It's not like we're only just sitting there barefoot grounding ourselves and forest bathing. You know, we're out there learning as well. And I think that, you know, both are beautiful ways to enter into that.   Laura Dugger: (28:48 - 29:34) I love it. There's so many benefits. And you even mention grounding that helps so much going barefoot with inflammation and different body systems that are reset even by getting out and getting early morning light and the serotonin that's produced that turns into melatonin at night. So, we're happier in the day and sleepier at night, resetting systems in our eyes and like healing our body in different ways to an even how much better outdoor air is for us than indoor air. The benefits just go on and on. So, would you have any to add that either your family has experienced personally, or you've learned about just benefits of getting outdoors?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (29:34 - 31:29) Yeah, I think that one, even, you know, all the things you said, yes, and also the mental clarity. And that's why I don't like being time outdoors, being tied to a negative consequence for academic related behavior. So, the house across the road from ours, you know, I could say ironically, or just be like, God chose to gift us. It's a homeschooling family. They moved in a couple years ago, and they have some kids are some of our kids are similar ages. And our boys are just outside all the time together hours and hours and hours every single day. And I see the difference on days where the weather doesn't permit it or where one family or the other, you know, isn't available. There's a difference in terms of clarity and the work that's happening at the lesson table as well. And this came up, you know, my nephew, you know, they're not homeschooled, and his parents took him on a trip, which caused him to miss a day of school. And he missed an assignment that day, he didn't turn it in. And so, the school then when he got back to school punished him by keeping him indoors for recess. And I was helping, you know, my family craft a note that talks about two things. One, they punished a child for a decision the parents made. And that is grossly unfair, they should be talking to the parents about not missing school, if that's the important thing. And the second thing is, you took away the very thing that allows these children to have what they need to sit quietly and take in, you know, that that's not, that's not how you that's not an appropriate consequence. So, anyway, I feel that the mental clarity beyond the things I would have named the same things you already said, it would be the only other thing that I would bring in and why time outside actually helps us to achieve deeper and broader and more expansive learning when we are inside.   Laura Dugger: (31:29 - 31:54) That's good. And I love how you keep mentioning the piece of community that that's the best way to do this. So, regardless of somebody homeschools, or they don't, how can all of us actually prioritize this? And what's a good, healthy goal for getting started, even as specific as how much time outdoors, how many outdoors or how many days a week should we be outdoors?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (31:55 - 33:01) Yeah, that's, it's so different for every family, I think that you should go just past the point of comfort, you know, for most of us. So, if the point of comfort for you is like 30 minutes a week, then you would start out like aim for an hour a week, you know, 20 minutes, three days, if you're already outside for, you know, 10 hours, a couple hours each day, you know, I would say, maybe shake it up with what you're doing and see what would it be like to go on a really long outdoor excursion on a Saturday, or to take a day off or something like that. So, I don't want to say an exact number, because we're all entering in at a different place. For me, if someone had told me to spend eight hours outside with my kids, when I was first starting, and I'm used to going to playground for 20 minutes, that would have been overwhelming. And I would have been like; there's no way I'm ever gonna do it. So, I think like, just taking it, like, where do I feel most comfortable? And how can I push myself just past that point would be a great place to start and kind of a nice place to always stay? Like, what's the next thing that we can do to lean further into this?   Laura Dugger: (33:02 - 33:15) That's really good, very wise counsel. And Amber, you've mentioned that your family loves to travel. So, will you share any adventures that you've had as a family with world schooling?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (33:16 - 36:20) So, our goal, and it's just a fun thing, you know, I don't know if we'll totally do it, but I think we will, is to have children. So, for us, world schooling is where we're not on vacation, but we're actually deeply immersed in a learning stance in another country, another part of the world. And we're trying to do that on every continent, except Antarctica, before my oldest graduates. So, we have two continents left, we are going to be going to Asia in the fall. So, we'll be taking that one off of our list and for that particular feat. And then her senior year, we'll do Australia and hop over to New Zealand. That's the plan, if it's God's will for us to do that, that's what we would like to do, and that will complete our journey. And then we'll keep traveling, but that was just kind of a fun thing to help lead us, because there are so many places in the world to go, like how do you know? And so, that kind of helped us know, well, let's do this continent, let's do that continent. So, we took our first trip, we spent three months in South America, most of it spent in Bolivia. And I can tell you exactly the kids' ages, because my youngest turned two in Bolivia. So, they were two, four, six, and then one turned eight there. And so, that was, you know, diapers, I had a baby in diapers, a little one in diapers and still nursing when we went on our first trip. And I've never regretted that. People have said, why would you take kids so young? You know, they're not going to remember. And I think a couple thoughts. One, you'd be surprised, they do remember. They may not remember this artifact in some museum, but that's not what we spend most of our time doing. But they remember the people. And we've kept in touch with a lot of the people that we've met in these different countries. And we've even had visitors in our home, staying in our basement apartment that we met abroad. So, they do remember. They remember how things feel and taste more than they remember exactly, like historical markers and things like that. Also, I kind of compare it to like breastfeeding and nursing, like my kids, except for one little boy who held on way too long, but they don't remember that. But I believed that it was something good for them that was forming. It was helping to form who they were, not so much who they were personality wise, but their bodies as they were growing. And so, sometimes we do things that are foundational to our children's development, even if they don't have a conscious and direct memory of that thing. And that's how I see world travel. So, we've been to Europe, and we were in Greece when COVID hit. We were in the middle of a big trip there. So, we had the whole struggle to get back to the United States. We've been to West Africa, most spent in Ghana, England, France. We're going to Ethiopia this year. So, yeah, that's kind of, that's our thing.   Laura Dugger: (36:20 - 37:04) Wow. And those memories are incredible. Even let's say your children forget some of this, or if they're too young to remember all of it, you remember this and you get to share those stories with them and pass that along. I can't even imagine all of the learning that takes place from being immersed in those other cultures. But you also mentioned welcoming people into your basement apartment. So, you sound hospitable as a family. What does that actually look like? And I'm kind of going to throw two questions at you. What does that actually look like? And then both for world schooling and hospitality, what are tips for ways we can replicate that as well?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (37:06 - 39:52) So, one thing that's important to me to always share about world schooling, I have a whole chapter about our world schooling adventures in my first book, but one important thing that I call out there is Eli Gerzen. He's the guy who came up with the word world schooling. And he says, you know, we don't even need a passport to do it. That world schooling is really learning from the world around you. It could be your local library. It could be the internet. It could be your neighbors. And so, while I use this more global term of world schooling, because that's just what we call it in our family, the truth of the matter is it's a way of seeing the world and seeing all the opportunity to make connections right where you're sitting. And people are like, oh, you guys have so much money. I can't do that. First of all, we don't have so much money. Like, for instance, we have one car, right? So, there are sacrifices that we make that other people may choose to spend their money in a different way. So, we definitely don't have a ton of money. But more importantly, I'm thinking, yeah, you're saying that you don't have money, but how much have you explored your county? Like, what do you know about the history of your county? And have you been to your local historical society? And have you really, you know, got in? Have you been to an old the oldest cemetery within driving distance of your home? Have you gotten a tour of it to hear the stories of who's there? Like, you can have that same inquiry and curiosity without ever leaving. So, I'll say that first. And in terms of the hospitality part, it's like an it's an intention, right? You have to like, decide that you're going to do that, because it's so much easier not to have people at first view, like, oh, my house is not clean, and blah, blah, blah. And people don't just stop by the way they used to stop by, like my grandparents' house, it was so fun staying there in the summer, because people just folks just came in and out all day, just they come calling is what they call it, they come calling. And even when we read Jane Austin, people leaving the call guard, you know, when they came to visit, and you weren't there, like, there was this idea that you didn't have to have an appointment. And now you do, you have to let someone know before you're coming. So, it's a choice to be vulnerable, if you want to be hospitable in that way that people will see your, you know, dirty bones of your house. And you know that you're not always presenting this, like really sanitized version of your family and your family life. And so, I think that's intentional decision to say it's more important to us to be with other people and let them in than it is for us to always sanitize everything before they get here. And I don't mean sanitizes and clean the house that too, but I mean sanitizes and everyone's behaving the way that I want them to behave in front of people and all of that as well.   