Back in America Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/back-in-america Interviews from a multicultural perspective that question the way we understand America Copyright 2024 All rights reserved. 8d2c1f84-7f8a-5200-9683-039ce5cc5c2a yes en Sun, 24 May 2026 22:08:26 -0400 Sun, 24 May 2026 22:09:06 -0400 https://backinamericathepodcast.com https://img.transistorcdn.com/E3MVVUxOq9YtxsaMrzpuWBQze-MFlUYlzq4nQagYMH4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8zNWQ3/NjkwODNiMzQ5NDIz/ZGU2ZjNhZTRiNDM3/OTY0ZC5wbmc.jpg Back in America https://backinamericathepodcast.com episodic Stan Berteloot Interviews from a multicultural perspective that question the way we understand America Interviews from a multicultural perspective that question the way we understand America. Stan Berteloot stan@berteloot.org No No God Is the Real CEO of My Company: Jeff Kruszyna 128 128 God Is the Real CEO of My Company: Jeff Kruszyna full 14a90241-4f4b-46b0-a152-208e797fbce2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2b1be6ab Jeff Kruszyna has raised over a hundred million dollars for Christian conservative causes. He does it with paper letters that arrive in your mailbox. Twenty years ago, watching the second plane hit the second tower on a television set at SUNY Stony Brook, he changed his major from computer science to political science. He has been writing fundraising letters for America First causes ever since, with God, he says, as the real CEO.

  

This conversation traces the tradition behind Jeff's work: from John Winthrop's 1630 sermon on a ship crossing the  Atlantic to Ronald Reagan's optimistic nationalism to what Jeff calls the Patriot Economy, a marketplace where purchasing decisions become acts of faith. Stan asks about Max Weber, the prosperity gospel, Martin Luther King, and the money changers in the Temple.


  Two questions drive the hour. Is this the most American thing imaginable? And is that a comfort or a warning?


  Connect with Jeff:

  - Free 30-minute strategy session: http://www.getjeffk.com

  - Agency website: http://www.jmkvictory.com

  - LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/Kruszyna

  - X: @Kruszyna

]]> Jeff Kruszyna has raised over a hundred million dollars for Christian conservative causes. He does it with paper letters that arrive in your mailbox. Twenty years ago, watching the second plane hit the second tower on a television set at SUNY Stony Brook, he changed his major from computer science to political science. He has been writing fundraising letters for America First causes ever since, with God, he says, as the real CEO.

  

This conversation traces the tradition behind Jeff's work: from John Winthrop's 1630 sermon on a ship crossing the  Atlantic to Ronald Reagan's optimistic nationalism to what Jeff calls the Patriot Economy, a marketplace where purchasing decisions become acts of faith. Stan asks about Max Weber, the prosperity gospel, Martin Luther King, and the money changers in the Temple.


  Two questions drive the hour. Is this the most American thing imaginable? And is that a comfort or a warning?


  Connect with Jeff:

  - Free 30-minute strategy session: http://www.getjeffk.com

  - Agency website: http://www.jmkvictory.com

  - LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/Kruszyna

  - X: @Kruszyna

]]> Sun, 24 May 2026 22:07:32 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1829 Jeff Kruszyna has raised over a hundred million dollars for Christian conservative causes. He does it with paper letters that arrive in your mailbox. Twenty years ago, watching the second plane hit the second tower on a television set at SUNY Stony Brook, he changed his major from computer science to political science. He has been writing fundraising letters for America First causes ever since, with God, he says, as the real CEO.

  

This conversation traces the tradition behind Jeff's work: from John Winthrop's 1630 sermon on a ship crossing the  Atlantic to Ronald Reagan's optimistic nationalism to what Jeff calls the Patriot Economy, a marketplace where purchasing decisions become acts of faith. Stan asks about Max Weber, the prosperity gospel, Martin Luther King, and the money changers in the Temple.


  Two questions drive the hour. Is this the most American thing imaginable? And is that a comfort or a warning?


  Connect with Jeff:

  - Free 30-minute strategy session: http://www.getjeffk.com

  - Agency website: http://www.jmkvictory.com

  - LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/Kruszyna

  - X: @Kruszyna

]]> Jeff Kruszyna, JMK Victory, direct mail fundraising, Christian conservative, Patriot Economy, America First, Christian nationalism, political fundraising, Back in America podcast, Stan Berteloot, faith and politics, American identity, Christian entrepreneurship, city upon a hill, American exceptionalism, fundraising strategy, conservative movement, faith and business, civil religion No Bryan Mark Rigg: 150,000 Jews in Hitler's Army, and the Medal of Honor Hero Who Lied 127 127 Bryan Mark Rigg: 150,000 Jews in Hitler's Army, and the Medal of Honor Hero Who Lied full 39a7722f-29bc-47a1-a13d-aee88fa3e241 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2540a28e   Bryan Mark Rigg failed first grade twice. Today he's a Yale and Cambridge-trained historian, a former Marine Corps officer, and the author of six books on World War II that have rewritten what we thought we knew about the war.

                                                                                                                                                                                                           

In this episode, Stan sits down with Bryan to unpack three of his most explosive findings:


That 150,000 men of Jewish descent served in Hitler's military, and that Hitler himself signed thousands of exemption papers declaring individual Jews "Aryan." That the "ideal Aryan soldier" on Goebbels' propaganda magazine turned out to have a Jewish father. That a half-Jewish German veteran broke down on camera when he learned his wife and baby boy had been gassed at Auschwitz, and that his second wife discovered, in the same moment, after 50 years of marriage, that she was the second wife.                                                                                 

That Woody Williams, the last living Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima, fabricated key parts of his story. That a Marine Corps general told Bryan, "don't publish the truth, publish the myth." That Bryan said no, and Woody slapped him with a federal lawsuit. Bryan won at the Supreme Court of West Virginia.


That Japan killed 30 million people during World War II, three times more than Nazi Germany, and almost no one knows.                                                                                    

We also talk about Bryan's own American story. Severe dyslexia, ADHD, an MBD diagnosis at age six, a mother named MaryLee Rigg who refused to give up, and the small-classroom private schools that taught him how to read. The boy from Arlington, Texas who made it to Yale, the Marine Corps, and Cambridge.


It's a conversation about hidden history, the cost of telling the ugly truth, and what America makes possible.


  About Bryan Mark Rigg:                                                                                                                                                                                   

  Website: https://bryanmarkrigg.com/

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryanmarkrigg/                                                                                                                                                     Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Mark_Rigg

]]>   Bryan Mark Rigg failed first grade twice. Today he's a Yale and Cambridge-trained historian, a former Marine Corps officer, and the author of six books on World War II that have rewritten what we thought we knew about the war.

                                                                                                                                                                                                           

In this episode, Stan sits down with Bryan to unpack three of his most explosive findings:


That 150,000 men of Jewish descent served in Hitler's military, and that Hitler himself signed thousands of exemption papers declaring individual Jews "Aryan." That the "ideal Aryan soldier" on Goebbels' propaganda magazine turned out to have a Jewish father. That a half-Jewish German veteran broke down on camera when he learned his wife and baby boy had been gassed at Auschwitz, and that his second wife discovered, in the same moment, after 50 years of marriage, that she was the second wife.                                                                                 

That Woody Williams, the last living Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima, fabricated key parts of his story. That a Marine Corps general told Bryan, "don't publish the truth, publish the myth." That Bryan said no, and Woody slapped him with a federal lawsuit. Bryan won at the Supreme Court of West Virginia.


That Japan killed 30 million people during World War II, three times more than Nazi Germany, and almost no one knows.                                                                                    

We also talk about Bryan's own American story. Severe dyslexia, ADHD, an MBD diagnosis at age six, a mother named MaryLee Rigg who refused to give up, and the small-classroom private schools that taught him how to read. The boy from Arlington, Texas who made it to Yale, the Marine Corps, and Cambridge.


It's a conversation about hidden history, the cost of telling the ugly truth, and what America makes possible.


  About Bryan Mark Rigg:                                                                                                                                                                                   

  Website: https://bryanmarkrigg.com/

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryanmarkrigg/                                                                                                                                                     Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Mark_Rigg

]]> Sun, 03 May 2026 15:32:37 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 3367   Bryan Mark Rigg failed first grade twice. Today he's a Yale and Cambridge-trained historian, a former Marine Corps officer, and the author of six books on World War II that have rewritten what we thought we knew about the war.

                                                                                                                                                                                                           

In this episode, Stan sits down with Bryan to unpack three of his most explosive findings:


That 150,000 men of Jewish descent served in Hitler's military, and that Hitler himself signed thousands of exemption papers declaring individual Jews "Aryan." That the "ideal Aryan soldier" on Goebbels' propaganda magazine turned out to have a Jewish father. That a half-Jewish German veteran broke down on camera when he learned his wife and baby boy had been gassed at Auschwitz, and that his second wife discovered, in the same moment, after 50 years of marriage, that she was the second wife.                                                                                 

That Woody Williams, the last living Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima, fabricated key parts of his story. That a Marine Corps general told Bryan, "don't publish the truth, publish the myth." That Bryan said no, and Woody slapped him with a federal lawsuit. Bryan won at the Supreme Court of West Virginia.


That Japan killed 30 million people during World War II, three times more than Nazi Germany, and almost no one knows.                                                                                    

We also talk about Bryan's own American story. Severe dyslexia, ADHD, an MBD diagnosis at age six, a mother named MaryLee Rigg who refused to give up, and the small-classroom private schools that taught him how to read. The boy from Arlington, Texas who made it to Yale, the Marine Corps, and Cambridge.


It's a conversation about hidden history, the cost of telling the ugly truth, and what America makes possible.


  About Bryan Mark Rigg:                                                                                                                                                                                   

  Website: https://bryanmarkrigg.com/

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryanmarkrigg/                                                                                                                                                     Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryan_Mark_Rigg

]]> Bryan Mark Rigg, Bryan Rigg, Hitler's Jewish Soldiers, Japan's Holocaust, Woody Williams, Mischlinge, Werner Goldberg, Iwo Jima Medal of Honor, Nanjing massacre, rape of Nanking, Jews in Nazi army, Nuremberg Laws, Helmut Schmidt, Japanese war crimes, Hirohito, Holocaust history, WWII history podcast, Yale historian, Cambridge historian, dyslexia ADHD, Back in America podcast, Stan Berteloot, what is America, oral history WWII No The Republican Who Almost Stopped the Civil War with Evan Stewart 126 126 The Republican Who Almost Stopped the Civil War with Evan Stewart full 71776cdf-11b1-4d26-86a9-31e53a7dd919 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3073a428 William Henry Seward was supposed to be president. In 1860, he was the favorite for the Republican nomination until he lost it to a lesser-known prairie lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. Then, while Lincoln sat silent in Springfield for four months after the election, Seward fought alone from the Senate floor to save the Union.

