Best Stephen McLaughlin Podcasts (2025)

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Tips for Navigating the Holiday Break Well w/ Ashley Wall, Founder of Mama Bear Books 7:55

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3d ago7:55

7:55

Send us a text Join special guest Ashley Wall on 5-Minute Parenting for simple ways to keep your kids engaged during the holiday break. This season is known for its hectic pace, and kids seem to have extra high energy levels, too! Ashley brings her tried and true ideas for keeping harmony in your house, and peace in your heart, with literacy-focuse…

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One Simple Technique to Live a Life of Gratitude w/Host Karen Ferguson 3:53

10d ago3:53

3:53

Send us a text The phrase "Attitude of gratitude" may seem overused, but there is no doubt it's essential to living a positive, healthy life - and it's Biblical! Join 5-Minute Parenting Host, Karen Ferguson, as she shares from her personal experience one simple practice that brought breakthrough at a time when she was struggling with a critical, ne…

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A Powerful Tool to Help Kids Navigate High School with special guest Kris Cox 10:06

17d ago10:06

10:06

Send us a text I'm delighted to have return guest and homeschool consultant Kris Cox back on 5-Minute Parenting to share about her newly updated Navigating High School guidebook. This book is a helpful tool for homeschool teens as well as those in private and public school. This comprehensive resource draws on Kris' 17+ years experience homeschooli…

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Teaching Kids to be Salt and Light w/ special guest April Graney 13:55

24d ago13:55

13:55

Send us a text In Matthew 5:16 Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." What would it look like to let God's light shine in elementary school classrooms today? Special guest, April Graney, shows young readers exactly what that looks like in her new children's book If Jesu…

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The Beatles on Film with author Steve Matteo 57:57

27d ago57:57

57:57

The Beatles produced five films during their time together: A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, Magical Mystery Tour, Yellow Submarine, and Let It Be. Some were cinematic successes, and some were not, but―along with subsequent reissues, bonus material, and Peter Jackson’s The Beatles: Get Back, a documentary companion to Let It Be―they comprise an endlessly…

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Helping Children Discover their True Purpose w/ Guest Dawn Stephens 13:50

1M ago13:50

13:50

Send us a text Are you and your kids "Fruit Pots?" Join 5-Minute Parenting to find out! Special guest, Dawn Stephens, talks about discovering our true purpose by becoming vessels that grow the fruit of the Spirit, or what she refers to as "Fruit Pots!" Dawn Stephens is a former elementary school teacher and principal who has a children's book serie…

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Empowering Affirmations Just for Moms w/ Special Guest Sally Cressman 11:47

1M ago11:47

11:47

Send us a text Positive affirmations have a powerful impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing, and they're even more powerful when taken directly from God's Word! Join 5-Minute Parenting as special guest Sally Cressman offers beautiful words of affirmations for moms of all types, straight from the Bible. If you're like most moms, you struggle w…

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Fun Halloween Alternatives for Your Family 7:06

2M ago7:06

7:06

Send us a text Join Host Karen Ferguson to discover fun, family-friendly alternatives to celebrating Halloween! Have you been disturbed by the growing darkness associated with Halloween festivities? Are you re-thinking your normal activities this year? Would you simply like to try something new? Then check out this week's 5-Minute Parenting episode…

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How to Guard our Children's Hearts (and our own!) w/ Melissa McLaughlin + Book Giveaway! 14:26

2M ago14:26

14:26

Send us a text Today we're talking about the importance of guarding our children's hearts (and our own!) with award-winning author and speaker, Melissa McLaughlin. Listen in as Melissa shares simple tips and insight from her experience as a mom and teacher of 28 years to make faith in our families a natural way of life that promotes health and well…

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5 Things you Should Know Before you Homeschool w/Trisha Pull 12:24

2M ago12:24

12:24

Send us a text Have you been thinking about homeschooling your kids? Are you just getting started? Listen in as Trisha Pull, homeschool momma of six and educational consultant at Homeschool with Confidence, shares five things you should know before you get started. These practical tips and resource recommendations will set you up for success! Trish…

