Hang On St. Christopher (The Sean Duffy Series) by Adrian McKinty

Amazon.com

New York Times bestselling author Adrian McKinty continues the Edgar Award-winning Sean Duffy series with Hang on St. Christopher.

Rain slicked streets, riots, murder, chaos. It’s July 1992 and the Troubles in Northern Ireland are still grinding on after twenty-five apocalyptic years. Detective Inspector Sean Duffy got his family safely over the water to Scotland, to “Shortbread Land”. Duffy’s a part-timer now, only returning to Belfast six days a month to get his pension. It’s an easy gig, if he can keep his head down.

But then a murder case falls into his lap while his protege is on holiday in Spain. A carjacking gone wrong and the death of a solitary, middle-aged painter. But something’s not right, and as Duffy probes he discovers the painter was an IRA assassin. So, the question becomes: Who hit the hitman and why?

This is Duffy’s most violent and dangerous case yet and the whole future of the burgeoning “peace process” may depend upon it. Based on true events, Duffy must unentangle parallel operations by the CIA, MI5 and Special Branch. Duffy attempts to bring a killer to justice while trying to keep himself and his team alive as everything unravels around them. They might not all make it out of this one.

About the author
Adrian McKinty was born and grew up in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He studied philosophy

at Oxford University before moving to Australia and then New York City. In 2019 Adrian had a global hit

with his standalone novel The Chain. Adrian’s novels have won the Edgar Award, the Ned Kelly Award (3 times),

The Anthony Award, Barry Award, Macavity Award and the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year Award.

His books have been translated into over 40 languages.

Discovering Heart Health: Pascal Xavier’s Journey and New Book

Pascalxavier.com

About the Guest(s):
Pascal Xavier is an engineer and an author focused on providing insights into health and wellness, particularly in the context of cardiovascular health. He is known for his personal journey battling heart disease and for exploring alternative health methods. Pascal Xavier resides in Australia and spends his time sharing knowledge gained from his experiences and extensive research on heart disease, statins, and the role of nutrition and natural remedies in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Episode Summary:
In this compelling episode of “The Chris Voss Show,” host Chris Voss interviews Pascal Xavier, whose personal journey through cardiovascular challenges offers invaluable insights into heart health and wellness. Xavier discusses his upcoming book, which draws from his experiences and seeks to educate readers on the dangers of cardiovascular disease and how lifestyle changes can mitigate these risks. Xavier delves into his past struggles with medication side effects and how this prompted him to investigate alternative remedies.

Xavier elaborates on how his life was transformed after a surprise diagnosis led to bypass surgery. Throughout the episode, he provides an in-depth look at how lifestyle habits, particularly diet, impact heart health. Xavier shares insights from experts and books like “The Great Cholesterol Myth,” highlighting the potential downsides of statins and suggesting that factors such as sugar and oxidative stress play significant roles in heart disease. The discussion is rich with keywords relating to heart health, nutrition, alternative medicine, and the controversial treatment debates surrounding statins.

Key Takeaways:
Pascal Xavier’s upcoming book is rooted in evidence-based research and personal experience, aiming to deliver credible alternatives to traditional heart disease treatments.
Xavier highlights the dangers of heavily relying on statins and presses for more awareness around sugar and oxidative stress as major causes of heart disease.
The benefits of a balanced lifestyle, free from sugar and junk food, are emphasized as crucial in maintaining cardiovascular health.
More natural approaches like probiotics are recommended by Xavier, who claims they significantly supported his recovery without antibiotics during a pneumonia bout.
Xavier’s narrative challenges commonly held beliefs, urging listeners to seek data from reliable, vetted medical journals and experts.

Notable Quotes:
“It’s not cholesterol that’s the main culprit… it’s sugar and oxidative stress.”
“I decided to try something out of the usual, rather than take antibiotics.”
“There are other avenues available, and I’m quoting other doctors, cardiologists…”
“My book is going to be one of the few written from the standpoint of a bypass survivor.”
“Always question the data, question the information, research it…”

Thirty Below: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’s Ascent of Denali by Cassidy Randall

Amazon.com

The gripping story of a group of female adventurers and their treacherous pioneering ascent of Denali.