C. Evan Stewart, Cornell-trained historian, 40-year securities lawyer, and author of a new book on Seward, walks Stan through what really happened in the Secession Winter of 1860-61: the back-channel meetings with Virginia unionists, the proposed 13th Amendment that would have protected slavery forever, the April 1 memo raising the prospect of confrontation with France, and the day Lincoln changed his mind about Fort Sumter.

From there, they go deeper. The Dred Scott decision and what Chief Justice Taney actually wrote. Why Stewart believes Chief Justice Roberts is quietly rebalancing American power today. Lincoln's record on civil liberties. And the French tariff parallel Stan raises that Stewart bluntly calls "completely different."

Stewart closes with his answer to the show's signature question: What is America to you?

More episodes at backinamericathepodcast.com. If this one landed, share it with someone who loves an untold story, and leave a rating. It pushes the show up in search and helps new listeners find us.

William Henry Seward's Quest to Save the Nation During the Secession Winter (1860-1861)

]]> William Henry Seward was supposed to be president. In 1860, he was the favorite for the Republican nomination until he lost it to a lesser-known prairie lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. Then, while Lincoln sat silent in Springfield for four months after the election, Seward fought alone from the Senate floor to save the Union.

C. Evan Stewart, Cornell-trained historian, 40-year securities lawyer, and author of a new book on Seward, walks Stan through what really happened in the Secession Winter of 1860-61: the back-channel meetings with Virginia unionists, the proposed 13th Amendment that would have protected slavery forever, the April 1 memo raising the prospect of confrontation with France, and the day Lincoln changed his mind about Fort Sumter.

From there, they go deeper. The Dred Scott decision and what Chief Justice Taney actually wrote. Why Stewart believes Chief Justice Roberts is quietly rebalancing American power today. Lincoln's record on civil liberties. And the French tariff parallel Stan raises that Stewart bluntly calls "completely different."

Stewart closes with his answer to the show's signature question: What is America to you?

More episodes at backinamericathepodcast.com. If this one landed, share it with someone who loves an untold story, and leave a rating. It pushes the show up in search and helps new listeners find us.

William Henry Seward's Quest to Save the Nation During the Secession Winter (1860-1861)

]]> Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:21:14 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 3783 William Henry Seward was supposed to be president. In 1860, he was the favorite for the Republican nomination until he lost it to a lesser-known prairie lawyer named Abraham Lincoln. Then, while Lincoln sat silent in Springfield for four months after the election, Seward fought alone from the Senate floor to save the Union.

C. Evan Stewart, Cornell-trained historian, 40-year securities lawyer, and author of a new book on Seward, walks Stan through what really happened in the Secession Winter of 1860-61: the back-channel meetings with Virginia unionists, the proposed 13th Amendment that would have protected slavery forever, the April 1 memo raising the prospect of confrontation with France, and the day Lincoln changed his mind about Fort Sumter.

From there, they go deeper. The Dred Scott decision and what Chief Justice Taney actually wrote. Why Stewart believes Chief Justice Roberts is quietly rebalancing American power today. Lincoln's record on civil liberties. And the French tariff parallel Stan raises that Stewart bluntly calls "completely different."

Stewart closes with his answer to the show's signature question: What is America to you?

More episodes at backinamericathepodcast.com. If this one landed, share it with someone who loves an untold story, and leave a rating. It pushes the show up in search and helps new listeners find us.

William Henry Seward's Quest to Save the Nation During the Secession Winter (1860-1861)

]]> No Who Steps In When America Walks Away? -- with Clifford Brown 125 125 Who Steps In When America Walks Away? -- with Clifford Brown full 331c7a57-c524-46c0-9ac3-099dcfda7674 https://share.transistor.fm/s/251f1f75 Clifford Brown was a partner at a Beverly Hills law firm when he saw a newspaper ad that changed his life. He gave up most of his income, left his house over the ocean, and joined the U.S. Agency for International Development. For the next 27 years, he worked in Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Guinea, and Peru.

In this conversation, Cliff describes bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan, a practice where young men abduct women and force them into marriage. His own wife's older sister was kidnapped. Later, after Cliff spoke out against high-level corruption involving electricity smuggling, his wife was abducted at gunpoint outside a hair salon in Bishkek.

We talk about what USAID actually did beyond humanitarian aid: creating agricultural industries that supplied American grocery stores, training accountants in post-Soviet states, building court systems across Latin America. A law called the Hickenlooper Law prohibited the agency from telling Americans about any of it.

Cliff spent twenty years fighting his own agency's lawyers over whether the U.S. government could fund translations of Quranic texts that prohibit suicide, to counter radical Islam after 9/11. The lawyers said no, citing excessive entanglement with religion. His argument: it's legal to fund a bullet but not a conversation about scripture. The Washington Post covered his case in 2009.

We discuss what USAID got wrong, including the failed counter-narcotics programs in Colombia and the democracy-building efforts that went nowhere in the former Soviet Union. And we talk about what fills the vacuum when America steps back, with China building railroads and mines across Africa on loan terms that countries cannot repay.

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order pausing nearly all foreign aid. By July 1, USAID officially ceased to exist. More than 80 percent of its programs were terminated. Cliff describes the sadness of watching colleagues lose their pensions overnight, and a former staff member from Kyrgyzstan now working in a grocery store deli.

Clifford Brown is the author of Inside USAID: An Odyssey of Foreign Assistance. He writes at cliffordbrown.substack.com.

From the conversation:

"I felt like I was a mental prostitute. I had to think about somebody else's problem as an attorney, and the only reason I was thinking about it was they were paying me to think about it." -- Who Steps In When America Walks Away-

"Half a million jobs in Honduras from an onion experiment. 300 villages in Guatemala connected to electricity for a $30,000 investment. Shrimp, cantaloupe, flour, broccoli, all shipped to American groceries from industry that USAID helped create." -- Who Steps In When America Walks Away-

You might also like:

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]]> Clifford Brown was a partner at a Beverly Hills law firm when he saw a newspaper ad that changed his life. He gave up most of his income, left his house over the ocean, and joined the U.S. Agency for International Development. For the next 27 years, he worked in Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Guinea, and Peru.

In this conversation, Cliff describes bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan, a practice where young men abduct women and force them into marriage. His own wife's older sister was kidnapped. Later, after Cliff spoke out against high-level corruption involving electricity smuggling, his wife was abducted at gunpoint outside a hair salon in Bishkek.

We talk about what USAID actually did beyond humanitarian aid: creating agricultural industries that supplied American grocery stores, training accountants in post-Soviet states, building court systems across Latin America. A law called the Hickenlooper Law prohibited the agency from telling Americans about any of it.

Cliff spent twenty years fighting his own agency's lawyers over whether the U.S. government could fund translations of Quranic texts that prohibit suicide, to counter radical Islam after 9/11. The lawyers said no, citing excessive entanglement with religion. His argument: it's legal to fund a bullet but not a conversation about scripture. The Washington Post covered his case in 2009.

We discuss what USAID got wrong, including the failed counter-narcotics programs in Colombia and the democracy-building efforts that went nowhere in the former Soviet Union. And we talk about what fills the vacuum when America steps back, with China building railroads and mines across Africa on loan terms that countries cannot repay.

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order pausing nearly all foreign aid. By July 1, USAID officially ceased to exist. More than 80 percent of its programs were terminated. Cliff describes the sadness of watching colleagues lose their pensions overnight, and a former staff member from Kyrgyzstan now working in a grocery store deli.

Clifford Brown is the author of Inside USAID: An Odyssey of Foreign Assistance. He writes at cliffordbrown.substack.com.

From the conversation:

"I felt like I was a mental prostitute. I had to think about somebody else's problem as an attorney, and the only reason I was thinking about it was they were paying me to think about it." -- Who Steps In When America Walks Away-

"Half a million jobs in Honduras from an onion experiment. 300 villages in Guatemala connected to electricity for a $30,000 investment. Shrimp, cantaloupe, flour, broccoli, all shipped to American groceries from industry that USAID helped create." -- Who Steps In When America Walks Away-

You might also like:

• Wrongfully Convicted: Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a ...

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

]]> Sun, 29 Mar 2026 19:01:37 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1655 Clifford Brown was a partner at a Beverly Hills law firm when he saw a newspaper ad that changed his life. He gave up most of his income, left his house over the ocean, and joined the U.S. Agency for International Development. For the next 27 years, he worked in Haiti, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Colombia, Kyrgyzstan, Guinea, and Peru.

In this conversation, Cliff describes bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan, a practice where young men abduct women and force them into marriage. His own wife's older sister was kidnapped. Later, after Cliff spoke out against high-level corruption involving electricity smuggling, his wife was abducted at gunpoint outside a hair salon in Bishkek.

We talk about what USAID actually did beyond humanitarian aid: creating agricultural industries that supplied American grocery stores, training accountants in post-Soviet states, building court systems across Latin America. A law called the Hickenlooper Law prohibited the agency from telling Americans about any of it.

Cliff spent twenty years fighting his own agency's lawyers over whether the U.S. government could fund translations of Quranic texts that prohibit suicide, to counter radical Islam after 9/11. The lawyers said no, citing excessive entanglement with religion. His argument: it's legal to fund a bullet but not a conversation about scripture. The Washington Post covered his case in 2009.

We discuss what USAID got wrong, including the failed counter-narcotics programs in Colombia and the democracy-building efforts that went nowhere in the former Soviet Union. And we talk about what fills the vacuum when America steps back, with China building railroads and mines across Africa on loan terms that countries cannot repay.

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order pausing nearly all foreign aid. By July 1, USAID officially ceased to exist. More than 80 percent of its programs were terminated. Cliff describes the sadness of watching colleagues lose their pensions overnight, and a former staff member from Kyrgyzstan now working in a grocery store deli.

Clifford Brown is the author of Inside USAID: An Odyssey of Foreign Assistance. He writes at cliffordbrown.substack.com.

From the conversation:

"I felt like I was a mental prostitute. I had to think about somebody else's problem as an attorney, and the only reason I was thinking about it was they were paying me to think about it." -- Who Steps In When America Walks Away-

"Half a million jobs in Honduras from an onion experiment. 300 villages in Guatemala connected to electricity for a $30,000 investment. Shrimp, cantaloupe, flour, broccoli, all shipped to American groceries from industry that USAID helped create." -- Who Steps In When America Walks Away-

You might also like:

• Wrongfully Convicted: Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a ...

