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There is only one opponent that this Ohio State team should fear this season. Juck explains on this special bonus episode of Buckeye Huddle Primetime.
Raj Prakash Paul || The Lord's Church India
Send us your feedback — we're listeningJohn 6 : 35 — Bread of Life : Freedom from Worry and LackScripture (NIV)“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'” — John 6 : 35In a world chasing security, Jesus offers something deeper than comfort—He offers Himself. John 6 : 35 declares that He alone satisfies the restless heart and the anxious mind. When fear of lack rises, the Bread of Life reminds us that Heaven's supply never runs dry. Across Indonesia, Ethiopia, Turkey, and Argentina, believers lift empty hands to a generous God. He fills not only the stomach but the soul, teaching us to trust more and fear less. At midday, we turn from worry to worship and remember: Christ is enough.Paragraph 1 – Context Modern life is built on striving—more work, more wealth, more control—yet still we hunger. John 6 : 35 reveals the answer that anxiety cannot find: Jesus Himself is our provision. When economies shake and plans unravel, His promise remains unchanged. The Bread of Life feeds faith where fear once ruled.Paragraph 2 – Reflection Worry says, I must provide. Faith whispers, He already has. In every nation and every circumstance, Christ invites us to come, believe, and be filled. True security is not the absence of need but the presence of Jesus. When we seek first His kingdom, lack loses its power.Paragraph 3 – Intercession & Vision We pray for believers under economic pressure in Indonesia, Ethiopia, Turkey, and Argentina. May their daily bread be more than food—may it be faith. Let contentment replace comparison, gratitude replace fear, and generosity overflow as a witness to the world.Prayer PointsPray for peace for those facing financial anxiety today.Ask God to meet every need according to His riches in Christ.Pray that believers trust Jesus as their true provider.Intercede for families battling fear of lack and uncertainty.Declare that the Bread of Life satisfies every soul hunger.Pray for jobs, resources, and wisdom to steward provision well.Ask for gratitude to rise above fear of tomorrow.Pray that generosity becomes a testimony of faith.Lift up nations suffering foodSupport the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.
The arrival of the US carrier Gerald Ford signals an escalating commitment to possible military solutions against Maduro's regime in Venezuela. Maduro has ordered a Cuban-style guerrilla defense, but analysts worry more about "anarchization"—wreaking havoc—if he falls. Removing Maduro and lifting sanctions could lead to necessary refinancing of Venezuela's $170 billion debt. Guest: Evan Ellis. 1/4
Sometimes life throws real challenges at you. Medical issues. Loss. Uncertainty. The kind of stuff that makes anxiety feel completely justified. So how do you move forward when you're genuinely scared AND dealing with actual difficult circumstances?In this episode, we share some of the most powerful "did it anyway" stories we've ever received. From someone facing serious health challenges to a marathon runner dealing with panic attacks, these listeners show us what it really means to engage with life even when things are legitimately hard.We talk about why waiting to "fix yourself" before living your life doesn't work, how to handle the reality that feelings don't always indicate actual danger, and what it means to let both the good and difficult parts of life exist at the same time. You don't have to be fearless. But you can do what matters even while you're afraid.If you're struggling with the gap between how you feel and what you want to do with your life, this episode might help you see that moving forward is possible, even when it feels impossible.---Want to interact with Josh, Drew, and other Disordered listeners? The Disordered app is nearing release! Visit our home page and get on our mailing list for more information..---Struggling with worry and rumination that you feel you can't stop or control? Check out Worry and Rumination Explained, a two hour pre-recorded workshop produced by Josh and Drew. The workshop takes a deep dive into the mechanics of worrying and ruminating, offering some helpful ways to approach the seemingly unsolvable problem of trying to solve seemingly unsolvable problems.-----Want to ask us questions, share your wins, or get more information about Josh, Drew, and the Disordered podcast? Send us an email or leave a voicemail on our website.
I come bearing big news that many of you will weep about for years to come: American Filth has come to a close for the foreseeable future. But don't worry... While I'm departing the iHeart Cinematic Universe, I'm heading out to uncharted territory and starting two new podcasts for you, my friends of filth. Here are the shows... America Is Perfect! features my comedic commentaries on the PERFECT people and events that are shaping our PERFECT nation. Because as we know, nothing bad ever happens in America! (Doth you sense the sarcasm??) You can listen to that show wherever you listen to podcasts. Apple. Spotify. Etc. First episode drops next Friday, 11/21. America is Perfect! THE PAST is the same idea, but about the PERFECT events and people of the past. You can listen to this show exclusively on Patreon with a monthly pledge of $5 or $10. Here's the link to that. Episode 1 is already available to stream. Here's the link to the shows' Instagram and to Gabbie's Instagram. Stay filthy!! Links again...if you like them formatted like this: Patreon, where you can listen to America Is Perfect! THE PAST: https://www.patreon.com/AmericaisPerfect America Is Perfect! on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/america-is-perfect/id1851536611 America Is Perfect! on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1HZ86HA6KT9JtFHPKhsnS0 The Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americaisperfectpod See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of 10 Minutes to Less Suffering, explore how shifting from being nice to being kind can reduce stress, support emotional healing, and create more authentic and mindful relationships. Listeners learn why niceness often comes from fear and people pleasing, while true kindness grows from compassion, honesty, presence, and an open heart. What you will gain from this episode • A clear understanding of the difference between nice behavior and true heart based kindness • Insight into why some relationships feel inconsistent or disappointing during stressful moments • Support for emotional healing, self trust, and clarity after confusing interactions • Tools to stop people pleasing and reduce daily stress and anxiety • Guidance for setting healthy boundaries that protect your emotional well being • Encouragement to act with more authenticity, presence, and self compassion • A calming reflection to help you connect with your heart and choose kindness mindfully • Inspiration to create relationships that feel safe, honest, steady, and emotionally supportive • Hope to live with more peace, connection, and present moment awareness This episode is ideal for listeners searching for self help practices, self improvement tools, stress relief techniques, emotional healing support, mindful living tips, present based awareness, spiritual growth, heart centered connection, and guidance for living with more peace and clarity. You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If you are interested in my work, please check out my books, The Gift of Maybe: Finding Hope and Possibility in Uncertain Times (including a new audiobook), A Year Without Men: A 12 Point Guide To Inspire and Empower Women and my new Audiobook, Maybe Everything Is Okay, A Parent's Guide To Less Stress and Worry. Also you can check out my new Maybe Cards: A Path to Stress-Free Living or my new digital Maybe Journal. Above all, my heartfelt hope is that this podcast has supported your journey of personal growth, helped shift your mindset, reduce stress, built emotional resilience, and brought you less suffering and more joy, clarity, and peace.
In this episode, Kathy Jones and Liz Ann Sonders discuss some recent investor' questions involving credit risks, government debt, and the potential for an AI bubble. Then, Mike Townsend, Schwab's Washington-based political analyst, joins the show to discuss the end of the government shutdown. He and Liz Ann and Kathy cover the provisions within the agreement to reopen the government, including the potential extension of subsidies for the Affordable Care Act. They also discuss the upcoming Supreme Court ruling on tariffs and how the government might take a while to get caught up on data releases involving employment and inflation information. Kathy and Liz Ann routinely answer questions about the effects of government debt and deficits, and they ask Mike Townsend for his thoughts on how and when that issue might be resolved. Finally, they address upcoming changes to the tax code and the political fallout of the shutdown.You can keep up with the latest developments out of Washington—and learn how they might affect investors—by following Mike Townsend on X and LinkedIn. You can also listen to and follow his podcast, WashingtonWise.On Investing is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/OnInvesting. If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating or review on Apple Podcasts.Important DisclosuresThis material is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. This should not be considered an individualized recommendation or personalized investment advice. The investment strategies mentioned are not be suitable for everyone. Each investor needs to review an investment strategy for his or her own particular situation before making any investment decisions.All expressions of opinion are subject to change without notice in reaction to shifting market, economic or political conditions. Data contained herein from third party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.Past performance is no guarantee of future results.Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Fixed income securities are subject to increased loss of principal during periods of rising interest rates. Fixed income investments are subject to various other risks including changes in credit quality, market valuations, liquidity, prepayments, early redemption, corporate events, tax ramifications, and other factors. Lower rated securities are subject to greater credit risk, default risk, and liquidity risk.All names and market data shown above are for illustrative purposes only and are not a recommendation, offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security.This information is not a specific recommendation, individualized tax or investment advice. Tax laws are subject to change, either prospectively or retroactively. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, individuals should contact their own professional tax and investment advisors or other professionals (CPA, Financial Planner, Investment Manager, Estate Attorney) to help answer questions about specific situations or needs prior to taking any action based upon this information.Indexes are unmanaged, do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses and cannot be invested in directly. Forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only, may be based upon proprietary research and are developed through analysis of historical public data.The policy analysis provided by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., does not constitute and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of any political party.(1125-9E27) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
New military standards for grooming and appearance have some worried about religious and racial discrimination, particularly the guidance that men must be clean shaven.Support NPR and hear every episode of Trump's Terms sponsor-free with NPR+. Sign up at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Worry fades when you hand control back to the One who's been in charge all along.
Does feeling fear and worry hold you back from achieving success? What does it mean?First of all, it means you're normal!But you don't have to be paralyzed by it. If you've felt fear and worry to a degree that you're not moving like you want, please listen to this podcast.And share it with someone you know. More of us need this than we even realize.I hope it helps!YouTube version: https://youtu.be/m05DeCdQ7sUIf you have any questions, you can reach us here: https://lifemattersfinancial.com/contact/If you're an agent looking for a mentor, start here:https://lifematterfinancial.com/careers/Have an idea or topic suggestion? Talk to me:https://forms.gle/6aLkM8MSTwH4eteVA#lifematters #lifeinsurance #wholelifeinsurance #agentsforlife #lifeinsuranceagent #infinitebanking
Is Vancouver's lack of short term rental space becoming a major worry for the World Cup? Guest: Orion Rodgers, Property Rights BC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send us your feedback — we're listeningIsaiah 41 : 10 — Early-Morning Prayer for Freedom from Fear & Worry in Jesus Christ3 A.M. Release — Recorded live here in London, England — from London to Colombo, from Colombo to Nairobi, from Nairobi to Los Angeles — as a new day breaks, the peace of Jesus Christ drives out fear.Scripture (NIV)“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41 : 10 (NIV)Show NotesBefore dawn, worries often whisper the loudest. Millions search “prayer for fear,” “Jesus give me peace,” and “how to stop anxiety.” Isaiah 41 : 10 remains one of the world's most-searched verses because it speaks straight to that darkness: “I am with you.”From London to Colombo, Nairobi to Los Angeles, believers rise to remember that Jesus Christ — the Prince of Peace — has already defeated fear. His presence steadies the trembling heart; His love casts out anxiety. No matter the news, the diagnosis, or the burden, He upholds His people with an unshakable hand.This morning we pray for freedom from fear, for minds to be stilled, and for the courage to trust that Jesus Christ is still Lord over every storm.10 Global Prayer Points Prayer for freedom from fear and worry Prayer for peace through Jesus Christ Prayer for anxiety to be replaced by faith Prayer for strength in difficult times Prayer for calm in the presence of God Prayer for families to find peace in Christ Prayer for healing from panic and stress Prayer for faith to overcome uncertainty Prayer for trust in God's promises Prayer for confidence in Christ's protectionLife ApplicationFear fades where faith stands. Look to Jesus Christ — He never withdraws His hand from you.DeclarationI will not fear, for Jesus Christ is with me. His peace guards my heart and His strength upholds my life.Call to ActionShare this early-morning prayer to help someone find freedom from fear. Partner with DailyPrayer.uk to spread Scripture-anchored devotions worldwide. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for daily prayers with Reverend Ben Cooper.Isaiah4110, PrayerForPeace, FreedomFromFear, JesusChristIsWithYou, DailyPrayerPodcast, ReverendBenCooper, Support the showFor more inspiring content, visit RBChristianRadio.net — your home for daily devotionals, global prayer, and biblical encouragement for every season of life. We invite you to connect with our dedicated prayer hub at DailyPrayer.uk — a place where believers from every nation unite in prayer around the clock. If you need prayer, or would like to leave a request, this is the place to come. Our mission is simple: to pray with you, to stand with you, and to keep the power of prayer at the centre of everyday life. Your support through DailyPrayer.uk helps us continue sharing the gospel and covering the nations in prayer. You can also discover our ministry services and life celebrations at LifeCelebrant.net — serving families with faith, dignity, and hope. If this devotional blesses you, please consider supporting our listener-funded mission by buying us a coffee through RBChristianRadio.net. Every prayer, every gift, and every share helps us keep broadcasting God's Word to the world.