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The Life of '60s Record Producer Tom Wilson with Author Richie Unterberger 58:01

2M ago58:01

58:01

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Next Best Steps in Faith Based Parenting w/ Special Guest Debbie Simmons 12:52

2M ago12:52

12:52

Send us a text Join 5-Minute Parenting Host, Karen Ferguson and special guest, Debbie Simmons on the topic of Next Best Steps in Faith-Based Parenting. Parenting is a work in progress, filled with many unknowns and "Why, Lord?" questions along the way. The good news is you don't have to be perfect, or find the "perfect" next step in parenting (or l…

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Teaching our Kids about Forgiveness w/Terrie Hellard-Brown 16:04

2M ago16:04

16:04

Send us a text Today, we welcome back to the show Terrie Hellard-Brown to talk about the important topic of forgiveness. Terrie highlights the heart issue behind forgiveness and offers effective ways to teach our kids how to forgive in a healthy, sincere manner. She discusses strategies kids can use to navigate this tough part of relationships, off…

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The Importance of Imaginative Play in Building Courage and Confidence w/ Ashley Wall 9:42

3M ago9:42

9:42

Send us a text Kids are back in school with all the new learning and experiences that go along with it! As parents, it's important to support them in building confidence and courage, so they can thrive as they learn and try new things. One way to do this is through imaginative play! Listen in to 5-Minute Parenting as special guest, Ashley Wall, off…

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5 Important Things to Teach Your Child about Growing Godly Friendships 6:16

3M ago6:16

6:16

Send us a text Welcome to another episode of 5-minute Parenting - Tips to help you raise competent, God-confident kids! Friends are one of the greatest blessings in life! Children naturally want to belong and be accepted by their peers. They want companionship. It's how God created us. Learning to grow lifelong, healthy friendships is critical to y…

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New York City Experimental Music 1980-1990 with Brooke Wentz, author of Transfigured New York 57:59

3M ago57:59

57:59

For the latest edition of Reading Is Funktamental, we speak with Brooke Wentz, author of Transfigured New York, a fantastic book of interviews with leading figures in the experimental music scene in NYC from 1980-1990 including composers like Arthur Russell, Glenn Branca, John Cage, La Monte Young and leading jazz musicians like John Zorn, Vernon R…

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Kid's Guide to Eating Healthy w/Author and Health Coach Susan Neal 9:17

3M ago9:17

9:17

Send us a text Welcome back to 5-minute parenting! Today we’re talking with Susan Neal the author of Eat God’s Food: A Kids Guide to Eating Healthy. Susan is an RN, author, speaker, and certified health and wellness coach whose background in nursing and health services led her to seek new ways to educate and coach people to overcome health challeng…

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How to Encourage an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Children w/ Faith Farms 14:23

3M ago14:23

14:23

Send us a text Today's episode is a real treat, as I have two young ladies from Tennessee on the show talking about encouraging entrepreneurship in our children - and they know what they're talking about! Addison Gaylor and Ashlen Vogelsang are twins who took a fun hobby in their teen years and turned it into a sustainable family business! Faith Fa…

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How to Incorporate Fun Themes into Your Child's Reading Routine w/ author Lynsey Martin 12:29

4M ago12:29

12:29

Send us a text Join 5-Minute Parenting Host, Karen Ferguson, and special guest Lynsey Martin for a lively conversation on making reading time more fun for kids! Reading time does not have to be boring, even in this digitally-distracted age. Listen in as Lynsey shares creative and practical ways to create a cozy, themed environment for reading time …

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A Special Message of Encouragement Just for Moms w/ Author Jodi Hendricks 10:40

4M ago10:40

10:40

Send us a text Moms, get ready to be encouraged! I have Jodi Hendricks on the show today, author of #NoFilter: Unmasking the Woman God Created you to Be, and she has a special message just for you. Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all that's on your momma plate, thinking you don't have what it takes to "do it all"? Are you exhausted by all the "shou…

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The Life & Music of The Band's Richard Manuel with Biographer Stephen T. Lewis 57:59