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

]]> USAID, foreign aid, Clifford Brown, Inside USAID, bride kidnapping, Kyrgyzstan, soft power, China Africa, Plan Colombia, First Amendment, excessive entanglement, Hickenlooper Law, Trump USAID, DOGE, international development, American identity, foreign policy, US Agency for International Development, Central Asia, Guinea, corruption, democracy building, humanitarian aid No Your Heartbeat Can Convict You -- with Andrew Guthrie Ferguson 124 124 Your Heartbeat Can Convict You -- with Andrew Guthrie Ferguson full 2c5ad76d-904f-4f40-b6ee-c57a8d3aa1af https://share.transistor.fm/s/884cf818 A man's house catches fire. He tells police he ran through the flames saving his belongings. Then detectives pull the data from the pacemaker in his chest. His own heartbeat tells a different story.

Andrew Guthrie Ferguson is a professor of law at George Washington University Law School, a former public defender, and the author of Your Data Will Be Used Against You: Policing in the Age of Self-Surveillance. In this conversation, he walks us through the criminal cases, the legal gaps, and the surveillance infrastructure that most Americans don't know they've already built around themselves. We talk about Google search histories used as confessions, smart home cameras that become prosecution witnesses, Palantir's expanding role in immigration enforcement, and what happens when the definition of "criminal" shifts but the data trail stays the same.

Ferguson proposes something he calls the tyrant test: design your privacy protections by assuming the worst possible leader will have access to your data. He argues it's not a thought experiment. It's the logic the country was founded on.

Book: Your Data Will Be Used Against You (NYU Press)
https://nyupress.org/9781479838295/your-data-will-be-used-against-you/
Guest: Andrew Guthrie Ferguson, Professor of Law, George Washington University Law School

From the conversation:

"Everything you buy that is a smart device is a surveillance device. And what we've done is sort of build around us this network of smart devices that is revealing who we are and what we do." -- Your Heartbeat Can Convict You

"Your smart pacemaker, almost anything you create with data can be used against you in a court of law." -- Your Heartbeat Can Convict You

You might also like:

• Wrongfully Convicted: Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a ...

• Who should get the vaccine first? We didn’t know so we asked a phil...

• A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out.

]]> A man's house catches fire. He tells police he ran through the flames saving his belongings. Then detectives pull the data from the pacemaker in his chest. His own heartbeat tells a different story.

Andrew Guthrie Ferguson is a professor of law at George Washington University Law School, a former public defender, and the author of Your Data Will Be Used Against You: Policing in the Age of Self-Surveillance. In this conversation, he walks us through the criminal cases, the legal gaps, and the surveillance infrastructure that most Americans don't know they've already built around themselves. We talk about Google search histories used as confessions, smart home cameras that become prosecution witnesses, Palantir's expanding role in immigration enforcement, and what happens when the definition of "criminal" shifts but the data trail stays the same.

Ferguson proposes something he calls the tyrant test: design your privacy protections by assuming the worst possible leader will have access to your data. He argues it's not a thought experiment. It's the logic the country was founded on.

Book: Your Data Will Be Used Against You (NYU Press)
https://nyupress.org/9781479838295/your-data-will-be-used-against-you/
Guest: Andrew Guthrie Ferguson, Professor of Law, George Washington University Law School

From the conversation:

"Everything you buy that is a smart device is a surveillance device. And what we've done is sort of build around us this network of smart devices that is revealing who we are and what we do." -- Your Heartbeat Can Convict You

"Your smart pacemaker, almost anything you create with data can be used against you in a court of law." -- Your Heartbeat Can Convict You

You might also like:

• Wrongfully Convicted: Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a ...

• Who should get the vaccine first? We didn’t know so we asked a phil...

• A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out.

]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:59:26 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2195 A man's house catches fire. He tells police he ran through the flames saving his belongings. Then detectives pull the data from the pacemaker in his chest. His own heartbeat tells a different story.

Andrew Guthrie Ferguson is a professor of law at George Washington University Law School, a former public defender, and the author of Your Data Will Be Used Against You: Policing in the Age of Self-Surveillance. In this conversation, he walks us through the criminal cases, the legal gaps, and the surveillance infrastructure that most Americans don't know they've already built around themselves. We talk about Google search histories used as confessions, smart home cameras that become prosecution witnesses, Palantir's expanding role in immigration enforcement, and what happens when the definition of "criminal" shifts but the data trail stays the same.

Ferguson proposes something he calls the tyrant test: design your privacy protections by assuming the worst possible leader will have access to your data. He argues it's not a thought experiment. It's the logic the country was founded on.

Book: Your Data Will Be Used Against You (NYU Press)
https://nyupress.org/9781479838295/your-data-will-be-used-against-you/
Guest: Andrew Guthrie Ferguson, Professor of Law, George Washington University Law School

From the conversation:

"Everything you buy that is a smart device is a surveillance device. And what we've done is sort of build around us this network of smart devices that is revealing who we are and what we do." -- Your Heartbeat Can Convict You

"Your smart pacemaker, almost anything you create with data can be used against you in a court of law." -- Your Heartbeat Can Convict You

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• A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out.

]]> No A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out. -- with Eric Robinson 123 123 A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out. -- with Eric Robinson full d310c240-fe36-408b-9d65-e87097e38a7b https://share.transistor.fm/s/464643b7 Eric Robinson spent twelve years in Christian ministry before leaving the pulpit for the FBI. For twenty-four years, he served as a special agent and SWAT operator, working counterterrorism, human trafficking, crimes against children, and public corruption. He also raised two transgender children inside one of the most conservative law enforcement cultures in the country.
In this conversation, Eric talks about planting a church built on grace instead of judgment, why his two-year stress headache vanished the day the Bureau accepted him, and how buying a sandwich for a woman facing a trafficking charge helped him rescue a fifteen-year-old girl. He describes what his body did during a deadly force encounter, what his SWAT teammates said when he told them about his kids, and why he moved from "hate the sin, love the sinner" to just loving. We end with the Constitution, ICE, Christian nationalism, and whether the institution he gave his career to still resembles the one he joined.

Eric's book, Irreverend: From Saving Souls to Chasing Sinners in the FBI, comes out this fall.
Find Eric on LinkedIn
Follow Eric on Instagram

You might also like:

• The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America –...

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

• Toby Fraser - Men Explore Their Masculinity in Philadelphia

]]> Eric Robinson spent twelve years in Christian ministry before leaving the pulpit for the FBI. For twenty-four years, he served as a special agent and SWAT operator, working counterterrorism, human trafficking, crimes against children, and public corruption. He also raised two transgender children inside one of the most conservative law enforcement cultures in the country.
In this conversation, Eric talks about planting a church built on grace instead of judgment, why his two-year stress headache vanished the day the Bureau accepted him, and how buying a sandwich for a woman facing a trafficking charge helped him rescue a fifteen-year-old girl. He describes what his body did during a deadly force encounter, what his SWAT teammates said when he told them about his kids, and why he moved from "hate the sin, love the sinner" to just loving. We end with the Constitution, ICE, Christian nationalism, and whether the institution he gave his career to still resembles the one he joined.

Eric's book, Irreverend: From Saving Souls to Chasing Sinners in the FBI, comes out this fall.
Find Eric on LinkedIn
Follow Eric on Instagram

You might also like:

• The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America –...

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

• Toby Fraser - Men Explore Their Masculinity in Philadelphia

]]> Thu, 05 Mar 2026 21:19:25 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1982 Eric Robinson spent twelve years in Christian ministry before leaving the pulpit for the FBI. For twenty-four years, he served as a special agent and SWAT operator, working counterterrorism, human trafficking, crimes against children, and public corruption. He also raised two transgender children inside one of the most conservative law enforcement cultures in the country.
In this conversation, Eric talks about planting a church built on grace instead of judgment, why his two-year stress headache vanished the day the Bureau accepted him, and how buying a sandwich for a woman facing a trafficking charge helped him rescue a fifteen-year-old girl. He describes what his body did during a deadly force encounter, what his SWAT teammates said when he told them about his kids, and why he moved from "hate the sin, love the sinner" to just loving. We end with the Constitution, ICE, Christian nationalism, and whether the institution he gave his career to still resembles the one he joined.

Eric's book, Irreverend: From Saving Souls to Chasing Sinners in the FBI, comes out this fall.
Find Eric on LinkedIn
Follow Eric on Instagram

You might also like:

• The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America –...

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

• Toby Fraser - Men Explore Their Masculinity in Philadelphia

]]> No Delphine Horvilleur: "People Whisper to Me What They're Afraid to Say Out Loud" (in French) 122 122 Delphine Horvilleur: "People Whisper to Me What They're Afraid to Say Out Loud" (in French) full 0ac48139-e0d2-4882-8f09-45106b30a7ce https://share.transistor.fm/s/ac7b5210 Recorded on February 25th at the Alliance Francaise in New York, this special French-language episode features Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur in conversation with Emmanuel Saint-Martin at an event organized by French Morning. One of France's very few female rabbis and a bestselling author, Delphine opens up about the firestorm she faced after speaking out on Gaza, the death threats from both sides, the blind spots that trauma creates, and why the art of disagreement may be the most urgent skill of our time. She shares a stunning street encounter with an Iranian woman during the Israel-Iran war, reflects on the Talmudic roots of real debate, and answers a member of the audience who tells her directly: you lost me. Raw, personal, and deeply relevant to anyone trying to hold onto complexity in an era of noise.

Wiki Page

From the conversation:

"People whisper to me what they're afraid to say out loud—thank you for speaking what you think, but you dare not say it. This sentence makes me sick because we can no longer speak." -- Delphine Horvilleur- -People Whisper to Me What They're Afraid to Say Out Loud- (in French)

"The problem is not that we cannot speak, the problem is that we can no longer listen to where the other is when he speaks." -- Delphine Horvilleur- -People Whisper to Me What They're Afraid to Say Out Loud- (in French)

You might also like:

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

• The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America –...

• James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

]]> Recorded on February 25th at the Alliance Francaise in New York, this special French-language episode features Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur in conversation with Emmanuel Saint-Martin at an event organized by French Morning. One of France's very few female rabbis and a bestselling author, Delphine opens up about the firestorm she faced after speaking out on Gaza, the death threats from both sides, the blind spots that trauma creates, and why the art of disagreement may be the most urgent skill of our time. She shares a stunning street encounter with an Iranian woman during the Israel-Iran war, reflects on the Talmudic roots of real debate, and answers a member of the audience who tells her directly: you lost me. Raw, personal, and deeply relevant to anyone trying to hold onto complexity in an era of noise.

Wiki Page

From the conversation:

"People whisper to me what they're afraid to say out loud—thank you for speaking what you think, but you dare not say it. This sentence makes me sick because we can no longer speak." -- Delphine Horvilleur- -People Whisper to Me What They're Afraid to Say Out Loud- (in French)

"The problem is not that we cannot speak, the problem is that we can no longer listen to where the other is when he speaks." -- Delphine Horvilleur- -People Whisper to Me What They're Afraid to Say Out Loud- (in French)

You might also like:

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

• The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America –...