(0:00) Jameis Winston named Giants starter, Chiefs vs. Broncos, A.J. Brown complaints (26:24) Must-Win (40:25) Starting to think we won't see Shedeur Sanders? (47:55) Nick's Tiers (01:09:46) Joel Klatt joins (01:21:33) Travis Hunter out for season (01:27:03) Packed Stats, Chiefs or Broncos under more pressure? (01:48:48) Is A.J. Brown a distraction? (01:59:43) Who is the top MVP contender entering Week 11? (02:08:22) Do the Giants need to clean house? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Monster Beverage Corporation (NASDAQ: MNST) is without a doubt one of best two-way players in the beverage game, but it's hard to argue another “best defender in the industry” award isn't warranted after it recently announcing a new female-focused energy drink called FLRT will launch in early 2026. Offense and defense are terms that we're mostly familiar with when talking about sports, but these words are also applicable in business strategy. When a company is playing offense, its making investments that move the business forward. Alternatively, when a company is playing defense, its making investments to prevent potential downside. Offensive and defensive business strategies are equally important, but when you utilize them depends on numerous internal and external considerations...and accounting for these various marketplace dynamics could mean an offensive-heavy or defensive-heavy strategic gameplan would yield more short- and long-term value generation. So, who's the “King of Defense” in the beverage industry? If I was voting for this totally made-up award (again), I would give it to Monster Beverage Corporation just like when I examined the Reign Total Body Fuel and Reign Storm product innovations in February 2023. But instead of launching copycat energy drinks to defend against Bang Energy and CELSIUS, another highflying energy drink brand (or I guess brands) are currently on the Monster Beverage hit list. And while recent business performance has been relatively great at Monster Beverage, but that doesn't mean it's benefitted from every underlying growth driver powering the energy drinks market. Amid a slew of distribution partnerships, investments and acquisitions, the biggest success stories of the past several years have come to energy drink brands reaching toward female consumers. And the massive, continued achievements by Alani Nu and record-breaking early categorical results from Bloom Nutrition must've finally signaled “the future is female” to Monster Beverage because they just announced the upcoming launch of FLRT. Initially debuting in four flavors, FLRT will be positioned as a zero-sugar, female-focused energy drink brand. And while totally understanding (and respecting) the strategic defensive move from Monster Beverage, I didn't need to read the overwhelmingly negative comments from pundits to know FLRT wasn't going to be received well online. But since energy drinks are marketed as lifestyle brands that offer beverages with a functional benefit of caffeine, authenticity matters A LOT. So, while Alani Nu and Bloom Nutrition were each co-founded by female fitness influencers, Monster Energy is the epitome of such longtime mainstays of energy drink marketing like extreme sports and bikini models…that for some time suggested the only valuable categorical consumer were young males. And even if Monster Beverage attempted to develop female-focused energy drinks more than a decade ago, that overwhelmingly negative sentiment online obviously shows the brand identity of Monster Energy is so entrenched that consumers feel it seems grossly inauthentic to suddenly pivot now. Instead, if Monster Beverage wants to become liked by female consumers…it probably needs a more dramatic strategic plan. Thus, how about I leave you with this idea…Monster Beverage should acquire Olipop.
We worry for the best of reasons, or so we tell ourselves. An unexpected bill arrives. The car won't start. A three-year old grows feverish. Layoff slips are piling up for even long-time workers. The brooding circle of our fears goes rounding for an answer. In all those moments “in between,” we just can't break their vast, erosive power. We want control—ours or anyone's—to hold at bay dark outcomes that we dread. And God's Word doesn't chide us when we worry in our helplessness, nor urge us to “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive.” We're given there a clear-eyed glimpse of what is really true about our lives—of God's deep, constant love for us, for now and for forever: “Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand” (Isa 41:10). When we align our fraying hope with heaven's lasting kindness, we give ourselves to what is truer than our worries: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say” (2 Thes 2:16-17). Grace teaches us to trust what Christ has done, is doing, and will do. Let fear recede and slip away. Then stay in grace. -Bill Knott
We worry for the best of reasons, or so we tell ourselves. An unexpected bill arrives. The car won't start. A three-year old grows feverish. Layoff slips are piling up for even long-time workers. The brooding circle of our fears goes rounding for an answer. In all those moments “in between,” we just can't break their vast, erosive power. We want control—ours or anyone's—to hold at bay dark outcomes that we dread. And God's Word doesn't chide us when we worry in our helplessness, nor urge us to “Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive.” We're given there a clear-eyed glimpse of what is really true about our lives—of God's deep, constant love for us, for now and for forever: “Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand” (Isa 41:10). When we align our fraying hope with heaven's lasting kindness, we give ourselves to what is truer than our worries: “Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say” (2 Thes 2:16-17). Grace teaches us to trust what Christ has done, is doing, and will do. Let fear recede and slip away. Then stay in grace. -Bill Knott
Licensed counselor and author Debra Fileta joins Levi and Jennie for a live Q&A on building emotionally healthy homes—whether you're single, married, or knee-deep in carpools. We kick off with Debra's new picture book for littles, “Any Day Emotions,” and how naming feelings (even the tricky ones like guilt and jealousy) helps kids learn what to do with them. We also talk about Levi's new tween book, “Don't Worry, Warrior,” and why story-driven teaching sticks with 8–12-year-olds. From there, it's a fast-paced, heartfelt session tackling real questions: consistent toddler discipline without losing connection, encouragement for single parents finding community, wisdom for blending families with grace and boundaries, and practical ways siblings can repair ruptures with real apologies. We close by reframing “peace at home”—less candlelit calm, more everyday wholeness in Christ amid the beautiful chaos. Connect with us on social!Debra: @debrafileta Levi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Any Day Emotions by Debra Fileta: https://bit.ly/4paOT6xDon't Worry, Warrior By Levi Lusko: https://bit.ly/498LNLsGet the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Give a year-end gift to send Native youth to Movement Conference!Your generous year-end gift below will remove every barrier so students from the reservations can experience Movement Conference, where they'll encounter the love and freedom of Jesus.Give Your Gift: https://levilusko.com/ye-donate?&utm_campaign=LLM1225&utm_medium=website&utm_source=podcast&utm_content=pod Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Time stamps14:06 – What to discuss with your spouse when planning/trying for kids19:13 – How to discipline a toddler consistently while staying connected26:10 – Single mom navigating distance from family and absent father31:06 – “Biblical” approach to blending a newly blended family49:34 – Keeping a peaceful home with hormonal preteens and little ones54:57 – Rhythms to recharge marriage with a 6-month-old at home
Licensed counselor and author Debra Fileta joins Levi and Jennie for a live Q&A on building emotionally healthy homes—whether you're single, married, or knee-deep in carpools. We kick off with Debra's new picture book for littles, “Any Day Emotions,” and how naming feelings (even the tricky ones like guilt and jealousy) helps kids learn what to do with them. We also talk about Levi's new tween book, “Don't Worry, Warrior,” and why story-driven teaching sticks with 8–12-year-olds. From there, it's a fast-paced, heartfelt session tackling real questions: consistent toddler discipline without losing connection, encouragement for single parents finding community, wisdom for blending families with grace and boundaries, and practical ways siblings can repair ruptures with real apologies. We close by reframing “peace at home”—less candlelit calm, more everyday wholeness in Christ amid the beautiful chaos. Connect with us on social!Debra: @debrafileta Levi: @leviluskoJennie: @jennieluskoFresh Life Church: @freshlife [Links]Any Day Emotions by Debra Fileta: https://bit.ly/4paOT6xDon't Worry, Warrior By Levi Lusko: https://bit.ly/498LNLsGet the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHYGet the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY Give a year-end gift to send Native youth to Movement Conference!Your generous year-end gift below will remove every barrier so students from the reservations can experience Movement Conference, where they'll encounter the love and freedom of Jesus.Give Your Gift: https://levilusko.com/ye-donate?&utm_campaign=LLM1225&utm_medium=website&utm_source=podcast&utm_content=pod Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe Time stamps14:06 – What to discuss with your spouse when planning/trying for kids19:13 – How to discipline a toddler consistently while staying connected26:10 – Single mom navigating distance from family and absent father31:06 – “Biblical” approach to blending a newly blended family49:34 – Keeping a peaceful home with hormonal preteens and little ones54:57 – Rhythms to recharge marriage with a 6-month-old at home
James Rojas reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump says he’ll sue the BBC for a $1 billion; part of a pattern of lawsuits over what Trump says is unfair and selective reporting. What exactly did the BBC do to enrage Trump - and should Australia’s own ABC be worried? Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Time Riders: Part 4 A daring attempt to rescue Becky from Cardinal Richelieu. Based on a post by BiscuitHammer, in 16 parts. Listen to the Podcast at Explicit Novels. “Your Becky sounds like a very strong woman." Lady Alexandra reflected when Mark told of their conflicts in the time journey to old France. "Actually," Mark said, blushing again. "She reminds me of you, or you remind me of her. You actually look quite a bit alike." She smiled sweetly and reached forward to touch his knee. "High praise for me indeed, then. Am I right in assuming that she speaks French since you do not?" Mark nodded. "Then she should be safe inside the Louvre, which is where my mistress the queen is currently staying," Alexandra concluded. "So his Eminence is playing another little game, to make my mistress feel bad by bringing beautiful women into her service? We shall see to this, Mark, I promise you." "Thanks," he said. "I really, really appreciate this. You have no idea." "She must be very special to you." Alexandra said slyly. "Well, we're not in love, or anything," he said hastily, wishing he didn't have to keep explaining this. "But yeah, I guess you could say we're fond of one another, and she's the only person I time travel with." "Were I you," Alexandra said, sitting back now and taking another sip of one while crossing one leg over the other. "I would try to keep it that way. It has been explained to me, and it seems perfectly logical, that things just get more complicated when you involve other people or try to do too many things?" "You don't look at all like you're from this time," Mark admitted. "Are you actually from the Sun King's France?" She nodded. "That I am, to a noble family of ancient lineage, going even back to the reign of Charlemagne. But in service to my queen, I take very good care of myself and am in the peak of health." "No kidding," Mark breathed, earning a smirk from Alexandra. "Chester said you're good with a sword?" She shrugged in a non-committal manner. "Suffice to say that I am not afraid to take on Les Troi Inseparables." Mark assumed that she meant Athos, Porthos and Aramis. "D'Artagnan too?" She laughed, a beautiful, crystalline sound. "Aye, even the irascible Gascon. Nor do I cringe before the Duke of Buckingham, who is said to be the greatest swordsman in Christendom, barring possibly my brother." "No recognition for you?" She shook her head. "I dare not, my service to the queen would be compromised. I am not driven by fame, Mark, but devotion and duty. Secrecy is all that allows me to continue in my task." "You're like Wonder Woman." Mark laughed. She looked at him and tilted her head. "Comment?" "A fictional heroine from my own time," he said, waving it off. "She's powerful, she's brilliant, she can fight, she can fly, she's compassionate. They've been writing and drawing stories about her for about seventy years now." "It sounds fun," she sighed. "But I do not wish to