Best Office of Vocations Podcasts (2024)

1
Brianne Nadeau Talks 17th and U Street Redevelopment 43:23

8d ago43:23

43:23

In our latest #HearingTheCouncil interview, Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau talks about the much-discussed redevelopment at the 17th/U intersection. A compromise rezoning--less than what was initially proposed, but more than critics hoped for--recently received its first approval. We talk impacts on affordable housing, the police and fire dep…

1
010 Youth Group: Do or Do Not Resuscitate 57:31

8d ago57:31

57:31

There is no silver bullet when it comes to working with the youth, Pastor Clark will share a few wins from his youth program that may or may not work for your group.. The group assembled can share their challenges and together we can ask the question of do we or do we not resuscitate our youth group program. Clark Schultz is an associate Pastor at …

1
Phil Mendelson Talks Budget Battles Behind the Scenes 42:50

13d ago42:50

42:50

In a July 1 interview, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson talks about this year's quirky budget process: the mayor's blown budget deadline, the stumbling block created by the Chief Financial Officer but ultimately resolved by the Council, and how even the Attorney General got involved this time around. Plus, the elaborate interplay between these four …

1
009 Loving Your Neighbor 57:28

25d ago57:28

57:28

Living in a global society has put unimaginable strain on our concept of "neighbor." You can fly to anyone in the world within hours and connect to anyone's suffering online in a matter of seconds. Our hearts are overwhelmed by the thought of loving our entire metropolitan area, and thus are paralyzed into inaction. Let's scale back today to the pe…

1
Rob Allen: Persistence and Passion 44:31

29d ago44:31

44:31

Once upon a time a Wauconda High School student, class of 2004, was floundering around, contemplating life as a painter, not terribly ambitious about anything. He a D grade average and a job at Jewel. He was enjoying life, perhaps a bit much. But holy about face, Batman! In a just a few short years, he was excelling in college, scoring a double maj…

1
008 Biblical Manhood 57:49

1M ago57:49

57:49

Our culture tells us a lot about what it means to be a man, from the woke deconstruction of gender to red-pill reactions. But how does the Bible define manhood, and what practices does the Bible give us for encouraging Biblically manly behavior? Join us as we develop a biblical philosophy of manhood, and see how God turns our expectations upside an…

1
Matthew Frumin Talks Out-of-School Time and How to Budget for Schools 43:35

2M ago43:35

43:35

In his latest Hearing the Council video interview, Ward 3 Councilmember Matthew Frumin emphasizes the importance of out-of-school time to District youth. He discusses the legislation he introduced on the topic, its prognosis, and how even just the increased attention he has brought to the topic has moved the needle administratively. We also talk ab…

1
007 Healthy Habits 53:56

2M ago53:56

53:56

Building healthy habits will greatly enhance our own health and our ability to “serve one another humbly in love.” Our habits greatly influence our character, our resilience, and the energy that we bring to our service to others. NOW is the best time to develop a Keystone Habit for lives of service! This “Habits 101” session will provide vital insi…

1
Kayla Wedl: Small girl on a Big Stage 44:02

2M ago44:02

44:02

Naysayers: Kayla, you're too short. You're too small. You can't play softball on an elite level. Kayla: Hold my Gatorade. Small of stature, Kayla Wedl has proven herself in a spectacular way on the biggest of softball stages, including a stellar career at the University of Illinois-Chicago and now as a professional softball player for The New York …

1
006 From Pastor's Kid to Police Officer 57:12

2M ago57:12

57:12

At some point in their lives, Christians may struggle to see their role as the hands and feet of Jesus. While called workers such as pastors and teachers may have a more clearly defined purpose, it may be more difficult for others to see how their occupations and skills may fit into that role. During this breakout session the presenter, Jeff Engelb…

1
005 The Importance of Christian Mentoring 1:06:21

3M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

Helping people find their identity in Christ through Christian mentoring.By Men of His Word

1
Can You PLAN For Happiness? Yes, you can. 36:03

3M ago36:03

36:03

Genesis Hey Krick You don't have to resign yourself to an unfulfilled life, a life of despair with no sense of purpose. There are tools available to give structure and meaning to your journey. Genesis Hey Krick is a life coach, author, and motivational speaker who gives practical advice on how to examine where you are and how to pivot towards a mor…

1
004 Built to Serve as God’s Manager 59:16

3M ago59:16

59:16

We hear the term "stewardship," but often assume it only addresses only our financial offerings. However, God, the Owner of all things, provides us with many gifts that he asks us to manage, including our time and our abilities, as well as our financial blessings. We are tasked with using all of them in service to the Owner, who provides Scriptural…

1
003 Built to Help Those who Grieve 54:34

4M ago54:34

54:34

Everyone faces griefs in their life, some mild and some severe. Many struggle with what to say to those who grieve. This session will help participants understand the heart of the grieving and apply God's comfort in ways that hurting people can appreciate.By Men of His Word