Laura Dugger: (39:53 - 41:05) When was the first time you listened to an episode of The Savvy Sauce? How did you hear about our podcast? Did a friend share it with you? Will you be willing to be that friend now and text five other friends or post on your socials anything about The Savvy Sauce that you love? If you share your favorite episodes, that is how we continue to expand our reach and get the good news of Jesus Christ in more ears across the world. So, we need your help.   Another way to help us grow is to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts. Each of these suggestions will cost you less than a minute, but it will be a great benefit to us. Thank you so much for being willing to be generous with your time and share. We appreciate you.   Well, and I think it is a biblical command for all of us and it does bless the person or the people that we are hosting, but there are also rewards for us in the process. So, if you even just could think of one reward of a way that this hospitality has blessed your family, what would you say?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (41:07 - 41:55) Well, I would say John chapter five, it says, you know, this verse we've all heard, "I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit apart from me, you can do nothing." So, you know, when we talk about hospitality, we spend a lot of time talking about what my family is doing for other people. But also, that means that my family is constantly in contact with other believers and other people who are helping us with our faith to helping us to remain connected to Jesus. And without that connection, we know that there's nothing that we can do, nothing of any spiritual significance. So, while I'm inviting those people into our lives, it also ensures that my family is not alone in what we're trying to do in our faith. So, like, that's one of a very easy benefit, I can say right off the top.   Laura Dugger: (41:56 - 42:18) Then that one is truly invaluable for our children to get to witness the way other people live out their faith, and it impacts each of us. But I'm also curious, how do you manage your time so that you can be a content creator, and you can homeschool and travel and cultivate these relationships?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (42:20 - 46:08) So, first, let me say that it's not always easy. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm doing a really good job with that. And there are seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job. I always prioritize my family first. And so, during the seasons where I feel like I'm not doing a good job, it's very public. People can see I did not post on Instagram for a month, or I'm not speaking as much. They're finding it harder to find opportunities to hear me speak, or I have a long lull before books are published. Those are times where I've turned inward towards my family, where I felt like I didn't have the bandwidth for everything. And so, that's something I have to deal with on a constant basis, because I know that my business or my ministry is not as rich and robust as it could be. I have ideas for days. I have ideas and the ability to bring them to fruition. But I'm not willing to sacrifice the time that it takes to do those things in this season. Because even though I don't have little kids, I definitely have more time than I did when I had little kids. It's not even just time; it's more mind clarity as well. But I don't have as much time as people with little kids would think, because I want to be fully present, even for my teens. When they want to talk to me, I want to be talkable too. I want to be available to them. And we're going to places. We're doing things. They're busy. I'm busy. And I'm trying to prepare them for young adulthood. And that's just as time-consuming as trying to prepare my young children for the next stage of their development. So, I guess it's so messy. Oh my gosh, it's messy. It's chaotic. It's a little bit crazy. But in the center of it all, I really appreciate the opportunities I do have to do the things that help refuel, help me refuel. So, I'm a writer. So, writing isn't just about creating a book. It's that I get to create a book, but really it's about the process and how cathartic it is for me to sit in silence and wonder about things and be able to write them out. And oh, lo and behold, there's a publisher who is interested in publishing those things. But the real work for me is in the process of writing. Then when I come home from a coffee shop or I emerge from my room, I come back more enthusiastic about what it is we're working on and what we're doing. The other thing that I would share is that I don't do all of that stuff by myself. So, things that people don't, just like I say, I have one car and we travel the world, people are like, oh, okay, this is not what I thought. My husband does all the laundry, every piece of laundry in this house that the teens do their own, but all the laundry that's done, he does and has done for over a decade. So, that's a thing I have to say, because you might be picturing that I'm doing all of those things. Or when I wrote one of my books, I was struggling and Scott was like, how can I help you? And he was like, what if we get help to come in with the kids like a nanny or something a few hours a week? I'm like, no, that's the last thing I want somebody to touch. So, he's like, well, what is it? So, we hired a chef, and she would prepare all of our dinners according to like what I, how I like my family to eat and lots of whole foods and good things. And she would drop them off at our house. It was very expensive, but I used part of the money from the advance from the publisher to pay for that so that I could write the book. So, I think those are things that a lot of times people don't talk about, but I have support in place. I'm not super woman any more than anyone else.   Laura Dugger: (46:08 - 46:49) Oh, I appreciate that real picture and those creative ideas because as mothers, we don't just make goals for ourselves. Like you said, we have these dreams and ideas that we could put into practice, but we consider our relationships as well and how it will impact everyone. So, I love hearing practically how that plays out for you and the trade-offs that you've chosen to make. And I know that you and I also share a passion for reading aloud. So, if we could get really practical for a moment, what are some of your most recommended read aloud for families from a variety of age groups?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (46:50 - 53:05) Well, I'm always ready for that question, but I have to say, it's almost asking me, which of my children are my favorite? It's so hard in so many ways, but for younger elementary, I picked three books that I think kind of help show how expansive I feel like I want my children's reading life to be. So, this book is called Indigo Dreaming, and it's a book about two girls, one's in North America and another one we can believe is off the coast of Africa. And they're both doing what they do in their own homes. And it's beautifully illustrated also, but they're both doing what they do in their own homes while wondering, is there another little girl in this world doing what I do, liking what I like? Well, indeed there is. And it's poetic and it has soft paintings. It's just stunning. And then another one is called The Magic Doll. It's a children's book inspired by African art. And in this book, the mother desperately wants to have a child, but she's dealing with infertility, and she turns to the use of an infertility doll. And what would I say about that? My family doesn't believe that, but it's a book that I read with my children because we were going to visit this culture. And I wanted to explain to them how we can respect something and learn about it even without adopting it. And that you can understand the yearning of a mother's heart to hold a child in her hand and the desperation that that could bring about. And I wanted them to know that we would see fertility dolls there and what they meant and things like that. And it's also beautifully illustrated, which is important to me. And then this one's just a fun book. It's called I Had a Favorite Dress, but as the dress starts getting too small, she cuts it and turns it into a skirt. And then it gets turned into this. And then the little, small piece gets turned into some socks. And then it's just a little scarf and snip, snip, sew, sew, pretty hair bow. And so, the same piece of fabric, this favorite dress she had, every time she can't use it in that way anymore, it gets moved and shifted. Into something else. And this book reminds me to just, you know, sometimes we share heavier topics with our children, even beautiful topics, but sometimes it's just joy. Like that's the whole purpose of the book is to smile and have fun. And I'll move more quickly for the older elementary books. I have this book called Schomburg. It's a nonfiction book about Arturo Schomburg and the man who built a library, which is now housed. His home library is now housed as part of the collection of the public library system in New York. And he collected books about all types of black and brown people. And it was considered one of the foremost library collections. So, as a book lover, I love that story. This one's called Heart and Soul. It's the story of America and African Americans with stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson. So, I love visual art. I always say my family, we can't afford to buy the most exquisite art for our walls, but we have an exquisite art collection through our picture books that I've collected. And then the last one is for that group is John Henry by Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney illustrations. So, those are two powerhouses of African American author and illustrator. Both have passed. And