be ensnared in these time troubles, and I do everything I can to avoid them. The less I know, the better. Protecting my queen is enough." He nodded. "I promise to try and not add to your troubles in this, and I'm sorry." "You needn't be," she said easily, draining her glass. "The debt I owe Chester for this is many years old, I am surprised that he has not called it in before now, to be honest. How long has Becky been at the Louvre?" Mark thought about that. "Uh; a week to get to the palace from where we were; then three weeks; and then it took me a week to get here, so best guess is four weeks." Alexandra nodded and considered. "The initial intense scrutiny she would have been under will be relaxing after a month. They are no doubt still training her, but she sounds very bright, so they will be eager to move her into the court." Mark nodded. "Alright, what do we do? Run in with pistols blazing and swords unsheathed?" She paused in her ruminations and looked at him for a moment before shaking her head slowly, saying nothing. She poured herself another glass of wine and nocked it back before sighing and returning to her thoughts. "Uh, may I ask a question?" Mark said somewhat meekly. Alexandra looked at him and waited. "If; you're one of the queen's ladies-in-waiting," Mark said somewhat awkwardly. "Shouldn't you have at least seen or have heard of Becky by now? I gotta admit, she's like you, she's really hard to miss." The French woman smiled prettily. "I have been away some two months now on a delicate errand for my queen, one that took me south to Spain." "Pretending I was from Spain got me shot." Mark grumbled. Alexandra raised her eyebrows. "Ah, tu hablas español?" "Nope," Mark said, holding up his hands. "Not goin' through this again. So, what do we do, Miss; uh, Miss;” "Just call me Alexandra, cher," she said easily. "And if we become friends, you may call me Alexa." He nodded. "Okay, Alexandra. What is our plan?" "I shall think on that," she replied. "We will not be doing anything until at least tomorrow, I assure you. I only returned this morning and even the queen does not know I am back yet. That being said, you will be my guest here in my private apartments." "Uh, okay," he said. "That doesn't sound too bad, I guess." "It is convenient, for one thing, but another is perhaps a bit more personal and selfish on my part," Alexandra added. "Be honest with me, Mark." "Okay." "Would your Becky be hurt or jealous if you and I were to fuck?" she asked plainly. Mark thought about that for a moment and then shook his head. "She'd probably think there was something wrong with me if I didn't; to be honest. Besides, if she thinks I'm dead, what's the harm?" "Bien," the woman stated, nodding and standing. "Tonight, you and I shall, oh, what is that English saying; ride below the crupper." "Never heard that, but I'm in," he said, chuckling. "And do not worry, unlike most people of this day and age, I bathe daily, so you should not find my closeness offensive." Alexandra added. "I'm pretty sure you could smell like a federal stimulus pork bill and I wouldn't notice," he laughed. "Don't you have quarters at the Louvre?" She nodded. "Oui, but my mistress allows me to stay here when possible, since I am closer to the people of Paris this way. I can look out my window, see them and remind myself of my duty to them." "You're pretty complicated for a noblewoman." Mark admitted. "History doesn't think much of your class of people." "A deserved indictment, no doubt," she sighed. "Alors, I did not keep you here to bore you with such ephemera, I intend to pleasure you before making you risk your life again in the days ahead." The French Art of Feminine Disrobing. He watched from his chair as she slowly turned around and began the French art of feminine disrobing. She began by removing the rather poufy blouse she was wearing, revealing her shapely back. She was beautiful, but now he could see the lines of athleticism in her shoulders and torso, and still somehow with the affectation of being delicate and womanly. Alexandra then lifted one leg and removed her short boot deftly, then reversed her pose as she removed the other boot. Her feet were surprisingly dainty, but they seemed to be planted firmly on the floor. Undoing the tie of her breeches, she wiggled them down over her lovely hips, exposing her incredible behind. She bent over to push the article of clothing down the rest of her statuesque legs and in spite of the dim light, he could almost see her cunt just below those temping cheeks. She stood up straight and stepped elegantly out of the pool of her breeches, putting her hands over her bust as she turned her head to smile at him coyly. As he watched, she slowly came around so she was facing him now. If Mark's jaw could have literally fallen off, it would have. In the flickering candlelight, she was bewitching to behold. Her skin was creamy and flawless, fair and yearning to be kissed. Her womanly hips carried strength, melting into her glorious legs. Her snatch was hairless, something he didn't associate at all with the period; especially the French. "So, do you like what you see?" she purred, enjoying his reaction. He nodded dumbly and she allowed her hands to fall away from her tits, revealing them. Large and perfectly shaped, sitting high no doubt because of her strong back and shoulders, and crowned with small, pink nipples that made his mouth water. "Now perhaps it is time for you to show me the man I will enjoy?" Alexandra said softly, smiling. "Stand up and let me see you, Mark." He couldn't do a thing about his hard-on, so he didn't even bother trying to conceal it. Still sitting, he removed his boots and socks before standing. Without any of the grace displayed by his anticipated new lover, Mark fumbled off his shirt, revealing his chest. He wasn't overly muscular, of course, but he had more than enough tone and definition because of the sports he'd played. She smiled and just watched quietly. He undid the tie of his breeches and bent over to pull them off. When he stood back up, his cock sprang to full attention, wobbling in front of him slightly. Alexandra nodded, apparently in approval. "Men of days to come seem to be gifted." Alexandra stated in a sultry voice as she stepped forward, moving toward him. “Or, perhaps today, for you; my dear Alexandra?” Mark flirted in a manner even he found uncharacteristically competent. He could feel his heart thundering in his chest as the blonde goddess stepped closer and closer to him. She was then standing directly in front of him, her glorious pelvic mound almost touching the tip of his pulsing erection. He thought he might cum right on the spot. Her elegant hand slowly reached out to take hold of his turgid shaft, the fingers wrapping around gently and giving him the lightest of squeezes. "And now," she said in a whisper. "We shall' The lock on the door clunked before it flew open and in stepped a young woman with wavy dark hair and eyes, apparently not noticing the activity within. "I am back, mistress," the girl chirped as she shut the door and locked it again. She seemed cheerful and energetic, her green dress twirling about her prettily. "I bought some wine and also the soap packets that you; oh! My apologies, mistress, I did not know you were busy!" "Do not worry, Lisette," Alexandra said easily, clearly not at all surprised to see the girl while Mark just gaped. Her hand was still on his cock and stroking gently as she acknowledged the newcomer. "You're just in time to share dessert with me;” Cirrhosis Of The Louvre Mark blinked as he stared at the young woman who had just sauntered in. About his age, she was rather short, but cute in a quirky kind of way, with wavy dark hair that reached her jawline and cheerful brown eyes, over which she wore small round spectacles. Her green dress looked like elegant and well-maintained peasant wear. She seemed rather surprised to see him as well. "A new playmate, mistress?" she asked in French, clearly not surprised to see Lady Alexandra naked on her knees and stroking Mark's cock. "For now," Alexandra said easily, smiling at her servant. "He actually is an associate of Monsieur Edgeworth and needs our help." "Oh, not that pain-in-the-ass again," muttered the girl named Lisette as she walked into the dimly-lit room, clearly put off by the mention of Chester Edgeworth. Her accent was distinctly different from Lady Alexandra's, more coarse and unsophisticated, even to Mark's untrained ears. His translator device was having trouble keeping up. "Like our lives are not difficult enough." "Perhaps, but we have time for some fun, I am happy to say." Alexandra pointed out, not at all bothered by her servant's mutterings. "You will be delighted to know that in helping this young man, we will be putting the spurs to the Red Duke." "Well, there's that at least," Lisette admitted, dropping the linen bags she had been carrying and coming toward them, beginning to shed her dress and underthings without batting an eye. "This one is tall, Mistress. And he has a blank expression about him. English? A colonial?" "Close enough, my love," Alexandra giggled, watching as her beloved servant removed the last vestiges of her modesty, standing naked before them now, except for her spectacles. Her tits were small, her figure trim, but rounded in a youthful way; and devoid of fat excess fat, but not skinny. Living and fighting alongside her Mistress meant Lisette had no time for being indolent. She was probably also the best marksman outside of the Sun King's army with a caliver. "He is indeed from the colonies." "And probably from some other time, if he's involved with Edgeworth, but I have learned not to care," the brunette sighed as she joined Alexandra in kneeling in front of Mark. "Very well, let's fuck this one, before he gets killed, or unavailable like the others." "Wait, what?" Mark asked, his eyes widening and his erection threatening to retreat into his abdomen and his translator bud did its job. "Ignore her," Alexandra said easily, smirking at her companion. "She is just being salty about a boy she liked to fuck down at the market, no longer being available." "He die of dysentery or something?" Mark asked. Alexandra shrugged. "No, he got married." "I'm still going to fuck him the next time I see him;” Lisette said sullenly. "Oh, sorry," Mark said, somewhat embarrassed. "I guess I'm in the habit of assuming that you're the only person in this time I'm ever gonna meet who isn't riddled with a pox or sexual disease." "A fair assumption, my friend;” the blonde woman cooed as she began kissing along the length of his veiny, rippled shaft and making him shiver. The fireplace kept the room warm and also gave it an amber glow that was so comforting and conducive to their current activities. Lisette nestled in closer, smiling and fondling his sac gently while watching her mistress pleasure their new plaything. "He is large, Mistress," she mused, smiling slyly. "Nearly the size of Buckingham, I think." "Umm, the men of days to come do indeed seem to be gifted," Alexandra murmured as she tilted his hard cock up and traced the tip of her tongue along the vein on the underside. "Mark here is no exception, it would seem." Lisette's surprisingly well-kept fingernails grazed along his thighs while she edged inward, wanting to be closer to her mistress. Alexandra now swirled her tongue around his throbbing head before putting it inside her warm, wet mouth. She opened her eyes and looked up at him before slowly sliding in his length in one slow, steady motion. Mark shuddered in pleasure, feeling her tongue swirling around his length, even as she kept her mouth on him. His fingers found their way into her lush, golden hair, kneading at her scalp, and steadying himself while she began to bob back and forth expertly. In the back of his mind, he realized that she was as good as any girl from his own time at sucking cock. He shouldn't have been surprised, but sex seemed to be the one human endeavor that didn't really progress as time moved forward. People were either good at it, or weren't, and the best techniques had probably been around for thousands of years, needing no refinement. Alexandra was living proof of that theory. Lisette moved in and began kissing her mistress' neck and collarbone, her hands now wondering and caressing the noblewoman's body with a practiced ease. Alexandra continued to suck on Mark's cock readily, not at all distracted by her servant's touch, but rather excited by it. She squirmed as her cunt grew moist, yearning to feel this man's tool inside her. Alexandra's strong lips held his glans and her tongue rolled around his purple tip. Lisette's mouth now joined Alexandra's in sliding up and down the sided of his length before they kissed around his cock tip, tongues flickering and sliding wetly as they moaned. His hands were on the back of their heads and he shivered again, lost in the unreal sensations. He felt the brunette girl take over sucking on him, while her blonde mistress nipped at the skin of his waist. "Umm, he has a big tool, mistress," purred Lisette before bobbing along his shaft again. "A pity he will not be available to us regularly." "I think my friend is pleased with you, Mark," Alexandra said, smiling up at him slyly. "Do you wish to fuck us both?" "That; sounds great;” he grunted, closing his eyes and concentrating on