It's Not All Bad

This is an old episode that's dear to my heart that has meaning, compassion, and thoughtfulness. Indeed, somewhat uniting and certainly not divisive. Considering everything, I thought it was a good idea to release it again. I hope you also find meaning in the words MLK spoke. Every now and then, we need to remind ourselves of our humanity and needed humility. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Dr. K...

As you know, it's good for us to reflect on life every now and then.  Of course, all of us do this just a matter of having life on this planet.  I discuss some aspects of reflection during this short episode.  Nothing too deep, but deep enough to maybe cause some to pause and think "hmm." The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guests and guest-hosts...

This is one my shortest episodes.  It's a simple conversation about the potential positive outcomes of self-reflection, including the positive boost a person may get when taking in the brightness of witnessing others sharing positive humor, laughter, and each other's company.  It's actually easy to do and almost a must do if resist the daily pressures of work, relationships, and the many loops lif...

I realize I frequently discuss liberal democracy, voting, encouraging voters to research the issues, and decide on which candidate and political party supports the ideal our democracy is important and actually is quite fragile in today's hyper polarized political environment.  I discuss some various aspects that you may consider important for people of the United States as we consider who we a...

Being aware of what we say and do are important.  Of course, this word "aware" is now often associated with the new word, "Woke," and it's thoroughly weaponized to the point many people are offended at others who are "aware" or "woke" to slights and even injustices.  This is especially true concerning racial and ethnicities, gender issues, religion, and...

Various social media outlets and some podcasts openly foment bigotry, racism, antisemitism, islamaphobia, and spew anti LGBTQ hatred.  To be certain, this kind of thinking has been, is, and will always be.  But there was a time when openly and brazenly spouting this hate-filled garbage would have been relegated to the darkness of maybe close family and friends, or some obscure publication.  No mor...

We're going to slow the pace for this short episode.  No discussions about war, discontent, poor political discourse, or other fractures in society and human nature.  Let's take it easy for this episode and reflect.  Take a listen. The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guests and guest-hosts. Sharing thoughts on different issues, especially those t...

In theory and often in practice, liberal democracy principles exist in various Republics, not just in the United States.  The right to vote is what citizens expect and deserve as part of a kind of citizens' contract with the government in those countries.  In fact, the right to vote is codified in many constitutions as a matter of law. However, liberal democratic principals have always been un...

Even with all of the chaos and destructive human behavior in our world, there's still beauty when we stop, reflect, observe, and look for it.  This isn't pie in the sky nonsense.  Just as humans need ambition or at least are ambitious, we need goodness, kindness, and compassion to sustain the essence of who we should be.  It's still around us in so many extremely and almost imperceptib...

It's always a challenge to remain positive because of the constant drumbeat of hatred, world domination, disease, and mistrust of others.  But it's important for all of us to avoid the trap of thinking that only someone else - not you - can make a positive difference.  When you truly self-reflect and search your heart, you know YOU can bring a smile to someone's face, you can - and pro...

A nation's flag is often a symbol of pride and can signify that it's citizens are one people under that flag and constitution.  Indeed, the US flag is also such an important symbol of unity.  Yes, there must be acknowledgment that some people will use the flag as a rallying point of supremacy over others, exclusion of others, and even a longing for the "good old days" during whic...

It's always saddening to hear or read the news of another mass shooting in America or any country for that matter.  Unfortunately, gun related deaths and mass shootings are normal in America.  No one can rightly proclaim that gun related deaths and mass shootings are shockingly infrequent or seldom occurances in this country.  Just as American football and baseball is as normal as a...

Have you noticed there always seems to be a label for whatever condition we have, emotions we feel, kinds of thoughts we have, and even why some people laugh a lot while others are mostly sullen.  But this two-word description called "Imposter Syndrome" caught my attention this week.  This feeling that people have, and apparently many definitions specifically specifies this affliction to...

Emotional intelligence or EI has been around for quite some time, since 1990.  Often people in leadership positions equate EI to "soft" skills, as if quality and thoughtfully positive emotions are something insignificant and shouldn't be equal to productivity.  Fortunately, the are others who believe EI is a must in terms of understanding one's own and the emotions of others.  Why w...

There's nothing inherently wrong with being a political liberal or political conservative.  In liberal democracies, this is normal and expected.  Indeed, these two deltas and the various points on this spectrum is what keeps society progressing although it does appear to regress at time which is unfortunate.  Still, society perseveres and does not give up on democratic ideals and support for a...

Our political discourse is still somewhat messy, frustrating, and needs repair, for sure.  Part of the repair process includes you - the voter - not just politicians.  It requires individual voter self-reflection on what's important for our country. Indeed, I do hope it remains the aspirational nature of our liberal democracy and the aspirational and living nature of our constitution. &n...

There's absolutely nothing good about COVID-19.  It's killed so many people and robbed millions of others of good health.  In the wake of this health menace, commercial companies and governments developed and even embraced ways for certain employee positions to be productive even when away from the normal place of work.  This is called telework and remote work.  What was once a...

What does heat have to do with democracy?  Maybe a lot and maybe nothing.  No.  This isn't a play on words in any way.  Just as atmospheric temperatures are rising across the globe, some would say the potentially dangerous implications of heated political rhetoric is reaching the boiling point in some liberal democracies in the world.  Well, I hope to introduce you to the...

In today's short episode, I thought it would be good to chat about going on a trip.  The kind of travel when you hop in your vehicle with bags and all, for a multi-day trip.  Travel that may bring you a sense of renewal, wonder, appreciation, and time for self-reflection.  If you think it's time for you to take that leap of faith that a road trip will be meaningful for you, then maybe you...

Immigrants to America, especially in the earlier centuries is interesting.  Not just from the perspective of the thousands of success stories and events, but also from the perspective that's less than stellar and positive.  During this episode, I talk about Irish, Japanese, and Chinese immigrants; but also discuss briefly the situation concerning our Native American brothers and sisters....

If you noticed something over the decades, it's the word "freedom."  It's used to express a desire for less oversight, less regulations, less restrictions, and list goes on and on.  Some use "freedom" as a way to express demonization of the other and a sense of strong nationalism, and even use it to stoke racial animus.   Yet others express "freedom" as wanting a free reign to...

Even though we can't ignore the various negative issues that impact our world, nation, and our collective and individual lives, there are still positive things happening each and every day.  Whether it's in the United States, Africa, Asia, South America, or Europe thoughtful and compassionate people are everywhere.  Indeed, it's very likely you are one of those people, and that should gi...

To say that this week's Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade was newsworthy and impactful is an understatement.  This cultural and women's reproductive rights issue is shaking many people (pro and con) to the core of their being.  There are still concerns that there may be other federally recognized rights of progression that could be reviewed, overturned, and remanded to individ...

Sometimes we forget there are people doing wonderfully positive things even in the midst of the world's problems.  We give them credit for their efforts, for sure.  But there's so many simple acts of kindness that many people do each day as routine and often without any significant thought because that's who they are, and maybe who you are as well.  Yet, there are still others that do...

Here we are again.  As a nation we witness another horrific mass shooting on May 24, 2022, at an elementary school un Uvalde, Texas.  Nineteen children and two teachers killed.  I won't say too much in this description.  If you have a moment, please give a listen to this episode.  The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guest...