4M ago57:59

57:59

Guests: Steven Lewis, author of Richard Manuel: His Life and Music, from the Hawks and Bob Dylan to The Band Richard Manuel was a fearless original. Sweetly soulful as a vocalist and endearingly creative as a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, he was a vital part of some of rock ’n’ roll’s pivotal moments, including Bob Dylan’s controversial mov…

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Teaching Kids to Handle Small Failures for Confidence Development w/Dr. Gladys Childs 15:00

4M ago15:00

15:00

Send us a text Today we're talking with Dr. Gladys Childs about how to teach children to handle small failures early on so they learn to bounce back from setbacks. Believe it or not, these life lessons in failure will actually grow their confidence! Listen in as Dr. Gladys provides insight and real world examples to help you navigate this sensitive…

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How to Thrive in the Empty Nest (or Empty Next) Season w/ Author Kate Battistelli 9:50

4M ago9:50

9:50

Send us a text Are you in the middle of the empty nest season, wondering what your next step should be? Is that season coming soon whether you like it or not, and you don’t feel prepared? Whether you’re in the middle of it, preparing for it, or even walking into a new empty NEXT season, you’ll want to grab a copy of Kate Battistelli’s book, The Aft…

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Interview with Bonica Brown, Author of Roses & Honeysuckle: Finding God in the Midst of an Ordinary Life 12:48

5M ago12:48

12:48

Send us a text Join us to welcome Bonica Brown, debut author of Roses & Honeysuckle: Finding God in the Midst of an Ordinary Life. Bonica is a pastor’s wife, mother, writer, artist, photographer, graphic designer, and children’s pastor. She met her husband of 14 years while attending Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, where she e…

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How to Develop a "With Me" Parenting Strategy for Discipleship w/Melinda Poling 20:09

5M ago20:09

20:09

Send us a text Today we welcome Melinda Poling to the show to discuss the "With Me" parenting strategy for discipleship. This strategy is a way to do life together as a family, investing in our children's character and spiritual development with intentionality and joy, resulting in strong family bonds and strong kids in every developmental stage. L…

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Perseverance for Kids: Why it Matters and How to Teach it w/Terrie Hellard-Brown 12:52

5M ago12:52

12:52

Send us a text Resilience, problem-solving, adaptability and a growth mindset. These are all part of the package when it comes to perserverance; and it's more important than ever to intentionally teach it to our children in this quick-fix, instant, Instagram-famous world we live in! Join Host Karen Ferguson with special guest Terrie Hellard-Brown t…

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John McLaughlin & the Mahavishnu Orchestra with author Walter Kolosky 57:59

5M ago57:59

57:59

In this month's episode of Reading Is Funktamental, we speak with Walter Kolosky, author of the new book Mahavishnu Memories. Kolosky's latest is his third book, charting the career of the remarkable jazz fusion guitarist, John McLaughlin. This book chronicles all the live concerts of the original iteration of McLaughlin's mighty Mahavishnu Orchest…

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Fun Ways to Get Kids Excited about U.S. History 4:39

5M ago4:39

4:39

Send us a text Join Host Karen Ferguson, as she shares practical ideas and resources to help make learning U.S. History fun! Whether you homeschool your children or just want to enrourage a love and understanding of our nation's history, it's important to make it interactive. No long textbooks, boring lectures, or rote memorization allowed! Kids wa…

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Writing Love Letters to Our Children 5:49

5M ago5:49

5:49

Send us a text Welcome to today's episode of 5-minute Parenting! Join Host Karen Ferguson as she shares encouragement and examples to begin the practice of writing love letters to your children. Our words are powerful, the Bible says so and scientific data backs that up. Our words create lasting impressions on our children, either for good or bad. …

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Author Interview with Kelly Wilson Mize 14:16

6M ago14:16

14:16

Send us a text Today we welcome writer and author Kelly Wilson Mize to 5-Minute Parenting! Kelly is a wife, mother of two young adults, and proud cat mom with 25 years of experience as a published author. A former educator with a master’s degree in education, Kelly has written an extensive collection of stories, articles, devotions, interviews, and…

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Reviving Traditional Home Economics in Public and Homeschool w/ Kody Hannner 16:22

