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What if gratitude could taste like butter tarts, sound like a kid’s thank-you card, and feel like a cool night under a handmade shelter? We take you on a warm, funny, and thoughtful journey through global gratitude traditions, comparing how Canada, Germany, Japan, Liberia, Israel, and Romania celebrate thankfulness through food, ritual, and community. From maple-kissed desserts and wheat crowns to spicy chicken and polenta, we explore how cultures turn harvest into meaning and daily life into something worth pausing for.

We swap stories about family tables and mystery gelatin, then zoom into customs that quietly teach big lessons—like Japanese children honoring sanitation workers, Germans dressing church altars with real produce, and families in Israel sharing meals in sukkahs that reawaken awe. Mady brings vivid memories of Romania’s harvest fest with lamb pastrami, polenta, and must, reminding us that gratitude is often cooked into the recipes we pass down. Throughout, we connect these moments to practical takeaways: how to cultivate thankfulness as a habit, how to shift dinner conversations from critique to appreciation, and how small, specific acknowledgments can strengthen relationships and support better mental health.

You’ll come away with fresh ideas for your own holiday: a story-forward dish, a five-minute outdoor pause, a card or voice memo for someone who keeps your world running. Whether your plate holds turkey, plantains, or a pie with questionable physics, the heart of the celebration is the same—notice the blessings, name the helpers, and let laughter open the door to grace. Enjoy the tour, try a new tradition, and share the joy. If this resonated with you, follow the show, leave a review, and send this to a friend who could use a little more gratitude at their table.

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Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929

www.stefanmcdermott.com

Would you like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to come to your home or office? Contact The Santa Steven at [email protected] or book a party on https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey or call 469-230-5956 for more information.

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What if the biggest barrier to connection is sitting in your pocket right now? We take a candid, funny, and honest look at how screens reshaped our conversations, why empathy lags when tone and timing vanish, and how to retrain the muscle of real talk without ditching technology entirely. From the awkward “call me back with a text” moment to the dinner table quartet of phones, we unpack why online incentives reward shouting instead of listening and how that spills into everyday life.

We share practical, human fixes that work in the real world. Small rules—phones face down during meals, one-tab browsing on calls, and 10-minute no-screen walks—help rebuild attention. We explain why Toastmasters is our favorite training ground: a supportive space to practice public speaking, sharpen listening, give constructive feedback, and regain confidence. You learn to organize your thoughts, read the room, and land your message without hiding behind a screen. Along the way, we use humor to defuse defensiveness and highlight the irony of modern habits, from mismatched “that’s awesome” responses to the global comment section that never sleeps.

Expect a blend of relatable stories, actionable communication tips, and a gentle push to try a no-phone conversation this week. We also spotlight Santa Stephen’s community magic for the holidays, because joy and presence go hand in hand with better communication. If you’ve ever said “I’m just not a good speaker,” consider this your sign to practice, not post. Subscribe, share with a friend—verbally if you can—and tell us how your first no-scroll chat goes. Your next great connection might be one honest conversation away.

Support the show

Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929

www.stefanmcdermott.com

Would you like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to come to your home or office? Contact The Santa Steven at [email protected] or book a party on https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey or call 469-230-5956 for more information.

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Ready to swap guesswork for a game plan that actually compounds? We break down three strategic investments every solo entrepreneur and freelancer can make today: learning from mentors who’ve already walked the path, building simple processes that buy back time, and using the right retirement accounts to keep more of what you earn. No fluff—just stories, examples, and tools you can pick up and run with.

We start with mentorship as leverage. Whether it’s a trusted advisor, a local pro over lunch, or the distilled wisdom in a great book, a mentor gives you calibrated feedback, faster decisions, and fewer expensive detours. You’ll hear how to choose the right model for your goals and why asking better questions consistently produces better answers. Then we shift to process: client onboarding that feels smooth, invoicing that runs itself, and project management that keeps you out of chaos. Think small, repeatable systems that lower stress while increasing your capacity to serve.

Finally, we tackle money moves for the self-employed. From solo 401(k)s and SEP IRAs to Roth options, we outline practical choices that match real income patterns. An eye-opening IRS story shows how documentation and second opinions can turn a crisis into relief. We close with a simple cadence—start today, pay yourself first, and stay consistent—so your efforts build momentum month after month.

