The QuitCast for Writers is a podcast created around the content of Becca Syme’s “What to Quit, What to Keep, and What to Question” model of coaching writers. We feature three types of shows. ~ What to Quit ~ We’re all doing too much. We need to do less. Focus more. How do we decide what not to do? This is how. Watch these shows. ~ What to Keep ~ There are proven models of success metrics. It’s important to know how to trust your own wiring to make choices for you and to stand out as a write ...
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Perspectives and reflections on the writing and publishing life. Mark Leslie Lefebvre, a writer, bookseller, digital publishing advocate, professional speaker, and publishing consultant explores inclusive and collaborative opportunities for writers and book publishing professionals via interviews, discussions, and reflections about the industry. (Mark's personal website is www.markleslie.ca)
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Becca interviews Claire Taylor First aired on Youtube July 31,2023 as episode 5.10 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist https://dl.bookfunnel.com/hj4r15mgba…
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EP 376 - Dianne Scott on Writing Historical Mysteries
1:06:17
1:06:17
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Mark interviews bestselling and award-winning author Dianne Scott about her Christine Lane Mystery series which is set on Toronto Island in the 1960s. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from a recent newsletter he sent out asking writers to share their thoughts on the collective noun for a group of editors, a personal update (including…
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Becca discusses more options to help writers get unstuck. First released on Youtube as Episode 5.08 on April 5th, 2023 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist https://dl…
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Mark shares some behind-the-scenes insights and helpful tips offered to him for his forthcoming Kickstarter. He also loses it briefly after discovering that 40 minutes of in depth and detailed recording was lost due to a tech issue with Audacity crashing. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, welcomes a new patron, a…
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Becca discusses the pros and cons of getting stuck. First published on Youtube as episode 5.07 on 3/28/2023 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist https://dl.bookfunnel…
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EP 374 - WMG Publishing Editor Round Table
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40:44
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In this episode Mark has a round-table discussion with the seven other editors in the August 2024 WMG Publishing Anthology Workshop. Prior to the main content, Mark shares a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Cruising Writers. The WMG Publishing Anthology workshops help authors see behind-the-scenes on how editors compil…
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What is a vertical platform? Why do I want one? First released on Youtube Feb. 21, 2023 as episode 5.03 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist https://dl.bookfunnel.com…
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EP 373 - Musings on Getting a Masters and Getting Married
43:46
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In this solo episode, Mark reflects and muses on the past couple of weeks where we got his Masters in Creative Writing with a concentration on Publishing (July 26th in Gunnison, CO) and got married to his partner Liz (July 29th in New York City, NY). Prior to the interview, Mark thanks Patrons and Buy Me A Coffee buddies, welcomes new patron Jo-Ann…
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Is writing a compelling story that engages readers is the #1 rule for the Golden Age of Publishing? First released on Youtube as Episode 5.02 on Feb. 14th, 2023 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Downloa…
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EP 372 - Getting Paid For Authors Interviews and Book Reviews with Rick Hipson
1:04:20
1:04:20
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Mark interviews Rick Hipson, author of the new book A REVIEWER'S GUIDE TO WRITING BOOK REVIEWS: AND HOW TO GET PAID FOR THEM. Prior to the interview, Mark thanks Patrons and Buy Me A Coffee buddies, welcomes new patron Kevin J. Anderson, shares comments from recent episode, a personal update, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about…
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Becca talks about how the Gold Rush is over and there are new rules for Publishing. Are you playing by the old rules or the new ones? First released on Youtube on Feb. 7th, 2023 as episode 5.01 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.faceboo…
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EP 371 - Rambling Reflections From The Road July 2024 Edition
29:50
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In this solo episode, Mark reflects and talks his way through a several week stretch where there are many things to do and too little time to get them done. Links of Interest: EP 301 - Procrastinating Partners: Collaborating with Liz Anderson DropCap Marketplace Use coupon STARK20 to get 20% off Cruising Writers Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark …
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QTPing the crappy first draft and exploring fear of the blank page. Do you understand why you get blocked? First released on Youtube on Dec. 9 , 2022 as episode 4.22 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Do…
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EP 370 - Questioning & Reflecting with Becca Syme
1:15:13
1:15:13
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Mark interviews Becca Syme, an author and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach who has been helping writers with coaching success alignment for more than a decade. Prior to the interview, Mark thanks Patrons and Buy Me A Coffee buddies, shares comments from recent episode, a personal update, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about th…
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Learning from past experiences of burnout and changing your unrealistic expectations. First released on Youtube on July 27th, 2022 as episode 4.15 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stu…
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EP 369 - The DIY Author With Kaye Lynn Booth
45:43
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Mark interviews Kaye Lynn Booth about her writing life and her new book The DIY Author. Prior to the interview, Mark thanks Patrons and Buy Me A Coffee buddies, as well as a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused cruise. In the interview Mark and Kaye Lynn talk about: Kaye having written sinc…