6M ago16:22

16:22

Send us a text Traditional home economics offers students valuable life skills and prepares them for a thriving, independent adult lifestyle. Kody Hanner is a homesteader, proud homeschool mom, and the creator of The Homestead Education, and she's our guest today, talking about reviving this important curriculum in public and homeschool classrooms.…

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Yoko Ono - Her Life & Art with Biographer David Shiff 57:57

6M ago57:57

57:57

John Lennon once described Yoko Ono as the world’s most famous unknown artist. “Everybody knows her name, but no one knows what she does.” She has only been important to history insofar as she impacted Lennon. Throughout her life, Yoko has been a caricature, a curiosity, and, often, a villain—an inscrutable seductress, a manipulating con artist, an…

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Quality Time vs. Quantity Time with Special Guest Dr. Mel Tavares 13:25

6M ago13:25

13:25

Send us a text Which is it: quality time or quantity time? Is one more important than the other when it comes to raising kids? Listen in for the answers with award-winning author, speaker, life coach, and frequent media guest Dr. Mel Tavares. Dr. Mel provides expert insight on this topic along with practical ways for busy parents to invest their ti…

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How to Get Children Involved with Missions w/ Founder and President of Beautiful Feet International 8:35

6M ago8:35

8:35

Send us a text Today we talk missions with Melissa Heiland, founder and president of the missions organization Beautiful Feet International. Melissa has led missions teams since 2000 and offers helpful ways parents can lead and encourage their children to get involved with missions, based on her insight and years of real world experience. God's hea…

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Discipleship Strategies for Moms of Littles with Guest Alexandra Jensen 14:48

7M ago14:48

14:48

Send us a text Join 5-Minute Parenting for a special guest, fellow Ambassador author Alexandra ("Alex") Jensen, who will share simple strategies for discipling young children from her real-world experience as a busy mom of three. "Alex" is author of A Place of Grace for Moms of Littles, helping moms navigate the messy moments of motherhood, while c…

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The Power of Praying God's Word over Your Children 5:44

7M ago5:44

5:44

Send us a text Welcome back to 5-minute Parenting - tips to help you raise competent, God-confident kids! Join Host Karen Ferguson as she discusses the Power of Praying God's Word over our children. God's Word is a weapon against our enemies. Jesus used the Word to defeat Satan in the wildnerness. God promises in Isaiah 55:11 that His Word will not…

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The Rise & Fall & Rise of The Zombies with Robin Platts on Reading Is Funktamental 57:58

7M ago57:58

57:58

Six decades after they stormed the British and American charts in 1964, The Zombies are possibly more popular than ever. Their biggest hits, ‘She’s Not There’, ‘Tell Her No’ and ‘Time of the Season’ have been played more than 14 million times on U.S. radio alone. Praised by critics, discovered by a new generation of fans, and inducted into the Rock…

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Interview with Award-Winning Children's Author, Mistie House 13:43

7M ago13:43

13:43

Send us a text Today we’re talking with award-winning author, illustrator, and podcaster Mistie House who shares about her beautiful children's book series, "The Father's Love." Find out the inspiration behind this series, what she hopes young readers take away from her books, and just for fun: which of her book characters she would like to be for …

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Raising Bold, Confident Kids for Christ w/ Special Guest Kirthana Fanning 22:32

7M ago22:32

22:32

Send us a text Host Karen Ferguson welcomes Kirthana Fanning to the show for an in-depth and uplifting episode on raising bold, confident kids for Christ. Listen in as Kirthana brings encouragement and practical strategies to help parents disciple their kids and foster spiritual growth in the home. Kirthana is an award-winning children’s author and…

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A Fun Object Lesson on the Character Quality of Kindness w/ Guest Ellen Kolman 11:40

8M ago11:40

11:40

Send us a text Join children's author and 35 year veteran teacher Ellen Kolman on 5-Minute Parenting for a fun object lesson on the character quality of kindness. Listen in as Ellen demonstrates the power of praying specific character qualities over our kids and grandkids, then delights us with a practical and super fun object lesson to help teach …