Excerpted in Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, and Men’s Journal, and named one of the most noteworthy books of the month by the Washington Post

Cassidy Randall draws on extensive archival research and original interviews to tell an engrossing, edge-of-the-seat adventure story about a forgotten group of climbers who had the audacity to believe that women could walk alone in extraordinary and treacherous heights.

Grace Hoeman dreamed of standing on top of Denali. The tallest peak in North America, the fierce polar mountain loomed large in many climbers’ imaginations, and Grace, a doctor in Alaska, had come close to the top, only to be turned back by altitude sickness and a storm that took the lives of seven fellow climbers in one remorseless blow.

Other expeditions denied her a place because of her gender, and when a letter arrived from a climber in California named Arlene Blum, who’d also been barred from expeditions—unless she stayed in base camp and cooked for the men, Grace got a defiant idea: she would organize and lead the first-ever all-female ascent of the frozen Alaskan peak.

Everyone told the “Denali Damsels,” as the team called themselves, that it couldn’t be done: Women were incapable of climbing mountains on their own. Men had walked on the moon; women still had not stood on the highest points on Earth. But these six women were unwilling to be limited by sexists and misogynists. They pushed past barriers in society at large, the climbing world, and their own bodies.

And then, when disaster struck at the worst time on their expedition, they could either keep their wits and prove their mettle, or die and confirm the worst opinions of men.

About the author
Cassidy Randall is an award-winning writer who tells stories on the environment, adventure, and people who expand human potential. She’s the author of the new survival epic THIRTY BELOW: The Harrowing and Heroic Story of the First All-Women’ s Ascent of Denali; and THE HARD PARTS with Paralympian Oksana Masters, which won an Alex Award from the American Library Association and was listed as one of the best sports books of the year by the Times.

Her stories have appeared in Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair, National Geographic, the New York Times, TIME, Outside, and Men’s Journal, among others. Her work has been awarded the Lowell Thomas Gold Medal in Adventure Writing, short-listed for the True Story Award, and included in The Year’s Best Sports Writing.

Wholistic Wealth: Redefining Success Beyond Money with Ania and Dion-Rene Hulsman

Wholisticwealth.company

About the Guest(s):
Ania and Dion-Rene Hulsman are a dynamic British-Dutch couple specializing in peak performance, organizational, and leadership development. They are on a mission to assist business owners of scale-ups in achieving holistic health and wealth beyond just financial success. With a unique blend of personal experiences and research-backed methodologies, they focus on empowering entrepreneurs to balance their lives across three key pillars: developing thriving businesses that support their lifestyles, nurturing fulfilling personal and intimate relationships, and maintaining excellent physical and mental health. Dion, with extensive experience in business consultation, combines his expertise with Ania’s skills in coaching and mindset work to provide comprehensive support to their clients. They are the founders of the Wholistic Wealth Company, a platform dedicated to helping entrepreneurs worldwide.

Episode Summary:
Welcome to another thought-provoking episode of The Chris Voss Show, where we take you on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. In this engaging episode, Chris sits down with the innovative power couple, Anya and Dion Holman, founders of the Wholistic Wealth Company. Based in the Netherlands, this British-Dutch duo is dedicated to transforming the lives of entrepreneur clients by focusing on achieving a holistic balance of health and wealth. Their unique approach involves placing the business owner at the center and addressing the three essential pillars of life: thriving business, fulfilling relationships, and excellent health. Join Chris, Ania, and Dion as they delve into their personal stories, explore common challenges entrepreneurs face, and share powerful insights on achieving a balanced life. Whether it’s learning to set boundaries, understanding the importance of health, or finding the right work-life balance, there’s something valuable for everyone in this enlightening conversation.