it is the tall tale of John Henry told in a way that you've never seen before. For older kids, like middle schoolers, I love this one Big Open Sky because it's about some black exodusters who are moving west. And it goes so well for families who love Little House on the Prairie. But, you know, Little House on the Prairie, in some ways, there's some instances that are a little disrespectful to Native Americans and black people. And this is like a redemptive story, not instead of but alongside of it to say that there were black people that were also moving westward and what was their journey. And it's written in verse, like, oh, my gosh, I can't even tell you enough about that. This book, The Angel Orphan, my friend Leah Bowden wrote this book, and it's the story of Charlotte Mason. So, in chapter book form. So, there's also a picture book that someone wrote, but this is a beautiful story about Charlotte Mason. And my family's all-time favorite on my kids read aloud is The Winged Feather Saga by Andrew Peterson. And that whole series, oh, my goodness, that cemented so much of our family lexicon, because it's filled with like made up words. And it I mean, we have jokes and talks and sayings for days coming out of that series. For our older teenagers, um, or even early elementary, early middle school and early teenage years, the Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is just like a such a classic, Mildred D. Taylor that many of us read. But she also wrote a young adult version where Cassie is entering young adulthood. So, different age audiences, but same author. And a lot of people haven't heard of the other book All the Days Past, All the Days to Come. So, for high school, I love that. And then I threw a couple things in for mama. I'm an epic story of called Homegoing about two sisters and the different paths their lives take during a time I'm part of it is told in Africa and part of its told in the United States. And the last book I have is this memoir, A Black Mother's Garden. It's called Soil. And she uses her actual real garden at her home to kind of give us this idea of life. And it's, it's, you know, it's, it's hard to explain, but it's her it's part memoir, part gardening, like learning and talking about the plants, but also how all of that can turn into kind of like the soil of your life and the people being plants, and she really focuses on wildflowers. So, it's a stunningly, like poignant and beautiful memoir. So, those are my favorite, you know, and now if you ask me tomorrow, you're going to get a different stack.   Laura Dugger: (53:07 - 53:27) I love it. What a gift to get to see all of those you and I share some of those favorites, and you've introduced me to some new ones. So, I'm very grateful and hope everybody listening feels the same. But speaking of books, you've authored more than one. But will you tell us about your most recent release entitled Soul School?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (53:28 - 55:58) Yeah, so, Soul School is it's Soul School: Taking Kids on a Joy Filled Journey Through the Heart of Black American Culture. And I know it's so hard with those. But it is a book of books. So, people who have enjoyed Honey for a Child's Heart, or The Read-Aloud Family, those types of books, which I have adored, and I have all of them, and I've highlighted them or, or Give Your Child the World is another one, highlighted them and dog eared them and have used them to check out books for the library for my children for many, many years. And, and at the same time, I was always very, you know, on my heart that the books that I spend a lot of time reading with my children that I choose and I select are never really included in most of those books.   And there was the season, you know, I'm like, frustrated, you know, I'm mad. I'm like, why? Why are they putting these books in here? And then the more I thought about it, I was like, the most you can ask for a mother to do when she's sharing these books, when it's coming from that is what she read with her children. So, am I going to be mad at her that she didn't read what I think she should read? No, do I wish that it had been more expansive? Sure, I do. But how many of us wouldn't go back and do something differently if knowing what we know today or whatever. So, I wrote a companion like the I see not to replace those books. But this book is filled with African American and black diasporic children's literature starting from preschool all the way through high school.   The first part of the book, I talk about what I'm looking for specifically in books about black American culture, and why those things are important. So, the first few chapters, first five chapters are really teaching the teacher. And then the rest of the book, which makes up most of the book are really rich annotated book lists with descriptions why I chose the book discussion questions, project ideas, and something called second helpings. Like when you think of a big soul food dinner, you go through the line the first time and you fill your plate, but then you go back for second helpings of the things that taste the very best. So, if your child likes this book, then here are two second helpings that they also would probably enjoy. And you know, the book was years in the making, I read all 300 plus books in there from cover to cover. And that's kind of my contribution to raising our children.   Laura Dugger: (56:00 - 56:40) Wow, I mean, it is a stunning piece of work. And there's so much for your family, but also for all of us. So, I think of being one of your kids, what a treasure that their mom read 300 books and put this together. But for all of us, I love books on books. And like you said, we can use it to go to the library or then once we read those and find which other ones we love, we can add it to our home collection. So, thank you for that powerhouse of work. And Amber, there's still so much more that you could share with us. Where can we go after this conversation to connect with you or to learn more?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (56:42 - 56:56) Go to heritagemom.com. And there you'll find all of my books and years' worth of blog posts and book recommendations and other things. My Instagram is @heritagemomblog and the same at Facebook.   Laura Dugger: (56:56 - 57:12) Wonderful. Okay, we will add those links to the show notes for today's episode. And you may be familiar that we're called The Savvy Sauce because savvy is synonymous with practical knowledge. And so, as my final question for you today, Amber, what is your savvy sauce?   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (57:12 - 57:50) Oh, this is such a great question. I love this part of your podcast. I would say that my savvy sauce is learning to be a really great listener. Like if there's nothing else, then that's listening to my husband and the things of his heart and listening to my children and my neighbors and my friends.   But also, people I don't know, people in other places. And also, people I disagree with and being willing to be quiet and listen and take what I can from what they're sharing as well. So, that is, I think my savvy sauce is being an introspective listener.   Laura Dugger: (57:50 – 58:13) That is well said. You are such an inspiring and creative soul. And I have thoroughly enjoyed this chat. And I know I've been hearing you speak on other podcasts and reading your work for years. So, this was such a treat to get to connect with you today. And I just want to say thank you for being my guest.   Amber O'Neal Johnston: (58:14 - 58:16) Thank you so much for having me.   Laura Dugger: (58:16 - 1:01:59) One more thing before you go. Have you heard the term gospel before?   It simply means good news. And I want to share the best news with you.   But it starts with the bad news.   Every single one of us were born sinners, but Christ desires to rescue us from our sin, which is something we cannot do for ourselves.   This means there is absolutely no chance we can make it to heaven on our own.   So, for you and for me, it means we deserve death, and we can never pay back the sacrifice we owe to be saved.   We need a Savior. But God loved us so much, he made a way for his only son to willingly die in our place as the perfect substitute.   This gives us hope of life forever in right relationship with him. That is good news. Jesus lived the perfect life we could never live and died in our place for our sin.   This was God's plan to make a way to reconcile with us so that God can look at us and see Jesus.   We can be covered and justified through the work Jesus finished if we choose to receive what He has done for us.   Romans 10:9 says, “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”   So, would you pray with me now?   Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to take our place.   I pray someone today right now is touched and chooses to turn their life over to you. Will you clearly guide them and help them take their next step in faith to declare you as Lord of their life?   We trust you to work and change lives now for eternity. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. If you prayed that prayer, you are declaring him for me, so me for him.   You get the opportunity to live your life for him.   And at this podcast, we're called The Savvy Sauce for a reason.   We want to give you practical tools to implement the knowledge you have learned. So, you ready to get started?   First, tell someone. Say it out loud. Get a Bible.   The first day I made this decision, my parents took me to Barnes & Noble and let me choose my own Bible.   I selected the Quest NIV Bible, and I love it. You can start by reading the book of John. Also, get connected locally, which just means tell someone who's a part of a church in your community that you made a decision to follow Christ.   I'm assuming they will be thrilled to talk with you about further steps, such as going to church and getting connected to other believers to encourage you.   We want to celebrate with you too, so feel free to leave a comment for us here if you did make a decision to follow Christ.   We also have show notes including where you can read scripture that describes this process. And finally, be encouraged.   Luke 15:10 says, “In the same way I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”   The heavens are praising with you for your decision today.   And if you've already received this good news, I pray you have someone to share it with. You are loved and I look forward to meeting you here next time.