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3 Fun Ways to Celebrate Earth Day from a Biblical Worldview 4:18

8M ago4:18

4:18

Send us a text Join 5-Minute Parenting Host Karen Ferguson as she discusses putting the focus of Earth Month back where it belongs, onto our Creator God! The world tries to convince our children that mother earth is in charge of this world, and that we must help save it. As parents and grandparents we can be intentional to take the focus off the fi…

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How to Have Meaningful Spiritual Conversations with Young Children w/ Crystal Bowman 13:37

8M ago13:37

13:37

Send us a text Meet Crystal Bowman, best-selling and award-winning author of more than 100 books for children and families as she shares helpful ways we can have meaningful spiritual conversations with our kids. It's never too early to start to instill spiritual truths within our children, and it doesn't have to be complicated or overly formal. Cry…

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Legendary Producer Joe Boyd on World Music & London Music Scene in the '60s 57:29

8M ago57:29

57:29

Guests: Joe Boyd, Record Producer & Author of And the Roots of Rhythm Remain Joe Boyd is a legend in music. He was the soundman when Dylan went electric at Newport, the founder of the legendary UFO club in London, and the producer of seminal works by Nick Drake, Pink Floyd, John Martyn, Fairport Convention, R.E.M., and many more. In the 1980s, Boyd…

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Sprinkling Joy into Family Life w/ Special Guest Karen Whiting 15:54

8M ago15:54

15:54

Send us a text Couldn't we all use a little more joy in our lives? Join award-winning author and international speaker Karen Whiting, who will share simple ways you can sprinkle joy into your family life. Cultivating a space for joy in the home doesn't have to be complicated. Karen shares natural practices for family life that will bless your home.…

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Author Interview with Jennifer Noel Wilson 9:11

9M ago9:11

9:11

Send us a text Join us to welcome guest author Jennifer Noel Wilson, who will share about her award-winning children's picture book, The Best Trophy. I love recommending wholesome books for parents to share with their kids, and this one is a special one you will definitely want to add to your child's bookshelf! Listen in as Jennifer shares about he…

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Special Guest Interview with Sandra Kay Chambers 12:03

9M ago12:03

12:03

Send us a text Today is a VERY special show, as I get the privilege of interviewing Sandra Kay Chambers, the founder and original Host of the 5-Minute Parenting Podcast! Sandra is a friend, fellow Ambassador author, and new Nana to her sweet grandson, Connor! Listen in as Sandra shares the origins of 5-Minute Parenting, background on her adorable c…

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How to Support Foster Care with Special Guest Katie Smith 19:25

9M ago19:25

19:25

Send us a text Join us to welcome Katie Cruice Smith back for the final episode in her three-part series on foster care and adoption. Did you know approximately 500,000 children are in the US foster care system? We can all do our part to help support those in the system, and it doesn't have to be intimidating or overwhelming. Listen in as Katie sha…

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The Life of Traffic's Chris Wood with author Dan Ropek 57:56

9M ago57:56

57:56

Guests: Dan Ropek, Author of Tragic Magic: The Life of Traffic’s Chris Wood Traffic was the most enigmatic British band of their day. Formed in early 1967 by Chris Wood, Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Dave Mason, they rejected the bright lights of London in favor of a run-down, supposedly haunted cottage in the country - a place to live communally…

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Debunking the Myths of Adoption with Special Guest Katie Smith 21:28

9M ago21:28

21:28

Send us a text Today we welcome Katie Cruice Smith back to the show for episode two of a three-part series on foster care and adoption. Have you considered adoption (or know someone who is) but feel like it's just too big and overwhelming, or perhaps you don't even know where to begin. Listen in as Katie debunks the myths of adoption, offering expe…

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Fr. Sebastian Walshe Metaphysics In Aquinas And Aristotle 1:10:47

9M ago1:10:47

1:10:47

This lecture was given on March 3, 2023 at the Center for Thomistic Studies, at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas.About the Speaker: Fr. Walshe is a Norbertine priest of St. Michael's Abbey in California where he is also a professor of philosophy and dean of studies in their seminary program. He received a licentiate in philosophy from…