Key Takeaways:
Holistic Health and Wealth: Ania and Dion emphasize the importance of achieving a wealth that transcends financial gains by balancing a thriving business, fulfilling relationships, and maintaining good physical and mental health.

The Importance of Boundaries: Many entrepreneurs struggle with work-life balance, often leading to stress and health issues. Establishing boundaries, such as designated work hours, can lead to healthier relationships and personal well-being.

Collaboration Between Expertise: Ania and Dion blend their diverse expertise in business strategy and mindset coaching, offering entrepreneurs a comprehensive approach to overcoming both external and internal challenges.

Avoiding Entrepreneurial Burnout: Entrepreneurs often put business growth before personal care, leading to stress and health deterioration. Prioritizing self-care, relaxation, and delegation is crucial for long-term success.

Concept of Holistic Wealth: True wealth encompasses more than just financial success. It includes a thriving business, fulfilling relationships, and excellent physical and mental health—what Anya and Dion refer to as “holistic wealth.”

Notable Quotes:
“Entrepreneurs are the backbone of society, and we really believe in what entrepreneurs do and in supporting them to be at their best.” – Ania
“If you don’t have energy, if you don’t have health, it’s really hard to do your business.” – Chris Voss
“Guys, you wanted the best. You’ve got the best podcast. The hottest podcast in the world.” – Chris Voss
“So they are surviving rather than thriving. And we help them to support, so we support them to turn that around basically.” – Dion
“Because there is more to life than hustle. We should all be enjoying life.” – Ania

Enough Is Enuf: Our Failed Attempts to Make English Easier to Spell by Gabe Henry

Amazon.com

Gabehenry.com

A brief and humorous 500-year history of the Simplified Spelling Movement from advocates like Ben Franklin, C. S. Lewis, and Mark Twain to texts and Twitter.

Why does the G in George sound different from the G in gorge? Why does C begin both case and cease? And why is it funny when a philologist faints, but not polight to laf about it? Anyone who has ever had the misfortune to write in English has, at one time or another, struggled with its spelling.

So why do we continue to use it? If our system of writing words is so tragically inconsistent, why haven’t we standardized it, phoneticized it, brought it into line? How many brave linguists have ever had the courage to state, in a declaration of phonetic revolt: “Enough is enuf”?

The answer: many. In the comic annals of linguistic history, legions of rebel wordsmiths have died on the hill of spelling reform, risking their reputations to bring English into the realm of the rational. This book is about them: Mark Twain, Ben Franklin, Eliza Burnz, C. S. Lewis, George Bernard Shaw, Charles Darwin, and the innumerable others on both sides of the Atlantic who, for a time in their life, became fanatically occupied with writing thru instead of through, tho for though, laf for laugh, beleev for believe, and dawter for daughter (and tried futilely to get everyone around them to do it too).

Henry takes his humorous and informative chronicle right up to today as the language seems to naturally be simplifying to fit the needs of our changing world thanks to technology—from texting to Twitter and emojis, the Simplified Spelling Movement may finally be having its day.

The Startup Lifecycle: The Definitive Guide to Building a Startup from Idea to Exit by Gregory Shepard

Startupscience.io

Gregoryshepard.com

Amazon.com

A comprehensive blueprint for building and selling a successful startup from idea to exit, bypassing failure, and making the planet a better, more equitable place.

Due to a range of frequent and unavoidable mistakes, only 10% of startups make it beyond 5 years. In this game-changing guide, startup veteran and serial entrepreneur Gregory Shepard combines 12 startup exits, 4 private equity awards, and decades’ worth of expert insight and industry experience—including interviews with real entrepreneurs, Navy SEALs, Air Force Fighter Pilots, and more—to present you with straightforward, actionable strategies for mapping out your startup and achieving success.