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

Nashville isn't a city that has had a huge fire shape it, but there is still a lot to remember on this Firefighters Memorial Day. Plus, the local news for October 9, 2025 and a look at Eviction Right to Counsel. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

George Floyd was born on October 14th, 1973. Charlie Kirk was born thirty years later, on October 14th, 1993. That is an odd coincidence, a cosmic joke upon us: we have two paths forward for America. How we honor these men in death will decide our country's fate. We all remember what happened on Memorial Day weekend of 2020. We all saw the video. It was horrific to watch a man die while begging to be freed and calling out for his mother. The video showed an unconcerned Derek Chauvin calmly placing his knee on the suspect to subdue him. Then we saw the life drained from George Floyd.Overnight, he was transformed from a career criminal trying to pass a $20 counterfeit bill to score drugs into a martyr for the systemic racism of America's police, and a “racist” America that elected Donald Trump.Millions poured into the streets, breaking lockdowns. Defund the police, they chanted. A photo circulated online of a fake Derek Chauvin with a “Make America White Again” hat. If you worried about the riots, the looting, and the violence, or sympathized with anyone who was brutalized that Summer, like Sue and her 100-year-old mattress store, you too were a “racist.”When I showed the video of Sue, my friends shouted, “How can you care more about property than people?” As buildings burned, as chaos reigned, whatever mass hysteria had taken hold four years earlier, when Donald Trump won, had now reached its pinnacle. It felt like war. But against what? Police brutality, White America, Donald Trump?In reality, it was a way to reclaim not just the White House, but what Mark Halperin calls “cultural hegemony,” where they get to decide what we can and can't say and think. They decide what books and movies are “racist” or phobic of one kind or another. After that Summer, there would be no debate about any of it. That America was “systemically racist” was the default. Anything you said could convict you in the court of public opinion as a “racist.” All it took was one accusation against you.A massive industry of “antiracism” ballooned as wealthy whites poured millions into their desperately sought-after absolution. It was laughable and grotesque, but it set the tone for what American society would become in the future. There was a disease in America that needed to be eradicated — the disease of “whiteness.” This was and still is being taught in public schools and universities. It's so bad that young people see transitioning or becoming non-binary as a way of being accepted. Now you start to see why Charlie Kirk was and is such a problem for them. He challenged those ideas. He challenged the mandated doctrine. He criticized Affirmative Action and DEI, not to mention trans rights and sex outside of marriage, and that abortion is murder. All of that went straight to the heart of the empire.But let's not get it twisted. The reaction to George Floyd's death was to transform America into a fascist-like Woketopia with nearly every major institution on board and handed more power to those at the top, who could destroy anyone for breaking the strict rules.That has meant the Left is free to dehumanize the Right in any way they want, as long as they tag their target with the mortal sin of “racism,” which they have attempted to do to Charlie to distort his message and silence his voice.In those days and weeks after Floyd's death, no one on the Right celebrated. Trump did not do what Barack Obama did: make a public statement of condolences before launching into an attack.Trump never smeared George Floyd in death, though he did condemn the protests. The high-minded media ignored the violence almost completely in 2020, and no one would dare write an investigative piece on the life of George Floyd or look at the case critically. When Bari Weiss and James Bennett were chased out of the New York Times, it was the Left eating its own for daring to challenge the mob. Firing Donald McNeil or David Shor did not happen because they questioned the doctrine. It was because they were accused of being “racists.” That is very different from people being fired for dancing on Charlie Kirk's grave.To pretend, in any way, that the Right has the power to re-order society, to mandate thought and speech, to implement strict doctrine in every institution, corporation, business, and social media platform is to either have amnesia about the last ten years or to willfully lie.That isn't exactly the sentiment of Thomas Chatterton Williams in this Atlantic story, The Other Martyr - MAGA has found its George Floyd. The title is slightly misleading, but since it's behind the paywall, I don't have much to work with. He writes:For many on the left, Floyd's asphyxiation turned a flawed and desperate man into a Christ figure, someone who bore the weight of the world's failings and, in so doing, cleared a path to fix them. In the feverish weeks since Charlie Kirk's assassination, the MAGA right is undergoing its own religious ferment, animated by a new martyr. Just as the left used Floyd's death to justify and hasten all manner of political ends, the right is invoking Kirk's name to advance illiberal aims and silence opponents. In death, Kirk has become a cudgel.Even if Trump has gone so far as to condemn Jimmy Kimmel and threaten to silence speech in Charlie's name, there is no comparing that to how our society was transformed in the wake of Floyd's death.These are not now, nor have they ever been, two equal sides. The Left is feeling a fraction of what all Americans have been forced to endure for ten long years. Jimmy Kimmel was taken off the air for five seconds. The Trump admin wants to know why PBS and NPR were so one-sided for so long and why the public airwaves only support one side. But even asking that question is fascist. That's how much power the Left has.We see them all rising up to sign letters by the thousands, with Jane Fonda daring to pretend to care about free speech on “both sides” to mock our leaders. Yet she and all of the high-status elites in the aristocracy said not one word as cancel culture purged hundreds for thought crimes for years.I lost much of my income in 2024 for mocking “White dudes for Harris,” and Gina Carano was fired from Disney for a tweet. Tucker Carlson was thrown off the air after Chuck Schumer threatened Rupert Murdoch from the Senate floor. Every time, the Left cheered. Now they want to