1
Robert White Talks Public Safety via Vocational Education, Youth Mentorship, and Truancy Reduction 30:41

4M ago30:41

30:41

In his latest Hearing the Council video interview, At-Large Councilmember Robert White discusses three youth crime prevention bills he recently introduced: his Vocational Education for a New Generation Act, his Youth Mentorship through Community Engagement Act, and his Truancy Reduction for Student Success Act. Through analysis of vocational educat…

1
Zachary Parker Talks “Water is Life,” Youth Fair Wages, and Environmental Justice 32:38

4M ago32:38

32:38

In his latest Hearing the Council video interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker discusses three bills he introduced. His “Water is Life” bill would prevent residential water service shutoffs for nonpayment and facilitate access by tenants to programs meant to help avoiding such shutoffs. His Pay Our Youth a Fair Wage bill would increase wage…

1
Are you thriving or simply surviving? 32:04

4M ago32:04

32:04

Do you wake up with joy and excitement as you contemplate the day ahead of you, or would you describe your life as stagnant? Are you running on a hamster wheel and feeling trapped? Are you being called to do a little bit more? Are you simply surviving? Or are you thriving? Are you, as stated in the title to a Garth Brooks hit song, “Standing Outsid…

1
002 Apologetics 57:20

5M ago57:20

57:20

If you are going to be a respectable human being, you have to do something with Jesus.By Men of His Word

1
Charles Allen Talks Healthy Homes and Electric Vehicles 31:35

5M ago31:35

31:35

In his latest Hearing the Council video interview, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen discusses three critical environmental measures his committee has recently tackled: Healthy Homes, e-bike incentives, and electric vehicles. In each case, he discusses how he brought an equity lens to broaden voluntary environmental incentives (not requirements!) …

1
Meeting Our Seminarians: Ivan Franco Martin 1:10:48

5M ago1:10:48

1:10:48

Welcome back, listeners! After a brief hiatus, we're excited to embark on a special series featuring interviews with three remarkable seminarians from St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park. In our series opener, we dive into the life and spiritual journey of Ivan Franco Martin, a dedicated seminarian who could, with divine guidance, be stepping into…

1
Brian Schoo, Surf Therapy, part II 40:53

5M ago40:53

40:53

Surf Therapy- Say what? Say yes to an alternative therapy that successfully treats PTSD, chronic pain, depression, grief, autism, and much more. Say WOW to the International Surf Therapy Organization (ISTO) that brings together 133 surf therapy groups all over the world to serve hundreds of thousands of clients a year to get into the water, get on …

1
Surf therapy--Really? Dude, REALLY! 34:51

6M ago34:51

34:51

Surf Therapy is growing alternative therapy for a multitude of afflictions, including PTSD, chronic pain, autism, depression, grief, among others. Brian Schoo, Chairman of the Board of the International Surf Therapy Organization, explains the vision of this non-profit and how he and his team hope to improve the lives of people by "hanging ten." Bri…

1
001 Vocation 1:00:43

6M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

"What is the good life?" Dr. Berg explores the notions of the good life, human flourishing, and happiness to show that in vocation the Christian finds his highest calling - the truly good, flourishing, and happy life.By Men of His Word

1
Potpourri IV: Death of the Pillsbury Doughboy, What Scares You the Most- just a part of the grabbag literary lineup. 38:28

7M ago38:28

38:28

In Potpourri IV, a litany of literary gems await you. This edition includes these goodies: philosophy by Charles Schultz, an interview with a cat, advice on how NOT to ruin your life and so much more. Let the eargasm begin.By Thomas Nance

1
A Christmas Rifle- no, not the Official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle. 11:53

8M ago11:53

11:53

My audio holiday gift to you is the story of "A Christmas Rifle." Ralphie, in the movie A Christmas Story," cries when he almost shoots his eye out with his treasured Red Ryder. I cried a bit when I read "A Christmas Rifle" in a Facebook post. I doubt that you'll fare differently. May the blessings of this season be upon you and your family and may…

1
Workplace Tales: Demure daughter of minister evolves as international player in Latin America events. Part II. 34:55

8M ago34:55

34:55

What type of person interacts with United States presidents, military leaders from the U.S. and other countries, along with various dignitaries and leaders throughout Latin America? Who briefs Colin Powell on Latin America events, has face-to-face meetings with the "Angel of Death," learns hostage escape tactics and reports on coup d'é·tats? Someon…

1
Workplace Tales: Joanna Esty, Defense Intelligence Agency Officer 31:42

9M ago31:42

31:42

Once a quiet student from a small high school in western Ilinois, Joanna spent 18 years in the Defense Intelligence Agency as a civilian officer, an occupation that involved interactions with U.S. Presidents, General Colin Powell, and extensive traveling. She shares with Jimmy Ahmahdoofous and Boomer how she became a significant player in Latin Ame…

