Podcasts about Writing

Emily Durham reveals the smarter approach to job-hunting.— YOU'LL LEARN — 1) Why “medium is more” when it comes to networking 2) The keys to opening the door for opportunities3) Why AI-generated resumes work against youSubscribe or visit AwesomeAtYourJob.com/ep1178 for the full transcript! — ABOUT EMILY — Emily Durham, better known as Emily the Recruiter, is a recruiter turned career coach and content creator. On her popular social media platform and her podcast, Clock In, she gives real-world advice to help people thrive in their careers. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, BBC News, in the Globe and Mail, and more. She lives in Toronto.• Book: Clock In: No-BS Advice for Getting Ahead in Your Career (Without Losing Your Mind)• Instagram: emily.the.recruiter• Podcast: Clock In• Tiktok: Emily The Recruiter• YouTube: Emily Durham— RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE SHOW — • Book: Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden— THANK YOU SPONSORS! — • Shopify. Sign up for your free trial at Shopify.com/awesomepod• Vinted. Download the Vinted app for free to start selling with no seller fees!• Fitnexa. Get $10 off the SomniPods3 with the link and code AWESOMESee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tony Gaskins Exposes Fake Faith, Toxic Relationship Advice & Ppl Using God For ProfitTony Gaskins joins Ash Cash for one of the most unfiltered conversations yet inside the vault—on relationships, faith, integrity, purpose, money, and the danger of giving advice from a place you have not healed from.Tony opens up about his transformation from the streets to marriage, business, authorship, coaching, and building more than 100 income streams. He explains why he credits his wife with helping save his life, how accountability changed him, and why stronger relationships can also create stronger financial outcomes.The conversation then gets controversial.Tony argues that social media has given broken and unhealed people microphones—and that relationship advice rooted in pain can drive men and women further apart.He also speaks directly about people using God as a business model, false teachers, spiritual manipulation, and why invoking faith for profit without integrity is dangerous.Tony reflects on his disagreement with Kevin Samuels, the responsibility that comes with influencing millions, and why he believes your private life eventually catches up with your public image.He also breaks down how he monetized his gifts across books, courses, apps, products, insurance, and other businesses; why speed matters in entrepreneurship; and how he built longevity through consistency instead of chasing virality.Later, Ash and Tony discuss fake expertise, people teaching before they have actually mastered what they teach, the value of transparency, and why Tony refuses to call himself an “expert” or “guru.”The episode closes with Tony's newest mission: The Destiny App, The Purpose Arc, living your God-given purpose, and why purpose and abundance belong together.Connect with Tony Gaskins:YouTube & Instagram: Tony GaskinsTheDestinyApp.comThePurposeArc.comConnect with Inside the Vault:Instagram: @insidethevaultInsideTheVaultShow.comHosted by Ash Cash:Instagram: @iamashcashIAmAshCash.comABUNDANCE IS YOUR BIRTHRIGHT.Join Ash Cash and a community focused on building wealth, increasing income, strengthening your mindset, and creating a more abundant life:TheAbundanceCommunity.comEPISODE TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Stronger relationships can help you make more money02:26 – Welcome to Inside the Vault03:59 – Meet Tony Gaskins05:15 – From football scholarship to the streets06:12 – “I refuse to be with a drug dealer”07:27 – The moment Tony chose his family08:14 – Growing up in a strict pastor's home11:26 – Turning street ambition into purpose12:44 – “Without my wife, I'd be in prison or the grave”14:17 – Why men respect accountability15:45 – Tony on today's relationship landscape16:05 – “Every broken person has a microphone”18:02 – Taking advice from people without experience20:40 – “We are the fix”20:53 – Why marriage and money belong in the same conversation25:55 – Sexual discipline, creativity & business28:03 – Writing and publishing a book in two days with AI29:45 – The speed of the market29:54 – Put your gift in every medium30:46 – Tony's 100+ streams of income33:54 – The secret to staying relevant for decades33:59 – “I live my life in the dark the way I live it in the light”35:00 – Reaching 20M people a week but making less money39:10 – Are people using God as a business model?41:08 – Tony's warning about playing with the name of God42:13 – Tony reflects on Kevin Samuels44:20 – Fake faith, conferences & podcasts45:14 – Using God to get people to open their wallets45:37 – False teachers and spiritual manipulation46:17 – When is someone qualified to teach?50:32 – “As you learn, you should teach”51:02 – Why Tony won't call himself an expert or guru51:45 – Integrity always catches up with you52:22 – Tony admits where he had to get his finances right54:33 – The Destiny App56:00 – The Purpose Arc57:25 – Taking the Purpose Summit around the world58:15 – Pivoting from relationships into God-given purpose58:36 – Ash Cash on “Abundance Is Your Birthright”1:00:40 – Purpose, mindset & claiming your birthright1:01:01 – Doomscrolling is stealing your abundance1:03:10 – Tony's final message: step into your purpose1:04:22 – How to connect with Tony Gaskins1:06:58 – Closing the VaultAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, we're chatting to the million-copy bestseller, Claire McGowan. She's an Amazon bestselling crime and thriller author, with almost 30 novels. Best known for the 'Paula Maguire series', she's also known for non-fiction true crime, and has published women's fiction under the name Eva Woods. Claire was director of the Crime Writers' Association, and launched the UK's first MA program in Crime Writing, and now writes regularly for TV and radio.Her newest novel, 'The Other Couple', tells the story of Beth and Vince, who escape to a luxurious Spanish resort for a break from the brewing tensions in their marriage. They befriend a a glamorous couple who seem perfect, but when a body is found in the water, Beth begins to wonder if everything she knows about her husband is the truth. We discuss why Claire floats across genre, regularly writing out of contract if there's a subject she's interested in. Also, Claire joined us on the show 5 years ago, and is one of our rare returning guests, so we chat about how her life and routine has changed in that time. Plus, what she's learned about the publishing industry, and how that affects what she works on, and how much she thinks about the future.Get a copy of the book - uk.bookshop.org/shop/writersroutineThis week's episode is sponsored by Faber Academy, their flagship 'Writing a Novel' course is back. Find out more - https://faberacademy.com/creative-writing-courses/fiction-writing-courses/Support the show -patreon.com/writersroutineko-fi.com/writersroutineGet the newsletter - writersroutine.substack.com@writerspodwritersroutine.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode of the Habit Based Lifestyle Podcast, host Jesse Ewell sits down with Pat Smith, founder of Pat Smith Wellness, to talk about how driven male entrepreneurs can win in business without losing themselves. Pat went from a multi–six-figure corporate sales career in the RV and marine industry to coaching male business owners on mindset, emotional regulation, and identity work. He shares how his own wake-up call in 2016 pushed him into deep personal development—and how that work now helps men navigate success, marriage, fatherhood, and leadership. Takeaways: • Personal growth sets the ceiling for professional success  • Sales is a life skill, not just a job  • Conversations funnels  • Entrepreneurship exposes everything  • Most men chase success for validation  • Language reveals your mindset  • Your triggers are clues, not curses  • The 4R Framework for change:  • Writing creates awareness  • Ownership is the doorway to change Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and anyone looking to scale their business through social media. Click the link below and learn how Jesse and his team can help you achieve similar transformative results. Check out Pat SMith's... $24,000 COACHING SCHOLARSHIP GIVEAWAY Learn more about Jesse though the following links: HBL Lifestyle Secrets Group on Facebook Personal Website HBL Website Instagram Email

Send us Fan MailSeason 5 is here—and we're starting with sex.More specifically, we're jumping into a debate happening in Catholic circles online:Are Catholic marriage speakers being more prescriptive about sex than the Catholic Church actually is?Recently, Catholic speakers such as Jackie Angel have received criticism for saying plainly that sexual intimacy between husband and wife should culminate in intercourse—what we refer to in our book Lovemaking as PIV. The criticism isn't simply that this language is too explicit.The deeper argument is: The Church never actually says that. You're adding your own interpretation to Church teaching. So… are we?In this season-opening episode, we begin working through that question by going directly to Humanae Vitae 11 and 12 and asking what the Church means when it teaches that every marital act must preserve both its unitive and procreative meanings. And we quickly discover that the disagreement isn't only about sex.It's also about how Catholics read Church documents, how doctrine gets pastorally communicated, how natural law works, and whether making a teaching easier to understand is the same thing as adding something to it.We talk about:Why Catholic social media is arguing about how married couples should have sexThe criticism directed toward Jackie Angel and other Catholic marriage speakersWhy we use the abbreviation PIV when discussing intercourseWhether talking explicitly about sex is inappropriate or actually necessaryThe difference between being explicit and being irreverentWhether saying marital intimacy should culminate in intercourse goes beyond Church teachingWhat Humanae Vitae 11 and 12 actually sayWhat the Church means by the unitive and procreative meanings of sexWhy every marital act must retain its relationship to procreationWhat natural law means in Catholic moral theologyWhy Church documents aren't always easy for ordinary Catholics to interpretThe difference between doctrine and pastoral applicationWhy some Catholics genuinely need someone to tell them plainly, “What does this actually mean?”Why social media makes pastoral accompaniment especially difficultWhy the unitive meaning of sex deserves just as much attention as the procreative meaningWhat it means for intimacy to be rightly ordered toward lifeWhy helping someone understand Church teaching isn't necessarily the same thing as adding to itHow couples' lived experiences should be acknowledged without changing moral truthOne of the biggest questions we raise is this: If Humanae Vitae says that every marital act must preserve both its unitive and procreative meanings, what exactly does that require of a married couple?Because simply repeating the words “unitive and procreative” doesn't necessarily tell a couple what to do. Some Catholics want the theological principle.Others are asking: Okay—but what does that actually look like?And sometimes pastoral care means someone has to be willing to say the difficult thing clearly. This episode begins a three-part conversation examining what the Catholic Church actually teaches about marital intimacy, being “open to life,” and whether the common Catholic understanding of the marital act can really be found in the Church's own documents.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back to Season 5 01:12 Why the Internet Is Arguing About Catholic Sex 01:24 The Controversy Over Jackie Angel's Marriage Advice 02:32 Why We Use the Term PIV 03:23 Is Talking Explicitly About Catholic Sex “Cringeworthy”? 04:15 Are Catholics Adding Rules the Church Never Taught? 05:04 What Humanae Vitae Actually Says About the Marital Act 06:26 Why Church Documents Can Be Difficult to Understand 07:35 What Natural Law Actually Means 09:24 “Each and Every Marital Act” — What Does That Mean? 10:16 Doctrine vs. Pastoral Application 11:35 Why Catholic Social Media Gets This Conversation Wrong 13:24 Why Some Couples Need Clear, Prescriptive Answers 15:09 Why Catholic Speakers Need to Say the Difficult Thing 16:01 Can Sex Be Procreative Without PIV? 17:23 What Does “Ordered Toward Life” Actually Mean? 18:32 The Unitive Meaning of Catholic Sex Matters Too 20:03 Why Some Catholics Need Someone to Just Say It 21:46 Are We Misinterpreting Humanae Vitae? 22:24 What Does “Unitive” Actually Require in Marriage? 23:39 Truth, Pastoral Care, and a Couple's Lived Experience 25:11 Where This Conversation Goes NextTwo Become Family is conversations and encouragement for your Catholic family—helping couples believe in what they are and become the family God created them to be.BOOKS, WRITING, AND RESOURCES