pretend like they care about free speech?The truth is that Charlie threatened them because he did what they could never do. He offered to discuss his views with people he disagreed with. He put the ideas to the test. He spoke with respect and kindness, but his ideas were resonating, and he was changing minds one debate at a time. So of course, they can't afford to see his star keep rising now that their empire is in collapse. That's why all of the big names are now coming out to make a statement about Charlie when he's not here to defend himself. No one did this in the wake of Floyd's death, certainly not at the New York Times. Here is Ta-Nehisi Coates echoing that sentiment:But Mark Halperin, who interviewed Charlie many times and who knew him well, was not holding back in his rebuke of the lie that Charlie “spread hate.”They don't realize that the more they try to lie about Charlie, to bury him in the past as a “racist” who “spread hate,” the more people like Halperin and others will fight to protect his good name. Here is Emily Jashinsky breaking down a NY Times investigation on Charlie Kirk's debating style, like he's an insect in a jar. That is how desperate they are to hold onto the cultural hegemony and to silence Charlie.Here is Megyn Kelly going to great lengths to debunk the viral lies about Charlie.Charlie said provocative things because he wanted to shake college kids out of their indoctrination stupor and have them think critically about what they had been taught to recite by rote. That's what teachers are supposed to do. That is what art, journalism, and comedy used to do. Yet, that is what the Left sacrificed to demand obedience to the doctrine. Which Way Forward, AmericaTwo 19-year-olds. One is Violet Affleck, the victim of every awful lesson pushed upon her by her extremely progressive schools and parents who can't stand up to her. Here she is at the United Nations making a pitch for masks in 2025. Meanwhile, another 19-year-old, Brilyn Hollyhand, is continuing the tradition of Charlie Kirk. He's not cowering. He's not shrinking back. He's fired up because one man led by example. Which way forward, America? Masks? Helplessness? Celebrating victimhood or something else, another way forward, a way out, a way to success. Perhaps Charlie was a threat because he sought to rewrite the future for everyone, regardless of their skin color. Maybe his aim was to try something new because the old way wasn't working. The old way led to George Floyd. They don't even want to take the chance that what Charlie was saying was resonating. They're happy he's not here anymore. They're happy he was silenced. They want a sick and crippled America because then they are necessary. Unfortunately for them, Charlie wasn't like George Floyd. He wasn't famous only in death. He stood for more than just serving as a religious symbol. If you disagreed with him, he welcomed you in. Debate him. Change his mind.He has left his legacy everywhere - YouTube, podcasts, speeches, and interviews. Surely they must realize that every time they lie about Charlie, all it takes is one search to see the truth about who he was.Here is Charlie engaging in a respectful debate about DEI and affirmative action, where people can listen, learn, and form their own opinions. The Right didn't need to invent a religion or make Charlie a martyr for one; they already have that religion and they already have that martyr. Charlie was bringing religion back into the minds and hearts of the young, to give them something, anything other than hating themselves for the color of their skin. And it was his faith that led so many people to see the Left differently in the wake of his death. Be careful what you wish for.That Charlie Kirk and George Floyd were born on the same day offers up two paths forward. One path leads to victimhood with no way out in a “white supremacist patriarchy.” The other path is summed up by Andrew Kolvet, who is busy trying to keep Turning Point alive: Oh, how I wish someone had taught me that lesson thirty years ago when Charlie was born.Choose your hero wisely, America. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sashastone.com/subscribe

Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, Today's Class, KUKUI, and Pit Crew Loyalty Watch Full Video Episode The Karen Cooper Foundation, founded by Bob Cooper and his daughter Michele, honors the legacy of Bob's late wife, Karen, by bringing Christmas joy to shelter dogs through toys and treats. What began as a family tradition in San Diego has grown into a nationwide nonprofit, gifting thousands of dogs each year while raising awareness for adoption and responsible pet ownership. As a 501(c)(3) charity, every donation goes directly to the animals, providing enrichment, comfort, and hope until they find their forever homes. The foundation's roots trace back to an annual tradition Karen and Bob started years ago. Inspired by Karen's question, “What happens with all these dogs on Christmas morning?” she suggested, “Why don't we bring Christmas to them?”—sparking a mission that continues today. In 2023, after life-changing events including Bob's sale of Elite Worldwide and the heartbreaking loss of Karen in a Memorial Day weekend car accident, Bob and Michele formalized the foundation to honor and celebrate Karen's legacy. The Karen Cooper Foundation operates with three key goals: Bring Christmas joy to shelter dogs, ensuring they experience the magic of the holiday.Raise awareness about adoption, helping dogs and puppies find their forever homes.Honor Karen's legacy, keeping her spirit alive through every act of giving. Through every gift and act of kindness, the Karen Cooper Foundation ensures Karen's spirit lives on, bringing hope, joy, and a brighter future to dogs in need. https://www.karencooperfoundation.org/ Thanks to our Partner, NAPA TRACS NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Today's Class Optimize training with Today's Class: In just 5 minutes daily, boost knowledge retention and improve team performance. Find Today's Class on the web at https://www.todaysclass.com/ Thanks to our Partner, KUKUI Stop juggling multiple marketing tools. KUKUI's integrated platform delivers 4x better website conversions, automated follow-up, and real-time ROI tracking. Get industry-leading customer support with KUKUI at https://www.kukui.com/ Thanks to our Partner, Pit Crew Loyalty You're probably tired of chasing new customers who never return. We understand. Pit Crew Loyalty ends the one-and-done cycle, turning first visits into lasting, reliable revenue at https://www.pitcrewloyalty.com/ Connect with the Podcast: The Aftermarket Radio...