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EP 368 - Written Word Media with Clayton Noblit
54:39
54:39
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Mark has a chat with Clayton Noblit, a senior marketing manager at Written Word Media. Prior to the interview, Mark thanks Patrons, welcomes a few new Buy Me A Coffee buddies, shares a personal update, and shares a word from this episode's sponsor. episode's sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused cruise. In the inter…
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Question the Premise - Giving Advice to Authors
18:10
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Questioning the Premise of giving advice to others without first making sure it’s coming from the right place and that you’re allowing others to be who they are. First premiered on Youtube on July 11th, 2022 as Quitcast 4.14 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching …
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EP 367 - Amazing Stories, Fanzines, and Community with Lloyd Penney
55:07
55:07
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Mark interviews Lloyd Penney, the editor of Amazing Stories magazine about his work on Amazing Stories, his forty years of engagement with the fanzine community, and more. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishin…
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Question the Premise - But I Have Free Time
23:20
23:20
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Questioning the Premise that all free time is usable time and making sure not to fall prey to unproductive guilt. First released on Youtube on July 3rd, 2022 as Episode 4.13 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasterac…
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EP 366 - Bolts of Fiction with Daniel Willcocks and Samantha Frost
27:29
27:29
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Mark interviews Daniel Willcocks and Samantha Frost about their flash fiction anthology BOLTS OF FICTION and the unique engagement they created and managed through the month of February 2023 to inspire the writing community throughout the entire month. In February 2023, the Activated Authors community embarked on an ambitious project: to respond to…
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EP 365 - An Interview That's A Hug with Gail Carriger
1:19:57
1:19:57
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Mark interviews Gail Carriger about her writing life, her journey through publishing, analytics, the careful curation of her author brand, being a hybrid author and so much more. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-pu…
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Becca and Terry discuss giving those in your primary relationships the space to be who they are even when their Strengths are different from your own. First release on Youtube as Quitcast 4.06 on March 22, 2022 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates ht…
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EP 364 - 40 Years of Rubes® Cartoons with Leigh Rubin
59:01
59:01
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Mark interviews Leigh Rubin about 40 years of his Rubes® cartoons and his latest book THINK LIKE A CARTOONIST. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused cruise. In the interview Mark and Leigh talk about: The fact that in 2…
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In the last of the burnout recovery series, we explore when to push yourself. First released on YouTube March 14, 2022 as Quitcast 4.05 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Che…
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EP 363 - Greatness Together with Sarah McVanel
1:06:33
1:06:33
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Mark interviews Sarah McVanel, a recognition expert, professional speaker, coach, author, recovering perfectionist, and movement maker about her books, speaking, and her the new podcast she co-hosts with her daughter. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about this sel…
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EP 362 - The Book To Read Before Giving Up On Your Writing Dreams with Todd Fahnestock
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Mark interviews author Todd Fahnestock about his latest book for writers: Falling to Fly: The Book To Read Before Giving Up On Your Writing Dreams. This episode is sponsored by the Patrons and Coffee Buddies of the Stark Reflections Podcast. Patreon for Stark Reflections Podcast Buy Mark a Coffee In the interview Mark and Todd talk about: Who Todd …
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One of the most important aspects of burnout recovery is finding support. Becca offers several ways to reach out and get help. First released on Youtube on Feb. 28,2022 as episode 4.04 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/bet…
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EP 361 - The Author Wheel with Greta Boris and Megan Haskell
1:00:48
1:00:48
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Mark interviews Greta Boris and Megan Haskell of The Author Wheel. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update and a word from this episode's sponsor. Prior to the interview, Mark reads comments from recent episodes, shares a personal update, and a word about this episode’s sponsor. This episode is sponsored by ScribeCount (affiliate…
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How to find activities that plug the drain and make it rain energy pennies for your personality. First aired on Youtube Feb. 2, 2022 as episode 4.03 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free S…
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EP 360 - Foreign Rights Licensing with Roseanne Cheng of DropCap
49:00
49:00
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Mark interviews Roseanne Cheng, an award-winning author, ghostwriter, and book marketer who is passionate about educating authors and publishers about the power and opportunity of having their books elevated to the international market. They talk about her writing life, her author mentoring life, and about how DropCap Marketplace is a great bridge …
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The second in the burnout series exploring why it's important during burnout recovery to do more of the things that give you energy pennies and less of the things that cost you energy pennies. First appeared on Youtube Jan. 27th, 2022 as Episode 4.01 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook …
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EP 359 - Capturing the Flow with Aaron Palmer
1:12:10
1:12:10
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Mark interviews author, songwriter, musician, and podcaster Aaron Palmer. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused cruise. In their interview Mark and Aaron talk about: Aaron being tested at an early age…