The Startup Lifecycle is here to empower entrepreneurs and help you avert common mishaps by providing an easy-to-follow path through 7 key phases, leading you from your initial vision to your lucrative exit—and along the way, improving the world for future generations:
Phase One: Vision & North Star, Focusing on the End Game
Phase Two: Prototype & Product
Phase Three: Go-To-Market for Startups
Phase Four: Standardizing for Growth
Phase Five: Optimization
Phase Six: Growth
Phase Seven: Exit

With helpful visuals in every chapter, Shepard expertly teaches you to use industry specific language, secure the right investments, build powerful relationships with investors, and prevent the pitfalls that cause first-time startups to fail.

What’s more, this field guide also includes free access to the most used startup platform for universities, putting everything you need at your fingertips including, world class easy to comprehend education, investors, grants and more. Don’t just learn—build your startup with the 7-Phase Startup Lifecycle in digital form, supplementary training courses, and wisdom from more than thousands of interviews.

The Startup Lifecycle imparts battle-tested business science from the mind of one of the most unique and accomplished entrepreneurs of our time, giving you the roadmap to startup success. It captures the approach that powers the Fulbright Canada Entrepreneurship Initiative and hundreds of prestigious accelerator programs worldwide.

Measuring Inclusion: Higher profits and happier people, without guesswork or backlash by Paolo Gaudiano

Amazon.com

Aleria.tech

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is under fire, but attracting and retaining talent is more important than ever. This book introduces an entirely new approach to DEI, showing how and why measuring inclusion is the key for organizations to enjoy higher performance and greater employee satisfaction, without causing any backlash.
Measuring Inclusion offers step-by-step directions, sample data, and real-world case studies to help you make meaningful and sustainable improvements in employee recruitment, engagement, productivity, and retention.

You will learn to quantify, track, and estimate the financial ROI of your organization’s DEI efforts just as you do with every other business activity―and in the process make your organization more successful and increasingly welcoming for everyone.

“A more strategic, data-informed approach to DEI.” – Tiffani Wollbrinck, Global Talent Management and Development, Levi Strauss & Co
“Practical, measurable strategies that tie directly to business performance.” – Kirsty Devine, Head of US HR and Global Projects, The Financial Times
“The analytical framework practitioners have been looking for in the area of DEI.” – Silke Muenster, Former Chief Diversity Officer, Philip Morris International
“A crucial counterpoint to the current backlash against DEI, providing a data-driven justification for why these efforts are essential for business success.” – Jennifer Brown, Keynote Speaker and WSJ best-selling author, How to be an Inclusive Leader

A former professor with degrees in mathematics, aerospace engineering, and neuroscience, Paolo Gaudiano is an entrepreneur, a teacher, a prolific writer, and a sought-after speaker. His work transforms how people think about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and what they do about it, with the ultimate goal of making our society more inclusive and equitable while driving greater economic benefits for everyone.

About the author
With degrees in Applied Mathematics, Aerospace Engineering, and Computational Neuroscience, Paolo Gaudiano jokes that he had literally done rocket science and brain surgery before turning to a really hard problem: how to create companies that have happier employees while making more money.

A former tenured professor turned entrepreneur, Paolo is Chief Scientist of Aleria, President of ARC, Adjunct at NYU Stern School of Business, and Chairman of the annual Diversity & Inclusion Research Conference. These activities combine Paolo’s decades of experience in business, technology, and academia, to transform how people think about DEI and what they do about it, with the ultimate goal of making our society more inclusive and equitable.

Higher Self: Reclaiming the Power of Your Intuition by Mory Fontanez

Eight22group.com

Amazon.com

Intuitive Life and Leadership Coach Mory Fontanez offers a transformative vision: when we align with our intuition, we unlock not only personal fulfillment but also the power to create meaningful impact in the world. By attuning to this profound inner wisdom, we are free to live authentically, unapologetically, and in alignment with our true purpose.

Yet, for many of us, the connection to our intuition has been severed. Overwhelmed by societal expectations and external pressures, we’ve lost touch with our Higher Self—the source of infinite potential, love, and wisdom that resides within us.