The political world gasped once again as news broke from the New York Times' Maggie Haberman that Trump has been telling anyone who will listen that he's getting reinstated as President and has become obsessed to the point of insanity on these voter audits in Arizona and Georgia which he believes will show that he won the election. Elsewhere, QAnon threw a Memorial Day bash in Dallas that saw former trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn advocating for a Myanmar style coup in the United States while Sidney Powell unleashed a torrent of bullshit around Trump's presidential reinstatement. Finally, Michael sits down with Phil Arballo who came with in a few percentage points of unseating Devin Nunes in the 2020 election. He joins Mea Culpa to discuss how he'll win the midterm election, what's at stake for this country if the democrats lose the House and where the GOP is most vulnerable. This is a wild, wild episode you won't want to miss.    To learn more about listener data and o... The political world gasped once again as news broke from the New York Times' Maggie Haberman that Trump has been telling anyone who will listen that he's getting reinstated as President and has become obsessed to the point of insanity on these voter audits in Arizona and Georgia which he believes will show that he won the election. Elsewhere, QAnon threw a Memorial Day bash in Dallas that saw former trump National Security Advisor Michael Flynn advocating for a Myanmar style coup in the United States while Sidney Powell unleashed a torrent of bullshit around Trump's presidential reinstatement. Finally, Michael sits down with Phil Arballo who came with in a few percentage points of unseating Devin Nunes in the 2020 election. He joins Mea Culpa to discuss how he'll win the midterm election, what's at stake for this country if the democrats lose the House and where the GOP is most vulnerable. This is a wild, wild episode you won't want to miss. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Migration for the Lord's Move (6) | Testimonies (2)“But you, continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from which ones you have learned them” (2 Tim 3:14)This week we continue the series titled, “Migration for the Lord's Move”, with testimonies from brothers and sisters on their experiences of the Lord in migrating for His move. These testimonies were given during a gathering for working saints at the 2023 Memorial Day conference in Chicago, IL.The original recording can be found at: https://livingtohim.com/2023/06/working-saints-2023-memorial-day/

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

As a Beck's Player with Heart, Josephine Henry shows her dedication and passion both on and off the field. Josephine currently plays softball and soccer, and also competes in ski racing. She loves that her involvement in high school sports gives her opportunities to grow as an athlete, person, and leader. Josephine has learned many lessons, such as how to be mentally, physically, and spiritually tough, the value of self-discipline, and how to be part of a team. She believes that being coachable is one of the most important qualities a player can possess and enjoys the learning process. She has found that if you are willing to accept the coach's feedback, it will help you get better. Josephine is also an eight-year 4-H member and currently serves as the treasurer of the Crafty Critters 4-H club. She has been able to show multiple livestock projects at the county fair and has won several awards. Josephine is an active member of the Global Impact FFA chapter and serves as the chapter reporter. In her community, Josephine is involved as a 4-H camp counselor and volunteers her time working concessions for junior high sports teams, participating in graveside Memorial Day services, Heritage Day festivities, and charity ski races. She has also worked several events, such as Trunk or Treat with her FFA chapter, the annual school candy drive, Farm Day, the Salvation Army toy drive, and the restoration clothing drive. To Josephine, agriculture represents her lifestyle, culture, and community. She comes from a legacy family farm, so she sees agriculture as essential to feeding America, raising families, and supporting communities. Agriculture has not only brought her family closer together while they work, but also brought her family closer to the community. She has been able to make numerous connections and priceless friendships through her agricultural opportunities. Josephine hopes to major in ag communications and ag business at a four-year land-grant university and find a potential career in advertising and digital media within the agriculture industry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Former police officer and best-selling author of PIG LATIN Eric Tansey breaks down newly released bodycam and dash cam footage from a harrowing Memorial Day traffic stop in Bloomfield, New Mexico. What began as a routine stop over a broken headlight tragically escalated into the fatal shooting of Officer Timothy Ontiveros by Dennis Armenta. In this episode, Eric Tansey examines: Let's talk about the critical moments leading up to the shooting-- a non compliant suspect, patience by the officers, and finally fire and the split-second decision to return fire. The broader lessons about officer safety, tactical decision-making, and the impact of mental health issues in violent encounters. Tansey shares his unique perspective as both a former cop and author, offering insights into the stress, decision-making, and emotions officers experience during life-or-death situations.

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Lesson on the topic of "Rabash Memorial Day (Yahrzeit)" (12.09.2021)

Rabash Memorial Day (Yahrzeit)

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Video, eng_t_rav_2025-09-27_lesson_yorzait-rabash_n1_p1. Lesson_part :: Daily_lesson 1

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

Migration for the Lord's Move (5) | Testimonies (1)“But you, continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from which ones you have learned them” (2 Tim 3:14)This week we continue the series titled, “Migration for the Lord's Move”, with testimonies from brothers and sisters on their experiences of the Lord in migrating for His move. These testimonies were given during a gathering for working saints at the 2023 Memorial Day conference in Chicago, IL.The original recording can be found at: https://livingtohim.com/2023/06/working-saints-2023-memorial-day/

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor.  