• James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

]]> Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:00:04 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 4040 Recorded on February 25th at the Alliance Francaise in New York, this special French-language episode features Rabbi Delphine Horvilleur in conversation with Emmanuel Saint-Martin at an event organized by French Morning. One of France's very few female rabbis and a bestselling author, Delphine opens up about the firestorm she faced after speaking out on Gaza, the death threats from both sides, the blind spots that trauma creates, and why the art of disagreement may be the most urgent skill of our time. She shares a stunning street encounter with an Iranian woman during the Israel-Iran war, reflects on the Talmudic roots of real debate, and answers a member of the audience who tells her directly: you lost me. Raw, personal, and deeply relevant to anyone trying to hold onto complexity in an era of noise.

Wiki Page

From the conversation:

"People whisper to me what they're afraid to say out loud—thank you for speaking what you think, but you dare not say it. This sentence makes me sick because we can no longer speak." -- Delphine Horvilleur- -People Whisper to Me What They're Afraid to Say Out Loud- (in French)

"The problem is not that we cannot speak, the problem is that we can no longer listen to where the other is when he speaks." -- Delphine Horvilleur- -People Whisper to Me What They're Afraid to Say Out Loud- (in French)

You might also like:

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

• The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America –...

• James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

]]> Delphine Horvilleur, rabbi, France, French rabbi, antisemitism, October 7, Gaza, Israel, dialogue, interreligious dialogue, Talmud, Jewish community, trauma, blind spots, free speech, self-censorship, silent majority, polarization, radicalism, social media, Kamel Daoud, French Morning, New York, Alliance Francaise, populism, nuance, conversation, debate, sionism, diaspora, French Jews No I'll Always Be French. Now I'm Also a US Citizen -- with Stan Berteloot 121 121 I'll Always Be French. Now I'm Also a US Citizen -- with Stan Berteloot full 70ea7654-c75d-4c07-a45d-7cd658c16c0f https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe6becfa A French teenager arrives in Iowa for a year as an exchange student. He falls in love. He spends the next 25 years in France building a career, a family, a life. Then in 2016, his wife gets a job offer in the US, and they move back with their three teenage daughters. What he discovers is that America changed, but more importantly, so did he.

This is the story of what makes America fundamentally different. It's the only country where you can truly become something new while keeping everything you were. You can't become French, no matter how hard you try or how long you stay. But you can become American. And that distinction changed everything for Stan.

In this episode of Back in America, Stan reflects on the gap between the America he remembered and the America he came back to. He talks about green cards and citizenship, about raising multicultural kids caught between two worlds, about voting for the first time, and about the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of something France could never offer: the chance to belong by choice rather than by bloodline.

If you've ever wondered what it actually takes to become a citizen, what you gain and what you keep, this conversation answers it.

What You'll Learn:

  • The difference between a Green Card and US citizenship (and why both matter)
  • What the naturalization process actually requires
  • How America's immigration model fundamentally differs from countries like France
  • Why Stan's journey proves that you can be two things at once

 You might also like:

• A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona: Tom Peine’s Unlikely Ame...

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• Carole Jury - 'La femme de...' se réinvente aux Etats-Unis et devie...

]]> A French teenager arrives in Iowa for a year as an exchange student. He falls in love. He spends the next 25 years in France building a career, a family, a life. Then in 2016, his wife gets a job offer in the US, and they move back with their three teenage daughters. What he discovers is that America changed, but more importantly, so did he.

This is the story of what makes America fundamentally different. It's the only country where you can truly become something new while keeping everything you were. You can't become French, no matter how hard you try or how long you stay. But you can become American. And that distinction changed everything for Stan.

In this episode of Back in America, Stan reflects on the gap between the America he remembered and the America he came back to. He talks about green cards and citizenship, about raising multicultural kids caught between two worlds, about voting for the first time, and about the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of something France could never offer: the chance to belong by choice rather than by bloodline.

If you've ever wondered what it actually takes to become a citizen, what you gain and what you keep, this conversation answers it.

What You'll Learn:

  • The difference between a Green Card and US citizenship (and why both matter)
  • What the naturalization process actually requires
  • How America's immigration model fundamentally differs from countries like France
  • Why Stan's journey proves that you can be two things at once

 You might also like:

• A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona: Tom Peine’s Unlikely Ame...

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• Carole Jury - 'La femme de...' se réinvente aux Etats-Unis et devie...

]]> Sun, 22 Feb 2026 19:48:47 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1901 A French teenager arrives in Iowa for a year as an exchange student. He falls in love. He spends the next 25 years in France building a career, a family, a life. Then in 2016, his wife gets a job offer in the US, and they move back with their three teenage daughters. What he discovers is that America changed, but more importantly, so did he.

This is the story of what makes America fundamentally different. It's the only country where you can truly become something new while keeping everything you were. You can't become French, no matter how hard you try or how long you stay. But you can become American. And that distinction changed everything for Stan.

In this episode of Back in America, Stan reflects on the gap between the America he remembered and the America he came back to. He talks about green cards and citizenship, about raising multicultural kids caught between two worlds, about voting for the first time, and about the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of something France could never offer: the chance to belong by choice rather than by bloodline.

If you've ever wondered what it actually takes to become a citizen, what you gain and what you keep, this conversation answers it.

What You'll Learn:

  • The difference between a Green Card and US citizenship (and why both matter)
  • What the naturalization process actually requires
  • How America's immigration model fundamentally differs from countries like France
  • Why Stan's journey proves that you can be two things at once

 You might also like:

• A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona: Tom Peine’s Unlikely Ame...

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• Carole Jury - 'La femme de...' se réinvente aux Etats-Unis et devie...

]]> us citizenship, america, green card, immigration, usa, france, iowa, DC No "They Thought I Was White on the Phone": From Shoe Shiner to Master Craftsman -- with Norman Randolph 120 120 "They Thought I Was White on the Phone": From Shoe Shiner to Master Craftsman -- with Norman Randolph full 3ce67fa4-ef52-49ca-8246-96e830cb09cb https://share.transistor.fm/s/b5719e51 "What we take for granted is opportunity. Opportunity is just the door being open. Once it's open, you're going to have challenges. But the door is open."

Meet Norman Randolph, from Randolph's Shoe Care Service in Hightstown, New Jersey, the man who sees your soul through your shoes. From repairing a diabetic woman's shoes in an emergency to navigating racial perceptions in corporate offices, this episode explores the life of a man who built a legacy with his hands.

In this episode:

Why the condition of your heels reveals your personality.

How he turned a 70/30 split with dry cleaners into a passive income empire.

The incredible story of the "Gumball Machine" that proved humanity transcends class.

Why "Old School" responsibility is the only marketing strategy you need.

An episode for anyone who wants to know what it takes to walk through the door when it finally opens. 

From the conversation:

"Nine out of every ten shoes that I've shined needed some type of repair, so I thought this would be a good idea for convenience to have one stop." -- "They Thought I Was White on the Phone"- From Shoe Shiner to Master Craftsman

"I'm old school. I believe in responsibility, integrity. We honor our work that comes back within a reasonable time and I'll even clean it back up and return it to them." -- "They Thought I Was White on the Phone"- From Shoe Shiner to Master Craftsman

You might also like:

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Listen again: Eric Marsh - Being a Black man today in America

]]> "What we take for granted is opportunity. Opportunity is just the door being open. Once it's open, you're going to have challenges. But the door is open."

Meet Norman Randolph, from Randolph's Shoe Care Service in Hightstown, New Jersey, the man who sees your soul through your shoes. From repairing a diabetic woman's shoes in an emergency to navigating racial perceptions in corporate offices, this episode explores the life of a man who built a legacy with his hands.

In this episode:

Why the condition of your heels reveals your personality.

How he turned a 70/30 split with dry cleaners into a passive income empire.

The incredible story of the "Gumball Machine" that proved humanity transcends class.

Why "Old School" responsibility is the only marketing strategy you need.

An episode for anyone who wants to know what it takes to walk through the door when it finally opens. 

From the conversation:

"Nine out of every ten shoes that I've shined needed some type of repair, so I thought this would be a good idea for convenience to have one stop." -- "They Thought I Was White on the Phone"- From Shoe Shiner to Master Craftsman

"I'm old school. I believe in responsibility, integrity. We honor our work that comes back within a reasonable time and I'll even clean it back up and return it to them." -- "They Thought I Was White on the Phone"- From Shoe Shiner to Master Craftsman

You might also like:

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Listen again: Eric Marsh - Being a Black man today in America

]]> Sun, 28 Dec 2025 16:46:21 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1740 "What we take for granted is opportunity. Opportunity is just the door being open. Once it's open, you're going to have challenges. But the door is open."

Meet Norman Randolph, from Randolph's Shoe Care Service in Hightstown, New Jersey, the man who sees your soul through your shoes. From repairing a diabetic woman's shoes in an emergency to navigating racial perceptions in corporate offices, this episode explores the life of a man who built a legacy with his hands.

In this episode:

Why the condition of your heels reveals your personality.

How he turned a 70/30 split with dry cleaners into a passive income empire.

The incredible story of the "Gumball Machine" that proved humanity transcends class.

Why "Old School" responsibility is the only marketing strategy you need.

An episode for anyone who wants to know what it takes to walk through the door when it finally opens. 

From the conversation:

"Nine out of every ten shoes that I've shined needed some type of repair, so I thought this would be a good idea for convenience to have one stop." -- "They Thought I Was White on the Phone"- From Shoe Shiner to Master Craftsman

"I'm old school. I believe in responsibility, integrity. We honor our work that comes back within a reasonable time and I'll even clean it back up and return it to them." -- "They Thought I Was White on the Phone"- From Shoe Shiner to Master Craftsman

You might also like:

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Listen again: Eric Marsh - Being a Black man today in America

]]> No Can Europe Catch Up in Tech? Oliver Coste Says Change This Law 119 119 Can Europe Catch Up in Tech? Oliver Coste Says Change This Law full 03dbd229-2ff9-41d7-a2bd-d2dbd7db6499 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c8a8602c Recorded live in New York City, this Back in America conversation goes straight at a taboo: employment protection for highly paid engineers. Tech entrepreneur and author Oliver Coste argues that strict dismissal rules in countries like France and Germany make it slow and costly to stop failing projects, which blocks the pivots that fuel disruptive innovation.


Coste contrasts Meta’s rapid post–ChatGPT restructuring with SAP’s constraints, explains why Europe dominates incremental industries but lags in high-failure-rate tech, and lays out a flexicurity fix modeled on Denmark and Switzerland. We dig into profit dynamics, brain drain myths, and what happens to Europe’s economy by 2030 if nothing changes.


If you care about Europe’s next decade, this one is blunt, data-driven, and hard to ignore.