It's been said that great speeches aren't written; they're re-written. Today Darren and Mark learn the ins and outs of great writing from author/speaker/minister Vince Antonucci. His techniques are simple and practical, and when applied well, they will help you to become UNFORGETTABLE.   SNIPPETS: • Be clear; clarity counts • Simplicity and clarity are genius   • Avoid speaking in abstractions   • Never assume that your audience knows anything   • Avoid the curse of knowledge   • Be concrete instead of abstract   • Write the way you speak   • GHOST writing is really COLLABORATIVE writing   • The first chapter, sentence, and line are most important   • Edit at the word level   • Simplify, simplify, simplify   • Rehearse out loud   • Apply the 10 Phases of Speech Writing

Melissa Fraterrigo talks about journaling as a judgement-free zone, about writing never being static, and how writing about ourselves can be the finest kind of self-care. Melissa Fraterrigo's memoir, The Perils of Girlhood was published by the University of Nebraska Press in Fall 2025, and named by Literary Hub as one of “100 Notable Small Press Books of 2025.” She is also the author of the novel Glory Days (University of Nebraska Press), which was named one of “The Best Fiction Books of 2017” by the Chicago Review of Books as well as the short story collection The Longest Pregnancy (Livingston Press). Her fiction and nonfiction have appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies from storySouth and Shenandoah to Notre Dame Review, Sou'wester and The Millions. She teaches creative writing at Purdue University, in the Butler University MFA in Creative Writing program, and is also the founder and executive director of the Lafayette Writers' Studio in Lafayette, Indiana, where she offers classes on the art and craft of writing. She lives with her husband and two daughters in West Lafayette, Indiana and can be found at melissafraterrigo.com. ⏰ DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING SLOTS AVAILABLE (limited): http://rachaelherron.com/edit

Summary:AI, constant distractions, and busy schedules can make it harder to stay truly present. Aaron and Terryn sit down with Mark Ostach to discuss connection, focus, communication, and how leaders can be more intentional in work and life. A big shout-out to Mark Ostach for joining us on this episode! Mark's new book, The Gift of Connection: Reclaiming Presence in the Age of AI and Distraction, is coming soon. If today's conversation resonated with you, be sure to keep an eye out for the book and follow Mark for more insights on connection, focus, and intentional leadership. Minute-by-Minute: 00:13 Introduction and Guest Introduction 02:50 Exploring Vulnerability and Gratitude 05:13 The Journey of Writing a Book 08:37 Balancing Technology and Mental Health 11:04 Advice for Busy Entrepreneurs 13:49 Navigating Visionary and Integrator Dynamics 16:30 Conclusion and Resources

#387 | Six B2B marketers share tactical plays for using AI to make content that doesn't sound like AI. This Exit Five Live session breaks down a set of specialized agents that lifted blog traffic 700% in six months, a 23-step agent that researches and writes AEO content straight into WordPress, and the winning play: turning original survey data into an ownable narrative. Also on the agenda: a structured review process that replaces vibes-only QA, a Claude skill trained on stakeholder feedback so drafts land pre-aligned, and five rules for using AI to learn faster without outsourcing your thinking. One thing the full group agreed on: the human stays in the loop.Timestamps(00:00) - - Intro and the Exit Five Live Format (03:47) - - Meet the Lineup (07:38) - - Build a Digital Team of Specialized AI Agents (14:33) - - Before the Prompt and After the Prompt (21:42) - - A 23-Step Agent That Writes AEO Content for LLMs (30:11) - - Turn Original Research Into a Content Differentiator (33:20) - - Treat Your Edits as Training Data (35:55) - - Faster to Content and Faster to Internal Buy-In (43:19) - - Rules for Learning With AI (49:16) - - The Winning Play Join 50,0000 people who get Dave's Newsletter here: https://www.exitfive.com/newsletterLearn more about Exit Five's private marketing community: https://www.exitfive.com/***Brought to you by:Optimizely - the AI platform for marketers. Build your own AI agents or pull from a directory of 50+ pre-built ones for marketing use cases. Their new Virtual Teammates can join meetings, complete tasks, support campaigns, and keep your website optimized. Learn more at optimizely.com/exitfive.Webflow - A website platform built for the agentic web, letting modern marketing teams build fully custom sites that perform in AI search with no developer needed. Learn more at webflow.com/for/exitfive.Zoom Webinars & Events – The virtual event platform built to help B2B marketers run webinars that actually drive pipeline, with branded registration pages, live engagement features, and built-in tools to repurpose sessions into clips and content. Learn more at zoom.com/exitfive.Compound Growth Marketing - A full-funnel demand gen agency helping high-growth cybersecurity and enterprise software companies show up earlier in the buying journey, combining AEO, modern paid advertising, and a dedicated go-to-market engineering team. Podcast listeners get two free media planning sessions to find out what channels are driving the best ROI. Learn more at compoundgrowthmarketing.com/exitfive. ***Thanks to my friends at hatch.fm for producing this episode and handling all of the Exit Five podcast production.They give you unlimited podcast editing and strategy for your B2B podcast.Get unlimited podcast editing and on-demand strategy for one low monthly cost. Just upload your episode, and they take care of the rest.Visit hatch.fm to learn more

WNS Sep 2 - How We Got Our Bible: The Writing of the Old Testament by Sunnybrook Christian Church

Sponsored by Blocks: Save at least 20% on your AWS costs with AI-powered optimization and enterprise discounts. Get your free Cloud Check at https://blocks.cloud/alphalist?utm_source=alphalist&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=blocks-podcast-2026 David Soria Parra co-created the Model Context Protocol (MCP), the standard that now underpins most AI agent integrations, and, before that, spent years as a core contributor to Mercurial and on Meta's internal source control team. He got into programming at 13, writing a PHP guestbook for a gaming website with friends, and hasn't really stopped building since. This conversation goes straight to the thing every CTO is quietly building right now: their own agent harness. David makes a surprisingly blunt case that harness writing itself isn't the hard part: "give it a bunch of tools, a bunch of execution steps, be a little smarter about context selection, and go," and that most companies would be better off configuring a strong existing harness than building their own from scratch. He and Tobi also dig into why the "MCP vs. CLI" debate is largely manufactured, how Meta and Anthropic both run on almost no prescribed process, and how David's own workflow has quietly shifted from local Claude Code sessions to Slack threads over the past six months. CTOs will walk away with a clear-eyed, unhyped view of harness-building from the person who literally created the interoperability standard. Everyone argues about when building your own is worth it, what to check for in a vendor contract, and where to actually put your attention instead of endlessly optimizing your setup. What's covered: - David's path from a PHP guestbook at 13 to Mercurial core contributor to Meta's source control team - Biggest lessons from Meta, and how Anthropic runs on even less internal process - His personal setup: a handful of skills, a few MCP connectors, and why he's a "vanilla" tool user - Why his day-to-day workflow moved from Claude Code sessions into Slack threads with Claude - The real MCP-vs-CLI debate — and why it was never actually a debate - Should every CTO or engineer build their own agent harness? - What's still defensible in software engineering as agents get stronger

International bestselling author Isabel Allende chats with Host Jeneé Darden about her latest book “Story Telling: A Writing Life,” as well as her writing process and why she wrote a book with advice for writers.