not cumming so damn quickly. These two were a wicked tag team. "But what if one of you;” "Fear not, cher, we will not," Alexandra assured him. "I am classically trained, including in Roman medicines and can prevent unexpected complications from arising. Or our bellies." Mark didn't know exactly what 'Roman medicines' had to do with contraception, but she was the expert in this time, so he'd take her word for it. From what he'd read, the alternative in this era was a condom made of linen, which wasn't even meant to prevent pregnancy so much as inhibit pleasure. Hell with that. "Are you any good with that tongue, man of the New World?" she asked now, smiling at him wickedly. "Becky seemed to think so." Mark replied, trembling as he fought to hold on. He would welcome a chance to lick cunt if it would keep him from embarrassing himself before he had properly fucked either of them. "Then Lisette will continue to see you your needs down below, while I become acquainted with your face." Alexandra breathed. Mark sighed as Lisette stopped sucking on his cock long enough to retrieve several large, plush pillows and lay them on the floor near the fireplace. He was almost in a daze as the blonde noblewoman led him to the scarlet and gold oreillers, plump with down and feathers, and then rested him on top of them. Without more ado, she nestled over his face, looking down his body, allowing him to examine her while Lisette knelt between his legs and resumed wrapping her lips around his cock loudly. He marveled at her shining, slippery cunt, so tempting in the flickering orange light of the hearth. He had now fucked a few French girls in this time period, along with Becky, and they were all completely natural, often unusually hairy between their legs. This glorious woman, however, kept her twat completely smooth, a total aberration from the norm. Lisette was almost shaven clean, which he could only assume was at her mistress' behest. He could see Alexandra's tiny, pink clit just peeking out from under its hood, begging for attention. The wet, exquisite heat of Lisette's mouth made his belly groan. He pulled the blonde down onto his waiting mouth, needing to distract himself. His tongue snaked between her wet nether lips and inside her. Alexandra sighed shamelessly and squirmed on his mouth while fondling her opulent tits. His fingers gripped her thighs tightly, flexing into her delicate flesh. She was not kidding about taking care of herself compared to her contemporaries. Her scent and her taste reminded him of Becky more than anything. He pushed his tongue deeper inside her, massaging her walls and core and making her gasp and shudder in delight. She pulled at her nipples as she rocked back on forth on Mark's mouth, enthralled by how skilled he was proving to be at pleasuring her orally. He was quite possibly as good as Lisette, which was no small feat in her opinion. Her calves pressed in around his ears, her pert derriere bumping against his face. Mark's tongue flickered inside her and he buzzed his lips on her, sending jolts through her whole body. "Mistress, he is ready for you," Lisette said, pulling her mouth off his cock and looking up at her lady while pumping her tiny hand along his shaft. "Would you like to fuck him now?" "Non, ma couer," breathed Alexandra, her body now showing a sheen of sweat. "You may fuck him first. I assure you he will bring you bliss. I am fine where I am for now." Lisette nodded and moved to straddle Mark's hips, facing her mistress. She took hold of his cock, biting her lip as she toyed it against her cuntlips and clit. Finally, she pushed down, taking the head inside herself. She sighed while Mark shuddered as he penetrated hervery tight cunt. She then groaned loudly as she sank down, taking him all the way inside herself. She was very tight and Mark made an incoherent sound into Alexandra's twat, making her gasp and shudder violently, cumming suddenly. She leaned forward and grappled onto Lisette, kissing her greedily as she came. Mark could feel her wetness soaking his face, the heady aroma enthralling him. Enveloped in a type of pleasure he had probably never experienced before, even with Becky, he simply fought to control himself, lashing Alexandra's inside with his tongue while Lisette squirmed up and down on his cock, fucking him. Her cunt flexed and clenched expertly around him. He made a guess about the blonde noblewoman above him and took hold of her ass cheeks, pulling them apart before sliding a thumb through her puckered knot. Alexandra wailed in unexpected delight at the intrusion inside her back passage, pressing down and back against his hands and face. She rocked wantonly, genuinely thankful for the meddlesome Chester Edgeworth on this occasion. Mark showed no signs of relenting in his carnal assault. Whatever courtesies men of days to come were taught about a woman's pleasure, she envied the recipients. "Uh, mistress," whimpered Lisette as she squirmed, leaning backward while pumping her cunt on his cock. Alexandra could see the burgeoning shaft splitting her servant-girl's puffy cuntlips wide, glistening now with her wet desire as she squeezed around him. "Mistress, he's going to make me cum!" "Then cum, my dearest," Alexandra cooed, eager to see her beloved Lisette in the throes of unbridled passion. "And then I shall fuck him and we can cum; all of us, non?" The mere mention of cumming with her mistress made Lisette moan loudly, gyrating on Mark's cock with wild abandon. She was fairly bouncing as the liquid heat washed through her, followed by the unreal tingles of la petit mort. She leaned forward and kissed her mistress passionately, her cunt clamping around Mark like a silken vise as she came. "And now you, mistress!" she panted as she regained control of her body, sliding off Mark's throbbing tool to make room for the blonde woman. Somewhat reluctantly, Alexandra pulled her gooey cunt away from Mark's mouth, shivering as his finger popped out of her ass. She leaned down his body sensually, leaning over to take his cock in her mouth, moaning in pleasure as she tasted Lisette's cum on his rigid staff. Her head rose back up and her mouth left his coc,k and she smiled back at him while she stroked his length. "Perhaps you could take me from behind, my friend? It has been some time since I have felt it done properly." Mark nodded and clambered up to his feet, moving around while Alexandra arranged Lisette, lying the brown-haired girl on her back. She then sank down onto her, their arms wrapping around one another and they kissed deeply and passionately, the mere sight of it driving Mark wild. They were so total in their devotion that he wondered if they were in love. Lisette then moved around deftly, so that her mouth was beneath her mistress' dripping cunt, while the blonde woman hovered over her servant, on her hands and knees. Mark stood behind Alexandra and settled onto his knees. Lisette confidently reached up and took hold of Mark's pulsing cock, guiding him closer, until he was holding Alexandra by the hips. She placed the knob of his cock against her mistress' cunt lips, teasing it up and down for a few moments. Alexandra's response was to sigh and kiss her servant's cunt lovingly, making her shiver. Mark pursed his lips as Lisette finally guided him inside the aristocrat's snatch, with a slow, steady push. Already wet and ready, Alexandra's cunt yielded before him easily, but he soon groaned as he realized that further in she was as tight, if not tighter, than her servant, who was considerably smaller in frame. Alexandra moaned into Lisette's cunt while Mark trembled at the exquisite, wet heat. Once he had sunk in right up to the hilt, he paused for several moments, adjusting to the wicked sensation. He already understood he was no match for this woman's sexual prowess, and he was thankful for her indulgence. Once he was inside her, Lisette released him and wrapped her hands around her mistress' thighs, holding them firmly while she began kissing devotedly at her cuntlips, clit. Mark's visible shaft and balls bounced upon her forhead. Clearly she intended to facilitate their mutual climax and make sure they both experienced as much pleasure as they could handle. Knowing not to wait any longer and to simply take cues from Lisette, Mark made sure he had a firm grip and began pushing back and forth inside Alexandra, using long, slow, and deliberate thrusts to begin. The blonde moaned in appreciation of his efforts. "Hmm, you are very skilled with your phallus, my friend," she sighed, smiling back at him before returning to kissing Lisette's cunt and sliding a slender finger inside her. "You do not just fuck, like so many men of this day, but you know how to make love. Your Becky is a lucky girl." "Thanks;” he managed to say, praying for endurance as he felt her rhythmically squeeze herself around him with every thrust, even while she pleasured her servant girl. This woman was a succubus. Hadn't she said she was an agent of Anne of Austria? She'd be formidable indeed. And if she was one tenth as good with a sword or pistol as she was at fucking. Alexandra giggled at his inability to speak in full sentences, resolving to go easy on him and simply enjoy herself. A small allowance, perhaps, since she was obligated to help him. She pushed back slightly until her ass cheeks met his hips and her wet cuntlips pressed against his skin, enveloping his cock entirely. Beneath her, Lisette kissed and slid her tongue all over them, lost in a dutiful reverie. She realized Mark could take guidance and instruction without words, if she made her intentions known. She made him fuck her a little faster now by not only moving back and forth, but by squeezing him inside her more quickly, a technique she had taken years to perfect, but always to advantage. Soon, he was sliding in and out of her rhythmically, almost pulling his cockhead out of her before pushing all the way back in. Given his ample length, this was a wicked delight for her; fucking his cock was even better than sitting on his long eager tongue! Lisette was not only pleasuring them, but helping to regulate their coupling, something she could now do instinctively. Her devotion to her mistress was total. If Alexandra was fucking a man, Lisette was not jealous (usually), but simply played her part in making sure everyone enjoyed the experience as much as possible. They were practiced lovers who knew one another's needs and desires completely, and Lisette now fulfilled her role in the tryst with sublime skill. Mark shuddered as he felt Lisette's fingers massaging beneath him, along his balls and even his taint. To his surprise, it served to help distract him from the unreal pleasure if being deep inside Alexandra, allowing him to last longer than he had any business hoping to. He began pushing in and out a little harder, asserting himself and making the blonde goddess moan in pleasure. Soon, Mark was slapping his hips against her ass cheeks loudly, increasing the tempo to the place where Lisette couldn't readily use her dainty fingers on him. She instead continued lapping at her mistress' clit and massaging the split lips as he fucked her. Lisette trembled as Alexandra pushed two fingers deep inside her now, finding her pleasure points with unfailing skill while she sucked on her servant's clit, moaning around it. Alexandra squirmed back against Mark lustily and onto Lisette's mouth, panting in delight. "Oui!" she gasped, gyrating her pelvis expertly, the rings of her cunt muscles rippling along Mark's throbbing cock. "Right there! So good!" Mark was finding his body trembling, the familiar tingle starting to well up within him. His thrusts were faster but less controlled now, his hips performing an almost shoving and scooping motion as he dug inside the French noblewoman. Lisette was massaging her Mistress' cunt eagerly, delighting in the mingling taste of desire on her two lovers. She watched as Mark's glistening shaft slid back and forth, pulling wetly at Alexandra's nether lips. "Gonna cum!" he grunted, stiffening, trying to hold on while making sure that was what she wanted. "Yes!" Alexandra purred, her body flushing with warmth at his words. She heard him groan and press as hard as he could against her. She obliged by pushed back against him and squeezing for all she was worth. She sighed loudly, sliding her fingers as deeply into Lisette as she could, shivering in pleasure as her orgasm blossomed through her. Her wanton cunt fluttered around Mark's cock as she felt it pulsing and spurting his pearly cum deep inside her. They heaved and ground against one another for nearly a minute until Mark sagged back on his haunches, while Alexandra slowly laid forward, his cock sliding out of her with a wet pop. She rested her tits now on top of Lisette, who busied herself by tilting her head up between her mistress' legs, kissing her cunt and then lapping at it hungrily, her tongue finding the creamy globules of Mark's cum inside her, thrilling to the tangy taste. Alexandra sighed in contentment, her eyes closed, squirming gently. Not long had passed before the dutiful girl had cleaned her mistress thoroughly, ending her task with loving kisses of devotion. Alexandra rolled gently off to the side while Lisette got on her hands and knees, moving over to between Mark's legs, He was serenely staring at the rafters and trying to