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Don Phelps

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Oxygen for EducatorsOxygen for EducatorsRadical Hope: Befriending Your Nervous SystemSUMMARY  Join host Michelle Kinder in this episode of Radical Hope as she explores the transformative practice of befriending your nervous system. Discover how understanding and nurturing your inner state can lead to steadiness, interrupt shame spirals, and reconnect you with your truest self. Drawing from the insights of polyvagal theory, Michelle shares practical ways to move from survival mode into a state of clarity, compassion, and connection. Tune in to learn how this daily practice can unlock your potential and help you deliver your unique gifts to the world.   KEY TAKEAWAYS  “Befri...2025-07-2509 minFinding My ReligionFinding My ReligionDon Phelps: Don't Pigeonhole YourselfSend us a textIn this episode, I talk with my dad about where he is today—years after stepping away from the church, years into recovery, and miles into a quieter, more mindful life. What started as a story about leaving religion has become something much more honest: learning how to live with uncertainty, how to be at peace in the present, and how to show up for the people we love.We talk about Buddhism, AA, the fear of change, and why it’s okay to not have all the answers anymore. It’s a co...2025-07-1444 minFinding My ReligionFinding My ReligionBonus Episode: Conversations Around the CampfireSend us a textOn a quiet night around the campfire during a family camping trip, I sit down with my wife, sister, brother-in-law, and dad for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the podcast—and the personal truths it’s brought to light.Together, they unpack some of the most surprising revelations from the series, including:How Myles’ sister had no idea her parents came from different religious backgroundsThe family’s reaction to learning Don once preached while intoxicatedTheir mother’s ongoing fear that her children might end up in hellDon’s admission that he purposely...2025-07-0825 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedLLMS.txt: The Secret Map for Teaching AI to Understand Your WebsiteThe LLMs.txt file is revolutionizing how websites interact with AI models by providing a curated list of key URLs that helps AI tools better understand website content. This emerging standard addresses a critical challenge in the age of generative AI, where language models often access information differently than traditional search engines.• Plain text file in Markdown format that lives in a website's root directory• Acts as a guide specifically for AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini• Points AI to the most important pages while keeping it away from sensitive content• Part of the broa...2025-07-0714 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedBeyond SEO: Understanding AEO, GEO, and AIO in the AI-Powered Digital WorldThe digital search landscape is rapidly evolving beyond traditional SEO as AI reshapes how content gets discovered and consumed. We explore the key differences between traditional search engine optimization and newer strategies like Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and AI Optimization (AIO).• Traditional SEO remains foundational - optimizing websites to rank higher in search results through keywords, backlinks, and technical elements• AEO focuses specifically on getting content featured in answer boxes and snippets, requiring clear, direct answers that AI can easily extract• GEO targets being cited within AI-generated responses from tools like ChatGP...2025-07-0608 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedIs SEO Really Dead? The Rise of AIO and What It MeansArtificial Intelligence Optimization (AIO) is fundamentally changing online visibility, with 13% of Google queries already showing AI overviews rather than traditional search results. We explore what still works, what doesn't, and how to get your content recognized and cited by AI systems in this new search landscape.• Technical excellence remains essential – fast, accessible sites provide clear signals for AI tools• Topic clustering and comprehensive content demonstrate authority to AI systems• Clear writing that directly answers questions is critical as "LLMs are voracious readers but picky eaters"• Schema markup functions as your site's "organized resume" for AI, helpin...2025-07-0619 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedAnswer Engine vs. Generative Engine: Navigating the AI Search RevolutionThe ground is shifting beneath our feet in the search landscape. What once was a straightforward game of keywords and backlinks has transformed into something far more complex – an AI-mediated information ecosystem that demands new strategies and understanding.This episode dives deep into the critical difference between Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), two approaches that are no longer optional for anyone creating content online. Drawing on insights from technical SEO strategist Don Phelps, we unpack why the stakes are so high: "If your content isn't being selected and synthesized by AI, then your br...2025-07-0613 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedInvisible Online? GEO Is Your New Survival StrategyThe digital landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. Millions of online searches now end without a single click as AI-generated answers satisfy users' needs instantly. For brands and marketers, this shift represents both an existential challenge and a remarkable opportunity.Welcome to the age of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) – where being visible online means being cited directly by AI systems rather than simply ranking well in search results. With 58% of US searches resulting in zero clicks and 42% of AI users relying on platforms like ChatGPT for product discovery, traditional SEO strategies alone no longer guarantee digital visibility.2025-07-0617 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedBacklinks Gone Wrong: The Comedy of Linking FailsDive deep into backlinks—the often misunderstood backbone of SEO success. In this captivating episode, we explore the evolution of link building and the drastic shifts in how quality, rather than quantity, dominates search rankings today. Discover the core elements that make a backlink invaluable, focusing on relevance and trust flow, and learn how acquiring high-quality links can propel your website to the top.Get insights into ethical link-building practices, the significance of internal linking, and how to effectively monitor and disavow bad links that may damage your SEO efforts. We also shed light on emerging trends, su...2025-07-0523 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedBecoming the Answer: The Rise of AEORemember scrolling through endless blue links to find answers? Those days are rapidly disappearing as answer engines transform how we access information. When you ask a question today—speaking to your phone or typing into a search box—you often get the answer immediately, without clicking anywhere.Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) represents the critical evolution of traditional SEO in this new landscape. SEO pioneer Don Phelps, with over twenty years in the field, calls AEO the "next critical layer in modern SEO." Unlike traditional SEO that aims to rank for keywords and earn clicks, AEO strategically positions your...2025-07-0509 minFinding My ReligionFinding My ReligionDon Phelps: Faith UnravelingSend us a textIn this episode, Myles and his dad Don continue their open and honest discussion about Don's faith journey. After leaving the ministry, Don struggled to find meaning and purpose, as his identity had been so wrapped up in being a pastor. He discusses how he gradually started to question his conservative Christian beliefs, as he was exposed to more scientific perspectives that contradicted his theological training. This led Don to eventually move away from identifying as a Christian, and explore more Buddhist principles as a way of finding fulfillment and meaning in his...2025-06-3041 minFinding My ReligionFinding My ReligionDon Phelps: The FireSend us a textIn episode four, we talk to my dad about a pivotal moment in his life as a pastor: his church burning to the ground. This moment sparked a fundamental change in his life, his faith, and his career. If you are someone you know is struggling with addition, please visit the Treatment Atlas Foundation: https://treatmentatlas.org/Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com myles@findingmyreligionpod.com 2025-06-2358 minFinding My ReligionFinding My ReligionDon Phelps: Becoming a PastorSend us a textIn episode 3, my Dad and I discuss his life as a pastor. What goes into it? How did he come to that decision? Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com myles@findingmyreligionpod.com 2025-06-1654 minFinding My ReligionFinding My ReligionDon Phelps: Faith After FamilySend us a textIn episode 2, we dive into my dad's faith journey after marriage and kids. How did his interest in the Lutheran Church and Christianity grow so fast? What drew him in? And what was the moment he knew he wanted to be a pastor?Support the showhttps://linktr.ee/findingmyreligionhttps://www.findingmyreligionpod.com myles@findingmyreligionpod.com 2025-06-0934 minFinding My ReligionFinding My ReligionDon Phelps: Life Before MinistrySend us a textIn this season of FMR, we are focusing on my Dad's faith journey. In the first season we heard from him at a time in life when he was still figuring things out. Three years later, we focus our entire season on his religious path.Episode 1 covers my Dad's nervousness for this project. How are his former colleagues in the LCMS church going to perceive this? How will his former parishioners view this? We also dig into his childhood to find out how present religion was at home.Season 1 Episode...2025-06-0240 minThe Right Room with Hilary PhelpsThe Right Room with Hilary PhelpsBecoming Unstoppable: Amanda Marino on Trauma, Healing & Self-WorthSend us a textIn this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Hilary Phelps sits down with Amanda Marino—CEO, healer, and mental health advocate—for a heart-opening exploration of what it means to reclaim your identity after trauma.Amanda shares the harrowing truths of her early life, from surviving childhood abuse and witnessing her sister’s kidnapping, to navigating toxic relationships and finding her way back to herself. Through it all, she’s become a voice for resilience, self-love, and the kind of inner strength that doesn’t just survive—but rises.Together, Hilary and A...2025-05-2953 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedWhat Makes Google Choose You?The digital landscape is shaped by an almost incomprehensible statistic: billions of searches happen on Google every single day. This vast ocean of queries represents incredible opportunity for those who understand how to navigate the complex world of search engine optimization.We dive deep into the mechanics of SEO, breaking down how search engines actually work—from the crawling "spiders" that discover web content to the sophisticated algorithms that determine which pages deserve top rankings. You'll gain clarity on what truly matters among Google's 200+ ranking factors and how to prioritize your optimization efforts effectively.The st...2025-05-2228 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedSEO Unfiltered: The Truth About Vanity Metrics & What Really MattersNavigating the intricate world of SEO can often lead businesses astray, with many caught in the alluring trap of vanity metrics. These numbers may look good but often misrepresent the true health of a website. In this episode, we unravel the reality of measuring success through more meaningful KPIs and actionable strategies that focus on genuine engagement rather than superficial data points.Join us as we delve into the significance of understanding your audience and their search behavior. By conducting effective keyword research, businesses can align their content with what users are actively searching for, positioning their...2025-03-1014 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedMastering EEAT: The Future of SEO in 2025 and BeyondThe digital marketing landscape is transforming rapidly, and at the heart of this evolution lies EEAT – Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. We're diving deep into how these four crucial elements are reshaping SEO strategies for 2025 and beyond.Prepare to be surprised as we reveal Google's dramatic shift toward valuing