If you’re a solopreneur, freelancer, or side-hustler who wants clarity on mentorship, operations, and tax-smart saving, this conversation is your blueprint. Hit play, take notes, and choose one action to implement before the day ends. If this helped you think clearer or move faster, subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Support the show

Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929

www.stefanmcdermott.com

Would you like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to come to your home or office? Contact The Santa Steven at [email protected] or book a party on https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey or call 469-230-5956 for more information.

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Feeling wrung out by that 3 p.m. crash? We dig into a clear, practical way to steady your energy without banning your favorite foods. Shannon Hagel’s Thrive Formula centers on three moves—nourish, move, and measure—and we pair it with the Stello continuous glucose monitor to turn guesswork into clarity. Instead of rigid rules, you get small, repeatable actions: build balanced plates, take a 10-minute walk after meals, and use real-time data to see what your body loves and what sends it spinning.

We start with Glucose 101—how fuel enters cells, why spikes and crashes happen, and how processed carbs, skipped meals, stress, and poor sleep nudge your numbers around. From there, we map the Thrive Trio into daily life: protein-first eating, savory breakfasts for steadier mornings, and smart food pairing that lets pasta stay on the menu when you add chicken and olive oil. A CGM makes it personal. You might discover granola spikes you more than cake, or that coffee lands better after breakfast. Two people can eat the same meal and see opposite curves, which is exactly why personal data beats one-size-fits-all plans.

You’ll hear wins that translate to the real world. Linda found calm energy in three weeks. Mark, a 52-year-old truck driver, lowered his A1C from 6.3 to 5.5 in two months by fine-tuning sauces and sides. We also share simple, science-backed tactics: a short post-meal walk, the vinegar trick before carb-heavy meals, and sleep and stress habits that smooth your fasting glucose. Rather than chasing fast weight loss, we focus on root causes across gut, endocrine, and circulation so you build a metabolism that can handle more variety over time.

Ready to trade crashes for consistency? Follow the Thrive Formula, try a CGM to learn your unique fingerprint, and start with one easy win today. If this conversation helped, follow the show, share it with a friend who battles the afternoon slump, and leave a quick review so more people can find it.

Support the show

Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929

www.stefanmcdermott.com

Would you like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to come to your home or office? Contact The Santa Steven at [email protected] or book a party on https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey or call 469-230-5956 for more information.

For Questions or Comments Send us a Text Message

Ever wonder how a single story can quiet a crowded room and make it glow? We sit down with Santa Stephen to unpack the craft behind holiday magic—from the way he builds a living North Pole in a child’s imagination to how he turns chaotic photo ops into keepsakes that radiate warmth. He shares the heart of his favorite tale, the little bell that could, and why small gestures like a smile or a cookie can guide people through life’s blizzards long after the lights come down.

The conversation lifts from living rooms to Main Street as we follow Santa Stephen through parades, community events, and tree lighting ceremonies that transform neighborhoods into families for a night. You’ll feel the spark of a countdown, the hush right before the lights blaze on, and the ripple of joy as veterans, parents, and kids look up together. We dig into the subtle design behind a great gathering: welcoming imperfection, creating a playful ritual like the Santa Shuffle, and inviting everyone, including skeptical teens and excitable pets, into the circle. Along the way, music becomes our bridge—traditional carols offered in English, Romanian, German, and Spanish—to honor many homes under one winter sky.

If you’re planning a party, a school celebration, or a town festival, you’ll leave with practical ideas on crafting moments instead of agendas. We talk about personalized letters from Santa, intimate home visits with Mrs. Claus, and the small choices that make events feel human: slower pacing, real listening, and an exit that lingers like candlelight. Ready to bring this glow to your community? Subscribe, share with a friend who needs some cheer, and leave a review with the carol you want to hear next.

Support the show

Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929

www.stefanmcdermott.com

Would you like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to come to your home or office? Contact The Santa Steven at [email protected] or book a party on https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey or call 469-230-5956 for more information.

For Questions or Comments Send us a Text Message

Want the trip, the car, and a peaceful December without feeding your credit card? We walk through a simple, numbers-first plan to turn big goals into daily actions you can actually keep. It starts with clarity—naming a target and a date—then breaking it into monthly and even daily amounts so progress feels tangible. You’ll hear the real math behind a $3,000 vacation, why $8.22 a day can change your year, and how a friendly competition (or a vacation jar) keeps motivation high.