As Americans celebrate Memorial Day, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by our veterans who kept the United States and most of the world free. What better time to examine the fascinating life of Charles Town hero Frank Buckles, who lived to be the last surviving American veteran of World War I. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JpMhp8jYRw

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

Migration for the Lord's Move (4) | His Move On the Earth (2)“But you, continue in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from which ones you have learned them” (2 Tim 3:14)This week we continue the series titled, “Migration for the Lord's Move”, with sharing from brothers Marty Roberts and Ted Williamson on the Lord's move in the United States. This sharing was given during a gathering for working saints at the 2023 Memorial Day conference in Chicago, IL.The original recording can be found at: https://livingtohim.com/2023/06/working-saints-2023-memorial-day/

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

As the city of Flint, Michigan works to restore itself to its former glory, its residents look to improve their living conditions within it. It's a great step up for couple Kim and Amber Perryman who are able to move their family from the rougher side of town to more spacious digs in a much nicer neighborhood. By their own admission, the Perrymans are a rambunctious lot, which quickly lands them on the wrong side of their new neighbors directly across the street- The Bretts. Minor irritants escalate to major ones, and the two families are increasingly at each other's throats until dueling Memorial Day parties becomes the last straw and a horrific street battle turns fatal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a textThis was supposed to be a roast. A snarky hate-watch of the new Netflix Thunderbirds documentary. Instead? Aaron and Trent got ambushed by feelings. What started as a casual poo-poo sesh turned into a confession of admiration, aviation tears, and redemption arcs that hit harder than a Friday safety brief.We went from “tight flight suits and PR stunts” to "Astro gave up being an astronaut to save the team” — and dammit, we were in. From Primo's struggle bus to elite team dynamics, we broke down what it actually takes to perform under pressure when the whole Air Force is watching.Also in this ep: Marines choke-slamming passengers mid-flight, Memorial Day cringe patrols, fake Viking worship, Jesus-themed t-shirts, PTSD reality checks, and why “No More Drama, Ride a Llama” is now legally trademarked by Ones Ready. This one's unhinged, honest, and somehow… wholesome?

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

American summers, much more so than in the rest of the world, are defined by two bookends: Memorial Day and Labor Day. As a result, the first week in September is always a time to review and plan. This is particularly important for investors this year since, facing a barrage of unsettling political and economic news, on one side, and very solid investment returns, on the other, it's tempting to ignore fundamentals altogether and leave investments on auto-pilot.

Memorial Day 1893 in Tyrone, PA, isn't just a day of remembrance for armed service members who gave their lives. It is also a day that will forever be linked to the Walter L. Main Circus and the terrible accident that sent a train full of performers and animals hurling into the mountainside near the quaint town. Sources"The Unscheduled Stop" By Paula Zitzler, Susie O'Brien · 2008

TO LEARN MORE:        www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com        www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:       Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:         https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/     You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor.   

Terry Huang joins us to talk Season 8, Episode 4, "Memorial Day"!

As the summer of 2025 reaches its final chapter, Markus Schulz presents the Twilight of Summer edition of the Long Weekend Mix. Across two hours, he soundtracks the transition from day into night with a journey blending melodic techno, progressive, and uplifting trance. Following on from Memorial Day and Midsummer Glow, this mix closes the season in style and also celebrates the release of In Search of Sunrise 21 - Mix 2: The Nirvana, featuring exclusives and special moments woven into the flow.   Markus' latest single What Remains of Us is also included in the journey - and is available now to stream and add to your playlists.   Hope you enjoy the show.   Tracklist:   01. Markus Schulz presents Dakota - Stereo 11AM 02. Volen Sentir featuring Cinecile - You Will Never Know 03. Nicky Elisabeth - The Lights (Nicky Elisabeth Remix) 04. Hernan Cattaneo & Mercurio - 2009 05. Robert Nickson - Spiral (Forty Cats Remix) 06. Kyau & Albert - Luminous (In Search of Sunrise Mix) 07. Deadmau5 - Sixes 08. Adam Beyer - The Long Way Home 09. Dosem - Futuregate 10. Markus Schulz presents Dakota - Faultline 11. West of the Sun & Amber Revival - And If You Go (BLR Deep Mix) 12. EDU - Albu 13. Huminal - Tomorrow's Hope 14. Sean Tyas & JSKA - Don't Let Me Go 15. Estiva - Via Infinita (Marsh Remix) 16. BT - Flaming June (PARAFRAME Remix) 17. Mike EFEX - Hands on Me 18. Deadmau5 - Strobe (Victor Ruiz Remix) 19. Adam Beyer - the Distance Between Us 20. Kaufmann - Tuffi 21. Argy & MEDUZA featuring Polly-Anna - Melodia 22. HI-LO - Mesmerize 23. Jam & Spoon - Odyssey to Anyoona (Wehbba Remix) 24. Kreisel - Reflections (Dianthe Remix) 25. Layton Giordani - Living Simulation 26. Nic Vegter & Raz Nitzan presents Solid Globe - North Pole (BLR Remix) 27. Depeche Mode - Speak to Me (Hi-LO Remix) 28. Bart Skils & Weska - Dusk Till Dawn 29. Yahel & Victor Ruiz - Liquid Love 30. Daxson - Amber Horizon (In Search of Sunrise Mix) 31. Johan Gielen present Airscape - Beach Pearl [Robert's Theme) 32. Markus Schulz - What Remains of Us  

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor. 