real-world experience over theoretical knowledge. That's right – your firsthand expertise now carries more weight than perfectly optimized keywords! We explore this game-changing development through relatable examples, from plumbing advice to medical information, showing exactly how authentic experience translates into higher rankings.The stakes get even higher when...2025-03-0927 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedThe Holy Trinity of SEO Unleashed!Ready to demystify SEO once and for all? Forget complicated algorithms and technical jargon—what if the secret to better search visibility could be distilled into just three fundamental pillars?We're diving deep into Don Phelps' revolutionary "Holy Trinity of SEO" framework that's changing how businesses approach their online presence. This elegantly simple yet powerful concept focuses on three core elements: who you are (identity), what you do (offerings), and where you do it (location).The identity pillar reveals why seemingly minor details like inconsistent business information across platforms can tank your rankings. Through real-world ex...2025-03-0716 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedSchema Shenanigans: Unlocking the Secrets of Brand VisibilityReady to unravel the intricacies of how Google perceives your brand? This episode takes you on a deep dive into the world of brand visibility through the lens of knowledge graphs and schema markup. We explore how Google organizes information and the pivotal role this plays in ensuring your brand stands out in the crowded digital landscape. Engage with us as we unpack the essentials of establishing a strong online presence—starting from the fundamental understanding of knowledge graphs, which serve as the digital profile of your brand. You'll learn how ensuring consistency across your digital platforms can...2025-03-0611 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedBeyond Keywords: Understanding Google’s Entity GameAs local SEO takes a leap forward, businesses must adapt or risk being left behind. Our latest episode dives into the powerful world of entity-based SEO and how it can redefine your local search strategy. We explore the fundamental shift from keyword-heavy tactics to a more dynamic approach that focuses on relevant entities, helping search engines better understand your offerings. Join us as we guide you through the intricate balance of optimizing your content, brand considerations, and enhancing user experience to draw in customers eager to discover what you have to offer. With expert insights into structuring y...2025-03-0619 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedReady, Set, Optimized: Understanding SEO TimelinesDive deep into the world of SEO with us as we unravel the intricacies of setting realistic expectations for your website's performance. In this episode, we tackle the common frustrations around why websites often miss the mark in search rankings and what businesses can do to shift their mindset toward long-term sustainable growth. Drawing insights from a comprehensive guide by SEO expert Don Phelps, we emphasize that SEO is not a race but a marathon that requires consistent effort and strategic planning.Discover the key elements that form a strong SEO foundation, including technical SEO, user experience...2025-03-0319 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedMastering the Art of Branded Search—Why It MattersDive into the vital world of branded search in this compelling episode! We explore how mastering branded search can elevate your business visibility and influence customer perceptions. While many think that simply showing up in search results is enough, the reality is far more nuanced. Discover why it’s crucial to control what appears when customers search for your brand online. We discuss the critical steps to optimize branded search, starting with comprehensive keyword identification—using tools that not only reveal what keywords bring traffic but also unveil your competitors' strategies. We break down the importance of under...2025-03-0318 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedMaking Your Website a Bestseller: SEO Tips That WorkIf you've ever wondered what makes a website rank higher on Google, this episode is for you! We break down SEO—search engine optimization—into digestible concepts. Think of your website as a book in a library; the right keywords are like a captivating title, drawing in readers. You’ll learn about the significance of using relevant keywords, crafting engaging content, and the mechanics behind backlinks, which function as endorsements from other respected websites. Together, these elements work to elevate your site's visibility and credibility.We also dive into the importance of user experience, making sure your site i...2025-03-0316 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedUnlocking Google's Secrets for Party Rental SuccessDiscover the secrets to ranking your party rental business on Google! We break down the essential elements of relevance, proximity, and prominence that influence your visibility in local searches. Learn how to optimize your online presence and accumulate the crucial citations that bolster your reputation. • Understanding Google’s local search algorithm for party rentals • Importance of the three core factors: relevance, proximity, and prominence • Strategies for maintaining NAP consistency across platforms • Leveraging local citations to improve online visibility • Navigating Google algorithm updates while maintaining a strong online presence Thanks for tuning...2025-03-0313 minLocal SEO UnlockedLocal SEO UnlockedHow to Dominate Local Search: Key Insights for Your BusinessHave you ever wondered what it takes for a party rental business to show up at the top of local search results? This episode dives deep into the world of local SEO, unraveling the pivotal elements that shape visibility: proximity, relevance, and prominence. We discuss how physical closeness to a user impacts rankings, the significance of matching your services with specific keywords, and the trust built through online reviews and backlinks. Additionally, we introduce the revolutionary concept of entities that Google employs to transform the search experience. Gone are the days of merely scattering keywords; today, it’s a...2025-03-0314 min