From the conversation:

"Every single disruptive innovation that has appeared since 75 is American or Chinese. And there's one piece of law that each country should change: the condition of dismissal, what is called technically employment protection laws." -- Can Europe Catch Up in Tech- Oliver Coste Says Change This Law

"When you want to let 1000 engineers go in Germany, it takes four years in average. The consequence is that you don't accelerate. You don't take speed. You don't go on risky roads." -- Can Europe Catch Up in Tech- Oliver Coste Says Change This Law

You might also like:

• Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters: ...

• AI in Education: A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and ...

• World Correspondence Chess Champion Jon Edwards on Playing Alongsid...

]]> Recorded live in New York City, this Back in America conversation goes straight at a taboo: employment protection for highly paid engineers. Tech entrepreneur and author Oliver Coste argues that strict dismissal rules in countries like France and Germany make it slow and costly to stop failing projects, which blocks the pivots that fuel disruptive innovation.


Coste contrasts Meta’s rapid post–ChatGPT restructuring with SAP’s constraints, explains why Europe dominates incremental industries but lags in high-failure-rate tech, and lays out a flexicurity fix modeled on Denmark and Switzerland. We dig into profit dynamics, brain drain myths, and what happens to Europe’s economy by 2030 if nothing changes.


If you care about Europe’s next decade, this one is blunt, data-driven, and hard to ignore.

From the conversation:

"Every single disruptive innovation that has appeared since 75 is American or Chinese. And there's one piece of law that each country should change: the condition of dismissal, what is called technically employment protection laws." -- Can Europe Catch Up in Tech- Oliver Coste Says Change This Law

"When you want to let 1000 engineers go in Germany, it takes four years in average. The consequence is that you don't accelerate. You don't take speed. You don't go on risky roads." -- Can Europe Catch Up in Tech- Oliver Coste Says Change This Law

You might also like:

• Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters: ...

• AI in Education: A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and ...

• World Correspondence Chess Champion Jon Edwards on Playing Alongsid...

]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2355 Recorded live in New York City, this Back in America conversation goes straight at a taboo: employment protection for highly paid engineers. Tech entrepreneur and author Oliver Coste argues that strict dismissal rules in countries like France and Germany make it slow and costly to stop failing projects, which blocks the pivots that fuel disruptive innovation.


Coste contrasts Meta’s rapid post–ChatGPT restructuring with SAP’s constraints, explains why Europe dominates incremental industries but lags in high-failure-rate tech, and lays out a flexicurity fix modeled on Denmark and Switzerland. We dig into profit dynamics, brain drain myths, and what happens to Europe’s economy by 2030 if nothing changes.


If you care about Europe’s next decade, this one is blunt, data-driven, and hard to ignore.

From the conversation:

"Every single disruptive innovation that has appeared since 75 is American or Chinese. And there's one piece of law that each country should change: the condition of dismissal, what is called technically employment protection laws." -- Can Europe Catch Up in Tech- Oliver Coste Says Change This Law

"When you want to let 1000 engineers go in Germany, it takes four years in average. The consequence is that you don't accelerate. You don't take speed. You don't go on risky roads." -- Can Europe Catch Up in Tech- Oliver Coste Says Change This Law

You might also like:

• Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters: ...

• AI in Education: A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and ...

• World Correspondence Chess Champion Jon Edwards on Playing Alongsid...

]]> Oliver Coste, European innovation, tech disruption, labor laws, employment protection, European economy, AI and innovation, startup ecosystem Europe, flexicurity, economic reform, entrepreneurship in Europe, SAP, Meta, ChatGPT, tech policy, Back in America podcast, Stan Berteloot, disruptive innovation, Europe vs US, China tech rise, future of work, productivity gap, venture capital Europe, R&D investment, industrial policy, European tech giants No World Correspondence Chess Champion Jon Edwards on Playing Alongside AI and the Search for Truth 118 118 World Correspondence Chess Champion Jon Edwards on Playing Alongside AI and the Search for Truth full 25d7f984-264c-48e9-83ec-016047e15850 https://share.transistor.fm/s/65515c13 Dr. Jon Edwards, ICCF Grandmaster and the 32nd World Correspondence Chess Champion, lays out how elite players win by working alongside AI. He explains why openings run on massive databases, how seven piece tablebases end many debates, and where humans still outplay engines in long, fixed pawn structures. Edwards walks through a months long plan to shift a single pawn, the kind of patient maneuvering neural nets miss.
He shares the tech behind his home server, training custom neural nets on top correspondence games, and using ChessBase with open databases.
We talk Princeton, Bell Labs, and a Sicilian idea that jumped from correspondence boards to classical prep. Edwards closes with fast learning tactics, why a broad liberal arts education still matters in the AI era, and a clear stance on truth in a noisy world.

Wikipedia
 Teach Yourself Visually Chess 

You might also like:

• AI in Education: A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and ...

• SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T.

• The Promise of a Better Human: James Clement on our Transhuman futures

]]> Dr. Jon Edwards, ICCF Grandmaster and the 32nd World Correspondence Chess Champion, lays out how elite players win by working alongside AI. He explains why openings run on massive databases, how seven piece tablebases end many debates, and where humans still outplay engines in long, fixed pawn structures. Edwards walks through a months long plan to shift a single pawn, the kind of patient maneuvering neural nets miss.
He shares the tech behind his home server, training custom neural nets on top correspondence games, and using ChessBase with open databases.
We talk Princeton, Bell Labs, and a Sicilian idea that jumped from correspondence boards to classical prep. Edwards closes with fast learning tactics, why a broad liberal arts education still matters in the AI era, and a clear stance on truth in a noisy world.

Wikipedia
 Teach Yourself Visually Chess 

You might also like:

• AI in Education: A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and ...

• SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T.

• The Promise of a Better Human: James Clement on our Transhuman futures

]]> Tue, 04 Nov 2025 22:03:10 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1378 Dr. Jon Edwards, ICCF Grandmaster and the 32nd World Correspondence Chess Champion, lays out how elite players win by working alongside AI. He explains why openings run on massive databases, how seven piece tablebases end many debates, and where humans still outplay engines in long, fixed pawn structures. Edwards walks through a months long plan to shift a single pawn, the kind of patient maneuvering neural nets miss.
He shares the tech behind his home server, training custom neural nets on top correspondence games, and using ChessBase with open databases.
We talk Princeton, Bell Labs, and a Sicilian idea that jumped from correspondence boards to classical prep. Edwards closes with fast learning tactics, why a broad liberal arts education still matters in the AI era, and a clear stance on truth in a noisy world.

Wikipedia
 Teach Yourself Visually Chess 

You might also like:

• AI in Education: A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and ...

• SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T.

• The Promise of a Better Human: James Clement on our Transhuman futures

]]> correspondence chess, ICCF, chess engines, neural networks, ChessBase, opening theory, endgame tablebases, Princeton. No The WWII Fugitive Who Became King of a Headhunter Tribe -- with Brendan I. Koerner 117 117 The WWII Fugitive Who Became King of a Headhunter Tribe -- with Brendan I. Koerner full ef0179c2-3020-4be6-9112-6c6572a26cb1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f58597c5 In 1944, a young Black GI shot a white lieutenant on the Ledo Road—and vanished. Months later, Herman Perry reappeared deep in the Indo-Burma jungle, living with a Naga headhunter village, married to the chief’s daughter, speaking the language, and rumored as the “jungle king.” Journalist Brendan I. Koerner, author of Now the Hell Will Start, retraces the greatest manhunt of World War II and the system that pushed Perry to the brink: segregated units, brutal stockades, disease, drugs, and a boondoggle road project that washed away within a year.


We dig into how a footnote sent Koerner across archives and mountains—FOIA files, an MP’s long-lost booklet, and a journey along the remains of the Ledo Road. He explains Perry’s mental collapse, his improbable reinvention among the Naga, the Army’s relentless pursuit, and the execution that followed. We also talk about Spike Lee’s option of the book, the missing child Perry fathered in the hills, and what this story reveals about America—race, authority, and who pays for decisions made far from the ground.


If you’re into WWII true crime, untold Black military history, and field reporting that smells of mud, opium, and monsoon, this one pulls you upriver.



Follow, rate, and share with anyone who thinks they’ve already heard every WWII story. They haven’t.

From the conversation:

"These very young men, mostly teenagers, they get on this ship in New Jersey and they go down underneath the deck and they barely see the sun for weeks and weeks." -- The WWII Fugitive Who Became King of a Headhunter Tribe

"He basically had a mental health breakdown. He'd say, I'm not going back to the stockade, and unfortunately this lieutenant is following him and Perry shoots him in the chest and kills him." -- The WWII Fugitive Who Became King of a Headhunter Tribe

You might also like:

• Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Diving on Shipwrec...

• Listen again: Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Divi...

• Wrongfully Convicted: Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a ...

]]> In 1944, a young Black GI shot a white lieutenant on the Ledo Road—and vanished. Months later, Herman Perry reappeared deep in the Indo-Burma jungle, living with a Naga headhunter village, married to the chief’s daughter, speaking the language, and rumored as the “jungle king.” Journalist Brendan I. Koerner, author of Now the Hell Will Start, retraces the greatest manhunt of World War II and the system that pushed Perry to the brink: segregated units, brutal stockades, disease, drugs, and a boondoggle road project that washed away within a year.


We dig into how a footnote sent Koerner across archives and mountains—FOIA files, an MP’s long-lost booklet, and a journey along the remains of the Ledo Road. He explains Perry’s mental collapse, his improbable reinvention among the Naga, the Army’s relentless pursuit, and the execution that followed. We also talk about Spike Lee’s option of the book, the missing child Perry fathered in the hills, and what this story reveals about America—race, authority, and who pays for decisions made far from the ground.


If you’re into WWII true crime, untold Black military history, and field reporting that smells of mud, opium, and monsoon, this one pulls you upriver.



Follow, rate, and share with anyone who thinks they’ve already heard every WWII story. They haven’t.

From the conversation:

"These very young men, mostly teenagers, they get on this ship in New Jersey and they go down underneath the deck and they barely see the sun for weeks and weeks." -- The WWII Fugitive Who Became King of a Headhunter Tribe

"He basically had a mental health breakdown. He'd say, I'm not going back to the stockade, and unfortunately this lieutenant is following him and Perry shoots him in the chest and kills him." -- The WWII Fugitive Who Became King of a Headhunter Tribe

You might also like:

• Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Diving on Shipwrec...

• Listen again: Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Divi...

• Wrongfully Convicted: Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a ...

]]> Sat, 25 Oct 2025 18:11:01 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1970 In 1944, a young Black GI shot a white lieutenant on the Ledo Road—and vanished. Months later, Herman Perry reappeared deep in the Indo-Burma jungle, living with a Naga headhunter village, married to the chief’s daughter, speaking the language, and rumored as the “jungle king.” Journalist Brendan I. Koerner, author of Now the Hell Will Start, retraces the greatest manhunt of World War II and the system that pushed Perry to the brink: segregated units, brutal stockades, disease, drugs, and a boondoggle road project that washed away within a year.