1
Living for God: the Consecrated Life with Fr Carl Schlichte 31:55

9M ago31:55

31:55

Hello everyone, welcome back to the Consider Priesthood Podcast, and happy National Vocation Awareness Week. We are excited to continue these retreat talks from the “Quo-Vadis retreat” from late this summer 2023. Today we have Fr. Carl Schlichte from the Dominican Friars in Oakland California. Here Father Memo will introduce his talk about Consecra…

1
Christina Henderson Talks Opioids as a Public Health Crisis, Giving SNAP a Raise & Free School Lunch 39:02

10M ago39:02

39:02

In her latest Hearing the Council video interview, At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson talked about three policy areas close to her heart. First, we discussed her "Sense of the Council" bill encouraging the Mayor to declare the opioid crisis in the District (and its resultant 400 deaths a year) a public health emergency. Second, we talked ab…

1
Discerning the Priesthood: A Personal Journey and Advice 34:38

10M ago34:38

34:38

Speaker: Fr. Mike Ritter at QUO VADIS 2003 Retreat Ever thought about becoming a priest or wondered how one discerns such a calling? Dive into this personal narrative where we share a real-life journey toward discerning the priesthood, along with practical advice, spiritual insights, and the importance of community feedback. Explore the role of dis…

1
Potpourri III: It's not rocket surgery! 32:01

10M ago32:01

32:01

How to not mix metaphors, details on Annie Sullivan's early life, panic attack hotties- it's all here with much more in the third potpourri edition of OK Boomer where Boomer and Jimmy Ahmuhdoofous share a litany of literary jewels gleamed from the internet. You'll laugh, be intrigued, maybe even a little inspired. Works from Kurt Vonnegut, Jack Lon…

1
My Way To You by J. Glassburn 40:06

11M ago40:06

40:06

"You can't pour from an empty cup." That's one of the important themes presented in this romance novel "My Way To You" by J. Glassburn. This 400 page book is set in a small town in western Illinois (where Jimmy Ahmuhdoofous is from) where she grew up. Abbey is a mother of a young son who is finding her way in a new life. She has left behind a broke…

1
Matthew Frumin Talks Ward Three for All 47:04

11M ago47:04

47:04

In his sophomore Hearing the Council interview, Ward 3 Councilmember Matthew Frumin discusses his signature "Ward 3 for All" initiative. Ward Three has a reputation as a land of plenty, but Councilmember Frumin discusses how he plans to make it more welcoming to all the District's residents. From affordable housing and neighborhood schools to acces…

1
Anita Bonds Talks Return to Office and Work from Home 40:13

11M ago40:13

40:13

In her latest "Hearing the Council" interview, At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds discusses the essential role the return-to-office movement plays in reinvigorating the District's downtown and to keeping our local budget balanced.In advance of a committee hearing on the topic, we discuss the stark economic realities that underlie the need for an ac…

1
Potpourri II: Hey genious, do you believe in God? 37:21

1y ago37:21

37:21

This second edition of Potpourri (a collection of unrelated literary extracts) includes Albert Einstein's response to an often posed question of him, "Do you believe in God?" It concludes with chapter one of a book (maybe?) that Boomer is messing around with. In between are plenty of humorous and occasionally thought provoking literary gems that Bo…

1
Charles Allen Talks DC's Many Mobility Options, Plus the Fight for Vision Zero 39:58

1y ago39:58

39:58

In his latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward 6 Councilmember Charles Allen discusses two complementary topics: the rich canvas of mobility options available to District residents, and the fight to avoid fatalities among the participants in this system (Vision Zero).From walking to the bus, and scooters to rental cargo bikes, District residents…

1
Zachary Parker Talks Tax Credits for Kids/Families, School Safety, & Firearm Industry Controls 36:12

1y ago36:12

36:12

In his latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker talks about the return of Ward 5 Day, plus the status and prognosis of four bills he introduced: the District Child Tax Credit Act, Financial Support for Families with Children Act, School Safety Enhancement Act, and the Establishment of Reasonable Controls for the Fir…

1
Brianne Nadeau Talks Investigating Sexual Harassment, Boosting Public Safety 40:36

1y ago40:36

40:36

In her latest Hearing the Council interview, Ward One Councilmember Brianne Nadeau tackles two topics that are fresh from recent headlines: the investigation of sexual harassment in the executive branch, and public safety in the District. She discusses Council legislation to ensure not just that prominent recent sexual harassment claims are investi…