Between shrinking pools of specialist capital, growing political risk, and a sector that now spans everything from LNG to renewables, telling a clear and compelling energy story can be tricky. In this episode of Winning IR, Mark Fasken speaks with Megan Light, a 20-year energy IR veteran, about what it takes to run a high-performing IR program in one of the most dynamic sectors in the market. Drawing on her experience across upstream, midstream, LNG, and renewable natural gas, Megan shares the practical strategies she uses to cut through the noise, expand her investor base, and earn a seat at the table. Listen to the full episode to learn more about: How reputation, political risk, and a shrinking specialist investor pool have reshaped energy IR  How to tell a simple story in an industry that is anything but  How Megan's team plans and runs NDRs entirely in-house, and the access that buys them  Why Megan writes disclosures with AI in mind and what that means in practice Winning IR is brought to you by Irwin. For more winning ideas, subscribe to Winning IR wherever you get your podcasts.For more information, visit getirwin.com/winning-ir

Subscribe to Greg Fitzsimmons: https://bit.ly/subGregFitz This episode is sponsored by Rocket Money. Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster at https://RocketMoney.com/FITZDOG Jared Freid joins Greg to talk about his new Netflix special The Family Plan, moving to Florida to be closer to his brutally honest parents, getting back together with an ex, taking a break from drinking, and discovering how GLP-1 medication changed his relationship with food. They also get into podcasting, surviving terrible comedy crowds, flying coach past Joe DeRosa in first class, Jared's book Walking Red Flag, and the hackiest bit he still keeps ready for a bachelorette party. This show is produced by Gotham Production Studios and part of the Gotham Network. https://www.gothamproductionstudios.com/studios/ Follow Greg Fitzsimmons: Facebook: https://facebook.com/FitzdogRadio Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregfitzsimmons Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregfitzshow Official Website: http://gregfitzsimmons.com Tour Dates: https://bit.ly/GregFitzTour Merch: https://bit.ly/GregFitzMerch “Dear Mrs. Fitzsimmons” Book: https://amzn.to/2Z2bB82 “Life on Stage” Comedy Special: https://bit.ly/GregFitzSpecial Listen to Greg Fitzsimmons: Fitzdog Radio: https://bit.ly/FitzdogRadio Sunday Papers: http://bit.ly/SundayPapersPod Childish: http://childishpod.com Watch more Greg Fitzsimmons: Latest Uploads: https://bit.ly/latestGregFitz Fitzdog Radio: https://bit.ly/radioGregFitz Sunday Papers: https://bit.ly/sundayGregFitz Stand Up Comedy: https://bit.ly/comedyGregFitz Popular Videos: https://bit.ly/popGregFitz About Greg Fitzsimmons: Mixing an incisive wit with scathing sarcasm, Greg Fitzsimmons is an accomplished stand-up, an Emmy Award winning writer, and a host on TV, radio and his own podcasts. Greg is host of the popular “FitzDog Radio” podcast (https://bit.ly/FitzdogRadio), as well as “Sunday Papers” with co-host Mike Gibbons (http://bit.ly/SundayPapersPod) and “Childish” with co-host Alison Rosen (http://childishpod.com). A regular with Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Kimmel, Greg also frequents “The Joe Rogan Experience,” “Lights Out with David Spade,” and has made more than 50 visits to “The Howard Stern Show.” Howard gave Greg his own show on Sirius/XM which lasted more than 10 years. Greg's one-hour standup special, “Life On Stage,” was named a Top 10 Comedy Release by LA Weekly. The special premiered on Comedy Central and is now available on Amazon Prime, as a DVD, or a download (https://bit.ly/GregFitzSpecial). Greg's 2011 book, Dear Mrs. Fitzsimmons (https://amzn.to/2Z2bB82), climbed the best-seller charts and garnered outstanding reviews from NPR and Vanity Fair. Greg appeared in the Netflix series “Santa Clarita Diet,” the Emmy-winning FX series “Louie,” spent five years as a panelist on VH1's “Best Week Ever,” was a reoccurring panelist on “Chelsea Lately,” and starred in two half-hour stand-up specials on Comedy Central. Greg wrote and appeared on the Judd Apatow HBO series “Crashing.” Writing credits include HBO's “Lucky Louie,” “Cedric the Entertainer Presents,” “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher,” “The Man Show” and many others. On his mantle beside the four Daytime Emmys he won as a writer and producer on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” sit “The Jury Award for Best Comedian” from The HBO Comedy Arts Festival and a Cable Ace Award for hosting the MTV game show "Idiot Savants." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 In this episode, Andrew Pudewa and Julie Walker interview Seth Dunham, the president of the Homeschool Trade Association, which exists to support and equip business leaders to maximize their ability to achieve the greatest possible success. Listen as they share the history of the organization and how member businesses work together to serve homeschooling families. Referenced MaterialsHomeschool Trade AssociationNotgrass History“However Imperfectly: Lessons Learned from Thirty Years of Teaching” by Andrew PudewaTranscript of Podcast Episode 545 If you have questions for Andrew, send them to podcast@IEW.comPerhaps your question will be answered at the next Ask Andrew Anything (AAA).If you have questions about IEW products or classes, contact customer service at 800.856.5815 or info@IEW.com

The Share Shed – Sober Awkward Writing Competition Specials - No More Doors - By Kristen MEvery Thursday, we're handing the story telling over to you.Over the next few months, Vic will be reading some of the incredible entries from this year's Sober Awkward Writing Competition. Honest, funny, heartbreaking, hopeful, awkward and beautifully human, these stories come from people all over the world who have experienced the ups and downs of changing their relationship with alcohol.Whether you're sober curious, newly alcohol-free, years into recovery, or simply wondering if life might feel better without booze, we hope these stories remind you that you're not alone.Writing has a powerful way of helping us make sense of our lives. It can shine a light on things we've hidden away, help us process difficult experiences, and remind us just how resilient we really are. Plus, it's considerably cheaper than therapy and doesn't require you to wear pants.So grab a cuppa, get comfortable, and join us for this week's Share Shed as Vic tells another story from our amazing community.

For the first time since 2023, all three noonas were in the same place at the same time! We converged on Chicago for BTS and made the most of our short time together, including snuggling up in Amy's bed to record this episode. You're welcome, video viewers! For this self-indulgent episode, we took the opportunity to reintroduce ourselves as the hosts we are now compared to the timid, newbie podcasters we were five plus years ago. Today we share things we never would have shared--like our underwear packing habits and how Bigfoot was an integral figure in our early author lives--on that first, VERY scripted episode. So snuggle up, listeners, and hop in bed with us for Afternoonas Unwrapped!Want to cringe listen to our first episode when we didn't know how to have a conversation? You can find it on Apple HEREYou can find it on YouTube HERERead An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton! Want to see Lower Wacker, where Megan should NOT have been walking? Head HERE Are your family and friends sick of you talking about K-drama? We get it...and have an answer. Join our AfterNoona Delight Patreon and find community among folks who get your obsession. Check out www.afternoonadelight.com for more episodes, book recs and social media goodness. And don't forget about the newest member of our network: Afternoona Asks where diaspora Asians living in the West find ways to reconnect to Asian culture via Asian/KDramas. Last but CERTAINLY not least....love BTS? Or curious what all the fuss is about? Check out our sister pod Afternoona Army for takes on Bangtan life.  ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

What does it really mean to know who you are? Rita Springer sits down with Doe Jones for an honest conversation about identity, purpose, race, motherhood, anxiety, and living as the person God created you to be. From the story behind "Black Boy" to why she believes God made her a Black woman on purpose, this episode is a powerful reminder that your identity is found in Christ—not in the labels the world gives you.00:00 Intro01:04 Welcome Doe | The Story Behind Her Name05:39 Growing Up Between Washington & Louisiana07:24 Discovering Her Gift for Music10:14 Knowing She Was Called to Create12:24 Sponsor: Amazing Kids Curriculum13:20 Christian Artist vs Christian Who Goes to Work18:40 Creativity, Calling & Writing with God20:08 Identity, Purpose & Being a Black Woman25:30 The Powerful Story Behind "Black Boy"32:46 Creating the New Album "Shiloh"36:08 The Weight of Writing Songs for the Church42:35 Women, Worship & Pioneering New Paths46:04 Bridging Generations in the Church48:19 Mental Health, Anxiety & Learning to Thrive55:13 Does God Trust You?56:02 Motherhood, Grace & Depending on God58:16 Generational Blessing & God's Faithfulness01:00:32 The New Album "Shiloh"01:01:43 Touring While Raising Young Children01:05:52 Final ThoughtsIf you're enjoying the show, please rate and review!Follow Rita on ALL Social Media: https://linktr.ee/ritaspringerIf you would like to support the Worship Is My Weapon podcast you can donate to Wearing Justice at https://give.tithe.ly/?formId=0f0e22b...

Learn more about Alpha School at ⁠https://go.alpha.school/howiwrite R. F. Kuang came on the show to talk about her love for language and what it means to live like a writer. She has written seven books, won the Nebula Award for Best Novel, and trained at some of the world's top universities: Cambridge, Oxford, and Yale. What stands out is her ability to write in so many different voices: the economical, the poetic, the minimalist, the maximalist. How do you cultivate that dexterity as a writer? It is rare to meet someone who writes so well and can also explain their process with such joy and precision. 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:29 How emotions can help you write 00:06:44 Writing from different povs 00:09:15 Sneak peek into an unreleased novel 00:15:20 Why easy writing fails 00:18:46 How to unlock your writing 00:23:09 Building unique voices for each book 00:30:47 What Kuang learned from debates 00:32:52 Why primary sources matter 00:35:33 What AI can never do 00:40:54 First steps of a book 00:45:16 Trust your subconscious 00:50:25 Copy the writers you love 00:52:57 Be goofy on purpose 00:57:34 The driving questions of her books 00:58:16 Read Taipei Story now 01:01:36 What her students must understand 01:04:38 Book and movie recommendations About the host Hey! I'm David Perell and I'm a writer, teacher, and podcaster. I believe writing online is one of the biggest opportunities in the world today. For the first time in human history, everybody can freely share their ideas with a global audience. I seek to help as many people publish their writing online as possible. Follow me Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-write/id1700171470 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DavidPerellChannel Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DjMSboniFAeGA8v9NpoPv X: https://x.com/david_perell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conversation focused on the critical role of writing in the field of legal nurse consulting, emphasizing how strong written communication not only distinguishes professionals but also serves as a gateway to wider visibility, authority, and career advancement. One concept discussed was the distinction between human and AI-generated writing, highlighting that while AI can help with tasks like organizing medical records, it lacks the clinical intuition and contextual understanding that experienced nurses bring to their analyses and reports. A key theme that emerged was the direct link between publication and professional opportunities. Personal stories illustrate how writing books and articles led to speaking engagements, expert witness roles, and invitations to participate on international stages. The discussion explored practical ways to develop writing skills, from crafting clear, tailored reports for attorneys and courts to seizing opportunities to author book chapters or contribute to professional journals as a means of establishing authority and attracting new clients. Several points were raised, including actionable tips for report writing (clarity, precision, consistency, and professionalism), the importance of editing and proofreading, and strategies to use written work as a powerful marketing tool. The episode closed with an invitation to join a collaborative book project, offering legal nurse consultants' guidance and support to become published authors and leverage that distinction for career growth. What You'll Learn in This Episode on The Power of the Pen: Elevating Legal Nurse Consulting through Writing Here are 5 discussion questions answered in the podcast: What specific writing skills are most critical for legal nurse consultants when preparing work for attorneys, and why? In what ways can publishing articles, book chapters, or blog posts increase visibility and authority for legal nurse consultants? What challenges did the introduction of nursing diagnosis in the 1980s present, and how did collaborative publication address them? How does consistency in formatting and terminology within reports influence an attorney's perception of a consultant's professionalism? What are the potential consequences for legal nurse consultants if they submit inaccurate or unclear work products to attorneys? Get the free transcripts and also learn about other ways to subscribe. Go to Legal Nurse Podcasts subscribe options by using this short link: http://LNC.tips/subscribepodcast. Your Presenter for The Power of the Pen: Elevating Legal Nurse Consulting through Writing Pat Iyer Pat Iyer is a seasoned legal nurse consultant and business coach, renowned for her expertise in guiding new legal nurse consultants to successfully break into the field. As the host of the Legal Nurse Podcast, Pat addresses critical challenges that legal nurse consultants face, such as difficulty in landing clients and a lack of response from attorneys. Through her insightful episodes, she emphasizes the importance of effectively communicating one's value to potential clients. With a wealth of experience, Pat has empowered countless consultants to overcome these hurdles and thrive in their careers. Connect with Pat Iyer by email at patiyer@legalnusebusiness.com