We dig into how a footnote sent Koerner across archives and mountains—FOIA files, an MP’s long-lost booklet, and a journey along the remains of the Ledo Road. He explains Perry’s mental collapse, his improbable reinvention among the Naga, the Army’s relentless pursuit, and the execution that followed. We also talk about Spike Lee’s option of the book, the missing child Perry fathered in the hills, and what this story reveals about America—race, authority, and who pays for decisions made far from the ground.


If you’re into WWII true crime, untold Black military history, and field reporting that smells of mud, opium, and monsoon, this one pulls you upriver.



Follow, rate, and share with anyone who thinks they’ve already heard every WWII story. They haven’t.

From the conversation:

"These very young men, mostly teenagers, they get on this ship in New Jersey and they go down underneath the deck and they barely see the sun for weeks and weeks." -- The WWII Fugitive Who Became King of a Headhunter Tribe

"He basically had a mental health breakdown. He'd say, I'm not going back to the stockade, and unfortunately this lieutenant is following him and Perry shoots him in the chest and kills him." -- The WWII Fugitive Who Became King of a Headhunter Tribe

You might also like:

• Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Diving on Shipwrec...

• Listen again: Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Divi...

• Wrongfully Convicted: Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a ...

]]> Herman Perry, Brendan I. Koerner, Now the Hell Will Start, Ledo Road, Naga headhunters, World War II, CBI Theater (China-Burma-India), U.S. Army segregation, military manhunt, Assam, Burma/Myanmar, Lake of No Return, FOIA, Spike Lee, “jungle king,” Black soldiers in WWII, Indo-Burma jungle, Tagap/Tag Ga village, mental health in war No AI in Education: Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and Human Judgment -- with Shahid Khalil 116 116 AI in Education: Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and Human Judgment -- with Shahid Khalil full 502593b8-e644-48d5-ac9a-d734f9a2b630 https://share.transistor.fm/s/910decb0 Is our education system ready for AI—or still grading with yesterday’s rules? In this episode of Back in America, Stan talks with Shahid, an award-winning fractional CTO and CISO with 35+ years in regulated industries, from medical devices to federal health tech. He argues that AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a colleague, a co-student, and a force multiplier—if teachers and teams learn context engineering and treat AI as a companion.


We dig into:


  • AI in education: hyper-personalized learning, teacher workflows, and why schools must let students “pair program” with AI.
  • Hiring in the AI era: why entry-level jobs are shrinking, how juniors can win by mastering prompts and fundamentals, and the risk of skipping a generation of talent.
  • Safety and ethics: lessons from life-or-death medical device software, where reliability, empathy, and human oversight matter.
  • Parents & teachers: practical ways to co-work with AI without abdicating judgment.


Clear take: AI can elevate learning and work—if humans stay in the loop and standards stay high.

From the conversation:

"AI is not just a tool for education—it's an educator and almost a co-student that teachers must use to teach at a hyper-personalized level." -- AI in Education- A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and Human Judgment

"If you're bad at coding, AI makes you a hundred times worse. You don't know what you don't know, and that's the fundamental problem for juniors." -- AI in Education- A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and Human Judgment

You might also like:

• AI Bias and Education: Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech wit...

• World Correspondence Chess Champion Jon Edwards on Playing Alongsid...

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

]]> Is our education system ready for AI—or still grading with yesterday’s rules? In this episode of Back in America, Stan talks with Shahid, an award-winning fractional CTO and CISO with 35+ years in regulated industries, from medical devices to federal health tech. He argues that AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a colleague, a co-student, and a force multiplier—if teachers and teams learn context engineering and treat AI as a companion.


We dig into:


  • AI in education: hyper-personalized learning, teacher workflows, and why schools must let students “pair program” with AI.
  • Hiring in the AI era: why entry-level jobs are shrinking, how juniors can win by mastering prompts and fundamentals, and the risk of skipping a generation of talent.
  • Safety and ethics: lessons from life-or-death medical device software, where reliability, empathy, and human oversight matter.
  • Parents & teachers: practical ways to co-work with AI without abdicating judgment.


Clear take: AI can elevate learning and work—if humans stay in the loop and standards stay high.

From the conversation:

"AI is not just a tool for education—it's an educator and almost a co-student that teachers must use to teach at a hyper-personalized level." -- AI in Education- A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and Human Judgment

"If you're bad at coding, AI makes you a hundred times worse. You don't know what you don't know, and that's the fundamental problem for juniors." -- AI in Education- A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and Human Judgment

You might also like:

• AI Bias and Education: Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech wit...

• World Correspondence Chess Champion Jon Edwards on Playing Alongsid...

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

]]> Sun, 12 Oct 2025 16:28:12 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1842 Is our education system ready for AI—or still grading with yesterday’s rules? In this episode of Back in America, Stan talks with Shahid, an award-winning fractional CTO and CISO with 35+ years in regulated industries, from medical devices to federal health tech. He argues that AI isn’t just a tool; it’s a colleague, a co-student, and a force multiplier—if teachers and teams learn context engineering and treat AI as a companion.


We dig into:


  • AI in education: hyper-personalized learning, teacher workflows, and why schools must let students “pair program” with AI.
  • Hiring in the AI era: why entry-level jobs are shrinking, how juniors can win by mastering prompts and fundamentals, and the risk of skipping a generation of talent.
  • Safety and ethics: lessons from life-or-death medical device software, where reliability, empathy, and human oversight matter.
  • Parents & teachers: practical ways to co-work with AI without abdicating judgment.


Clear take: AI can elevate learning and work—if humans stay in the loop and standards stay high.

From the conversation:

"AI is not just a tool for education—it's an educator and almost a co-student that teachers must use to teach at a hyper-personalized level." -- AI in Education- A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and Human Judgment

"If you're bad at coding, AI makes you a hundred times worse. You don't know what you don't know, and that's the fundamental problem for juniors." -- AI in Education- A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and Human Judgment

You might also like:

• AI Bias and Education: Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech wit...

• World Correspondence Chess Champion Jon Edwards on Playing Alongsid...

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

]]> AI in education, artificial intelligence, edtech, future of work, coding, context engineering, generative AI, hiring and skills, STEM education, technology ethics, human judgment, fractional CTO, machine learning, parenting and AI, teaching with AI, Back in America podcast No Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing? Press Freedom and AI with Clayton Weimers of RSF USA 115 115 Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing? Press Freedom and AI with Clayton Weimers of RSF USA full 87b37995-cf84-4153-afd5-63d26ade6f48 https://share.transistor.fm/s/19c307a3 In this episode of Back in America, I sit down with Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) USA, to talk about the state of press freedom in America and beyond. From the decline of local journalism to the rise of AI in newsrooms, we explore the paradox of living in an age of information abundance while losing access to trustworthy reporting.

Clayton explains why the U.S. now ranks 57th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, how economic pressures are creating “news deserts” across the nation, and why trust in journalism continues to erode. We also discuss the role of citizen journalism, podcasts, and independent newsletters in reshaping the media landscape.

The conversation touches on broader themes that Back in America often explores: the fight against disinformation, the legacy of democratic ideals, and the tension between freedom of expression and corporate or political power.

World Press Freedom Index 2025: over half the world's population in red zones
https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index-2025-over-half-worlds-population-red-zones

Americans remain concerned about press freedoms, but partisan views have flipped since 2024
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/04/24/americans-remain-concerned-about-press-freedoms-but-partisan-views-have-flipped-since-2024/

Revitalizing America’s News Deserts
https://progressive.org/magazine/revitalizing-americas-news-deserts-pickard/

From the conversation:

"If you are not willing to be in the business of defending press freedom, you shouldn't be in the news business at all." -- Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing- Press Freedom and AI with Clayton Weimers of RSF USA

"70 million Americans live in what we call news deserts, with little or no access to local news." -- Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing- Press Freedom and AI with Clayton Weimers of RSF USA

You might also like:

• Rewriting the American Dream: Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the P...

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

]]> In this episode of Back in America, I sit down with Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) USA, to talk about the state of press freedom in America and beyond. From the decline of local journalism to the rise of AI in newsrooms, we explore the paradox of living in an age of information abundance while losing access to trustworthy reporting.

Clayton explains why the U.S. now ranks 57th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, how economic pressures are creating “news deserts” across the nation, and why trust in journalism continues to erode. We also discuss the role of citizen journalism, podcasts, and independent newsletters in reshaping the media landscape.

The conversation touches on broader themes that Back in America often explores: the fight against disinformation, the legacy of democratic ideals, and the tension between freedom of expression and corporate or political power.

World Press Freedom Index 2025: over half the world's population in red zones
https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index-2025-over-half-worlds-population-red-zones

Americans remain concerned about press freedoms, but partisan views have flipped since 2024
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/04/24/americans-remain-concerned-about-press-freedoms-but-partisan-views-have-flipped-since-2024/

Revitalizing America’s News Deserts
https://progressive.org/magazine/revitalizing-americas-news-deserts-pickard/

From the conversation:

"If you are not willing to be in the business of defending press freedom, you shouldn't be in the news business at all." -- Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing- Press Freedom and AI with Clayton Weimers of RSF USA

"70 million Americans live in what we call news deserts, with little or no access to local news." -- Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing- Press Freedom and AI with Clayton Weimers of RSF USA

You might also like:

• Rewriting the American Dream: Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the P...

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

]]> Wed, 10 Sep 2025 01:05:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1828 In this episode of Back in America, I sit down with Clayton Weimers, Executive Director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) USA, to talk about the state of press freedom in America and beyond. From the decline of local journalism to the rise of AI in newsrooms, we explore the paradox of living in an age of information abundance while losing access to trustworthy reporting.

Clayton explains why the U.S. now ranks 57th out of 180 countries on the World Press Freedom Index, how economic pressures are creating “news deserts” across the nation, and why trust in journalism continues to erode. We also discuss the role of citizen journalism, podcasts, and independent newsletters in reshaping the media landscape.

The conversation touches on broader themes that Back in America often explores: the fight against disinformation, the legacy of democratic ideals, and the tension between freedom of expression and corporate or political power.

World Press Freedom Index 2025: over half the world's population in red zones
https://rsf.org/en/world-press-freedom-index-2025-over-half-worlds-population-red-zones

Americans remain concerned about press freedoms, but partisan views have flipped since 2024
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/04/24/americans-remain-concerned-about-press-freedoms-but-partisan-views-have-flipped-since-2024/

Revitalizing America’s News Deserts
https://progressive.org/magazine/revitalizing-americas-news-deserts-pickard/

From the conversation:

"If you are not willing to be in the business of defending press freedom, you shouldn't be in the news business at all." -- Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing- Press Freedom and AI with Clayton Weimers of RSF USA

"70 million Americans live in what we call news deserts, with little or no access to local news." -- Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing- Press Freedom and AI with Clayton Weimers of RSF USA

You might also like:

• Rewriting the American Dream: Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the P...