catch his breath. Without waiting for any particular permission (not that any was forthcoming or needed), she took hold of his still-swollen but softening cock and laved it with her mouth, once again thrilling to the taste of his cum mixed with her mistress'. She cleaned him off readily, loving how responsive he was to her touch. Finally, Alexandra rose to her feet and came to stand beside them. She pulled Lisette to her feet and wrapped her arms around the shorter girl, kissing her deeply and lovingly. Lisette melted into her embrace, submitting completely and with reverence. The kiss finally ended, and the patrician smiled down at Mark before offering her hand to help him up. "I found Lisette in Provence maybe three years ago, trapped in a tiny chapel and being disgraced by a priest. I ran him through with my blade and took her under my wing." "Mistress has had my undying devotion and unconditional love since then." Lisette added in very thick English, the first sounds of it she had offered. The phrase sounded almost practiced or rehearsed to Mark's ears, then he realized it probably was. Alexandra had taught Lisette what to say about herself once she had initiated a beginning statement she'd recognize. It was how they protected her in English, because it demonstrated the depth to which they were devoted to one another; Alexandra would kill a man of God for Lisette, and there was nothing in creation she would not do for her mistress. "I believe it," Mark replied, nodding. "I'm glad she saved you, Lisette, and Alexandra's lucky to have you." Lisette was taken off-guard by what Mark had said once her blonde mistress had translated for her, and she blushed and looked at the floor. It occurred to Mark that she probably wasn't used to anyone aside from Alexandra expressing any concern about her life or safety. She was just another peasant, after all. "Let us clean ourselves lightly and then prepare for a light meal and then bed, shall we?" Lady D'assaut suggested. "Mark, I do not know if you are a man of faith or not, but Lisette and I usually have about an hour of devotional time just before we turn in. You may join us or do as you please, as long as you're respectfully quiet." Mark nodded and joined the pair in going to another room that was clearly dedicated to bathing, something he doubted was all that common in this time and place. Lady Alexandra really was out of the ordinary. He watched with interest as Lisette helped her mistress into the large, round wooden tub, under which a contained fire was glowing. Easily big enough for the three of them (no doubt by design, he thought), he allowed himself to be helped in before the two women began washing him, giggling as they used tiny packets of powdered soap and their bodies to make sure he was clean all over. "Normally, to come across water like this is rare and expensive," Alexandra explained as she knelt patiently and looked at him while Lisette squeezed her tits into her mistress magnificent orbs, lathering her. "But this particular building has an underground stream running below it, so retrieving water from a well in the courtyard is comparatively simple. And I do love to be clean." "I can get behind that." Mark agreed. "Maybe in the morning." Alexandra quipped readily, winking at him. They finished bathing and then Lisette dutifully dried them both off. Linen shifts were provided and then Mark sat with his host in the study while Lisette prepared a light meal for them all. He'd never eaten a pigeon before, but it was surprisingly good. Small nibs of sweetened chocolate comprised dessert, and of course there was the wine. Once they had finished, Alexandra and her companion excused themselves and went into another small room to say their devotionals for maybe an hour. Then they invited Mark to come and sleep with them in Alexandra's massive, plush bed, covered in crimson sheets threaded with gold. Everyone removed their linen shifts and clambered into bed. Alexandra and Lisette kissed one another and then Mark goodnight. In spite of having two naked women nestled into his sides, he slept surprisingly well. A Louvre Incarceration. The moon was a bright white orb overhead as Rebecca looked out the window from her stately bedroom. A tear glistened on her cheek, as it had every night since her abduction and arrival in Paris. Not only was she stuck here, in the Sun King's France, with no method of returning home, but she was the unwilling 'guest' of Cardinal Richelieu, who was seeing her trained to serve Queen Anne. Worse still, and what truly broke her heart, Mark was dead. Killed by the Cardinal's men and no doubt still lying in that fateful field, his body ravaged by scavengers. She bit her lip as tears started to roll down her face, willing herself not to break into sobs that everyone on this floor of the palace would hear. She buried her face in her hands and surrendered to the grief, shuddering as she wept, not caring about the moon framing her in rays of silvery light. She was so alone. Mark had to exercise patience that morning, since they were eating a leisurely breakfast and casually discussing matters. But the matters were nothing of import, at least not from his point of view; they were not improvising plans to save Becky, which was foremost on his mind. Alexandra was well aware of the agitation just under his calm surface and she finally sought to allay it. She smiled and put a hand on top of his as she sat next to him at the table. "My friend," she said gently in her impeccable English. "Worry not for your Rebecca." "How can you say that?" he asked, trying to keep any exasperation out of his voice. "It's all that really matters to me, not that I'm not grateful, of course. But I feel; I feel like we are dawdling." "I understand," she allowed, smiling her beautiful smile that would drive the clouds away. "But I assure you, she is in no immediate danger, now that she is in the Louvre. And as you have already noted, she has been there for a month. We cannot simply rush in and storm the palace, because we would be risking her life, along with many others, not the least of which is my queen, Anne." He sighed and nodded. "But you are helping me rescue her, right? As in, we free her from the palace and she and I can get away, find my time machine and go home?" She smirked and nodded. Maybe she didn't blame him for his suspicions. "Yes, Mark. That is the only end here. I cannot remain indebted to our mutual associate Chester Edgeworth, especially not since this is one of his temporal matters. I want nothing to do with them, so leaving; oh, what is the term; 'loose ends', if you will, does not suit me. It pains me to say so, since I like you, but with any luck, I will never see you again once we have rescued your Rebecca." She smiled and squeezed his hand again. "Please trust me. And exercise patience. I already have a plan in mind, I just need more information from the palace." "Oh, okay," he said finally, hoping he wasn't being unreasonable. "Just out of sorts, I guess. Not a lot of experience with the Baroque Period." She tilted her head slightly and smirked. "Baroque Period? Is that what people in your time refer to this era as?" Mark shrugged. "Yeah, I dunno why." "In my language, baroque refers to an oddly-shaped pearl," she mused. "You might have a better understanding of my time and history than I do, in retrospect." "I doubt it," he chuckled, put at ease once again by her gracious manner. "I never really had much of a head for history. Might actually be pretty skewed, since everything I know comes from movies and novels written by people from your future." "I don't know what a 'movie' is, but I think it's best I not either," she mentioned, stroking his wrist. "Once Lisette has finished serving dejeuner, she will proceed to the palace to see what she can find out. While it is known that I am back in Paris, I do not want to appear just yet for my royal duties. Maybe later today or tomorrow. While the Cardinal cannot absolutely confirm that I am more than a lady-in-waiting for the Queen, I wish to not give him any reason to start looking." "Fair enough," Mark allowed. "So, what'll we do until then?" "While I could indeed provide endless hours of pleasant discourse for you, I think that would not be the best idea, since you are a man of tomorrow." Alexandra pointed out. "And, to be honest, I am rather smitten with your lovely cock at the moment. So, I was thinking that we might continue to fuck one another until it is time for us to undertake your mission." Mark laughed. "Yeah, I'm good with that. "Becky would think I had gone totally stupid if I didn't agree to kill time that way." "I do not know her yet and I think I love her," Alexandra mused, smirking. Her sapphire eyes glittered with delight. "We shall make the most of our time together." They went back to eating their breakfast, prepared by Lisette, and if Mark found the fare unusual, he certainly couldn't complain about the taste. Sausages, hearty bread, along with some vegetables and a broth. A new delicacy to the Sun King's France, Chantilly cream, rounded out the meal, and she promised him that later they would share of bottle of a very special new type of wine, from the region of Champagne. Lisette had dressed and excused herself, heading off to the Louvre to find out information for her Mistress. This left Mark alone with Alexandra, and if he was feeling any awkwardness, she certainly wasn't. She smiled and shed her clothes, exposing her glorious body. She took him by the hand and led him back to her bedroom, smiling at him. "Not to seem indelicate, Mark, but; have you ever fucked a girl in her behind before?" she asked. He nodded. "Done it with Becky more than a few times recently. And yeah, I'd really like to fuck yours." She smiled, pleased with his response. "Excellent, it has been a while for me, at least since a man has done it to me." "Lisette certainly has her uses." Mark chuckled. "More than you can ever know, my friend," she agreed as she stood in front of him and helped remove his clothing. She was close enough that her tits pressed to his chest, her hips touched his and her cunt was nestled against his cock, which was beginning to swell. She looked up into his eyes, her own glinting with desire. "I look forward to feeling you in my ass, Mark." She put her arms around him and pressed her lips to his, kissing him deeply. He was thrilled by her assertiveness, even if she wasn't being dominant. His own hands rested on her hips before starting to wander around her divine form, finally finding her ass cheeks, squeezing and massaging them, making Alexandra moan. "What I am starting to appreciate about you men of the future is that you enjoy lovemaking and carnal activity for its own sake," she purred, one of her hands now sliding down to find his cock and stroking it. "You seem free of the confines of the church's strictures, proscribing pleasure through sexual activity." "Not much point in doing it if you don't enjoy it," he agreed, shivering as her nipples poked against his chest while she squirmed her tits around. She bit his lower lip and tugged back on it, wiggling her ass cheeks against his hands. "And you seem to enjoy it a lot for someone from this time." She broke their kiss to look up at him again, her eyes flashing with her growing to fuck. Her hand was fondling his cock, which was now rigid and pulsing. "In my service to the queen, sex is often a weapon I employ. I am required to be proficient in its use to defend her and the realm." "Lucky me," he breathed as she knelt in front of him, dragging her opulent tits down his torso before arriving at his phallus. He shuddered as she began kissing his cockhead before slowly sliding him into her mouth and down her throat. "Uh, God. Beck; I mean, Alexandra." She giggled and pulled her mouth off his cock to look up at him in amusement, her hands still stroking. "Our techniques are that similar? It took much training for me to be this good, if the women of your time are this competent with ease, then I am jealous." She buried his cock in her mouth again, bobbing back and forth lustily and making him shiver and grasp at her golden locks. Her own hand snaked down between her legs and began playing with her increasingly wet cunt, teasing it. She knew they had at least a few hours before Lisette's return and she intended to make the most of them. Mark groaned and fought to control himself, little or no match for her exquisite technique. He knew he'd have to fuck her soon, or he'd be cumming in her mouth. And he was really looking forward to fucking her ass, as she intended. "Hmm," she purred, popping her mouth off of his cock and smiling slyly while sliding her tongue up the underside as she held it up. "Would you care for a chance to reciprocate, lover?" He nodded, and she stood before pulling him onto the bed. She laid him on his back and then crawled over him, facing down his body. She didn't suck on him again, so much as she toyed with his cock to keep him hard, while allowing him to kiss and lick her slick, pliant snatch. Mark buried his tongue inside her and Alexandra moaned loudly, pumping his cock. Mark slid his tongue in and out of her, marveling at her taste. He also began teasing her little knot, slipping the tip of his finger into her ass, making her groan shamelessly. She wriggled back against him, her glorious behind swaying above