As an expert crisis manager, Mory Fontanez has guided Fortune 500 leaders and public figures through high-stakes crises, including public scandals and major organizational change. Her work with executives, celebrities, and teams has shown how intuitive decision-making is essential for navigating chaos, rebuilding trust, and leading with clarity. Higher Self teaches readers how to tap into this same inner wisdom, breaking free from reactivity and fear to make grounded, authentic choices, even in the most turbulent times.

In a world increasingly defined by division, the need to reconnect with this inner guide has never been greater. Higher Self offers a compelling pathway back to our intuitive essence. Drawing from years of experience coaching influential leaders and from her own personal journey, Mory demystifies intuition, breaking it down into accessible, actionable steps. Through powerful client stories, thought-provoking insights, and practical guidance, she leads readers on a journey of self-discovery and healing, empowering them to trust and nurture their Higher Self.

Mory’s work reveals a profound truth: when we reconnect with the highest version of ourselves, we begin to heal the wounds of shame and rejection, transcend limiting beliefs, and thrive in ways we never imagined. This voice within—the one guiding us with clarity and certainty—holds the key to living in alignment with our own highest good and the greater good of others. Higher Self is not just a book; it is a call to reclaim the wisdom, power, and purpose that have always been yours.

About the author
Mory Fontanez is a highly sought-after Intuitive Life and Leadership Coach, host of the acclaimed Signal podcast, and Founder of Eight22 Group, a consultancy dedicated to elevating organizational consciousness. A former crisis manager for Fortune 500 companies, Mory’s career pivoted when she recognized a universal truth: many leaders struggle because they are disconnected from their intuition and deeper purpose.

Mastering Communication: Bridging the Intention to Action Gap with Yosi Kossowsky

Linkedin.com/in/ykossowsky

About the Guest(s):
Yosi Kossowsky is a seasoned executive coach with over 18 years of experience, leveraging a robust background as a CTO and Senior Director of Talent Management. Specializing in leadership development, personal growth, and effective communication, Yossi uses neuroscience and organizational development principles to aid leaders globally. He assists them in navigating complex challenges, building high-performing teams, and driving meaningful change. His methodologies focus on transitioning individuals and teams from intention to action, fostering cultures of trust and collaboration.

Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, Chris welcomes Yosi Kossowsky, a distinguished executive coach with a passion for leadership development and effective communication. Yosi shares his unique journey from an early career in engineering and IT to mastering the art of executive coaching. His approach, grounded in neuroscience, emphasizes understanding subjective perception and bridging the gap between intention and action. Through lively anecdotes and practical insights, Yossi delves into prevalent challenges faced by leaders today, offering strategies to overcome communication barriers and enhance team collaboration.

Throughout the conversation, Yosi discusses the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions and the impact of clear communication on building trust within teams. With Chris, he explores common pitfalls in leadership, such as the “intention to action” gap and the dangers of a victim mindset. Yosi highlights the need for leaders to actively engage in confirming and validating communication to ensure alignment with their teams. This episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking insights, making it a valuable listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills.

Key Takeaways:
Subjective Perception and Communication: Understand that perception is subjective and influenced by individual filters, requiring intentional efforts to ensure effective communication.
Intention to Action Gap: Recognize the gap between knowing what to do and actual implementation, which often requires experiential learning and guidance.
Victim Mindset: Avoid the victim mindset that relinquishes personal agency. Embrace empowerment to enact personal and professional change.
Effective Validation Strategies: Use techniques like confirming and validating communication to improve clarity and understanding, fostering better teamwork and results.
Leadership Development: Employ a neuroscience-based approach to enhance leadership skills and build trust within teams, contributing to productivity and collaboration.