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

]]> journalism, press freedom, america, ai, disinformation, news, mainstream media, rsf No Wrongfully Convicted: Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a Crime He Didn’t Commit 114 114 Wrongfully Convicted: Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a Crime He Didn’t Commit full e9ad214f-2ab7-4b03-ae97-ba91c1a15fdf https://share.transistor.fm/s/e787aede “Leave all your hope, family, and dreams behind.” That’s the banner Darryl Burton saw when he first walked into Missouri State Penitentiary—infamously known as the “bloodiest 47 acres in America.” He was 22. He was innocent.


In this episode of Back in America, Darryl shares his extraordinary story: how a false accusation, coached jailhouse informants, and prosecutorial misconduct stole nearly 25 years of his life. With no DNA, no weapon, no motive—and no justice—Darryl was sentenced to life without parole for a crime he didn’t commit.


Thanks to the relentless efforts of Princeton, NJ, based Centurion, the pioneering innocence organization, Darryl was finally exonerated. But his story didn’t end there.


He founded Miracle of Innocence, a nonprofit helping other wrongfully convicted individuals reclaim their lives—legally, emotionally, and spiritually. As Darryl says, “It’s a miracle to get out of prison. Now, we work to create more miracles.”


Contact & Support


Books that Inspired Darryl in Prison

  • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
  • The Autobiography of Malcolm X
  • Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
  • Stride Toward Freedom by Martin Luther King Jr.
  • The Bible — especially Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

From the conversation:

"I thought it would take 24 hours. I never dreamed it would turn into more than 24 years." -- Wrongfully Convicted- Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a Crime He Didn’t Commit

"When I went inside of that prison, it was a huge banner. It said, welcome, leave all your hope, family and dreams behind." -- Wrongfully Convicted- Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a Crime He Didn’t Commit

You might also like:

• Who Steps In When America Walks Away?

• Your Heartbeat Can Convict You

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

]]> “Leave all your hope, family, and dreams behind.” That’s the banner Darryl Burton saw when he first walked into Missouri State Penitentiary—infamously known as the “bloodiest 47 acres in America.” He was 22. He was innocent.


In this episode of Back in America, Darryl shares his extraordinary story: how a false accusation, coached jailhouse informants, and prosecutorial misconduct stole nearly 25 years of his life. With no DNA, no weapon, no motive—and no justice—Darryl was sentenced to life without parole for a crime he didn’t commit.


Thanks to the relentless efforts of Princeton, NJ, based Centurion, the pioneering innocence organization, Darryl was finally exonerated. But his story didn’t end there.


He founded Miracle of Innocence, a nonprofit helping other wrongfully convicted individuals reclaim their lives—legally, emotionally, and spiritually. As Darryl says, “It’s a miracle to get out of prison. Now, we work to create more miracles.”


Contact & Support


Books that Inspired Darryl in Prison

  • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
  • The Autobiography of Malcolm X
  • Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
  • Stride Toward Freedom by Martin Luther King Jr.
  • The Bible — especially Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

From the conversation:

"I thought it would take 24 hours. I never dreamed it would turn into more than 24 years." -- Wrongfully Convicted- Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a Crime He Didn’t Commit

"When I went inside of that prison, it was a huge banner. It said, welcome, leave all your hope, family and dreams behind." -- Wrongfully Convicted- Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a Crime He Didn’t Commit

You might also like:

• Who Steps In When America Walks Away?

• Your Heartbeat Can Convict You

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

]]> Sun, 04 May 2025 11:16:47 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2327 “Leave all your hope, family, and dreams behind.” That’s the banner Darryl Burton saw when he first walked into Missouri State Penitentiary—infamously known as the “bloodiest 47 acres in America.” He was 22. He was innocent.


In this episode of Back in America, Darryl shares his extraordinary story: how a false accusation, coached jailhouse informants, and prosecutorial misconduct stole nearly 25 years of his life. With no DNA, no weapon, no motive—and no justice—Darryl was sentenced to life without parole for a crime he didn’t commit.


Thanks to the relentless efforts of Princeton, NJ, based Centurion, the pioneering innocence organization, Darryl was finally exonerated. But his story didn’t end there.


He founded Miracle of Innocence, a nonprofit helping other wrongfully convicted individuals reclaim their lives—legally, emotionally, and spiritually. As Darryl says, “It’s a miracle to get out of prison. Now, we work to create more miracles.”


Contact & Support


Books that Inspired Darryl in Prison

  • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
  • The Autobiography of Malcolm X
  • Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
  • Stride Toward Freedom by Martin Luther King Jr.
  • The Bible — especially Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

From the conversation:

"I thought it would take 24 hours. I never dreamed it would turn into more than 24 years." -- Wrongfully Convicted- Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a Crime He Didn’t Commit

"When I went inside of that prison, it was a huge banner. It said, welcome, leave all your hope, family and dreams behind." -- Wrongfully Convicted- Darryl Burton Spent 24 Years in Prison for a Crime He Didn’t Commit

You might also like:

• Who Steps In When America Walks Away?

• Your Heartbeat Can Convict You

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

]]> wrongful conviction, innocent man in prison, Darryl Burton, Missouri State Penitentiary, jailhouse informant, exoneration story, life sentence overturned, Centurion Innocence Project, Miracle of Innocence, American justice system, criminal justice reform, racial injustice in America, Black man wrongfully convicted, prison survival, faith and redemption, prison exoneration, fighting for innocence, US incarceration rate, prison reform nonprofit, innocence advocacy, Viktor Frankl Man’s Search for Meaning, Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom, The Bible Luke 23:34, Martin Luther King Stride Toward Freedom, Malcolm X autobiography, No James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can't 'Just Move On' -- with Prof. Maurice Wallace 113 113 James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can't 'Just Move On' -- with Prof. Maurice Wallace full ec9f41d5-3a03-464a-b5ac-e994a4143a86 https://share.transistor.fm/s/96e63306 In this episode, Stan speaks with Prof. Maurice Wallace of Rutgers University about the enduring impact of James Baldwin, the evolution of Black American vernacular, and the complex relationship America has with its history of slavery and race. Prof. Wallace explores Baldwin’s profound influence on his own academic journey, how language and sound shape Black cultural identity, and why America continues to struggle with the legacy of emancipation, mass incarceration, and systemic inequality.


Through insights into literature, photography, and the “Black modernist soundscape,” this conversation reveals deeper truths about America’s culture, values, and identity.


Recommended reading from Prof. Wallace:

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander


Listen and subscribe to explore what makes America, America

From the conversation:

"It is convenient and easy to urge us all to move on. Every effort to move on will nevertheless remain haunted by the memory of a certain crime against humanity we'd love to pretend to be innocent in relationship to." -- James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

"Slavery is an extreme manifestation of a very American way of mismanaging power. If we don't learn other ways of managing power, we're doomed to keep repeating it." -- James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

You might also like:

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Listen again: Eric Marsh - Being a Black man today in America

]]> In this episode, Stan speaks with Prof. Maurice Wallace of Rutgers University about the enduring impact of James Baldwin, the evolution of Black American vernacular, and the complex relationship America has with its history of slavery and race. Prof. Wallace explores Baldwin’s profound influence on his own academic journey, how language and sound shape Black cultural identity, and why America continues to struggle with the legacy of emancipation, mass incarceration, and systemic inequality.


Through insights into literature, photography, and the “Black modernist soundscape,” this conversation reveals deeper truths about America’s culture, values, and identity.


Recommended reading from Prof. Wallace:

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander


Listen and subscribe to explore what makes America, America

From the conversation:

"It is convenient and easy to urge us all to move on. Every effort to move on will nevertheless remain haunted by the memory of a certain crime against humanity we'd love to pretend to be innocent in relationship to." -- James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

"Slavery is an extreme manifestation of a very American way of mismanaging power. If we don't learn other ways of managing power, we're doomed to keep repeating it." -- James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

You might also like:

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Listen again: Eric Marsh - Being a Black man today in America

]]> Sun, 13 Apr 2025 09:35:22 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2603 In this episode, Stan speaks with Prof. Maurice Wallace of Rutgers University about the enduring impact of James Baldwin, the evolution of Black American vernacular, and the complex relationship America has with its history of slavery and race. Prof. Wallace explores Baldwin’s profound influence on his own academic journey, how language and sound shape Black cultural identity, and why America continues to struggle with the legacy of emancipation, mass incarceration, and systemic inequality.


Through insights into literature, photography, and the “Black modernist soundscape,” this conversation reveals deeper truths about America’s culture, values, and identity.


Recommended reading from Prof. Wallace:

The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin

The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander


Listen and subscribe to explore what makes America, America

From the conversation:

"It is convenient and easy to urge us all to move on. Every effort to move on will nevertheless remain haunted by the memory of a certain crime against humanity we'd love to pretend to be innocent in relationship to." -- James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

"Slavery is an extreme manifestation of a very American way of mismanaging power. If we don't learn other ways of managing power, we're doomed to keep repeating it." -- James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

You might also like:

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Listen again: Eric Marsh - Being a Black man today in America

]]> america, slavery, black american, civil right, rutgers, wallace, James Baldwin No Only Roundup Remains: The Last Cowboys of Montana's Highwood Mountains -- with Brian Liu & Andrew Labens 112 112 Only Roundup Remains: The Last Cowboys of Montana's Highwood Mountains -- with Brian Liu & Andrew Labens full 95a4b018-4bfe-4902-b754-9af7ae2d4457 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f9c3d385 For over a century, a small group of dedicated cowboys has upheld a fading American tradition: the Highwood Mountains cattle roundup. In this episode of Back in America, we explore Only Roundup Remains, a documentary capturing the grit, camaraderie, and deep generational ties that keep this way of life alive. Filmmakers Brian Liu and Andrew Labens, alongside the cowboys themselves, share their journey of documenting this historic event, the challenges they faced, and the profound reflections on a changing America.

From saddle sores to late-night campfire discussions, this is a rare glimpse into a vanishing world where pride, skill, and endurance define the men who refuse to let their heritage slip away. Tune in to hear their stories, their struggles, and why, for these cowboys, the roundup is more than just a job—it’s a way of life.

Watch the documentary trailer on YouTube. Follow Only Roundup Remains on Facebook & Instagram for updates. And don’t forget to subscribe to Back in America for more thought-provoking stories.

Only Roundup Remains

Watch on Amazon Prime 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onlyroundupremains
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlyroundupremains/

From the conversation:

"I haven't missed a roundup in 23 years. I've been riding and I missed out on a few things like a wedding and this and that. So it's a high priority on my list." -- Only Roundup Remains- The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

"For this roundup, the only thing they do is a cowboy. That's it. You sleep there, you eat with each other, there's a bunkhouse. The old tradition. It's the last of the old ways." -- Only Roundup Remains- The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

You might also like:

• John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, So...