From there, we get tactical about where your money should live. We compare money market accounts and high‑yield online savings accounts, why FDIC insurance and zero fees matter, and how 4–5% interest quietly adds fuel to your plan. For longer horizons, we explain when broad index funds like an S&P 500 fund fit, the importance of tolerating volatility, and how consistent contributions leverage compound interest. Then we go old school with a modern case for layaway, showing how it beats “buy now, pay later” for many purchases and avoids the dreaded “couldn’t wait tax” that APR charges on credit cards.

We don’t stop at strategy; we install habits that stick. Automation on payday, the 24‑hour rule for big buys, round‑up tools, and naming accounts (Beach 2026, New Car Fund) reduce decision fatigue and keep your brain invested. We also run a side‑by‑side of financing versus saving for a $1,200 trip to prove how saving first buys freedom—and dinner. The core message is simple: debt delays dreams; savings delivers them. Start small, stay steady, and let time do its work. If this helped you rethink your plan, subscribe, share the episode with someone who needs a push, and leave a quick review to help others find the show.

Support the show

Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929

www.stefanmcdermott.com

Would you like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to come to your home or office? Contact The Santa Steven at [email protected] or book a party on https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey or call 469-230-5956 for more information.

For Questions or Comments Send us a Text Message

Ever looked at a dental bill and wondered how a routine cleaning turned into a tangle of codes and surprise charges? We dig into the hidden world of dental insurance fraud—upcoding, unbundling, phantom billing, and double charging—and explain how these tactics quietly raise your costs and erode trust. Drawing from a first-hand story about a $26 “gingival rinse” that was just tap water, we unpack the excuses patients often hear, like “the insurance made us code it this way,” and show you how to separate fact from fiction.

We walk through specific red flags on invoices and Explanations of Benefits, from duplicate entries to premium materials you never received. You’ll learn how to request the exact CDT codes your dentist plans to bill, use predeterminations to get clarity before treatment, and compare claim submissions to your EOB line-by-line. For listeners in Texas, we outline the concrete steps and hotlines for reporting suspected fraud to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, the Texas Department of Insurance Fraud Unit, and the Health and Human Services OIG for Medicaid or CHIP. We also share what to include in a complaint so investigators can act quickly.

Most importantly, we focus on protection: choosing in-network dentists to reduce balance billing risk, asking for written estimates, getting second opinions for non-emergencies, and keeping thorough documentation. We even role-play a surprise bill scenario so you can hear how to push back with confidence and professionalism. Knowledge really is power—use it to keep your care honest and your costs fair.

If this helped, follow the show, leave a quick review, and share the episode with someone dealing with a confusing dental bill. Your story could help another listener spot a red flag and save real money.

• Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) — reporting insurance fraud
   
  • Fraud Hotline: 1-800-252-3439Texas Department of Insurance+3Texas Department of Insurance+3Texas Department of Insurance+3 
• Alternate toll free: 1-888-327-8818 (shown on fraud report form) CloudFront 
• Email for suspected fraud: [email protected]Texas Department of Insurance 
• Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) — for complaints about dentists
   
  • Complaints email: [email protected]Texas State Board of Dental Examiners 
• Fax: 512-649-2732 Texas State Board of Dental Examiners 
• Phone (fraud / investigations): (512) 936-9500 Texas State Board of Dental Examiners 
• Texas HHSC / OIG (Medicaid / provider fraud)
   

Support the show

Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929

www.stefanmcdermott.com

Would you like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to come to your home or office? Contact The Santa Steven at [email protected] or book a party on https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey or call 469-230-5956 for more information.

For Questions or Comments Send us a Text Message

Government pauses; life doesn’t. We open the mic on the shutdown standoff and follow the impact from Capitol Hill straight to kitchen tables: furloughed paychecks, closed parks, longer TSA lines, and the hidden costs that ripple through small towns and local businesses. With clear, no-spin commentary, we trace the last fifteen years of policy swings—health care mandates, stimulus bets, banking rules, tax reform, energy shifts—and explain how those choices keep setting the stage for last-minute funding brinkmanship.