My book, Productiveness, is now available. It's about the difference between doing more and doing what matters, and how we lost the ability to tell them apart. I'll send the release date the day it's set. Visit https://mikevardy.com/productiveness to learn more and get your copy today.Most people describe work stress as one undifferentiated thing: I'm stressed at work. Amy Leneker's research says there are actually five distinct kinds, and the one doing the most damage to working people isn't the one that shows up most often. It's the sudden kind — the unexpected thing that yanks you off whatever you'd planned to do — and it has a nasty habit of multiplying into all the others.Amy is the author of Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy, and her book is built around a sequence — see, sort, solve, and then celebrate — that has to be done in that order, though almost nobody does. We got into why writing a stressor down doesn't make it bigger, why "just forget about it, it's not important" is terrible advice your brain physically can't follow, the research on how you ask for help mattering far more than who you ask, and why the shortest section of the book might be the one people skip most.Six Discussion PointsA ten-word question — what are your hobbies, what do you do for fun — can expose how completely you've lost track of yourself, which is exactly how Amy's own unraveling started.There are five distinct types of work stress: schedule, suspense, social, sudden, and system — and sorting your stressors into the right one is what makes them solvable rather than just heavy.Sudden stress does the most damage despite occurring least often, largely because it snowballs — one person's missed deadline instantly becomes another person's social stress.Writing a stressor down doesn't make it more real or bigger than it is; those stressors are already running in the background like open browser tabs whether you name them or not.Telling yourself something unimportant isn't worth thinking about doesn't work — your brain hates open loops, and simple acknowledgment is what actually lets it move on.New research shows that how you ask for help determines whether it builds trust or damages it — framing it as learning and problem-solving reads as credible, while framing it as handing off your problem does the opposite.Three Connection PointsCheers to Monday by Amy LenekerFind Amy and her work at amyleneker.comStop Managing Your Time, Start Crafting Your Time InsteadThe average person works roughly 2,109 Mondays in a lifetime. Deciding in advance that you're going to dislike all of them is a big thing to sign up for without thinking about it. If this conversation gets you to sort even one stressor into the right category this week, that's a start — and the book will take you the rest of the way.

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Podcast with Sheila!Today, we speak with Teri M Brown, a multi-award-winning author, motivational speaker, mentor, and adventurer. Born in Athens, Greece, Teri has lived a life full of creativity, resilience, and bold adventures. From homeschooling her children to riding a tandem bicycle across the United States raising funds for Toys for Tots, she proves that determination can transform your life.In this conversation, Teri shares: • How personal challenges can fuel creativity and courage • Lessons learned from life-changing adventures • Writing historical fiction and inspirational nonfiction • Mentoring youth and women to discover their worth • Life lessons that inspire personal growth and empowerment

Episode SummaryWhat happens after a first-generation college student enters the professional world? In this episode of the APCDA Podcast, executive coach, leadership consultant, and author Michele Y. Hoover introduces the concept of the first-generation professional—someone who enters the workplace without inherited knowledge of how professional environments operate.Drawing from her own journey as the daughter of South Korean immigrants, Michele explores the unwritten rules of professional life, including why good work rarely speaks entirely for itself, why relationships are part of the job, and why the criteria for advancement constantly change. She also discusses how first-generation professionals can advocate for themselves without abandoning their cultural values, how educators and employers can better support them, and how experiences once viewed as disadvantages can become powerful professional strengths.The conversation also offers a preview of Michele's upcoming book, From First to Fearless, and reflects on storytelling, identity, family responsibility, mentorship, and the chance experiences that shape our careers.Episode Chapters 00:00 — Welcome to On the Mic With Thought LeadersMeet Michele Y. Hoover, executive coach, leadership consultant, former journalist, and founder of PEM Leadership. 02:20 — What Is a First-Generation Professional?Michele explains how first-generation professionals enter the workplace without inherited knowledge of its expectations, relationships, language, and unwritten rules. 04:00 — Realising “It Wasn't Just Me”Michele shares how reflecting on her own difficult career journey led her to interview other first-generation professionals and discover common patterns in their experiences. 07:15 — Growing Up as the First American in Her FamilyFrom making appointments to completing official forms at a young age, Michele reflects on how responsibility, representation, and early independence shaped her professional identity. 11:10 — Connecting Journalism, Education, and LeadershipMichele connects the dots between her early career as a journalist and her later work in executive education through three recurring themes: people, storytelling, and communication. 14:40 — Three Unwritten Rules of Professional LifeYour work does not always speak for itself, relationships are not extracurricular, and the rules for advancement change at every career level. 18:45 — Preparing First-Generation Students for the WorkplaceThe discussion explores what universities can do beyond helping students secure their first jobs—including teaching self-advocacy, relationship-building, feedback, visibility, and workplace navigation. 22:30 — The Hidden Strengths of First-Generation ProfessionalsMichele highlights resourcefulness, observation, problem-solving, loyalty, intrinsic motivation, empathy, and a strong sense of responsibility toward family and community. 26:15 — Self-Advocacy Without Losing Your Cultural IdentityHow can professionals advocate for themselves while respecting values such as humility, hierarchy, collectivism, and family responsibility? Michele offers culturally congruent ways to become visible. 32:05 — Turning Career Advice Into Practical ActionMichele explains why generic advice such as “network more” is often ineffective and how coaching, role-playing, scripts, and step-by-step guidance can help people approach difficult professional conversations. 35:10 — Writing, Vulnerability, and Helping People Feel SeenMichele reflects on moving from clinical thought leadership toward more personal writing—and why sharing her own experiences allows readers to recognise themselves in her work. 40:40 — From First to FearlessMichele introduces her upcoming book and explains how first-generation professionals can reframe experiences previously viewed as disadvantages into leadership capabilities and professional superpowers. 48:45 — A Chance Event That Changed EverythingMichele recalls receiving a journalism scholarship at 17 and travelling alone to San Francisco—an unexpected experience that expanded her understanding of the world and what was possible for her career. 52:55 — The Career Lesson We Wish We Had Learned at 22The episode closes with Michele's question for the next guest: “What's something you understand about how careers work now that you wish somebody had explained to you when you were 22?”

What happens when the psychologist becomes the patient? In this episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier talks with psychologist, chronic illness and pain coach, author, and advocate Dr. Jeffrey Bone about his own decade-long journey with chronic illness and what that experience has taught him about pain, identity, grief, resilience, and hope. Jeff shares how a mysterious collection of neurological and physical symptoms eventually led him through functional medicine, environmental testing, immunology, and a diagnosis of common variable immune deficiency. Along the way, he experienced something many people with complicated or chronic health conditions know all too well: the exhaustion of appointments, uncertainty, conflicting opinions, and simply wanting someone to believe that something is wrong. But Jeff's story is not just about illness. It is about what happens when the life you had planned is no longer available. He and Stephanie talk about grieving your former self, accepting a new normal without surrendering your quality of life, becoming your own healthcare advocate, and finding doctors who remain genuinely curious when the answers are not obvious. That same curiosity ultimately became one of Jeff's most important tools. After years of defining himself largely through work, chronic illness pushed him toward poetry, books, podcasting, creativity, philosophy, new experiences, and a different definition of success. Today, he helps other people living with chronic illness and persistent pain navigate the emotional realities that often receive far less attention than the symptoms themselves. Jeff's challenge is beautifully simple: Ask yourself, "What could be wonderful today?" You do not have to completely reinvent your life. Sometimes curiosity begins with trying something new, asking another question, creating something imperfectly, or simply noticing what has been around you all along. Important Note This episode includes personal experiences and discussion of mold exposure, chronic inflammatory response syndrome, common variable immune deficiency, functional medicine, cortisol testing, supplements, sleep, chronic pain, and other health-related approaches. The experiences and opinions shared belong to the speakers and are provided for education and conversation. This episode is not a substitute for individualized medical or mental health care. Please consult qualified healthcare professionals before beginning supplements, changing treatment, or making decisions about a chronic health condition. Listener Offer This episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor is supported by Lemongrove Oil. Use code DRSTEPHANIE at checkout for 10% off your order. https://www.lemongroveoil.com/ Featured Wellness Resource: Exodus Strong Explore Exodus Strong, a faith-centered wellness company offering red and near-infrared light therapy products including full-body mats, masks, wands, belts and other at-home devices, along with molecular hydrogen and botanical supplements, frequency-based wellness products, and complete Light Code wellness systems. If you're interested in exploring what Exodus Strong has to offer, please use Dr. Stephanie's link below. Purchases made through this affiliate link help support Conversations with a Chiropractor and allow us to keep bringing you new conversations each week. https://exodusstrong.com?a_aid=drstephanie Learn More About Dr. Jeffrey Bone Website: https://drbone.live/ Jeff provides chronic illness coaching throughout the United States. Podcast: To the Bone: Conversations on Pain, Illness and Meaning Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Conversations with a Chiropractor YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness Email: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com Want to be a guest? Send Stephanie Wautier a message on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/drstephanie Credits Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:53 Meet Dr. Jeffrey Bone 01:52 Mold Exposure and the Search for Answers 05:10 Functional Medicine and an Immune Deficiency Diagnosis 08:44 Grieving the Old Self and Accepting a New Normal 12:31 Helping Others Through Lived Experience 17:20 Medical Burnout, Chronic Stress, and Being Believed 20:41 Exploring Treatment and Becoming Your Own Advocate 27:26 Creativity, Writing, and Finding Freedom Again 29:15 To the Bone and Creating Without Perfection 32:06 Curiosity as a Tool for Healing and Growth 37:18 Redefining Success After Chronic Illness 41:18 "What Could Be Wonderful Today?" 42:14 Where to Find Dr. Jeffrey Bone 43:39 Closing Thoughts