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EP 358 - The Way of the Parable Writer with Donn King
54:49
54:49
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Mark interviews professor, pastor, speaker, and author Donn King about writing, his podcast, and his books THE WAY OF THE THREE-YEAR-OLD WHY and MEDIUM WELL. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused crui…
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The first in a new Burnout series that advises to first figure out what got you there. First released on YouTube Jan. 18th, 2022 as Episode 4.01 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck…
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EP 357 - 50 Years of Short Stories with Kevin J. Anderson
49:40
49:40
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In this episode, Mark interviews Kevin J. Anderson about his writing and the new approach he is taking to incorporate Kickstarter into the launch strategies for some of his indie-published titles. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Learn more about this self-…
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The three most common reasons the plans you made don't get executed. First released on Youtube as Episode 3.12 on Nov. 3 , 2021 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist h…
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EP 356 - The Midlist Indie Author Mindset with T. Thorn Coyle
49:50
49:50
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Mark interviews T Thorn Coyle about writing, community, and their new book The Midlist Indie Author Mindset. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word from this episode's sponsor. Cruising Writers - 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise - Feb 22 to Mar 1, 2025 Featured Guest Speakers: Erin Wright and Mark Leslie Lefebvre More detail…
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Questioning the Premise of whether social media is an effective use of your marketing time. First released on Oct. 21, 2021 on Youtube as episode 3.11 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free…
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EP 355 - Scribbling Pen Publishing with Melanie Gilbert and Heather Karn
1:01:51
1:01:51
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Mark interviews Melanie Gilbert and Heather Karn about their work writing and publishing together under the Scribbling Pen Publishing brand. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word from this episode's sponsor. Cruising Writers - 7 Day Western Caribbean Cruise - Feb 22 to Mar 1, 2025 Featured …
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EP 354 - Lydia and David Sherrer on Power Couple Publishing
58:29
58:29
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Mark interviews Lydia and David Sherrer about their company Chenoweth Press and the books and games they produce and publish collaboratively. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by the awesome supporters of this podcast who provide their supprt via Patreon and Buy …
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This episode explores the hard truth about unrealistic expectations, magical thinking, and pain avoidance. First released on Youtube as Episode 3.10 on Oct. 13, 2021 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Do…
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EP 353 - Tao Wong on the Toronto Indie Author Conference
39:21
39:21
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Mark interviews Tao Wong about his writing, LitRPG, entrepreneurship, and the Toronto Indie Author Conference that is coming in May 2024. Prior to the interview, Mark forgoes the usual brief personal update, or comments, and skips right to this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by the Toronto Indie Author Conference. The Toronto Indie Au…
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Intuitive or Empathetic? Are You the Decider
15:45
15:45
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Exploring the need to QTP advice from others until you've had time to process and ask yourself, "Is this really the right thing for me, or am I responding to their certainty?" First released on Youtube Sept. 28th, 2021 as episode 3.09 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly…
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EP 352 - Being The Hero of Your Own Story With No Margins Agency
55:24
55:24
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Mark interviews Katie Nelson, Mari Dietz, and Brandon Winn about No Margins Agency, which offers stock photography of underrepresented and marginalized people. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a brief personal update, and then plays a few words about this episode's sponsor. No Margins Agency offers stock photography of underrepresented and margi…
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All about energy pennies and their creation and drains. First released on Youtube Sept. 21, 2021 as episode 3.08 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.com/betterfasteracademy Download out Free Stuck list Checklist https://dl.bookf…
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EP 351 - Feverish Sore Throat Reflections
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16:53
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In this brief solo episode Mark reflections on the importance of maintaining a streak - which is something he has done since first launching this podcast in January 2017. Links of Interest: ScribeCount (Mark's Affiliate Link) Mark's YouTube Channel Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections How to Access Patreon RSS Feeds An Author's Guide to …
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We need to ask, are we following the wrong rules just because they worked for others? Can we align ourselves to what works for us instead? First aired on Youtube as episode 3.07 on 8/31/2021 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.facebook.c…
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EP 350 - Infinite Resources with Jeff Krehmer
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40:40
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Mark interviews engineer and author Jeff Krehmer about his new book Infinite Resources: How to Sustainably Develop the Arctic, by Supplying Green Hydrogen, Fresh Water, and Healthy Food to the World. Prior to the interview, Mark reads comments from recent episodes, shares a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. Imagine a gender …
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We can't change the external factors affecting us, so we have to change internally by stopping the energy drain while creating more energy pennies. First aired on Youtube 8/23/2021 as Episode 3.06 Join our Patreon for exclusive information https://www.patreon.com/beccasyme Follow us on Facebook for free monthly coaching and updates https://www.face…
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