Notable Quotes:
“Perception is completely subjective. Every one of us has a filter system in our brain that we’re pretty much unaware of.”
“The only one who’s gonna solve your shit is you.”
“Life is either happening to you or for you. Whichever way you believe, you’re right.”
“It takes leverage… we do need to find that internal leverage because there’s no amount of external leverage I’ve seen that will really bring about internal change.”
“Own your agency… you can bite the hand that feeds you, or you can choose how you play it.”

The Play Sheet: A Simple Resource for Overloaded Professionals by Brian Hurtak

Amazon.com

Myplaysheet.com

Are you overwhelmed with advice on career development? There’s always another book, conference, podcast, or program that claims it will help you level up your professional life. How do you consolidate all that content and apply it effectively in your day, week, or career?

On almost every sideline, you will see football coaches holding giant laminated sheets of paper. Coaches use these “play sheets” to organize, recall, and execute the right play based on the situation at hand.

In The Play Sheet: A Simple Resource for Overloaded Professionals, Brian Hurtak draws from coaching methodologies to help you create a repeatable framework and develop your own personalized Play Sheet. Your Play Sheet will enable you to consolidate large amounts of information, quickly recall it in moments that matter, and execute more effectively in high-pressure professional situations.

Stop feeling overwhelmed and excel through the chaos like a coach.

Mastering Email and SMS for Business Growth and Customer Retention Jason Donapel Jasondonapel.com Theemailexperience.com About the Guest(s): Jason Donapel is a multifaceted entrepreneur, digital marketing expert, and founder of XD Agency. With a robust background in business growth, customer retention, and innovative online marketing strategies, Jason has generated over $110 million in revenue for e-commerce and digital businesses. He specializes in email and SMS personalization, focusing on building audiences and optimizing customer journeys to increase engagement and conversion rates. With experience transitioning from a corporate environment to successful entrepreneurship, Jason provides valuable insights into personal growth and the ever-evolving digital landscape. Episode Summary: In this episode of "The Chris Voss Show," host Chris Voss talks with Jason Donapel, an expert in digital marketing and audience retention. The conversation delves into the importance of email and SMS marketing as more stable alternatives to traditional media buying, which can be vulnerable to algorithm changes and platform policies. Jason shares his journey from a warehouse job to co-founding a successful marketing agency, illustrating how strategic audience growth and customer retention can drive massive revenue gains. Exploring the changing landscape of digital marketing, this episode is a valuable resource for any business owner looking to optimize their customer engagement strategies. Jason and Chris discuss the nuances of list building, emphasizing the intrinsic value of owning your customer data as opposed to relying heavily on social media platforms. By focusing on email and SMS marketing, businesses can maintain a direct line of communication with their audience, safeguarding against the constant algorithm shifts that affect other marketing channels. Jason highlights innovative approaches to segmenting audiences based on their interactions and preferences, ensuring tailored and impactful communications. With detailed case studies and practical advice, this episode offers actionable insights on enhancing your digital marketing efforts for sustained growth. Key Takeaways: Channel Diversification: Embracing email and SMS marketing provides a more stable and direct line to customers compared to traditional media buying on platforms like Facebook and Google. Audience Segmentation: Personalizing messaging by understanding audience preferences and behaviors leads to higher engagement and conversion rates. Entrepreneurial Journey: Jason's story from a warehouse worker to a digital marketing expert illustrates the potential for significant career growth through entrepreneurship. Effective Retention Strategies: Building customer loyalty through personalized and consistent communication is essential for maximizing lifetime value and revenue. Marketing Resilience: Owning your lists and data prepares businesses for the inevitable changes in platform algorithms and market shifts. Notable Quotes: "Email felt fine to me. It felt like you told me you wanted to hear from me, and now I'm able to get in touch with you." "What you're seeing is that all you have is marketers forgetting that you have to serve the user that's in front of you first." "As a marketer myself, I just abandoned carts on purpose because I just want to see if you've got a discount waiting for me." "You should get pissed off when you get shitty messages sent to your phone… it's insulting." "More messages from your brand mean increased scope of influence; we have to get your voice out there."