his face while her cunt pressed to his mouth. His finger pushed further inside her ass, wiggling about, exploring her. He gently added another and she keen as his fingers stretched her knot, preparing her for his cock. She was gasping now, her body incredibly warm and her skin flush with desire. She lunged his cock back into her mouth again, bobbing up and down hungrily. She pulled herself off his tongue and fingers, squirming down his body until she was straddling his cock. She eagerly slid his throbbing cock inside her cunt, causing him to stiffen and arch his back. She rode up and down lustily on him, while reaching back and pulling her ass cheeks apart. Mark took the hint and began fingering her puckered hole again, making sure it stayed limber and ready to receive him when she was ready. He shuddered as she squeezed herself around him, rippling her cunt wickedly until they were both sweating and shaking. Then she looked back at him and he nodded. She pulled off his cock and spun herself around, now facing him. She put on hand on his chest to steady herself, while the other reached back and took hold of his tool, helping to guide it to her quivering notch. Her felt it press against her ring, slippery with her cunt juices and then popping through readily. Alexandra sighed as she slowly but steadily settled down, taking him inside her back passage. Within seconds, he was buried to the hilt inside her. They both sat still for several seconds, just reveling in the feel of their union. Alexandra began slowly moving up and down, Mark's cock sliding inside her ass. She pulled up until only the head was inside her, then sank back down, taking him all the way back in. Mark's hands moved up to her opulent tits and began caressing and squeezing them. She murmured in pleasure at his touch and clenched her cheeks, squeezing him tightly inside herself. "Yes, I will certainly miss this," she breathed, her eyes closed. "You are so deep inside me." He pushed his hips up and down in rhythm with her movements, his fingers now rolling around her nipples, pinching and tugging on them, the sting sending taboo thrills lancing through her. Her fingernails pressed against the skin of his chest before she leaned down and kissed him heatedly, their tongues tangling. The change in the angle of penetration meant she rocked back and forth along his length now. His hands moved down to cup her ass cheeks again, massaging them in circles and pulling them apart, making her whimper in delight. Their bodies churned and writhed against one another heatedly, mingling in pleasure. Their kissing became more fevered as tingling warmth enveloped them both. Then panted through the kiss, with Mark bracing his legs to thrust himself up deeper inside her while she braced her hands outside his shoulders and pushed back against him, burying his cock deeper in her ass than ever. Sweat shone on their skin as she pulled back from the kiss and started down into his eyes. Mark shook uncontrollably and groaned loudly, pushing up with all his might. Alexandra sighed and sat up tall, sinking onto him as he began pumping his cum into her ass. Her knot clenched greedily, throbbing around him as he filled her tight confines with his essence. She massaged her cunt frantically, her fingers flying over her clit. She bathed his groin with her cum. Colors swirled behind her eyes as the climax permeated her being. She couldn't remember the last time a man had made her cum so hard. Not since; She shuddered and collapsed on top of Mark, trembling. He lay beneath her, his hands tiredly coming to rest on her lower back. They lay in exhausted bliss together, unwilling to move. His cock throbbed in her ass, which gripped him possessively, unwilling to relinquish his prize. He showed no sign of softening, which she was thankful for, since she was deliciously pinned to him. A full hour-hour passed before they stirred. She smiled down at him before kissing him again. She rocked on his stiff cock before slowly pulling off and then laying on her side, pressed to him. She kissed his jaw, whispering words of gratefulness to him. She felt the need to do so, since there was a distinct possibility that these might be his last days alive, given the danger they would face in rescuing Rebecca. Alexandra had sworn to try and help him, and she would do everything she could, so long as it did not compromise her service to the queen. She couldn't tell him exactly how much planning and detail this required as a result, since letting the silly boy know the extreme danger he was about to face might make him balk at a crucial moment and then death was inevitable. She could only hope that his excellent physical health and desperation would see him through. It was all they had. Lisette would be back soon, and it would time to plan their mission. God help us all. Rebecca sat in her chair at the small desk of her bedroom, scowling as she drained her glass of red wine, the fourth she'd had in the past hour. She knew she was drunk, but she was too sullen and angry to feel it. She'd done little except drink since she'd been brought to the Louvre. Except for when she was heading to bed, she was rarely alone, surrounded by women who dressed her as a lady of the court and attempted to train her in her duties. She proved predictably reticent, although she had stopped punching her handlers over the last week or so. It wasn't their fault, after all. A few of them seemed worried about her well-being if she continued to prove so difficult, but Becky was mostly beyond caring. What did she have to look forward to, now? Life amongst these backward, stymphian midgets? She had a distinct feeling she was better off dead. She sighed and opened another bottle, pouring her fifth glass of the evening. Oblivion in wine was all she looked forward to. "Oh, there you are. I was hoping to meet you;” lilted an attractive voice from her door. Facing away from the entrance to her room, Becky looked up into the mirror on the wall, and saw a striking silhouette standing in the entranceway. A tall woman in a burgeoning gown stood there, apparently waiting for permission to enter. Slowly she turned around, hoping her eyes weren't too bleary with wine and grief. She rose from her chair and stood quietly, holding her hands primly in front of herself. She dipped her knees slightly in a curtsey, just in case this was Anne of Austria. The figure came into the room slowly, approaching her. The lamps and candle finally illumined her, and Becky's breath was taken away; the woman was stunning! Golden blonde hair spilled down her back, while her sapphire eyes gleamed with a sensual intelligence. Her face was classically beautiful and her impressive bust sat high inside her dress, the cleavage prominently displayed, as was typical of the court. Becky felt a tingle inside herself as she approached. "You are Rebecca, oui?" the woman asked, her voice glorious in Becky's ears. She stopped in front her and smiled dazzlingly before returning the curtsey. "I am Alexandra D'assaut, one of her majesty's ladies. I am pleased to finally meet you." "I; it is a pleasure to meet you, too, my lady." Becky said falteringly. This woman was more beautiful than she thought possible for someone of this era. "I know you are new to the palace, and it is rumored that the circumstances of your arrival were less than ideal," continued Alexandra. "You are even more beautiful than I have been told, Rebecca, and I sense a great sadness in you." She stepped even closer to Becky, who bit her lip and swallowed slightly. Their tits were almost touching, and she could feel her heart thumping in her chest. "But I say to you now, my friend, despair not and take heart," Alexandra said in a voice barely above a whisper, as if what she was saying was a secret meant only for Rebecca. "The days to come will give you hope." Becky didn't know what this woman meant, but she wanted to believe her. The ache in her heart lessened slightly. They stared into one another's blue eyes quietly, lost in what they saw. And then Alexandra leaned in and pressed her lips to Becky's, kissing her gently. Becky did not retreat from the kiss, although it was a second or two before she could react. She then moaned slightly and returned the kiss. The two women moved closer, tits pressing as they held one another by the arms and continued to kiss. Becky trembled, thrilling to the intimacy they shared. Alexandra pulled back from the kiss, a tempting strand of desire hanging between their lips. They both breathed as they stared, but she finally smiled and delicately used her finger to wipe the strand from their lips. "You will see me again soon, my friend," she cooed, her fingers gently caressing Becky's cheek. "I look forward to our reacquaintance." She backed up two steps and curtseyed gracefully, compelling Becky to hastily do the same, before she turned and glided out of the room, like a vision. Becky unsteadily sat back in her chair and let out a heavy sigh. Her heart was still pounding, and for the first time in weeks, she felt something other than heartache. Becky turned back to her bottle, trying to distract herself from the unexpected throb in her loins. "Your majesty." Alexandra said reverently, her curtsey deep and formal. "I have come to speak with you about a matter of some concern." Sitting in an ornate chair in the lavish boudoir, Anne of Austria, probably the most famous woman in Christendom, smiled at her trusted servant. "You have only just returned from Spain, my dearest Alexandra, and you have yet another matter to bring before me?" Alexandra nodded humbly, her hands in her lap. "Yes, my queen. Though it pains me to do so, I must beg a boon and ask you to trust me." "My trust in you is implicit, Alexandra D'Assaut, and needs no confirmation. Has it ever?" the queen intoned, gesturing for Alexandra to approach her, while waving for her attendants to live them alone. The two women curtseyed and exited quickly. Alexandra knelt in front of Anne and put her hand on the queen's knee in supplication, not looking up. "Your majesty, a beautiful young woman has recently been added to your retinue, and is set to enter your service within the next few weeks." Anne smiled and nodded. "I have not met her, but I am told she is quite possibly the only woman in France who rivals you in beauty. Her name is Rebecca, oui?" "Just so, my queen." Alexandra confirmed. "Do you wish for her to serve directly under you as a lady of the court?" Anne asked, knowing full well that Alexandra also enjoyed the company of woman, not merely men. "She is indeed breathtaking to behold, my queen, but no, that is not my request of you. The girl, Rebecca, do you know how she was brought to Paris?" Anne considered. "The rumor is that she was found by the Cardinal, who was convinced she would make a magnificent addition to my household. She did not come willingly, initially, and has proven somewhat intractable since." Alexandra nodded. "It is as you say, your majesty. But I know something about this woman that not even the Cardinal knows or can begin to guess at." The queen frowned slightly. "She is not a danger to us, is she?" "Not as such, no," Alexandra admitted. "But please accept my word on faith that we have no right to her and must not keep her." Anne tilted her head. "Is she secretly a member of a royal family?"
Most of us are familiar with the catchy little tune, “Don't Worry, Be Happy,” but Dr. Tony Evans explores the deeper biblical truth behind that phrase and shows why Kingdom focus replaces worry with peace.
What if the path out of anxiety begins by thinking differently? Season 12 kicks off with artist and bestselling author Ruth Chou Simons joining Candace for a shorter season on freedom from anxiety. Ruth shares how the wildflowers of Western Colorado — and Jesus' words in Luke 12:27 — taught her to stop toiling and spinning and to practice trust in God's character. Together they unpack the difference between worry, anxious thoughts, and clinical anxiety (with encouragement to seek wise medical/counseling support), and they walk through practical ways to renew your mind with Scripture, gratitude, and embodied calm. Candace opens up about control, overthinking, and even a stress dream from set life — and how verses like Philippians 4:6–7 and Matthew 6 steady her heart. Listener questions cover: stopping the mind spin, staying grateful on bad days, and simple daily habits that serve mental health (device-free walks, steady workouts). Plus: a free Advent Guide from Ruth's Emmanuel to help you savor Jesus' coming with peace, not pressure. Connect with Candace and Ruth Candace on Instagram @candacecbure Follow the Podcast on Instagram @candacecameronburepodcast Follow the Podcast on TikTok @ccbpodcast Follow Ruth Chou Simons on Instagram: @ruthchousimons Website: https://ruthchousimons.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RuthChouSimons Sponsors For This Episode: -Qava QAVA.tv/Candace -Cozy Earth cozyearth.com/candace ; Use Code CANDACE for 40% off -Operation Christmas Child SamaritansPurse.org/occ -Harper Collins nivapplicationbible.com -IFCJ ifcj.org Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Most of us are familiar with the catchy little tune, “Don't Worry, Be Happy,” but Dr. Tony Evans explores the deeper biblical truth behind that phrase and shows why Kingdom focus replaces worry with peace.