TNQP Internal Episode – Summer of 2025 Recap   In this week's special edition of the Team Never Quit Podcast, Marcus, Melanie, and Hunter look back on the summer of 2025—a season filled with unforgettable adventures, joyful moments, and one devastating event. Marcus and Hunter recount their personal involvement in the recovery efforts during the tragic 4th of July flood in Kerrville, Texas, offering a raw glimpse into the resilience and service that define the TNQ spirit. But this episode is more than a recap. It's a reminder of what life can be when rooted in family, fun, patriotism, and service to others. The Crew” is moving onward to a fabulous line-up of guests for rest of the 2025 season.  Whether you've been with us from the beginning or are tuning in for the first time, welcome to the Team Never Quit Podcast—where stories of courage, resilience, and never quitting take center stage. In this episode you will hear: • There's some age where you just shouldn't do [Roller Coasters] anymore and I'm definitely past that age. (3:06) • What is it about things that cause you pain. “He's got horrible [sickness]” – let's try that. (5:00) • [What is a “never again” experience that you've done and absolutely hated?] “I thought it was scuba diving, but once I got in the water in Hawaii, I actually loved it a lot.” (5:54) • We both just started a workout routine. (7:05) • Marcus and Melanie share highlights of their Hawaii trip, including Pearl Harbor, Diamondhead, Waikiki, and Trident Adventures, where they literally throw your ass out of the helicopter into the ocean. (8:20)  • On Memorial Day we went to the Danny Dietz Memorial Roping in Decatur, Texas. (11:43) • The Luttrell's stop in Las Vegas had many very cool stops. Tom Brady & Jim Gray opened a sports museum in the Fontainebleau Hotel. We suggest seeing Boulder city and Hoover dam.  (12:56)    • See the Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, as well as in San Diego. (18:00) • We watched David Copperfield. And if you haven't seen him – some of the stuff he pulled off was unbelievable, including a gigantic UFO. • Their visit to Lake Tahoe starts at 22:28. • On July 4th weekend, there was a terrible storm that cam over Texas. Most have heard about what happened at Camp Mystic. Marcus, Morgan, and Hunter volunteered to assist with search and recovery for 8 days. That was the saddest thing Marcus had ever been a part of. “We're talking about babies.” (24:47) • “Hands down. Texans: You all are the best people on the planet of Earth.” (26:38) • When the flood came through the mountain, it hit Mystic at the headwater, but the river is 120 miles. It was complete devastation from the beginning to the end. (27:35) • The gamechanger – the ones that changed the dynamic of everything were the excavator drivers. (29:26) • One of the most difficult things was the search. You gotta understand the situation we were in. You're looking for something hoping you don't find. (34:17) If you drive through Houston, you'll see green ribbons on gates and mailboxes and trees. It's for all the lives lost. (39:25) • When you lose your child, that's the hardest burden that can be strapped on you. (39:39) • Axe went to the Naval Academy Baseball and Leadership Camp. (45:02) • We attended the congressional baseball game. If you ever wanted a real opportunity to yell at your congressman, go to the baseball game. (45:29) • On September 12th and 13th, the Danny Dietz Barbeque Cookoff takes place at the Yogi Bear Jellystone Park in Waller, Texas. Support TNQ   - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13   -  https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors:   - meetfabiric.com/TNQ    -  cargurus.com/TNQ    - armslist.com/TNQ   - partnersinbuilding.com - Navyfederal.org        -    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s    -   - PXGapparel.com/TNQ   - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ    - Selectquote.com/TNQ    - Groundnews.com/TNQ    - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com    - shipsticks.com/TNQ    - Robinhood.com/gold    - strawberry.me/TNQ    - stopboxusa.com {TNQ}    - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ]   -  kalshi.com/TNQ   -  joinbilt.com/TNQ    - Tonal.com [TNQ]   - greenlight.com/TNQ   - PDSDebt.com/TNQ   - drinkAG1.com/TNQ   - Shadyrays.com [TNQ]   - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ]   - Hims.com/TNQ   - Shopify.com/TNQ   - Aura.com/TNQ   - Policygenius.com   - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ]   - usejoymode.com [TNQ]

Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, and president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), has appointed Bishop Joseph N. Perry, auxiliary bishop of Chicago, to serve as the next chairman of the USCCB's Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism. Read the pastoral letter against racism, Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/racism/upload/open-wide-our-hearts.pdf Laudato Si' Week is an eight-day campaign held annually in May to mark the anniversary of Pope Francis' landmark encyclical on creation care. Find prayer and action resources to engage your community. https://www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/environment/index.cfm Archbishop Broglio sent a special message for Memorial Day. Watch the video and pray for those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Prayer: https://www.usccb.org/prayers/prayer-memorial-day-last-monday-may

Nick shines a spotlight on the rare group of underage performers who were tapped to host Saturday Night Live. Christina Ricci, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sara Gilbert, Claire Danes, Miley Cyrus, the Olsen Twins, Fred Savage, and Macaulay Culkin all stepped onto the stage between the ages of 11 and 19, and their youthful energy shaped the sketches in some surprising ways. With behind-the-scenes stories and context, Nick breaks down how each of them handled the pressure. Some rose to the occasion with strong monologues and memorable sketches, while others—yes, the Olsen Twins—struggled to make an impact. From a college dorm mix-up to a Memorial Day barbeque gone off the rails, the episode revisits some of the most unusual material these young hosts ever had to deliver. A fun trivia note caps things off: all but one of these underage hosts only took on the job once, making their appearances even more of a fascinating footnote in SNL history. [Ep 138]

For the first time on the Terry Collins Show - Terry welcomes his friend and colleague, another former Mets Iconic Manager BOBBY VALENTINE! TC and Bobby V discuss the upcoming September 13th Alumni Classic, where they will be on opposing sides managing against each other with TEAM SHEA STADIUM meeting TEAM CITI FIELD. Bobby and Terry discuss possible realignment in the MLB, rule changes in the game, if they could manage the kids of today and dive into the Mets current season. Bobby V also remembers 9/11 and the night Mike Piazza made the country smile with his historic HR. On our lead off Terry and Baseball Insider, the Newsday Mets beat writer and analyst for SNY's Baseball night in NY Laura Albanese discuss the current Mets news, pitching rotation, impact of Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat. We debut a special Tunnel to Towers story narrated by Terry Collins about a special day for a wounded Veteran that took place on Memorial Day at Citi Field with T2T Founder Frank Siller. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel or watch any of our episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTerryCollinsShow Subscribe to the Terry Collins show on your favorite podcast platform. Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel: / @theterrycollinsshow Follow The Terry Collins Show: X: https://x.com/TerryCollins_10 Instagram: / terrycollins_10 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... Follow John Arezzi on X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/johnarezzi⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow John Arezzi on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠ / johnarezzi Donate $11 a month to now help first responders, veterans and our military heroes. Go to Tunnel to Towers and help them do good: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://t2t.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: Terry Collins Co-Host: John Arezzi Creative Director: Marsh Researcher - Dominic DiBiase Executive Producer: John Arezzi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It was around Memorial Day in 2022 when Coca Cola stunned the beverage world by announcing it was shutting down production of Honest Tea. No one was more surprised than Seth Goldman, who had co-founded the brand and sold it to Coke. But within two weeks, he'd decided to do it all again, and by that Labor Day, bottles of his new venture, Just Ice Tea, were already landing on store shelves. And now, three years later, Just Ice Tea has exploded from $1 million in annual revenue to nearly $24 million to rank 88th on the latest Inc. 5000—more than two decades after Honest Tea first appeared on the list. Which makes this the perfect moment to revisit the conversation I recorded with Seth right before Just Ice Tea launched. In it, he shares how he processed Coke's decision, why he sold to Coke in the first place, what compelled him to get back into the business, and what he learned working inside the world's largest beverage company. And yes, I asked whether he could imagine selling this brand to Coke, too.

TO LEARN MORE:       www.CrossFitEdwardsville.com       www.Facebook.com/CrossFitEdwardsville      TikTok: @crossfitedwardsville      Instagram: @crossfitedwardsville        Twitter: @cfedwardsville        YouTube: CrossFit Edwardsville TO GET STARTED AT CFE:     Book a No-Sweat Conversation with a coach, using this scheduler:          https://crossfitedwardsville.com/intro/    You can also find the link to schedule on our website. While this show is educational & entertaining in nature, it does not replace or supplant professional medical guidance from your own physician. Before beginning any exercise or nutrition program, please first consult with your doctor.