Send us Fan MailIn Episode 259 we're going to have all sorts of fun in 1971. We will be diving into all things music, television, movies, and pop culture.Those were the days. Television in 1971 was a dividing line between the old and the new. Older, safer shows were being shown the door while a new generation of shows changed the landscape of pop culture. All in the Family took the world by storm with Flip Wilson, Marcu Welby, Mary Tyler Moore, and others following along. Hot pants and leisure suits dotted the dance floors when looking back at Music in 1971. Popular music began splintering into smaller niches. The Beatles were gone but Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Carole King, Rod Stewart, David Bowie, and others filled the gap.The Top 5 is filled with weird and funny news stories from 1971. A vibrating piece of clothing? An emergency broadcast false alarm? A famous plane hijacking? You'll hear about all of them and more.This Week In History and Time Capsule looks at the first transatlantic flight of the Concorde. Stay tuned for some classic 1971 commercials as well!  Support me and the show, by becoming a member on Patreon. Or support my work and Buy Me A Coffee!Helpful Links from this EpisodeBuy My New Book, In Their Footsteps!Searching For the Lady of the Dunes True Crime BookHooked By Kiwi - Etsy.comDJ Williams MusicKeeKee's Cape Cod KitchenMSFTS CommunityKingfisher Hotels Cape CodChristopher Setterlund.comCape Cod Living - Zazzle StoreSubscribe on YouTube!Initial Impressions 2.0 BlogCJSetterlundPhotos on EtsyGoodbye DollyListen to Episode 258 hereSupport the show

Send Vikki any questions you'd like answered on the show!In this episode, I explain why chasing ‘perfect efficiency' is actually making your PhD harder. Many students think that taking flawless notes or writing excellent first drafts will save time — but this mindset often leads to procrastination and stress. Instead, I reveal why starting imperfectly is the key to progress. Writing is part of the thinking process, reading evolves with your understanding, and connecting with others can be the most effective use of your time. If you're overwhelmed by the pressure to be ‘productive', this episode will help you work smarter — not harder. Listen now to learn how embracing imperfection can help you finish your PhD with less stress. If you liked this episode, you might also like this episode on How to prioritise when you have competing challenges - a coaching session with Predrag****I'm Dr Vikki Wright, ex-Professor and certified life coach and I help everyone from PhD students to full Professors to get a bit less overwhelmed and thrive in academia. Please make sure you subscribe, and I would love it if you could find time to rate, review and tell your friends! You can send them this universal link that will work whatever the podcast app they use. http://pod.link/1650551306?i=1000695434464I also host a free online community for academics at every level. You can sign up on my website, The PhD Life Coach. com - you'll receive regular emails with helpful tips and access to free online group coaching every single month! Come join and get the support you need.

Host Sharon Skinner chats with author Pooja Makhijani about her winding writing journey, including her break from kidlit to focus on journalism, and her return with picture books centering on food, family, and cultural care networks. Makhijani shares how her passion for food and sensory detail infuses her work, the importance of writing to your obsessions, and her collaborative process with illustrators. The discussion touches on embracing imperfection in both baking and writing, staying mindful and present to enrich storytelling, and practical tips for incorporating authentic sensory experiences into kidlit.   Connect with Pooja Online: Website: https://www.poojamakhijani.com Instagram: @laborofloaf

Susan Beckham Zurenda discusses her new book, No Way Out But Through, which is based on a true story! Vist her at: www.susanzurenda.com!

Barry Maher spent 20 years as a corporate speaker and wrote six nonfiction books. Then he discovered he had a brain tumor the size of a baseball. He woke up from surgery with Lady Gaga playing on loop in his head and a complete, fully formed novel already there — vivid as a memory, not a dream. Two years later, that novel became The Great Dick and the Dysfunctional Demon, published at age 76. He's also in remission and can tell time again. We talked about: the moment on an Asian cruise when he couldn't read a clock and didn't know why; why his wife figured out something was wrong before he did (he was putting his clothes on backwards); introducing a ship's captain on stage and then asking him what he did for a living 15 minutes later; the doctor's clock-drawing test and the nurse who wouldn't let him go to the bathroom alone; why a brain cancer diagnosis is like an impending hanging — it concentrates the mind; the novel that emerged from surgery (complete with open crypts, dark spells, sudden death, and the Ralph Lauren version of the Manson family); why The Great Gatsby and Moby Dick are the same story; and the Lady Gaga song that played on loop in his head for three straight days (it's "Always Remember Us This Way" from A Star Is Born — he was not a fan before, and he is definitely not one now). Get the book → The Great Dick and the Dysfunctional Demon by Barry Maher https://amzn.to/4xqVD4y  TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 — Intro — who is Barry Maher? 0:24 — Six nonfiction books, 20 years of corporate speaking — and now a novel 1:18 — The speaking business: cold calling, articles, PR, and repeat clients 2:37 — Lou bombing at a Christmas party and waiting to get paid after 4:21 — The speaking escape hatch: "and the point of that was..." 5:41 — His first presentation: an hour of solid content, to a funeral home audience 6:50 — The cruise where he couldn't read a clock — and didn't know why 7:55 — His wife noticed something was wrong on the second cruise 9:15 — He introduced the captain — then 15 minutes later asked what he did for a living 10:06 — What it's like when your mind is the thing that's broken 10:46 — The doctor's clock test — and the nurse who wouldn't let him go to the bathroom alone 11:29 — He wrote himself off. He didn't let her accompany him to the bathroom. There are limits. 11:53 — Waking up from surgery with Lady Gaga on loop and a complete novel in his head 12:27 — The TikTok husband who can't draw clocks — and why that's not funny 14:01 — The seizure during surgery — and why the story felt like a memory, not a dream 15:01 — A brain cancer diagnosis is like an impending hanging — it concentrates the mind 15:38 — He was in his early 70s. He decided to finally write the novel he'd always wanted. 16:47 — Writing it took two years — and the memory never faded 18:26 — Lou hates writing. Barry loves it now. The brain tumor may be responsible. 20:21 — The title: The Great Dick — as in Great Gatsby meets Moby Dick 21:59 — Lou read Moby Dick aloud at his wife's hospital bed. She put pages in the wedding bouquet. 23:35 — The Great Gatsby and Moby Dick are the same story — he makes the case 24:03 — What the book is actually about 25:22 — Always Remember Us This Way — the Lady Gaga song that played for three days straight 27:15 — Did the tumor affect the part of the brain responsible for creativity? 28:16 — His wife likes the book — even with the original subtitle 29:43 — The antihero Steve Huskey — and why women are rooting for him anyway 30:09 — Health update: cancer in remission, can tell time like a champ 30:36 — Outro Watch full episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4Vb53s4I0A&list=PLb5trMQQvT077-L1roE0iZyAgT4dD4EtJ Listen on Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lou-perez-podcast/id1535032081 Listen on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2KAtC7eFS3NHWMZp2UgMVU  Co-host of Happy Hour Econ → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/happy-hour-econ/id1863476697  Lou's book — That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore: https://amzn.to/3VhFa1r  TheLouPerez.com |  info@thelouperez.com  Newsletter: https://substack.com/@louperez #BarryMaher #BrainTumor #Novel #LiteraryFiction #MobyDick #GreatGatsby #LouPerezPodcast #LionsOfLiberty #Cancer #Writing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Leddin is a leadership expert, disruption strategist, and the founder of The Disruption Project at Vanderbilt University. An army veteran, he led paratroopers in the 82nd Airborne Division as an infantry officer and U.S. Army Master Parachutist. He also advised senior executives at KPMG Consulting and FranklinCovey, and co-founded Wedgewood Consulting Group. His latest book, Disrupt Everything—and Win, was co-authored with James Patterson and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Patrick joined host Robert Glazer on the Elevate Podcast to talk about his leadership career, disruption, and his writing partnership with James Patterson. Thank you to the sponsors of The Elevate Podcast Shopify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠shopify.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Masterclass: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠masterclass.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Framer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠framer.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Northwest Registered Agent: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠northwestregisteredagent.com/elevate⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Indeed: ⁠⁠indeed.com/elevate⁠⁠

This week, I'm joined by Catherine Neumayr of V8 Ranch, one of the most legendary Brahman operations in the world. Catherine grew up in the cattle industry, but she and her husband, Luke, also built a wildly successful wedding photography business, photographing more than 150 weddings around the world and building their first million-dollar business without spending a dime on traditional advertising.Today, Catherine has brought those lessons back home to V8 Ranch. We talk about why the little details matter, how to create an experience that turns customers into lifelong fans, and the four principles Catherine and Luke used to build their business. Catherine also shares how V8 creates meaningful experiences for customers and why agriculture needs people with skills and experience from outside the industry.Whether you're running a ranch, building a business, or wondering if the skills you've developed somewhere else belong in agriculture, this episode is a reminder that there is a place for you here.Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Connect with Catherine:Visit V8's websiteFollow on Instagram @v8ranchFollow on YouTube @V8RanchCattleConnect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:Purple Cow by Seth GodinAuthor Freida McFaddenOf The West Walk Up Song PlaylistJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The WestMentioned in this episode:Raising a champion takes more than feed. It's work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed

I welcomed one of my hero authors, Michael Morpurgo, and his wife Clare, to Highclere Castle to talk about storytelling, history, the magic of reading, and the extraordinary charity they founded together — Farms for City Children.Michael shared how War Horse came to life and why understanding the First World War matters more than ever today. We recalled the unforgettable day Joey, the National Theatre's War Horse puppet, came to Highclere in 2014 — walking through the very library where Almina, my predecessor, had nursed soldiers back from the trenches a century before.Michael told the wonderful story behind Farms for City Children — how Clare, a childhood afternoon let loose near a Devon farm, courtesy of her father Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books, sparked a lifetime's passion for the countryside, and how that passion became a charity that has given over 120,000 inner-city children a week of real farm life.We explored the importance of books and reading, handwriting, the friendship with Ted Hughes, the honest editorial partnership between Michael and Clare, and my own plans for a Highclere Literary Festival this October.We ended with Michael's dream summer evening guest: the radiant Audrey Hepburn.00:00 Welcome & Introduction02:10 War Horse & Joey Comes to Highclere06:30 History, World War I & Why It Still Matters13:15 The Origins of Farms for City Children21:45 A Real Farm — Not a Pretend Farm28:00 Highclere: Farm, History & the Fifth Earl33:20 The Power of Reading & the Literary Festival38:10 Writing by Hand, Ted Hughes & the iPad44:00 Editing, Marriage & Telling the Truth49:30 Dream Party Guest: Audrey HepburnTopics CoveredWar Horse & HighclereThe origins of War Horse and why Michael believes we must understand history to navigate the presentLady Carnarvon recalls the day Joey, the War Horse puppet from the National Theatre, came to Highclere in 2014 to mark the centenary of World War IHighclere Castle served as a real military hospital during World War I — Lady Carnarvon's predecessor, Almina, nursed soldiers back from the trenchesThe contrast with the fictional Downton Abbey and the very real human stories preserved in letters at HighclereHistory, War & ResponsibilityMichael reflects on why the First World War is so important — and how it directly caused the SecondThe role of individuals and political movements in triggering conflict, from Sarajevo to the rise of HitlerWhy Michael feels it is "timely" to revisit these lessons today, given the state of the worldSeeing War Horse in the theatre the night before recording — and what it still means to himFarms for City ChildrenClare's childhood inspiration: sent outside to explore as a young girl near a Devon farm, she fell in love with the countryside, animals, and the rhythm of rural lifeHer father, Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books, instilled a love of the natural worldWhy Clare and Michael left teaching after realising they weren't reaching the children who needed them mostHow the charity started with one Victorian farmhouse in Devon and has since grown to multiple working farmsOver 120,000 children have now spent a week on a real farm — milking cows, feeding lambs, grooming horses, doing genuine workMeeting former "farm children" now aged 45 with families of their own, who say the experience never left themHighclere Today — A Living EstateFarming records at Highclere dating back to the 16th century; earliest written records from 749 ADLady Carnarvon's rare breed Cornish pigs, Belted Galloway cattle, 1,400 ewes, and 2,500 lambsThe Iron Age Fort and Bronze Age Tumuli on the estateWilliam of Wykeham (1324–1404) — bishop and founder of Winchester College and New College, Oxford — lived at Highclere; it was his palaceThe fifth Earl of Carnarvon, who discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun, was a voracious reader; his will, written at 21, listed his books as among his most prized possessionsThe Power of Reading & WritingWhy books matter: they let children ask questions, explore mortality, understand the world, and feel less aloneMichael's beach anecdote — watching his granddaughter's husband read to their one-year-old, with the baby turning the pages back — as a perfect image of how the love of books is passed onThe importance of parents reading aloud, good libraries, and physical booksLady Carnarvon's Highclere Literary Festival — launching this October, with:A children's trail through the gardens (including a wardrobe inspired by Narnia and an entrance to fairyland)The Curious Tent and Speaker's CornerWriting and reading competitions with cash prizesFree entry for under-16s who have read a book or written somethingLady Carnarvon's campaign for handwriting — the link between brain, hand, and penTed Hughes, Writing by Hand & TechnologyMichael's lifelong habit of writing by hand — and how arthritis in his finger has forced a reluctant move to an iPadNeighbour and friend Ted Hughes on why handwriting matters: it keeps the mind and the process in syncMichael's delight at discovering he can dictate to his iPad ("It prints it out magically")Editing, Marriage & HonestyClare as Michael's first editor — "quite unfairly truthful" — and why he always takes her notes even when he doesn't want toThe ongoing verdict: nothing he's written in the 65 books since War Horse has matched itLady Carnarvon's husband editing her first book and his well-meaning but devastating comment: "Don't worry if nobody reads it — you've still tried very hard"A Summer Evening QuestionIf you could take anyone to Lady Carnarvon's summer jazz evening, who would it be?Clare: Gregory PeckMichael: Audrey Hepburn (Roman Holiday)A discussion of Audrey Hepburn's extraordinary grace — and how grace itself is something both Michael and Lady Carnarvon seek in their work and livesMentioned in This EpisodeWar Horse — Michael Morpurgo (novel, stage production, Steven Spielberg film)Waiting for Anya — Michael MorpurgoThe History Boys — Alan BennettFarms for City Children — farmsforcitvchildren.orgHighclere Literary Festival — October 2025, Highclere CastleAllen Lane — founder of Penguin BooksAlmina, Countess of Carnarvon — WWI hospital at HighclereWilliam of Wykeham — founder of Winchester College and New College, OxfordThe fifth Earl of Carnarvon — discoverer of Tutankhamun's tombTed Hughes — poet, neighbour of the MorpurgosRoman Holiday (1953) — dir. William Wyler, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory PeckAbout Lady Carnarvon's PodcastLady Carnarvon records her podcast from Highclere Castle, home of the real family whose story inspired Downton Abbey. Episodes explore history, heritage, literature, and the people and ideas that have shaped Highclere and the wider world.You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month. 

Host Jesse Jackson welcomes back music journalist and author Steve Rosen to discuss his new Jeff Beck book, rewritten and expanded from a Japan-only 1978 biography originally commissioned by Player magazine. Rosen recounts growing up in Culver City listening to early rock, discovering Jeff Beck through the Yardbirds and seeing the Jeff Beck Group in 1969, and how learning guitar fueled a deep-dive curiosity that led to music journalism. He describes his earliest reviews for school papers, the LA Free Press, and eventually major rock and guitar magazines, plus meeting and befriending Eddie Van Halen in 1977. Rosen explains why Beck was under-covered—rare touring, long gaps, and instrumental direction—shares musicians' respect for Beck alongside stories of his erratic bandleading, plugs tonechaserbook.com, and answers the “Thunder Road” question. https://a.co/d/005a57V5 01:28 Meet Steve Rosen 02:48 Jeff Beck Book Reborn 04:46 Growing Up in Culver City 07:53 Falling for Jeff Beck 11:13 Deep Dive Guitar Obsession 14:25 First Byline Breakthrough 20:41 Meeting Eddie Van Halen 26:11 Writing the First Beck Bio 29:09 Rewriting the Beck Book 29:47 Why Beck Stayed Underrated 32:27 Artists on Beck's Genius 33:05 Band Leader Chaos Stories 34:52 The Grind Behind Touring 37:31 Tech Changed Music Careers 40:02 YouTube as a Learning Accelerator 45:06 Does Mary Get in the Car 50:07 Final Plugs and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sacha and Rachael are really having fun now! ⏰ DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING SLOTS AVAILABLE (limited): http://rachaelherron.com/edit

What did you think of this episode?Have you discovered hidden gifts during times of grieving? Raewyn Elsegood shares her story behind the story and offers tips to help you excel as a writer. Don't go anywhere. Your Best Writing Life begins right now.Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I'm your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It's great to have you listening in. During this episode, we experience The Story Behind 21 Gifts: A Sacred Dance Through Grief and Healing.Today's guest, Raewyn Elsegood, is an Australian chaplain, speaker, and award-winning author of 21 Gifts: A Sacred Dance Through Grief and Healing. Drawing on more than 30 years in ministry and a decade of chaplaincy, she equips people to walk compassionately beside those experiencing grief, helping them discover hope, faith, and purpose even in life's deepest losses.Raewyn, welcome to Your Best Writing Life!We all want to know the story behind 21 Gifts – give us some background1. God wrote a different book than I intended.I thought I was writing and journaling about surviving my daughter's death. Instead, God revealed that He was writing a book about discovering His gifts hidden within grief. The manuscript became as much my healing journey as it did a book for others. 2. Writing became an act of discipleship.Every chapter required me to sit with God before I could write for anyone else. Sometimes writing wasn't about producing words—it was about letting God reshape my heart first.3. My greatest wound became my greatest ministry.Losing Amy changed every part of my life and transformed my chaplaincy. The book helped me realize that God was inviting me to move from telling my story to equipping others to walk compassionately alongside grieving people.4. Publication wasn't the finish line.Publishing 21 Gifts opened unexpected doors to media, including teaching at conferences, YouTube, radio, podcasts, speaking engagements, disaster recovery chaplaincy, and a grief support program. The book is becoming the beginning of a much larger ministry.5. God is still rewriting the author.One conversation with a literary agent after a writers' conference completely changed the direction of my next book. Their feedback helped me realize God wasn't simply calling me to tell my story—He was calling me to teach from my experience as a chaplain. That shift is beautifully shaping my next book project, The Chaplain's Chair. Writer's tips. 1. Write from transformation, not simply information.Readers remember books that changed the author before they changed the audience.2. Let God edit you before you edit your manuscript.The deepest writing often comes after we've wrestled honestly with God.Deep conversation----3. Don't chase publication—pursue faithfulness.Success isn't measured only by book sales. It's measured by obedience to the message God has entrusted to you.What Listeners Will Gain - Although 21 Gifts was written for grieving people, writers will discover something equally valuable.They'll learn that our deepest pain doesn't disqualify us from writing—it often becomes the place where God develops our most authentic voice.Readers will gain practical, faith-filled tools for navigating grief, while writers will be encouraged to embrace vulnerability, write with courage, trust God's timing, and recognize that every story can become someone else's hope.Ultimately, 21 Gifts reminds us that God rarely wastes our suffering; He often transforms it into the message we're uniquely called to share.Link to Paula Mosher Wallace - Three Stages of Writing Your PainYou can find out more about Raewyn Elsegood below.SOCIAL LINKS:Website - www.raewynelsegood.comBook 21 Gifts: A Sacred Dance Through Grief and Healing Amazon and major online bookstoresInstagram - @raewynelsegoodYouTube - @ChaplainsGriefInsightsEmail - raewyn@raewynelsegood.comVisit Your Best Writing Life website.Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing LifeYour host - Linda Goldfarb#4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts"#1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers.Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo PodcastAwarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast

Some artists do their best work alone. Others thrive on collaboration. Grammy-winning bassist, producer and singer-songwriter Thundercat — also known as Stephen Bruner — has always lived in both worlds. But coming from a musical lineage where music feels more like a conversation between artists, collaboration has become central to his creative life. His latest album, Distracted, features collaborations with Willow, A$AP Rocky, Tame Impala and, most importantly, his late friend Mac Miller. Thundercat joins Q guest host Ali Hassan to talk about a song he and Mac recorded together before Mac's death in 2018, the memories attached to it, and why he felt the time was finally right to share it with the world.

Wyatt McCubbin joins The Brothers Hunt, also known as Dan and Reid Isbell, on God's Country for an episode packed with country music history, hilarious stories and an inside look at the life of a Nashville songwriter.Wyatt shares how he went from working in small-town country radio to writing songs recorded by artists like Zach Top, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson and Jon Pardi. He also opens up about his friendship with country music legend Marty Stuart, the story behind his Grand Ole Opry debut and what it was like helping create Zach Top's breakout sound.The guys also get into Wyatt's Ohio upbringing, his love for traditional country music, the realities of chasing songs in Nashville and plenty of stories that probably shouldn't have made it onto the air.If you love classic country, songwriting stories, hunting, the outdoors and conversations that feel more like hanging around deer camp, this episode is for you. Subscribe to The Brothers Hunt for new episodes of God's Country every week, featuring country artists, hit songwriters and outdoorsmen sharing the stories you won't hear anywhere else. #WyattMcCubbin #ZachTop #GodsCountryPodcast #TheBrothersHunt #CountryMusic #Songwriter #MartyStuart TBH INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thebrothershunt/ TBH FACEBOOK: TBHhttps://www.facebook.com/thebrothershunt/ GCP FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/godscountrypodcast GCP INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/thegodscountrypodcast/ TBH/ GCP TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@brothershunt?lang=en TBH MERCH: https://the-brothers-hunt.myshopify.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Meant to Win, Dr. Stephanie Wigner sits down with her dear friend Barbara, founder of Your Tax Coach, who built a tax firm to eight figures with a 40-person team over 17 years. Barb rapid-fires the strategies most practitioners and online business owners miss: getting your S corp structure right, buying your brick and mortar to use the self rental aggregate election, and writing off wellness expenses like peptides, red light saunas, and gym memberships through a second company. She also defends her most controversial take, that you can write off clothing: "how do you think Mr. Beast is writing off a Lamborghini that he's blowing up?" Then the conversation goes deeper, into the money stories both women had to rewrite as the first in their families to build wealth, the People magazine cover of matching $75,000 G-Wagons Barb manifested into her own garage 20 years later, and the breaking point at month 13 of 20-hour days that forced her first hire. This one is for every business owner who's figured out how to make money and now needs to learn what to do with it, and who's still carrying the belief that working harder is what makes them valuable.CHAPTERS01:27 Three Tax Strategies Most Business Owners Miss03:07 Writing Off Wellness Expenses04:49 The Clothing Write-Off Hot Take05:55 The Documentation That Protects You06:19 Stop Taking Money Advice From Jimmy08:54 The Kardashians and Rewriting a Money Story10:04 Manifesting the Matching G-Wagons11:45 Jealousy Is a Secret Desire14:23 The Breaking Point at Month 1315:48 Hiring Help at Home and in Business20:28 What Barb Is Building Next: Community21:27 The Power of Getting in the RoomKEY TAKEAWAYMaking money is only half the game; knowing what to do with it is the other half. Get right with your money in all ways, and get in rooms with people who are already where you want to go. If you're wanting to learn more about what to do with your money book a call with Your Tax Coach here: https://yourtaxcoach.com/strategy-affiliate

Writing a novel requires a lot of energy. Finishing one often leaves you depleted and struggling to write another word. What do you do to recharge and avoid burnout? The DRS Crew discusses. DRS caffeinates with Larry's Coffee. If you want to purchase fair-trade, organically grown beans that brew into smooth, balanced, never-bitter coffee, visit LarrysCoffee.com/drs, receive a free gift with your purchase, and help support The Dead Robots' Society. Our links: Paul's store: https://payhip.com/paulecooley Paul's site:  https://shadowpublications.com Terry's site: https://www.terrymixon.com/ Veronica: http://www.voicesbyveronica.com/ DRS Discord: https://discord.gg/pgmQxaVbGP Enjoy the show? Consider becoming a Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee supporter and for as little as $1 a month, you can help keep the podcast free and receive exclusive content. More information at https://patreon.com/drspodcast  and https://buymeacoffee.com/drspodcast. #writing #fiction #podcast #chat #live #novel #story #narrative #publishing #author #writer #discussion #podcast #talkshow  

Kimberly McCreight is the New York Times bestselling author of nine novels, including Reconstructing Amelia, which was nominated for the Edgar, Anthony, and Alex Awards and was called Entertainment Weekly's Favorite Book of the Year. A Good Marriage was named a Best Book of the Summer by the New York Times, People, and Publishers Weekly. It was also an Amazon Best Mystery of the Month. A TV adaptation of A Good Marriage is coming soon from Amazon and Nicole Kidman's Blossom Films. A national bestseller, also currently being adapted for television, Like Mother, Like Daughter was named a CBS New York book club pick and was a Book of the Month selection. McCreight's most recent book is Someone Else's Husband. A Katie Couric Book Club selection, Someone Else's Husband was named a best book of the summer by People, the Boston Globe and Forbes, among others, and an Amazon Best Book of the Year So Far. It has been optioned for television by Lionsgate and 3Arts. She attended Vassar College and graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She lives in Brooklyn, New York with her two daughters. Kimberly joins Barbara DeMarco-Barrett to talk about how she keeps things moving and how she kept going after dealing with rejection, being a literary writer writing thrillers, writing different point of view characters, inserting flashbacks, twists, perfectionism, how running and training relates to writing, and much more. For more information on Writers on Writing and to become a supporter, visit our Patreon page. For a one-time donation, visit Ko-fi. You can help out the show and indie bookstores by buying books at our bookstore on bookshop.org. It's stocked with titles by our guest authors, as well as our personal favorites. And on Spotify, you'll find an album's worth of typewriter music like what you hear on the show. It's perfect for writing. Look for the artist, Just My Type. You can find hundreds of past interviews on our website. (Recorded on July 24, 2026) Host: Barbara DeMarco-Barrett Host: Marrie Stone Music: Travis Barrett (Stream his music on Spotify, Apple Music, Etc.)  

This week, I talk with Andre Hardy about his fresh take on noir in his debut novel Tear the City Down! Listen to hear about: How Andre Hardy's debut novel, Tear the City Down, grew from his lifelong love of noir—particularly Walter Mosley's Devil in a Blue Dress, which showed him a fully realized Black protagonist in a genre he already loved. The ways Hardy uses San Diego's stark dualities—tourist paradise versus underserved neighborhoods, enormous wealth versus systemic oppression—as the foundation for Coltrane's story and the novel's larger questions about social mobility, morality, and what happens when you actually reach the top. Why Hardy shied away from a traditional stoic noir hero, and created Coltrane to be masculine, dangerous, and deeply vulnerable. How the mystery expands from one missing girl into something far larger, illustrating Hardy's belief that seemingly isolated injustices often lead back to systems of power and exploitation. How Hardy drew on his own NFL experience, love of jazz, reading, and upbringing in San Diego to give the novel its texture. All the Bookwild Links:Check Out the Bookwild SubstackSubscribe to Bookwild on YouTubeGet Bookwild MerchFollow @imbookwild on InstagramCheck Out Author Social Media Packages Follow Co-hosts On Instagram:Gare Billings @gareindeedreadsSteph Lauer @books.in.badgerlandHalley Sutton @halleysutton25Brian Watson @readingwithbrianMacKenzie Green @missusa2mbaErin Ashley @bellametaphor

We fiddle with “The Banshees of Inisherin” and discuss: Story & Writing, clear stakes, script vs film; Performances, playing the space between the lines; Metaphors, and distracting ourselves from the inevitable; and other such stuff and things and stuff. “The literal meaning of life is whatever you’re doing that prevents you from killing yourself.“ – […] The post Ep 379: “The Banshees of Inisherin” appeared first on The Pestle.