Frank and Jonathan kick off with announcements and a fun question of the week about sequels that outshine the originals. News hits include The Mummy's return with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, the 2029 plan for K-Pop Demon Hunters, and Grand Theft Auto VI shifting to November 19, 2026. Frank reviews Predator: Badlands and explains why it works for both Predator fans and sci-fi diehards. Then Ken Maney of the ODPH joins for a thoughtful conversation about podcasting in 2025, community, video vs audio, and practical advice for new and veteran creators. Timestamps and Topics 00:00 Welcome, intros, and what's ahead 00:13 Announcements: BlizzCon dates, SF Fan Expo plans, and Patreon holiday care packages 01:50 Question of the Week: Sequels better than the originals 06:24 News: The Mummy returns with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz 14:18 K-Pop Demon Hunters sequel targeting 2029, expectations and story threads 20:11 GTA 6 moves to November 19, 2026 and what that means for the industry 26:58 Review: Predator: Badlands (world-building, effects, performances, and that ending) 40:19 Interview: Ken Maney (ODPH) on origin stories, community, and staying power 1:21:00 Wrap up and ways to support Key Takeaways Sequels can outpace originals when they sharpen tone and character focus. The Mummy's return works best if it leans into family-friendly adventure with practical set pieces. K-Pop Demon Hunters has time to scale up music collabs and world-building, even with a long runway. GTA 6's delay is a net positive if it delivers a polished launch and avoids crowding the release calendar. Predator: Badlands thrives on a tight premise, clear character intent, and a mix of practical work with CG. Podcasting longevity comes from community, consistency, and knowing your "why," not from chasing viral tricks. Video helps some shows, but strong content and an audio-first workflow still carry a lot of weight. New creators should focus on making the best episode they can today, then repeat. Veterans should reconnect with their original purpose to beat burnout. Quotes "Be comfortable being uncomfortable. If you want to grow, you have to push yourself." — Ken Maney "Everybody thinks they're a content creator until it's time to create content." — Ken Maney "Don't worry about everybody else. Worry about your own house." — Ken Maney "Predator: Badlands works because the intent is simple. Kill the monster. The rest builds from there." — Frank "Delay GTA 6 if it means a cleaner launch. One bad week can sink a decade of goodwill." — Frank Call to Action If you enjoyed this episode, follow and subscribe, leave a quick rating, and drop a review. Share your sequel picks with #GeekFreaks so we can feature them on the show. Links and Resources Check out ODPH Now!: https://odphpodcast.com/ All news discussed on our podcast comes from GeekFreaksPodcast.com: https://geekfreakspodcast.com/ Follow Us Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast Threads: https://www.threads.net/@geekfreakspodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcast Twitter: https://twitter.com/geekfreakspod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geekfreakspodcast/ Listener Questions What sequel tops the original for you and why? Send your picks, hot takes, and voice memos to be featured in a future episode. Apple Podcast Tags Geek Freaks, geek culture, entertainment news, movies, video games, podcasting, interview, Ken Maney, ODPH, Predator Badlands review, The Mummy, K-Pop Demon Hunters, GTA 6, BlizzCon, community building, creator advice
Worry and Peace. That would almost be a good title for a novel! All of us would trade our anxiety for inner peace. And that would surely lead to more interpersonal peace, more social harmony - which is especially important in the church. And that would bring joy to everyone. But how? Paul talks about these qualities and more, within just a few lines in his letter to the Philippians. We've all read them, but have we seen the purpose behind them? Listen to Right Start Radio every Monday through Friday on WCVX 1160AM (Cincinnati, OH) at 9:30am, WHKC 91.5FM (Columbus, OH) at 5:00pm, WRFD 880AM (Columbus, OH) at 9:00am. Right Start can also be heard on One Christian Radio 107.7FM & 87.6FM in New Plymouth, New Zealand. You can purchase a copy of this message, unsegmented for broadcasting and in its entirety, for $7 on a single CD by calling +1 (800) 984-2313, and of course you can always listen online or download the message for free. RS11112025_0.mp3Scripture References: Philippians 4
Mike Tomlin isn't worried about Aaron Rodgers after the other night. Poni thinks it was a bad enough game to scare him about the season's future with him at QB. At what point are we ready for Mason Rudolph? There should be bounce back games against the Bengals and Bears, given their defenses. Even if the Steelers go to Rudolph and he bails them out again, it still makes Tomlin look bad. What would the threshold have to be for you to bench Rodgers? Callers shared feeling on Aaron Rodgers after 10 weeks. Tomlin Tidbit – When will we see Marquez Valdes-Scantling?
Originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, ketamine has reemerged as one of modern psychiatry's most promising tools for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Its superpower lies in working with your brain's glutamate receptors to create antidepressant effects. What does the future of psychedelic-assisted mental health care hold? Could this once-stigmatized molecule represent the future of mental health care and healing the mind from within?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Mai Shimada, M.D., MBA, FAAEM. Dr. Shimada is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over a decade of experience and is the founder and CEO of Isha Health, an online at-home ketamine clinic dedicated to providing safe and effective treatments for depression and anxiety.Dr. Shimada received her MD from the University of Tokyo, Emergency Medicine residency in the United States, and later on, completed the Psychedelic Facilitation Certification Program at the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics in two areas and the Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Training Program at Polaris Insight Center. Currently, alongside Isha Health, Dr. Shimada is a study physician for psychedelic medicine clinical trials at Open Mind Collective, a Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (FAAEM), a member of The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM), and a visiting professor of Medicine at Tohoku University in Japan. Dr. Shimada has been featured on Forbes Japan.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube
SHOW NOTES: On this show…we're talking about speaking life. How the words we use, both out loud and in our heads, can either drain our energy or feed our strength. Have you ever noticed how quickly one negative thought can spiral into an entire mood? One complaint, one worry, one “what if,” and before you know it, you're swimming in tension and exhaustion. It's wild how something as simple as language can shape how we feel, think, and even heal. I've always believed that we're more powerful than we realize. The body, mind, and spirit are in constant conversation with one another. Every thought sends a message. Every word carries weight. And when we speak life, when we choose words of hope, belief, and gratitude, we set off a chain reaction toward peace and restoration. I'm not saying life suddenly becomes easy or that we can positive-think our way out of every challenge. But I do believe that we can rise above chaos and confusion by intentionally choosing the voice we let lead. We've all seen what happens when negativity takes over. Worry turns into anxiety, anxiety into stress, and stress into physical strain. Cortisol spikes, sleep suffers, and our patience runs thin. It's like our entire system is on alert, reacting to a story we keep repeating even if that story isn't true. But what if we flipped the script? What if we started calling life as we want to see it, not ignoring reality, but speaking possibility into it? There's a fine line between being honest about what's happening and being captive to it. You can acknowledge the storm and still believe in the sun. That's what speaking life is about: setting your internal thermostat instead of being the thermometer that just reacts to everything around you. Choosing peace even when the world feels loud. Trusting your resilience, your purpose, your ability to heal. Faith-filled words often come before faith-filled feelings. CHALLENGE: Be intentional with your words this week. Speak life into every situation: into your thoughts, your relationships, and your dreams. When negativity creeps in, stop it mid-sentence and choose words that reflect faith, hope, and healing instead. Let your language lead your life in the direction you want to grow. I Know YOU Can Do It!
When you flip on the heat for the first time and catch that burning smell, it's easy to think something's wrong. But the truth is — sometimes it's completely normal.In this episode, Derek Cole breaks down what's really happening inside your heat pump, how to tell the difference between a harmless “dust burn-off” and a serious electrical issue, and the simple steps to keep your system running safely all winter long.✅ What causes that first-time burning smell⚠️ Signs it's not normal and when to call a pro
Northern Virginia homeowners face specific fall pests like boxelder bugs, stink bugs, spiders, and rodents seeking winter shelter. Learn when DIY prevention works versus calling professionals for same-day pest control services.Info: https://connorspestpros.com/same-day-pest-control-cost-timeline-treatment-options/ Connor's Pest Pros City: Springfield Address: 5410 Port Royal Rd Website: https://connorspestpros.com/contact/
We have all been there. The job that didn't happen, the plan that fell apart, the moment that left you wondering, what now? In this episode, Dr. Bray explores what happens in your brain and body when life doesn't go as planned, and why learning to let go, reframe, and keep moving forward is one of the most powerful things you can do for your mental health and resilience. You will learn why holding onto anger, regret, or comparison quietly drains your brain's energy, how your nervous system responds to disappointment, and how small mindset shifts can rewire your focus and restore clarity. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and real-life stories of growth, Dr. Bray shares why everyone's path looks different and why comparing your journey to someone else's will always leave you behind. If you have been feeling stuck, disappointed, or worn down, this episode will remind you that nothing is wasted. Your brain is still learning, adapting, and building strength with every challenge you face. Sometimes, the things that do not work out are exactly what lead you where you are meant to go. Quotes by Dr. Bray "Resilience isn't about bouncing back. It's about becoming someone new because of what you've been through." "Strength doesn't come from holding on. It comes from releasing what no longer serves you." "Forgiveness and acceptance aren't fluffy emotional ideas — they're biological resets for your brain."
