JUNTO

 On the latest episode of the @junto.podcast I had the opportunity to sit down with friend and author of “Keepsake Letters To My Child”, Lupita Wiles.
During our conversation Lupita shares her inspiration for writing the book and highlights the importance of building a legacy for family.  The book is an interactive read in that Lupita shares her letters, but gives the reader a section to write their own letters to the ones they love or to the ones they wish to leave a parting legacy. 
Keepsake Letters To My Child was written during the peak of the covid lockdown and is a product of deep introspection with the realization of the importance of verbalizing to those we love, what truly is important in our life.  In spite of the isolation.  In spite of the loneliness and fear.  In spite of all of the uncertainty.  Relationships were strengthened, priorities were realigned, faith was increased, and beautiful works of heartfelt art were produced.  This book is a product of all of these things. 
What letter would you write if you could and who would you write it to?  
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If you haven’t already, please consider subscribing to our channel!
Part 2 of our Community Spotlight features a conversation with Marion, AR City Council hopeful, Brad Moore.  In Episode 40 Brad talks about his role with the fire department and lessons of leadership he has learned throughout the years.
Brad also emphasizes the need for mental health reform, a subject near to my own heart, for our first responders not only in Crittenden County, but across the nation.  Oftentimes it is hard for our first responders, our hero’s, to seek help for mental health related issues since they are held in such high regard.  Brad brings a unique perspective to this issue and discusses what the campaign trail has been like his 2nd time around.
Be sure and comment your thoughts below and visit us at;
www.juntopodcast.com

Greg Shea, Candidate for the Crittenden County Coroner’s Office discusses his experience working as a Deputy Coroner for the last 10 years and with the Shelby County Medical Examiners office for the last thirteen.
Greg shares much about the Coroners office that most common people wouldn’t know and details the types of loss and tragedies that he has encountered throughout the years.  This interview is not only informational, but eye opening to the things that coroners oversee within the community.
Be sure to comment your questions below and visit us at:
www.juntopodcast.com

Science, Prayer, and Gratitude seem like an unlikely combination but believe it or not, there are times when all three of these overlap to aid us in the everyday need for dealing with stress, depression, and anxiety.
In recognizing October 10th as “World Mental Health Day” we felt the need to continue the conversation about mental health by looking at some statistics on mental health, approached from the lens of faith.
In addition to feeling a connection to a higher power did you know that prayer, from a physcial and psychological level will;
👉🏻 “elicit a relaxation response that will lower blood pressure.
👉🏻 “can elicit feelings of gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, and HOPE..”
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www.juntopodcast.com
We hope that this is an encouargement to you!
 

⁉️ Where did our Halloween traditions come from and how much have these traditions evolved over time? As we get further removed from our past the history of tradition can get lost in the midst of current culture but there is still plenty of information available to give us a great snapshot of how our ancestors celebrated, or not celebrated, the halloween season. 
In Episode 37 we discuss some of the traditions, mainly rooted in the Catholic Church, and discuss how they have evolved into what we now call Halloween.  We also discuss 6 ways you can celebrate the season of halloween while also incorporating your Christian beliefs in the process!
All Hallowtide is comprised of 3 days beginning on October 31st and ending on Nov 2nd and includes All Hallows Eve (shortened to Halloween), All Saints Day (All Hallows), and All Souls Day. We also discuss several ways that we can enjoy this holiday while still being a light in our communities and extending love to our neighbor!
We know that peoples views of Halloween are broad and can be extreme on both sides of the spectrum but for us, we approach this season as an opportunity to spend time with friends and family and of course, any time is a good time to love your neighbor and show love.
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👉🏻 www.juntopodcast.com
(Time Magazine: Should Christians Celebrate Halloween. Olivia Wasman)(All Hallow’s Eve. Mary Reed Newland)(All Gifts Considered. 9-22-2022)

How can we prioritize all the important things in our lives and keep first things, first?  Sometimes we can’t seem to say no and we get overwhelmed with our “busyness”.   Each home has its own culture and rhythm, so finding what makes yours successful is key to managing relationships with family, friends, church, work, etc.
On Episode 36 I am joined by the Junto Podcast Queen, my bride and administrative guru, Heather Soto and we discuss some practical ways to identify the “Most Important” things in our lives and some questions to ponder to help gauge  urgent stuff and less urgent stuff.
Join the conversation at www.juntopodcast.com and shop the Junto Podcast Store!
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On Episode 35 I highlight some differences in perspective between students and/or leaders who have mastered the art of having a successful mindset, versus those who operate out of a victim or struggling mindset.
While we may all have bad days, there are certain traits that we must master in order to see positive changes in our lives on a permanent basis.  Having a successful mindset is not equated with wealth or material things alone, rather focused on living a life with purpose and intention.  As the course work put out by OnCourse demonstrates, (On Course, Strategies for Success in College, Career, and Life; Skip Downing, Jonathan Brennan) it takes work to develop a “Creator Mindset”, which ultimately implies that individual responsibility, not external circumstances, is the creator of your own destiny.  That through personal accountability, not victimhood, are you able to accomplish your goals and dreams.
Which mindset do you have?  Do you have believe in personal and individual accountability, or are you a victim that believes other people and circumstances are the ultimate cause of you not achieving your goals.  Comment Below!
Sources: On Course, Strategies for Success in College, Career, and Life, Ninth Edition. Skip Downing, Jonathan Brennan
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According to U.S. News and World Report (Jan, 2022) 1 in 5 college students is raising a child while pursuing a degree of higher education. Even further, 53% of that demographic is raising a child 6 years of age or younger.
On Episode 34 I’m joined by Jamie Woodson, Director of Career Pathways Initiative at Arkansas State University Mid-South. As the cost of education continues to rise, Career Pathways offers resources to those parents, both custodial and non custodial, who are at or below a designated income level, with resources and financial incentives to help ease the burden associated with parenting while attending college.
Data shows that the median age of students in the program is 30 years old and while many students who fit this decscription often feel somewhat hidden, statistics show that older students with children of their own make for better students.  They are more engaged with their professors and more concerned about truly learning the coursework they are involved in.  Furthermore, retention rates are higher among this demographic.
Find out more about Career Pathways at www.ar pathways.com and be sure to follow our social media here!! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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#fyp #reels #highereducation #college #collegeprofessor  #podcast

Today, August 26, 2022, marks the one year anniversary of our nephew being KIA, along with 12 other servicemen and women in Kabul Afghanistan.  In this episode we briefly discuss the moment we found out Taylor was KIA but mostly, we discuss Taylor and the fond memories we have of him.  
This episode is intended to for you to get to know Taylor the way we know him.  He is brave, courageous, and loves his family deeply.  This was reflected not only in Taylor’s life, but was also reflected in his final moments on earth.  We hope that through this episode,  you get to know and love Taylor the way we do.

Countless books, podcasts, and other resource as are available when it comes to the topic of leadership but on Episode 32, I offer 6 quick principles on using our influence to become an effective leader. 
The reality is that each and everyone one of us has the capacity to influence others, be it for good or bad, and when it comes to leadership, there are some concepts that are universal when put into practice.  
When you think of a good leader, what attributes do you think of or who has personified good leadership in your life?
Join the conversation here!! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://myurls.co/jeremy.j.soto