Writing a book is hard. Publishing it is even harder. Succeeding as an author? That’s practically wizardry. Good thing you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Pros Talking Prose is your backstage pass to the writing and publishing world, hosted by seasoned pros Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert. We’ll help you skip the mistakes, laugh through the chaos, and build the writing career you actually want without the smoke and mirrors. New episodes every week. Therapy not included — but highly ...
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AI Wizardry Podcasts
Welcome to "Puzzle Ponder" - the captivating podcast that stimulates your mind and challenges your wits daily. Each episode, we'll present you with a carefully crafted puzzle that will test your logic, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Engage in mind-bending challenges that will leave you pondering for more!
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Electromaker.io presents the Electromaker Show! Tune in for the latest information on maker, tech, DIY, and crowdfunding news and more!
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Welcome to Consume, Create, Converse the podcast where we discuss what we're creating and the things that we're consuming that drives and inspires us. We believe everyone can be a creator, and we're here to spark, shape, and share our journeys along the creative process.
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Hey there Manifestors, it's Coach TOT! Welcome to 'Tech Manifest: Urban Edition.' We're mixing manifesting magic with tech wizardry, bringing you the best of both worlds. Picture this: effortless content creation, all thanks to Streamyard, Buzzsprout, Taja AI, and more. With just a click, we're spreading your voice across multiple platforms. It's urban vibes meets digital dreams, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way. Let's manifest your message loud and clear! #BoldTransformation ...
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Forget chasing chlorine headaches and battling algae wars alone. The Talking Pools Podcast is your weekly escape from pool purgatory, where 250+ years of combined pro wisdom explodes into actionable hacks, mind-blowing tips, and secrets so ancient they make Poseidon jealous. Think of it as your weekly poolside braintrust, fueled by eight seasoned pros, each a rockstar in their own aquatic lane. Got a filtration fiasco? Chemical conundrum? Equipment enigma? No problem. We've got a host for th ...
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Where Business Savvy Meets Self-Growth Swagger. Join Ms. Courtney Jones on a journey that's part business brilliance, part personal development wizardry, and all Gen X attitude. Dive into the world of savvy entrepreneurship, marketing hacks, and tech know-how, spiced with a dash of Old School nostalgia. Proving age is just a number and Gen Xers are the masters of resilience, reinvention, and rocking success on our terms. Get ready for witty insights, bold strategies, and a whole lot of Gen X ...
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Reverse-Engineering Million-Dollar Minds: What Internet Millionaires and Entrepreneurs Were Really Like at 16. We're not just hearing success stories, we're deconstructing the teenage blueprint that created today's internet empires. Every week, we unlock the entrepreneurial DNA of internet marketers and entrepreneurs. But we're not just collecting success stories, we're reverse-engineering blueprints for teen success in life and entrepreneurship. Our guests don't just share what they do now; ...
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”On a Melange with the Process Wizard” is more than just a podcast; it’s an invitation to a unique gathering, reminiscent of Vienna’s storied coffee houses. Hosted by the Process Wizard, a wizard of innovation hailing from the heart of Vienna, this podcast serves as a bridge between the traditional charm of a Viennese Melange and the cutting-edge realms of business process management, hyperautomation, design sprints, and artificial intelligence. Each episode brews a rich, aromatic blend of i ...
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Successful Skool groups and AI wizardry with Ron Medlin - Episode 63
40:36
40:36
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40:36I first met Ron Medlin online when he was in a transition. He had gotten rid of his agency to go all in with Skool. Along the way he won the Skool games getting a ton of affiliates to Skool, grew his FREE Skool group to almost 6000 members, and dropped TONS of value when we got on a call so he could show me what he was doing! What hit me the most h…
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Pool Industry Innovations and Challenges with John Poma
41:07
41:07
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41:07Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy Stankowitz interviews John Poma, a prominent figure in the pool industry. They discuss the Alum-CyA removal method, John's background, his experiences in pool service and construction, and the importance of mentorship in the industry. The conversation delves into the c…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne delve into the complexities of pool staining, focusing on metal stains and their causes, including the impact of pH levels. They discuss the importance of maintaining balanced water chemistry and the challenges of closing pools for the season, including lia…
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Alkalinity Deconstructed w/ Sarah the Pool Girl
28:12
28:12
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28:12Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Sarah and Andrew discuss the importance of alkalinity in water chemistry, particularly in pools. They explore the different types of alkalinity, how to manipulate it using bicarb and acid, and the seasonal changes that affect water chemistry. The conversation also highlights the significance of maintai…
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Phosphates, Salt Cells & the ‘Cloudy Test’ Myth (+ a quick AI cameo)
1:13:01
1:13:01
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1:13:01Text us a pool question! Hosts: Andrea & Paulette Cameo: Rudy with Joe Trusty (Pool Magazine / PoolMarketing.com) Sponsor: Revvdup Apparel Andrea and Paulette kick off with shop talk, cooler temps, and a spike in phosphate readings. They unpack the long-running “are phosphates a thing?” debate, why South Florida sees big swings, and how phosphates …
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The Teen Mastermind with Malcolm and Olga Keith - Episode 67
53:07
53:07
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53:07This was one of my favorite episodes so far! Olga and her husband Larry have raised their son Malcom and daughter Vera in the family business and at one point made the decision to go to business events as a family. Being homeschooled allowed them to take their kids to many events exposing their kids to some of the top business minds in the world at…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Lee and Shane discuss the onset of spring and the busy season for pool maintenance. They explore the importance of heating solutions, sales strategies, and the role of preventative maintenance with specialty chemicals. The conversation emphasizes understanding customer pain poin…
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The Author's Responsibility in a Divided World
1:20:06
1:20:06
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1:20:06In the wake of recent events, free speech is once again under fire. But what does that mean for authors? In this episode, Stacey Smekofske and Troy Lambert dive deep into the role writers play in shaping conversations, protecting humanity, and telling stories that challenge perspectives without silencing voices. We’ll tackle: Why free speech and bo…
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I learned a long time ago that I "beat to a different drum." Early on I had to almost FIGHT to become an entrepreneur. I didn't even know it was possible to be one until I was in my late teens thanks to guidance from my mentor neighbor. It clearly was a, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad", education I got from him. Leading me to being in business at 20 and purch…
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Floating Pools & Future Rules: Kevin Post on +POOL, CMAHC, and Mentoring
46:28
46:28
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46:28Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Kevin Post, CEO of Councilman Hunsaker, discussing innovative projects like the Plus Pool, the importance of mentorship in the aquatics industry, and the future of AI in pool management. Kevin shares insights on staying passionate in the industry, the significanc…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss various topics related to pool maintenance, safety protocols, and industry insights. They share a recent incident involving chlorine handling that highlights the importance of proper training and safety measures. The conversation also covers the sig…
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pH: The Real Main Character of Your Pool 💧✨
23:30
23:30
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23:30Text us a pool question! Okay fam, let’s get real—your pool’s pH isn’t just some random number you check because the test kit says so. It’s literally the gatekeeper for whether your water feels crisp and comfy 🌊 or turns into a chemical warzone. In this episode, Host Sarah chats about why pH balance matters more than you think: Why the “sweet spot”…
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Episode 9: Fantasy Draft Chaos and Creative Wizards
1:03:02
1:03:02
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1:03:02Welcome to Consume, Create, Converse the podcast where we discuss what we're creating and the things that we're consuming that drives and inspires us. We believe everyone can be a creator, and we're here to spark, shape, and share our journeys along the creative process. Credit: Intro Music: Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay. Outro Music: Music …
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The LSI You Trust Is a False Positive—Here’s the Math
49:01
49:01
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49:01Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Andrea & Paulette discuss various topics ranging from cooking techniques to the chemistry of pool maintenance. They share a detailed recipe for cooking skirt steak, emphasizing the importance of not gatekeeping culinary knowledge. The conversation then shifts to pool chemistry, focusing on …
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The WIZARD behind the curtain, Alyssa Alviles!!!! - Episode 65
48:29
48:29
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48:29This one is good if you have a "CREATIVE TYPE" teen and you are worried they won't be successful being an artist. Alyssa Aviles turned her early "artist years" into a successful career that has seen her being behind the scenes designing the branding, sales funnels, challenges, etc., of some HUGE internet marketing brands! One thing that strikes me …
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Stop Letting Suppliers Brainwash You: Why Real Training Beats Free Lunches
23:46
23:46
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23:46Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, Lee and Shane discuss the significance of expertise in the pool service industry, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and training. They explore the growth of training opportunities available to professionals, the pros and cons of product-specific training, and the value of no…
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Anthropic Settlement Shocker: Why Most Authors Won’t See a Dime (Unless You Did THIS)
1:01:27
1:01:27
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1:01:27Anthropic Settlement Shocker! The motion for settlement in the Anthropic lawsuit has the author world buzzing—but here’s the truth no one’s telling you: most authors won’t see a dime unless they took the right steps before their books were pirated by AI. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (Edits by Stacey) and Troy Lambert brea…
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Engaging the Next Generation of Pool Pros with Maddy Vandiver, AOP, and ACC
48:25
48:25
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48:25Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, host Rudy interviews Maddy Van Diver from Pool Butler, discussing the importance of mentorship in the pool industry. They explore effective teaching methods for CPO classes, the significance of quality control in technician training, and the impact of advanced water treatment te…
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I first met Danny at an event in Boise, Idaho called, "Dramatic Demonstrations." The first thing I noticed is I barely knew him and was asking what he could do to help. When I figured out who he was I realized he was probably THE most active person in the Clickfunnels group, using his expertise to guide people through their problems. Come to find o…
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Text us a pool question! This episode of the Talking Pools podcast reflects on the significance of September 11th, honoring the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on that day. It transitions into a detailed exploration of the engineering behind the 9-11 Memorial Pools, highlighting their design, operation, and the advanced technologies that main…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Steve Sherwood discusses various topics related to the pool service industry with Pat of the California Pool Association, including the differences between W2 and 1099 employment structures, the importance of having the right insurance coverage, and the challenges of hiring and …
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Andrea Debunks the Chlorine Lock Myth
1:11:40
1:11:40
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1:11:40Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, hosts Andrea and Paulette discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, focusing on the importance of taking time off, the misconceptions surrounding cyanuric acid, and the myth of chlorine lock. They emphasize the need for proper chemical balance in pools and the significance of charging fo…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode, Shane and Lee discuss the transition into the spring pool season, the impact of weather on pool maintenance, and the increasing presence of AI in the pool service industry. They emphasize the importance of human connection in business, especially in a field where personal relationships can significantly inf…
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From Spark to Wildfire: Crafting Irresistible First Chapters
1:45:36
1:45:36
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1:45:36"It was a pleasure to burn." Your first chapter can make or break your book, so why not learn from one of the greatest? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy crack open Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 to show exactly why its opening pages are unforgettable and how you can steal those techniques for your own writing. We’ll break down:…
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Fueling Growth with Shannon Wilson, Enzymes, CyA Secrets
52:33
52:33
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52:33Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy interviews Shannon Wilson, a top mentor in the pool care industry. They discuss the importance of mentorship, safety, and training in pool management, as well as the role of enzymes in maintaining pool clarity. Shannon shares insights on accountability, learning from mistak…
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Education and Growth: Wayne with Natalie Hood
50:01
50:01
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50:01Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Wayne and Natalie Hood discuss the Grit Game, a rising player in the pool industry. Natalie shares her journey with the Grit Game, emphasizing their commitment to education, collaboration, and support within the industry. They explore the meaning behind the name 'Grit', the impo…
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Text us a pool question! Sarah (aka Sarah the Pool Girl) drops some big news—she and her husband Andrew are expecting a baby in February! The conversation takes a wild ride from pregnancy excitement to pool safety, splash pad water systems, childhood hamster revenge plots, and why puddle jumpers might not be the best option for teaching kids to swi…
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TDS and Toss 'em Back Tuesday with Andrea
20:30
20:30
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20:30Text us a pool question! The show kicks off with a bit of unexpected humor as Andrea’s scheduled guest ghosts her—leaving her to set the tone and carry the intro solo. The surprise absence creates a light but awkward opening that transitions smoothly into Rudy stepping in with a solid educational segment. He dives into Total Dissolved Solids (TDS),…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode, Lee and Shane discuss their recent travels to Kazakhstan, exploring the unique architecture and swimming pool facilities they encountered. They delve into the differences in pool maintenance and chemistry standards between Kazakhstan and New Zealand, highlighting the importance of community and learning wit…
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Books to Blockbusters in a Day?! Michael Evans on the AI Storytelling Revolution
1:11:00
1:11:00
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1:11:00What if your book could become a movie in less than 24 hours? In this explosive and possibly controversial episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy sit down with tech innovator and author Michael Evans to talk about The Movie Machine at Creatorwood—an AI-powered platform that turns novels and scripts into full-fledged films. Is this the futur…
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Purposeful Marketing with Laci Davis, Phosphate Mysteries & Chlorine Lock
1:03:52
1:03:52
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1:03:52Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Laci Davis from The Grit Game, discussing her journey in the pool industry, leadership, creativity, and the importance of purposeful marketing. A listener question on why phosphate removers often cloud water. Another where we lay it on the line - ALWAY…
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Episode 8: DIY Wizardry, Mega Game Mania, and Travel Turbulence
1:22:39
1:22:39
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1:22:39Welcome to Consume, Create, Converse the podcast where we discuss what we're creating and the things that we're consuming that drives and inspires us. We believe everyone can be a creator, and we're here to spark, shape, and share our journeys along the creative process. Credit: Intro Music: Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay. Outro Music: Music …
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Text us a pool question! This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to one of the most talked-about episodes with Wayne Ivusich and Steve Sherwood, two of the most respected educators and consultants in the pool industry. Between Wayne’s decades of experience leading water chemistry education at Taylor Water Technologies and Steve’s reputation as…
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This Is Your Brain on Pools: Gen X vs Gen Z
31:24
31:24
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31:24Text us a pool question! In this engaging conversation, Sarah and Rudy explore a variety of topics ranging from the pool industry to 80s pop culture references. They share insights about their experiences in the field, discuss nostalgic catchphrases, and delve into the evolution of slang over the decades. The light-hearted banter and humor make for…
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Pregnant, Poolside, and Probably High on Fumes
25:20
25:20
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25:20Text us a pool question! Welcome to the most accidentally themed episode of Talking Pools, where we started with “fuck it, we’ll do it live” and somehow ended up knee-deep in pregnancy, chlorine jugs, and naming babies after pool chemicals. Don’t ask how we got here — we don’t know either. This week, Andrea & Paulette juggle barking dogs, clinking …
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Mondays Down Under, host Lee Salisbury dives into essential strategies for pool service businesses to prepare for the upcoming summer season. Lee emphasizes the importance of pricing strategies, labor costs, logistics, customer contracts, database management, and effective payment systems to enhance profi…
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Slow the $%^# Down: Quality Over Speed: Building an Author Life That Lasts
1:31:25
1:31:25
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1:31:25Rushing to finish your draft? Racing to hit “publish” before your book is ready? Burning out trying to keep up with other authors? In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey Smekofske (editor and publishing coach) and Troy Lambert (author, editor, and plot doctor) unpack why the real secret to success in publishing is simple: time. We break down…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Rudy Stankowitz interviews Q Hales, a prominent figure in pool chemistry and maintenance. They discuss the formation of OnBalance, a collaborative effort aimed at educating pool professionals about water chemistry and sustainable practices. Q shares insights from his extensive e…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, hosts Steve and Wayne discuss the top 10 nominees for the Mentor of the Year award in the pool industry, highlighting the importance of mentorship. They also delve into the differences between cold plunge pools and chillers, explaining their distinct purposes and benefits. The c…
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You Wanted the Pool—Now It Wants You Back
32:37
32:37
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32:37Text us a pool question! In this episode, Sarah dives into an uncomfortable but necessary truth: too many pool owners think the work ends the day the pool is filled. From the outside, the water may look like a backyard dream, but if it’s left without care, it quickly becomes a breeding ground for problems—algae, unsafe water, and costly damage. Sar…
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Arduino Nano R4, Bela Gem Funded, Nordic WiFi 6 Magic, and More!
39:21
39:21
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39:21This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 171! The Electromaker Show returns! Today we look at the wonderful Bela Gem, a music and sound coding platform based on the PocketBeagle 2, Discover the nRF70x series from Nordic Semiconductor, and learn about the…
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More Pool Service Complaints. I quit. I'm done.
38:11
38:11
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38:11Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools Show, Andrea and Paulette discuss their experiences with pool maintenance, including challenges with customer complaints and the importance of proper pool care. They also touch on health concerns like swimmer's ear, tragic incidents in water parks, and the need for hurricane preparedness…
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts celebrate Peter's contributions to the industry while discussing the characteristics of ideal clients in both retail and mobile pool services. They share personal anecdotes about challenging customer interactions, the importance of setting clear expectations, and strategies for ma…
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Stop Describing the Door and Just Leave Already!: How Show Don't Tell Really Works.
1:18:32
1:18:32
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1:18:32If your readers know how to open a door, they don’t need three paragraphs explaining it. In this episode of Pros Talking Prose, Stacey and Troy tackle the infamous “show, don’t tell” debate, armed with examples from The Hunger Games, Twilight, Tolkien, Ernest Hemingway, A Quiet Place, and even Wheel of Time. We dive deep into sensory writing, inclu…
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Floc Hard or Go Home: Greg Beard’s 35 Summers of Pool Wisdom
1:13:03
1:13:03
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1:13:03Text us a pool question! This week on Floc-It Friday, Rudy sits down with Greg “Beard Man” Beard—poolside philosopher, calcium whisperer, and one of the Top 10 Mentors nominated for the 2025 Talking Pools Podcast Mentor of the Year Award. Greg has spent 35 summers in the field training rookies, guiding veterans, and mentoring like it’s a martial ar…
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You have to reevaluate your pricing structure.
56:34
56:34
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56:34Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Steve and Wayne discuss the significance of mentorship in the pool industry, emphasizing how it can lead to breakthroughs and prevent burnout. They explore the dynamics of competition, pricing strategies, and the essential role of insurance for pool service businesses. The conve…
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Episode 7: Disc Golf, Voice Acting, and the Power of a Name
1:17:23
1:17:23
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1:17:23Welcome to Consume, Create, Converse the podcast where we discuss what we're creating and the things that we're consuming that drives and inspires us. We believe everyone can be a creator, and we're here to spark, shape, and share our journeys along the creative process. Credit: Intro Music: Music by Luis Humanoide from Pixabay. Outro Music: Music …
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Text us a pool question! In this conversation, Sarah discusses the importance of self-care and equipment maintenance for pool technicians. She emphasizes the need for proper hydration, nutrition, and safety precautions while working in extreme weather conditions. Sarah also highlights the significance of stretching and physical maintenance to preve…
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Route Shuffle Drama: Andrea’s Unexpected Detour
47:54
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47:54Text us a pool question! This week on the Talking Pools Podcast, Andrea shares a behind-the-scenes story that every pool pro can relate to—getting reassigned to a different service route after a property manager’s complaint. What really happened? Was it about the water? The filter? Or something completely out of left field? Andrea takes us through …
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Text us a pool question! In this episode of the Talking Pools podcast, Peter, Shane, and Lee reflecting on personal health challenges, and career transitions. They explore the emotional aspects of leaving a long-standing career, the impact of mentorship on personal and professional growth, and the importance of prioritizing family and well-being. T…
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