Worry has a way of sneaking in and taking over, but Ephesians 3:20-21 reminds us of something worry can’t compete with: a God who is able—able to do exceedingly, abundantly above anything we ask, imagine, or fear. When anxiety rises, God invites us to remember His power, His faithfulness, and His perfect track record. From parting seas to opening parking spaces to carrying us through life-changing moments, He proves again and again that nothing is too big or too small for His care. Highlights God interrupts our worry with reminders of His presence and power. Scripture anchors us when our minds want to spiral into fear. God cares for both the “small things” and the monumental moments of our lives. Nothing can thwart God’s plans—His purpose always prevails. We worry because our vision is limited, but God sees the whole story. Remembering past faithfulness strengthens our confidence in present battles. Jesus stands ready to answer the “door” when worry comes knocking. Gift Inspiration: Crosswalk's Holiday Gift Guide Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate the season? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide—from beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels, greeting cards, and picture books, there’s something for everyone on your list. Wrap up stories for loved ones, tuck a book into your own nightstand, and join us in celebrating the wonder of giving this Christmas! Full Transcript Below: God Is Able By: Alexis A. Goring Bible Reading: “ Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” - Ephesians 3:20-21 NKJV “Why are you worried?” God interrupted my thoughts with this question to ponder before I could start a downward spiral in my mind. He then put the lyrics to a song I hadn’t heard in years into my head. The song “He’s Able” by Deitrick Haddon ministered to my spirit and lifted my thoughts heavenward. It was through the message of this song and reading Bible verses that support it that God breathed new life into me and reminded me that He is still in control. He let me know I can always take my concerns to Him. The Bible says we are to “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT). But how often do we keep our worries in our grasp and push God away? Perhaps we think that ruminating over our problems will somehow solve them. I’ve learned that way never works! The good news is that we have a Savior (Jesus Christ) who is exceptionally good at saving us from everyday disasters and ultimately, saving our souls (John 3:16-17) so we can make it into our final destination (Heaven). Over the years, I’ve learned that when worry comes knocking on the door of my mind, I need to remember who God is and let His Son (Jesus Christ) answer that door and send worry running away from me for good. I’ve found that when worried, it helps to remember Bible stories of how God delivers His people. One of my favorite scriptures to illustrate that point is the story about when God parted the Red Sea for His children (the Israelites) to pass safely to the other side then He drowned their enemies who were in pursuit behind them by returning the sea to its natural form! This is the same God who is alive today. The same Lord who is available to help us 24/7/365 because He never sleeps nor slumbers (Psalm 121:4). When worried, it is important to recall God’s faithfulness to us. He is Almighty, Sovereign, Faithful, and True to me and you. God is able to accomplish everything He has planned for our lives on Earth and in the world at large. No human or evil supernatural force can thwart God’s plans. His purpose always prevails (Proverbs 19:21). Nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1:37)! So why do we worry? I think it’s because we’re still human, mere mortals with finite vision. But the good news is we serve an Immortal God with infinite vision! The Bible says that God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). He’s planned out all the days of our life (Psalm 139:16), and He knows what He’s doing. God has a perfect track record of being trustworthy, and He does all things with perfection. God shows up for us in little ways and big ways. Such as the time when I needed a parking space in an office lot that is often full. Recently, as I prepared for an appointment, I prayed about this on my drive to that small space, and when I arrived, there were four empty parking spaces! This proved to me that God cares about the small things. When I was in my last few weeks of graduate school, our professor told us that if we made more than two mistakes on our final paper, then we would fail her class and not graduate. I asked all my God-fearing family and friends to pray for me about this serious situation, and God answered our prayers! I passed her final class and received my graduate degree. This proved to me that God cares about the big things! In closing, I’d like for you to listen to this song, “He’s Able” by Deitrick Haddon, then remember that God is a loving Heavenly Father who provides for all our needs daily. So next time you feel a wave of worry crashing over you, reach out to Him. He’s always there. Our Lifeguard (Jesus Christ) walks on water. He won’t let us drown. We just need to remember that He is able to rescue us, sustain us, and help us reach our true home (Heaven). Intersecting Faith & Life: How does it feel to know that we serve a God who is able to meet our every need and exceed our greatest expectations? Further Reading: Isaiah 40:29-31Luke 12:24Psalm 37:25Philippians 4:6-7Hebrews 7:23-25 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
There are many of us, who I suppose, seemingly give our worries to God, but then we take ‘em back, and start worrying all over again. Does that sound familiar to you? Be sure to join Dr. Randy as he helps you to overcome your worry and fear. Sign up for Dr. Randy’s INTENTIONAL ONE […]
Send us a textThe best distance runners in the world know that you save your very best for the end of a race. They call it “a strong kick.” In other words, you run the last lap faster than your previous ones. That is the idea behind the title of our podcast: Finish Strong.In this episode, we examine six ways to ensure that you finish your life in the same way a distance runner finishes the race. From recognizing your God-given value to laughing a lot to avoiding the things that rob quality from your older years, this advice will help you live your final years to their fullest.These six principles are gleaned from a book titled Finishing Well to the Glory of God by John Dunlop, MD. It is filled with great advice on how to make your final years you're very best!Support the showFearless Faith Websiteffaith.orgTo leave a review - Open Finish Strong on the Apple Podcast app and scroll down until you see "Ratings & Reviews". There will be a link to click so that you can "Write A Review"FacebookYouTubeInstagram
Welcome to the second series of Am I Nuts. This is the fourth episode in a series of ten weekly podcasts from us at the Women's Running podcast. I am your host Esther Newman, and she is your other host Holly Taylor. Are we nuts?In this series, we wanted to explore some of the things that we've talked about on our big podcast – that's the Women's Running podcast – that don't necessarily have anything to do with running. Hol and I are natural born worriers, and we've realized that in almost every episode, we talk about at least one of those worries – and we also realized that with many of them, we've thought we were the only ones. We thought we were nuts. If you have something you think we should talk about, then please email us at wrpodcast@anthem.co.uk AlcoholIn this fourth episode, we wonder if we're nuts to worry about booze. Trigger warning here: we're talking about alcohol and addiction. Do we drink too much? What does alcohol do to our bodies? How does that change as we age? What do we think about sobriety? In this episode we're talking about our own relationships with booze and how that's changed over the years – there is no advice or judgement. I've listed a few brilliant places to go online in the show notes for support and advice if you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol. Pick up Women's RunningThank you so much for listening. Do please like and subscribe, so that you'll be first to know when the next episode in this special series dropsAm I Nuts has been brought to you by the Women's Running podcast – do please check it out wherever you listen to your podcasts for longer episodes to keep you company while you run. And if running is your thing, or you'd like it to be your thing, check out Women's Running magazine – right now you can save up to 50% off the cover price. Just go to shop.womensrunning.co.uk to find out more. Find support hereDrinkaware offers support and advice for you or someone you care aboutBoozeAlcoholic Anonymous offers free and confidential adviceAlcoholChange offers lots of tips about cutting down alcohol, as well as menopause and fertility Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you've ever found yourself lying awake wondering, “Am I messing up my kids?” — you're not alone.In this episode, I unpack the deeper truth beneath this universal fear. You'll learn how the worry about “messing up” isn't really about your kids at all — it's about your own relationship with fear, judgment, and self-worth.Worry can feel like control. It can even masquerade as care. But beneath it, there's often a hidden belief that your worth as a parent depends on your child's outcomes — how they behave, perform, or turn out.When we parent from that place, we lead from fear and shame, not love and trust. And our children feel that energy — they begin to internalize ourworry as their own pressure to be “enough.”This is an invitation to see worry differently — not as proof of love, but as an invitation to return to self-connection, compassion, and truth.In this episode, we explore:*Why worry gives us a false sense of control*How fear of judgment fuels “good parent” perfectionism*The difference between worrying about your kids and caring for themHow to shift from control to connection — for both you and your child Connect with Diane:Instagram: @dianesorensen.bbFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/diane.sorensen.589Join the conversation — share your takeaways or questionsfrom today's episode by sending me a message on Instagram or Facebook. I lovehearing from you!Work with Diane:→ Submit an inquiry or learn more: www.dianesorensen.net/contact→ Explore free guides and resources to support your growth: www.dianesorensen.net/ → Join the weekly newsletter for insights, tools, and support delivered straight to your inbox: www.dianesorensen.net/email-listDiane Sorensen's Coaching Programs are where boundarywork becomes the bridge from chaos to connection.You'll learn to transform your triggers,lead with compassion, and create emotionally safe relationships built on authenticity, not approval.Reclaim your CALM, speak your TRUTH,and live FREE.
Jack Flintham and Steven Railston discuss Manchester United's draw with Tottenham and the positive impact of Matthijs de Ligt. Manchester is Red is sponsored by NordVPN, go to nordvpn.com/manchester and use the code ‘Manchester' to get four extra months for free on the two-year plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
PJ chats to Neil McDonnell of the ISME who says businesses that used Fastway now struggle for information on their parcels in transit and find it hard to get an alternative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
TFG's results, the JSE's reporting shake-up.
Worry has a way of creeping into every corner of leadership—especially in seasons of pressure, uncertainty, or high stakes. As Christian leaders, we often carry the burdens of our teams, organizations, and even our families. But what does the Bible say about worry? More importantly, how can leaders respond in a way that builds faith rather than spreads fear? In this episode, we explore biblical wisdom on worry and offer a fresh, faith-filled perspective for leaders feeling overwhelmed. You'll discover: Jesus' direct command to "not worry" (Matthew 6:25–34) and what it means for leaders today. Paul's prescription for anxiety: prayer and thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6–7). Peter's call to humility and surrender as we "cast our cares on Him" (1 Peter 5:7). How misplaced focus—like Martha's in Luke 10—can pull us away from our mission. Why trust in God (Proverbs 3:5–6) is the real antidote to anxiety in leadership. Ron Kelleher unpacks how worry can damage a leader's influence, credibility, and culture—while faith-filled leadership builds trust and points others to God's peace. He offers five practical steps leaders can take to trade worry for trust and start modeling biblical confidence, even under pressure. If worry has ever kept you up at night—or you're leading people who are anxious about the future—this episode is for you. Learn how to be a leader who reflects peace, not panic.
We don't need to worry—God's provision and strength are available for every challenge we face.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your heart follows what you treasure.Worry and anxiety seem to mark our cultural moment. Yet when we truly understand the character of the Father in heaven, worry is abated. That's what Jesus wants his hearers to understand. In this sermon, guest preacher Dr. Jonathan Pennington explores Jesus' teaching on treasure, worry, and why we can rest in the Father's good care.Series Description: Jesus is the hero of all of Scripture, the center of the biblical story, and the most important figure in history. The Gospel of Matthew gives us a firsthand look at the life and teachings of Jesus. It stands as a “bridge” between the Old and New Testaments, grounding us in the rich story of Israel while revealing the in-breaking reality of the kingdom of heaven. Through this preaching series, we seek to help people encounter the gospel of the kingdom and embody it as flourishing disciples who live under the gracious rule of God.
Matthew 6:25-34Worry robs you of your joy/peace-Romans 15:13Worry makes you unfruitful-Matthew 13:22Worry doesn't accomplish anything-Psalms 127:2Worry shows a lack of trust in God-Isaiah 26: 3-4Watch this episode on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/uRd0TRcy85k
In a season of Stillness, but I'm still here. ❤️
Panicogenic Relaxation: Why You Feel Anxious When Feeling CalmYou're finally feeling better. The anxiety has lifted. You're relaxed and calm for the first time in months or even years. So why does that feel so weird? And why are you suddenly anxious about feeling calm?In this episode, Drew and Josh explore "panicogenic relaxation". This is a common experience in anxiety disorder recovery where feeling normal, neutral, or relaxed can trigger concern or even high anxiety and panic. When you've been anxious for so long, that heightened state becomes your predictable default. The absence of anxiety can feel unfamiliar, strange, or even threatening.In this episode, we discuss:Why feeling calm or relaxed can feel uncomfortable or even scary during recoveryHow your brain's scanning mechanisms continue even when you're no longer anxiousWhy anxiety becomes a "predictable pillar" after long periods of struggleThe importance of practicing being relaxed, not just practicing being anxiousHow the shock-attention-resistance cycle continues even when you're feeling betterWhy all emotional states - including calm - need to be permissibleHow to recognize when you're still checking and monitoring even during neutral statesWe also share inspiring "Did It Anyway" stories from the community, including someone who kept pushing through fatigue to go to new places, and another who took their first step away from 13 years of self-medication.---Want a way to ask questions about this episode or interact with other Disordered listeners? The Disordered app is nearing release! Visit our home page and get on our mailing list for more information..---Struggling with worry and rumination that you feel you can't stop or control? Check out Worry and Rumination Explained, a two hour pre-recorded workshop produced by Josh and Drew. The workshop takes a deep dive into the mechanics of worrying and ruminating, offering some helpful ways to approach the seemingly unsolvable problem of trying to solve seemingly unsolvable problems.
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann discuss the Thunder's unbeaten franchise-record start of 8-0. Then they move to the East, starting with the sputtering Orlando Magic. They also talk about other struggling contenders and surprise teams like the Bulls and Sixers. Intro (0:00:00) Fan Duel ad break (3:40) Thunder (4:28) Magic (19:05) Hawks (41:04) Sixers-Bulls (52:53) Pistons (1:00:24) Top of the East predictions (1:07:37) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle MannProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices