Millennial in the Middle

In today’s episode Connor sits down with Bridger Pennington to talk about money. They discuss the concept of currency and how the US dollar took the top spot from a global perspective. They then dive into what the future of money might look like. They discuss cryptocurrency, blockchain and how something as simple as free WiFi could be the key to ending poverty.  Bridger Pennington is the...

“You need to break bread with people who think and look different than you.” Today Michael Banks, CEO and Founder of Body By Banks, joins the show. Michael talks about the lessons he learned from his parents, his experience coming to Utah in the early 80s, and the importance of positive self-talk. As Black History Month comes to a close this timely interview will give you a great perspec...

After a long break, we are back with new episodes! Not only new episodes but a new look, new studio, and new direction for the show. In this episode, Connor explains what's on the horizon for Millennial in the Middle as we expand to new topics outside of politics. Connor also tells the story of Christopher Columbus in a way that you probably haven't heard before. This framing of history is so appl...

Today Connor interviews Cayman Cardiff in another episode in the LGBTQ+ series. Cayman grew up in Georgia as an All-American southern kid. He played football, baseball and basketball and on the outside appeared to fit in perfectly. Inside, however, he felt he was different from his teammates. He discusses his acceptance of his sexuality, coming out and the lessons he has learned from being authent...

Did you know that Malleus Maleficarum was passed in book sales only by the bible in 1692? This book was used as handbook for detecting and punishing witches. 🧙🏼‍♀️ In honor of Halloween, today’s episode focuses on the history of the Salem witch trials. I walk you through three takeaways from this time period and discuss how certain negative human characteristics have a tendency to present themse...

Have you ever wondered what the Mayor does? Connor recently visited city hall and sat down with the Mayor of South Jordan, Utah - Dawn Ramsey. While she discusses what roles the mayor plays and what an ordinary day is like you will find quickly she is far from ordinary. In her first term, Mayor Ramsey served on 25+ boards and committees, represented local government on a federal level in Washingto...

We have had a lot of interesting guests on the show, but today’s guest may be our most entertaining and colorful yet. Ryan Woods is a gay man and as a drag queen (artist) travels the country as his character Lady Maga USA. Yes… Make America Great Again. If that doesn’t intrigue you, I’m not sure what will. Full Bio: Ryan Woods is a proud Eagle Scout, America-first Republican, Christian, and politi...

Today, Connor shares the first of several interviews with members of the LGBTQ+ community. These interviews will be open, honest and real. Connor uses his platform to ask questions we may typically feel uncomfortable to ask, in an honest attempt to increase understanding with the hope of bringing people together. Grant was born a girl and as early as five years old felt like a mistake. In the last...

Back from the Middle East and back to talking about the Pandemic (insert eye roll here). In today’s episode, Connor reacts to Biden’s aggressive, controversial and divisive speech laying out new mandates. The tone and content seemed off-brand for the President who promised to lower the temperature and bring us together. Connor explains how partisan politics have one again torn us apart and thwarte...

Millennial in the Middle East Part 4! After 2+ weeks out of the country Connor is home and in this episode reports on his experience on the archaeological dig. He shares the history of Petra and gives some tips for those who may have this spot on their bucket list. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at what archaeology is all about. While digging in the dirt and trying to connect with an ancie...

Millennial in the Middle East Part 3! We have all heard the news of the Taliban’s hostile takeover of Afghanistan this week. We are so quick to make this about politics and what this means for America. As Connor records this episode in the Middle East while staying in a Bedouin village his perspective is much different. This isn’t about politics, this is about people! What is our responsibility as...

Millennial in the Middle East Part 2!! Connor interviewed Aryeh Green a few weeks ago to learn more about the ongoing conflict with Israel and Palestine. Connor also wanted to understand the Jewish faith/culture/nationality more fully. Aryeh was the perfect person to interview. This listen will give you more background and understanding to complex issues that seem to have no solution. As for the f...