Show SummaryOn today's episode, we're having a conversation with Registered Nurse, Military Spouse, and Workforce Development Advocate Tracy Steele, founder of Community Cultivator, an organization dedicated to strengthening well-being, belonging, and career stability for military spouses through community connection and professional developmentEpisode Partner:Our sponsor this week is Aetna, a trusted health care company, committed to serving Veterans, military families, and caregivers through meaningful, community-centered care. Provide FeedbackAs a dedicated member of the audience, we would like to hear from you. If you PsychArmor has helped you learn, grow, and support those who've served and those who care for them, we would appreciate hearing your story. Please follow this link to share how PsychArmor has helped you in your service journey Share PsychArmor StoriesAbout Today's GuestCommunity Cultivator was founded by Tracy Steele, SPHR, CPRW — a longtime military spouse, workforce development leader, and advocate for military spouse employment and community connection.​After more than two decades navigating military life, Tracy experienced firsthand the challenge of constantly rebuilding career momentum, professional networks, and community with every move. Through strategic volunteering, networking, and workforce development leadership, she became passionate about helping military spouses recognize their value and confidently pursue meaningful opportunities.But she realized military spouses needed more than job resources alone. They needed connection, belonging, and access to opportunities that could grow with them wherever military life led next.​So she built Community Cultivator.​What started as a vision in San Diego is growing into a nationwide movement helping military spouses build stronger careers, deeper connections, and lasting opportunities together.Links Mentioned During the EpisodeCommunity Cultivator WebsiteForeign Born Military Spouse NetworkSugar Bear Foundation WebsitePsychArmor Resource of the WeekThis week's PsychArmor Resource of the Week is the PsychArmor course 15 Reasons to Hire a Military Spouse. As an employer, you are looking for untapped talent pools. One talent pool that can be overlooked is the diverse and highly educated group of military spouses. Take this course to learn the top 15 Reasons to Hire a Military Spouse. You can find the resource here: https://learn.psycharmor.org/courses/15-Reasons-to-Hire-a-Military-Spouse Contact Us and Join Us on Social Media Email PsychArmorPsychArmor on XPsychArmor on FacebookPsychArmor on YouTubePsychArmor on LinkedInPsychArmor on InstagramTheme MusicOur theme music Don't Kill the Messenger was written and performed by Navy Veteran Jerry Maniscalco, in cooperation with Operation Encore, a non profit committed to supporting singer/songwriter and musicians across the military and Veteran communities.Producer and Host Duane France is a retired Army Noncommissioned Officer, combat veteran, and clinical mental health counselor for service members, veterans, and their families.  You can find more about the work that he is doing at www.veteranmentalhealth.com  

Olivia Gaines is an award-winning Indie author.  She also leads a Facebook group called “Journaling Lovers.”  That group is 70,000 members strong, and Olivia asks those group members to “focus on the moment of connection” as they journal.  In this episode of The Learning Vibes Podcast, you'll hear Olivia talk about her writing process.  She also will help you expand your thinking about what a journal can be in your life as you pursue artisanship and lifelong learning.  

There's no shortage of writing advice out there. Outline everything before you start. Don't outline, you'll kill the magic. Follow a beat sheet. Trust your instincts instead. Structure will flatten your story. Structure will save it.No wonder so many writers second-guess every choice they make.Some writing advice gets handed down as gospel when really it may only apply to certain writers, certain stories, or certain stages in the process. And when you take it on as an absolute, it can lead to hesitation, self-doubt, and the nagging sense that there's a “right” way to write a book that everyone else understands and you somehow missed. In this episode, I'm taking on four common writing myths about structure, plot, planning, and the "right" way to write, and giving you something more useful to believe instead.Because the goal isn't to follow someone else's process. It's to understand your story well enough to trust yourself inside it.Structure your story with this FREE 3-Act Worksheet. Go beyond outlining and write a story that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.   Grab your FREE Worksheet here.

Is there some deeper meaning to the traffic cone on Sherlock's head? Or is it just silly vandalism? Most people seemed to think it was the latter, but I think it was a hidden symbol of some mystery. How could it not be? I. June 25 was the tenth anniversary of my blog. I understand that, traditionally, an anniversary post would come out on the actual day, or at least the same week, but I blew past the occasion without even realizing it. And then, even when I did realize it, I was too busy with other stuff to jump on it. In fact I haven't posted anything since July 3. I must have been overcome by the patriotic fervor of our nation's 250th anniversary.1 As a better person than me has said, it's self-indulgent, and even unseemly to dwell overly long on one's recent gap in writing. But this is destined to be a very self-indulgent post so I'm going to ignore her (obviously wise) advice, and explain the gap in great detail. July 3 was two days after my first experience passing a kidney stone. Then two days after that (July 5) I went on a week-long road-trip around the Pacific Northwest.

Hear how Philadelphia teachers are building a living archive in their city alongside students, parents, and community members. In this NWP Radio episode you will learn about a Spencer Foundation funded research practice partnership between the Philadelphia Writing Project, the School district of Philadelphia, and the Colored Girls Museum. This project supports student and teacher inquiry into the histories of Black Philadelphians and creates living content and curriculum, bringing these stories and histories to light throughout the city and into the classroom.

This season, we're digging into the faulty mindsets and spiritual struggles that surface when we write for others. Writing has a way of pushing our fears and insecurities into the light, and that's not a bad thing. It's one of the ways God grows us.In this episode, we talk about:* Why spiritual growth is really about renewing our minds (Romans 12:2)* How writing for publication exposes the lies we believe about ourselves and about God* A simple three-step process for working through any faulty mindset: reveal, investigate, replace* A preview of the mindsets we'll tackle this season, including “Who am I to have anything of value to offer?” and “It's prideful of me to promote my work”* Two upcoming interviews: Angie Baughman on rest and seeking God in our writing, and author Ryan Pote on his journey from atheist Navy helicopter pilot to Christian thriller novelistMentioned in this episode:Download the free Christian Writers' Mindset Makeover at amylynnsimon.com/makeover. It walks through several of these mindsets, shows you the kernel of truth that keeps you hooked, and gives you Scripture to counter the lie.Sign up for Pen Points, a weekly email that accompanies each episode, giving you a question to consider and some possible next steps.Note: The journaling practice I talk about is not meant to be a quick fix or a substitute for biblical counseling, especially if the “investigate” step involves past trauma. I am not a counselor. Serious issues of your past should be addressed with a godly professional. The Purposeful Pen is a weekly podcast for Christian writers designed to help you build a writing life with eternal impact. Each week you'll hear practical tips and Biblical truth on topics such as improving your writing, honing your message, and managing your time. I always respond to listener emails and I'd love to hear from you! Amysimon@amylynnsimon.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit amylynnsimon.substack.com

If you've ever wondered how a book goes from a half-formed idea in your head to something sitting on a bookstore shelf, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how it happened for me.In this episode, I'm walking through my experience with agents, book proposals, pitching publishers, advances and royalties, writing, photography, and the surprisingly long road to publication. I'll also explain the different publishing paths available and what authors actually need to know about marketing once the book is finished. This isn't an exhaustive guide to publishing—it's the real story of how my books came together and what I've learned along the way.Podcast Episode Highlights:Why I'm talking about my experience on writing and selling booksMost common types of ways to publish your bookHow you get paid from publishing companiesThe process of turning a book idea into a bookDetails on having an agentDetails on writing a book proposalPitching to publishersThe long process to actually getting the book publishedHow I do my writing process and photography for the bookWhat you need to know about marketing your bookFinal ThoughtsResources Mentioned in This Podcast Episode:Learn more about Toups and Co. here: https://toupsandco.com/pages/prairie25First time buyers can use the code Prairie25 to get you 25% off your first Toups order.Find my cookbook here: http://homesteadcookbook.com/Find my Old-Fashioned on Purpose book here: http://oldfashionedbook.com/If you're interested in joining my small group business coach/mentorship program, email me at: Jill@theprairiehomestead.comOTHER HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR YOUR HOMESTEAD:Sign up for weekly musings from my homestead: https://jillwinger.substack.com/Get my free homesteading tutorials & recipes here: www.theprairiehomestead.comJill on Instagram: @jill.wingerJill on Facebook: http://facebook.com/theprairiehomesteadApply to be a guest on the Old-Fashioned on Purpose podcast: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/podcast-guest-applicationDid you enjoy listening to this episode? Please drop a comment below or leave a review to let us know. This can help other folks learn about this podcast and we also really appreciate the feedback! 

How do you identify your writing weaknesses? And, even more importantly, how can you tell if something really is a weakness? In this episode, I share five ways writers can recognize recurring craft problems, strengthen weak areas, and distinguish poor execution from intentional writing style. Every story presents its own challenges. Struggling with one beginning doesn't necessarily mean you're bad at beginnings. But when the same problem keeps cropping up across multiple stories, that's information worth paying attention to. We'll look at how to identify writing weaknesses by listening to your story sense, noticing what you consistently avoid, comparing patterns across multiple stories, and learning from beta readers, critique partners, editors, and reader reviews. We'll also talk about the important difference between the inner critic's generalized judgments and the specific diagnostic nudges that can actually help you improve your writing. But identifying a recurring pattern raises another question: Is it actually a weakness? Writing craft is largely the study of patterns that work. But not every departure from those patterns is a mistake. Writers such as Kurt Vonnegut, William Faulkner, and Cormac McCarthy made unconventional choices that became part of their distinctive styles. The real question is whether your choices effectively communicate what you intend. In this episode, we'll talk about: • What writing weaknesses actually are • 5 ways to identify recurring weaknesses in your writing • How to distinguish your inner critic from your story sense • Why patterns across multiple stories matter • How to use feedback without surrendering your own judgment • When breaking writing "rules" becomes a stylistic strength • How to turn weak areas into stronger writing skills Read the transcript: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/identify-writing-weaknesses/ LINKS & RESOURCES Want More? WRITING MASTERCLASS: Flat Character Arcs: From Transformation to Integration https://kmweilandstore.com/b/flat-character-arc-class  If character arcs are one of the areas you'd like to understand more deeply, my new masterclass Flat Character Arcs: From Transformation to Integration explores not just how Flat Character Arcs work, but why. The more deeply we understand the patterns underneath story (i.e., the reasons certain choices create meaning and resonance), the less we have to rely on memorized "rules." Instead, we can begin internalizing the principles themselves and using them instinctively in our own stories. You can also save 15% by purchasing the class as part of my Writing Steadfast and Tragic Character Arcs bundle, together with Negative Character Arcs: Hidden Patterns of Self-Deception.