1
Whiteside CO Drug Court part II, where lives are changed 36:22

1y ago36:22

36:22

"What an opportunity for me to help somebody get their kids back, to repair relationships, to get a job, … so many benefits…" That's how Mike Shears, Whiteside County Drug Court probation officer, describes his job. In part II of our conversation, Mike talks about the successes, failures, and new areas of growth in the drug court program and Boomer…

1
Seminary Chronicles: A Brotherhood in Faith 53:28

1y ago53:28

53:28

Discover the final episode of Season 2 of 'Consider Priesthood', where we delve deep into the heart of Mount Angel Seminary. Listen to our seminarians, on the cusp of their academic year's end, as they share their experiences, challenges, and revelations. This special episode sheds light on the strength of faith, the journey of discernment, and the…

1
Bridging the Gap: The Church, Youth, and Outreach with Ralph Tronci 1:00:02

1y ago1:00:02

1:00:02

In this enlightening episode of the 'Consider Priesthood' podcast, we welcome back Seminarian Ralph Tronci as he shares his invaluable insights on the relationship between the Catholic Church's outreach and the youth. Listen in as we dive deep into the current state of the Church's connection with younger generations, and explore potential strategi…

1
Workplace Tales: Drug Court... a place of celebration? 27:37

1y ago27:37

27:37

"No one ever wakes up and says, 'You know, I think I want to be a drug addict,' " says Mike Shears, drug court officer. That's part of the mind frame that shapes the drug court in Whiteside County, IL. If you think that drug court, a specialized diversionary court program, is a dark place full of dreary proceedings that involve the dregs of society…

1
Unveiling the Liturgy: with Seminarian Alejandro Marquez 53:00

1y ago53:00

53:00

Join us for the third episode of 'Consider Priesthood' Season 2 as we return to Mount Angel for a heartfelt conversation with Seminarian Alejandro Marquez. In this episode, Alejandro shines a light on the often overlooked, yet central aspect of our faith - the liturgy. Understand the profound significance of active participation in the liturgy, its…

1
Path to Priesthood: A Heartfelt Talk with Deacon Eric Patrick 33:27

1y ago33:27

33:27

Welcome back to 'Consider Priesthood', where we navigate the sacred paths of those called to serve. This episode takes us to Sacramento, California, for a heart-to-heart with Deacon Eric Patrick. Listen in as our host, Sam, explores Eric's spiritual evolution, his trials, and his preparations for priesthood. This intimate discussion serves as a rem…

1
Sol Krupnik part 2 . . . ye ole kibitzer 29:59

1y ago29:59

29:59

In part two of the conversation with Joel Gibbs, a voice over artist extraordinaire, Gibbs explains how Sol Krupnick, currently a YouTube success and soon to be live performance, was created, neglected, and now resurrected. Joel Gibbs is a multi-skilled artist who has won my admiration and inspires all of us in our later years to continue to create…

1
Holy Friendships: A Conversation with Seminarian Victor Amador 53:13

1y ago53:13

53:13

Dive back into the spiritual world of the priesthood with us in Season 2 of 'Consider Priesthood'. In our season opener, host Sam revisits the Mount Angel Seminarians, shedding light on the sanctity of friendships. Our special guest, Seminarian Victor Amador, returns for a second heart-to-heart, exploring the pursuit of holy friendships. In a socie…

1
Sol Krupnick: Getting Surgery Down Under Part 1 32:54

1+ y ago32:54

32:54

Joel Gibbs, a man of a thousand voices, presents Sol Krupnick, Gibbs' amalgamation of various Jewish comedians and various kibitzers. Joel shares with Boomer and Jimmy Ahmuhdoofous how he "resurrected" Sol and where he plans to take him. Enjoy some of the stories Sol performs, including details on his surgery down under, during this interview and o…

1
Phil Mendelson Talks Budget 45:07

1+ y ago45:07

45:07

In the latest Hearing the Council video interview (from April 21), Chairman Phil Mendelson takes a deep dive into the current year's budget. From the "Incomplete" grade possibly earned by some parts of the Mayor's budget submission this year to the complicated triangular relationship between the Council, the Mayor, and the Chief Financial Officer, …

1
Potpourri with Jimmy and Boomer 28:22

1+ y ago28:22

28:22

Enjoy a hodgepodge of literary delights as Boomer and his cohost Jimmy Ahmuhdoofous share delightful findings from the internet that will make you laugh (you'll love Jimmy's pirate joke), ponder, and maybe even tear up a bit. It all culminates with their version of Abbott and Costello's "Who's On First?"…

1
Mike Shears, Pickleball Ambassador 46:02

1+ y ago46:02

46:02

"It's just starting [the popularity explosion of pickleball]. TV contracts are being signed. It's being viewed on the Tennis channel and on ESPN."- so says Mike Shears, an ambassador of pickleball for northwestern Illinois and beyond. Perhaps the fastest growing sport in America, pickleball is being played by people of all ages and abilities. Mike …

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