Yes, I know it’s corny! The next few episodes will be like a mini-series with the Millennial in the Middle East theme. As you’re listening Connor is traveling to Petra, Jordan (yep, the place where Harrison Ford and Sean Connery find the holy grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) to be a part of an archaeological dig. As Connor prepares to go he talks about the dichotomous ways of thinking...

The Olympics are here! A year later than expected the world will arrive in Tokyo ready to compete. This isn’t the first time a Tokyo Olympics has been delayed or canceled. Tokyo was set to host the 1940 Olympics, which obviously didn’t happen. In today’s episode, Connor tells a story involving the Japanese samurai culture, Hitler, POWs, and an American hero you should know. Connor points out how f...

Today’s guest has personal experience being behind the scenes on the campaign trail and understands the media. She has made headlines herself and has been victim to what she claims is “fake news.” It’s not every day Connor gets to interview a close friend of Roger Stone’s. So who is Karyn Turk? She is the former Mrs. Florida, is an outspoken activist, and political commentator, whose life is both...

We hear about China all the time in the news, but is the country as big of a threat to the US as we so often hear? Is China our enemy? Is communism as bad as it sounds? Connor interviews Jason Szeftel, who is political and economic writer focused on all things China. His podcast called "China Unraveled" has charted the history and economic growth of China, the Hong Kong protests, the origin o...

At 33 years old, Thomas Jefferson took the lead in drafting the Declaration of Independence. This document gave birth to a new nation comprised of united states. Connor tells the story of how Jefferson found himself in this position as the “millennial” founding father and had a little help from Ben Franklin “the boomer.” Happy 4th of July! 

Connor recently visited Peru and was fascinated with the history of the Incas and the story of Machu Picchu's discovery. In 1911, Hiram Bingham took an expedition to Peru searching the untamed Andes for the "Lost City of the Incas." In today's episode Connor tells his story and and why it matters. Connor also shares the his biggest takeaways from the trip and draws some important parallels from th...

What is Juneteenth? Today's episode answers that question and dives a little deeper into Abraham Lincoln's views on slavery. The Great Emancipator's track is messier than you might think. So do we cancel Honest Abe? Can we find the middle?

Today we welcome Jeff Kallay back to the show. Jeff first appeared on Episode 41 and established himself as our show’s Generational Theory expert. In this conversation we dive deeper into major events that affect society (crisis, awakening, etc.). Connor asks Jeff some thought-provoking questions responded to by drawing parallels from history and some informed speculation. How will the pandemic ch...

On June 6th, we commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Allied troops storming the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. June also happens to be the time we celebrate Gay Pride and Diversity across the world. In today's episode Connor connects these two events by telling the story of Alan Turing.  Turing's remarkable innovations and tragic end to his life should give us motivation to be better and mo...

Today we celebrate Memorial Day and the graduating class of 2021. In this special episode, Connor speaks directly to Gen Z and tells the story of a group of graduating seniors from the class of 1940. The class of 1940 had no idea what life would throw at them, but how they responded to their circumstances is what earned them the title of the "Greatest Generation." May we always remember and honor...

What do you do when two people you respect and trust disagree with each other on a topic? They both have  more experience and knowledge surrounding an issue, but have drawn two completely different conclusions. We are constantly finding ourselves in the middle of heated debates and we all face the pressure to pick a side. This is when we get the chance to become more informed, think criticall...

Gordon Cooper was born and raised in South Africa. He served in the South African Military as a special ops Marine. He saw apartheid come to an end and Nelson Mandela’s election. In his country’s unstable and dangerous time he took what he learned in the military and created a self defense and empowerment business. He recently immigrated to America with his entire family and has brought his messag...

Last week Joe Biden released a presidential ultimatum: "Vaxxed or Masked!" With this announcement we have entered a new era of the pandemic which Connor is calling the "Show me your Papers" phase.  Many of you called in or sent messages with your reasoning for the personal decision concerning receiving the vaccine. Thanks for your participation and passion to join in on the conversation. &nbs...