Instead of playing team sports, we get specific. What do Democrats want right now, and what do Republicans refuse to move on? Where did spending deliver value, and where did it pile on debt without results? We talk inflation, interest costs, community banks, hiring incentives, and energy independence, always asking one thing: what works per taxpayer dollar. You’ll hear how shutdowns happen when leaders tie big policy to must-pass bills, how “regular order” could lower the temperature, and how better measurement—outcomes per dollar, not slogans—can create room to compromise.

We also keep it local. From upcoming town events to holiday bookings with Santa Stephen, we spotlight the community heartbeat that keeps families connected while Washington stalls. Expect practical takeaways: build a small buffer if your income touches federal flows, diversify where you can, and stay close to reliable local information. Most of all, use your voice. Pay attention, show up, and vote with a mandate for on-time budgets and measurable results. If this conversation helps, hit follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review—what’s the one thing you’d fix in the budget first?

Support the show

Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929

www.stefanmcdermott.com

Would you like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to come to your home or office? Contact The Santa Steven at [email protected] or book a party on https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey or call 469-230-5956 for more information.

For Questions or Comments Send us a Text Message

Sleep - that elusive reset button for our bodies and brains that many of us struggle to press properly. With 50-70 million Americans suffering from sleep deprivation or disorders, understanding how to improve sleep quality isn't just about feeling rested—it's about protecting your long-term health.

Magnesium and melatonin often get mentioned in the same breath when discussing natural sleep aids, but they work completely differently. Magnesium, an essential mineral found in foods like spinach and almonds, helps your muscles relax and calms your nervous system. Think of it as setting the stage for sleep. Melatonin, meanwhile, is a hormone your body naturally produces when darkness falls, signaling to your brain that it's bedtime. It's not a sleeping pill but rather a gentle nudge to your internal clock—which explains why scrolling through TikTok after taking melatonin isn't doing you any favors.

Your pre-bedtime habits might be sabotaging your sleep without you realizing it. That late-night pizza? Your body's too busy digesting to rest properly. The afternoon coffee? Caffeine lingers in your system for up to eight hours. Even that nightcap that helps you drift off is actually making your sleep shallow and restless. Small adjustments make big differences: creating a wind-down routine, sticking to consistent sleep and wake times, keeping your bedroom cool (65-68°F), and making your bed a true sleep sanctuary—not an entertainment center.

Ready to transform your nights and energize your days? Reach out to us at [email protected] for our specific recommendations on improving your sleep quality. Remember, quality sleep isn't a luxury—it's as essential to health as nutrition and exercise. Sweet dreams aren't just possible; with the right approach, they can become your nightly reality.

Support the show

Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929

www.stefanmcdermott.com

Would you like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to come to your home or office? Contact The Santa Steven at [email protected] or book a party on https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey or call 469-230-5956 for more information.

For Questions or Comments Send us a Text Message

Drowning in debt? You're not alone. This eye-opening conversation with financial expert John Ezell cuts through the confusion to reveal why so many of us struggle with debt—and exactly how to break free.

The shocking truth? Most people have no idea where their money actually goes. One friend of John's discovered he was spending $2,200 monthly just on fast food lunches with his son. Another listener's mother spent hundreds monthly on cigarettes while claiming she had no money. These spending blind spots keep us trapped in financial stress, but there's a way out.

We dive deep into practical strategies that work in real life, not just theory. Learn the critical first step of tracking every dollar for 30 days (without judgment), then discover how to create a budget that feels liberating rather than restrictive. As John perfectly puts it: "A budget isn't about restriction; it's about direction. You're telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went."

The episode breaks down two powerful debt elimination methods—the emotionally satisfying "debt snowball" versus the mathematically optimal "debt avalanche"—while explaining why psychology often matters more than pure numbers when conquering debt. We also explore creative ways to build an emergency fund (like the acquaintance who delivered pizzas part-time and eliminated all debt in three years), and why learning to delay gratification transforms your financial future.

Whether you're drowning in debt or simply want to optimize your financial life, this conversation delivers actionable wisdom without judgment or complicated jargon. By the end, you'll understand exactly what's been draining your wallet and have a clear roadmap to financial freedom. Ready to take control of your money? This is your starting point.

Support the show

Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929

www.stefanmcdermott.com

Would you like Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to come to your home or office? Contact The Santa Steven at [email protected] or book a party on https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey or call 469-230-5956 for more information.