• Listen again: John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Ind...

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

]]> For over a century, a small group of dedicated cowboys has upheld a fading American tradition: the Highwood Mountains cattle roundup. In this episode of Back in America, we explore Only Roundup Remains, a documentary capturing the grit, camaraderie, and deep generational ties that keep this way of life alive. Filmmakers Brian Liu and Andrew Labens, alongside the cowboys themselves, share their journey of documenting this historic event, the challenges they faced, and the profound reflections on a changing America.

From saddle sores to late-night campfire discussions, this is a rare glimpse into a vanishing world where pride, skill, and endurance define the men who refuse to let their heritage slip away. Tune in to hear their stories, their struggles, and why, for these cowboys, the roundup is more than just a job—it’s a way of life.

Watch the documentary trailer on YouTube. Follow Only Roundup Remains on Facebook & Instagram for updates. And don’t forget to subscribe to Back in America for more thought-provoking stories.

Only Roundup Remains

Watch on Amazon Prime 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onlyroundupremains
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlyroundupremains/

From the conversation:

"I haven't missed a roundup in 23 years. I've been riding and I missed out on a few things like a wedding and this and that. So it's a high priority on my list." -- Only Roundup Remains- The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

"For this roundup, the only thing they do is a cowboy. That's it. You sleep there, you eat with each other, there's a bunkhouse. The old tradition. It's the last of the old ways." -- Only Roundup Remains- The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

You might also like:

• John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, So...

• Listen again: John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Ind...

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

]]> Sun, 09 Mar 2025 18:36:26 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1792 For over a century, a small group of dedicated cowboys has upheld a fading American tradition: the Highwood Mountains cattle roundup. In this episode of Back in America, we explore Only Roundup Remains, a documentary capturing the grit, camaraderie, and deep generational ties that keep this way of life alive. Filmmakers Brian Liu and Andrew Labens, alongside the cowboys themselves, share their journey of documenting this historic event, the challenges they faced, and the profound reflections on a changing America.

From saddle sores to late-night campfire discussions, this is a rare glimpse into a vanishing world where pride, skill, and endurance define the men who refuse to let their heritage slip away. Tune in to hear their stories, their struggles, and why, for these cowboys, the roundup is more than just a job—it’s a way of life.

Watch the documentary trailer on YouTube. Follow Only Roundup Remains on Facebook & Instagram for updates. And don’t forget to subscribe to Back in America for more thought-provoking stories.

Only Roundup Remains

Watch on Amazon Prime 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onlyroundupremains
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onlyroundupremains/

From the conversation:

"I haven't missed a roundup in 23 years. I've been riding and I missed out on a few things like a wedding and this and that. So it's a high priority on my list." -- Only Roundup Remains- The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

"For this roundup, the only thing they do is a cowboy. That's it. You sleep there, you eat with each other, there's a bunkhouse. The old tradition. It's the last of the old ways." -- Only Roundup Remains- The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

You might also like:

• John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, So...

• Listen again: John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Ind...

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

]]> cowboys, montana, roundup, western, documentary, brian liu, film No Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty: The Impact of A lien on Immigration Discourse 111 111 Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty: The Impact of A lien on Immigration Discourse full 175166d7-2c01-48f4-aefd-4e0407ceeb08 https://share.transistor.fm/s/deb9ce3f A green card interview is supposed to be the last step before legal residency—but what if it’s actually a setup?

This episode of Back in America features filmmakers Sam and David Cutler Kreutz discussing their short film, "A Lien," a story about a couple navigating the complexities of the US immigration system. The conversation delves into the film's themes of family, the "banal cruelty" of the immigration process, and the broader political context surrounding immigration in America.


Key Topics

Discuss The Inspiration Behind "A Lien" The New York Times article that sparked the idea for the film and their desire to tell a story that highlights the human side of immigration. They emphasize the film's focus on families and the emotional toll of the legal process.
They share their efforts to accurately portray the immigration process, including working with lawyers and individuals who have experienced similar situations. They discuss the specific forms and procedures mentioned in the film 
The podcast explores the film's unique cinematography, including its use of kinetic visuals and the focus on the wife's perspective through her iPhone.
They discuss how the film resonates with the current political climate, particularly concerning immigration.
The conversation explores what viewers can do after watching "A Lien" to support immigration reform or get involved in advocacy. They emphasize the importance of dialogue and understanding the human stories behind immigration.

In just 15 minutes, A Lien delivers an emotional gut-punch, following an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador and his American wife as they step into what should be a routine interview—only to find themselves entrapped. With haunting cinematography and nail-biting suspense, the film exposes the brutal side of a system designed to keep immigrants on edge.

Watch A Lien (link here https://vimeo.com/997805490), then tune in as we break down the film, the real-life cases that inspired it, and what this means for America today.

From the conversation:

"I knew I was a parent, but what I didn't know until four years ago is that I was a parent of a transgender kid." -- Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty- The Impact of A lien on Immigration Discourse

"It was not always easy to be an ally because I feel so close, but I also am not a member of the community or the minority." -- Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty- The Impact of A lien on Immigration Discourse

You might also like:

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• Liliana Morenilla - A life dedicated to immigrants in Princeton, NJ

• Cecilia Birge - Anti-Asian racism during the Pandemic - Growing-up ...

]]> A green card interview is supposed to be the last step before legal residency—but what if it’s actually a setup?

This episode of Back in America features filmmakers Sam and David Cutler Kreutz discussing their short film, "A Lien," a story about a couple navigating the complexities of the US immigration system. The conversation delves into the film's themes of family, the "banal cruelty" of the immigration process, and the broader political context surrounding immigration in America.


Key Topics

Discuss The Inspiration Behind "A Lien" The New York Times article that sparked the idea for the film and their desire to tell a story that highlights the human side of immigration. They emphasize the film's focus on families and the emotional toll of the legal process.
They share their efforts to accurately portray the immigration process, including working with lawyers and individuals who have experienced similar situations. They discuss the specific forms and procedures mentioned in the film 
The podcast explores the film's unique cinematography, including its use of kinetic visuals and the focus on the wife's perspective through her iPhone.
They discuss how the film resonates with the current political climate, particularly concerning immigration.
The conversation explores what viewers can do after watching "A Lien" to support immigration reform or get involved in advocacy. They emphasize the importance of dialogue and understanding the human stories behind immigration.

In just 15 minutes, A Lien delivers an emotional gut-punch, following an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador and his American wife as they step into what should be a routine interview—only to find themselves entrapped. With haunting cinematography and nail-biting suspense, the film exposes the brutal side of a system designed to keep immigrants on edge.

Watch A Lien (link here https://vimeo.com/997805490), then tune in as we break down the film, the real-life cases that inspired it, and what this means for America today.

From the conversation:

"I knew I was a parent, but what I didn't know until four years ago is that I was a parent of a transgender kid." -- Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty- The Impact of A lien on Immigration Discourse

"It was not always easy to be an ally because I feel so close, but I also am not a member of the community or the minority." -- Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty- The Impact of A lien on Immigration Discourse

You might also like:

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• Liliana Morenilla - A life dedicated to immigrants in Princeton, NJ

• Cecilia Birge - Anti-Asian racism during the Pandemic - Growing-up ...

]]> Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1553 A green card interview is supposed to be the last step before legal residency—but what if it’s actually a setup?

This episode of Back in America features filmmakers Sam and David Cutler Kreutz discussing their short film, "A Lien," a story about a couple navigating the complexities of the US immigration system. The conversation delves into the film's themes of family, the "banal cruelty" of the immigration process, and the broader political context surrounding immigration in America.


Key Topics

Discuss The Inspiration Behind "A Lien" The New York Times article that sparked the idea for the film and their desire to tell a story that highlights the human side of immigration. They emphasize the film's focus on families and the emotional toll of the legal process.
They share their efforts to accurately portray the immigration process, including working with lawyers and individuals who have experienced similar situations. They discuss the specific forms and procedures mentioned in the film 
The podcast explores the film's unique cinematography, including its use of kinetic visuals and the focus on the wife's perspective through her iPhone.
They discuss how the film resonates with the current political climate, particularly concerning immigration.
The conversation explores what viewers can do after watching "A Lien" to support immigration reform or get involved in advocacy. They emphasize the importance of dialogue and understanding the human stories behind immigration.

In just 15 minutes, A Lien delivers an emotional gut-punch, following an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador and his American wife as they step into what should be a routine interview—only to find themselves entrapped. With haunting cinematography and nail-biting suspense, the film exposes the brutal side of a system designed to keep immigrants on edge.

Watch A Lien (link here https://vimeo.com/997805490), then tune in as we break down the film, the real-life cases that inspired it, and what this means for America today.

From the conversation:

"I knew I was a parent, but what I didn't know until four years ago is that I was a parent of a transgender kid." -- Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty- The Impact of A lien on Immigration Discourse

"It was not always easy to be an ally because I feel so close, but I also am not a member of the community or the minority." -- Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty- The Impact of A lien on Immigration Discourse

You might also like:

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• Liliana Morenilla - A life dedicated to immigrants in Princeton, NJ

• Cecilia Birge - Anti-Asian racism during the Pandemic - Growing-up ...

]]> No The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America – A Conversation with Knox Thames 110 110 The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America – A Conversation with Knox Thames full 2b434144-1a22-4efc-9577-7214d2c35fb1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6b224343 What does the First Amendment mean in a modern, diverse America? In this episode of Back in America, host Stan Berteloot speaks with Knox Thames, an international human rights lawyer, advocate, and author with over 20 years of experience across U.S. administrations. Thames, who served as the Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia, unpacks the historical roots and contemporary challenges of religious freedom in the United States.


From the First Amendment’s foundational promise of freedom of religion to the complexities of pluralism in a globalized world, this thought-provoking conversation delves into the importance of protecting the rights of all religious minorities. Thames also reflects on his book, Ending Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom, offering insights into how the U.S. can lead by example in a world grappling with religious intolerance.


#ReligiousFreedom, #HumanRights, #GlobalAffairs, #FirstAmendment, #USForeignPolicy, #ReligiousMinorities,  #HumanRightsAbroad

From the conversation:

"The challenge of the 21st century is going to be the challenge of diversity. For the first time in history, literally everybody is everywhere." -- The First Amendment- Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America

"The challenge of pluralism is really about agreeing to disagree on ultimate questions by doing so agreeably, then standing arm in arm with the fundamental belief that everyone has the right to pursue truth as their conscience lays." -- The First Amendment- Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America

You might also like:

• A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out.

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

• Part 1 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Asks does 'W...

]]> What does the First Amendment mean in a modern, diverse America? In this episode of Back in America, host Stan Berteloot speaks with Knox Thames, an international human rights lawyer, advocate, and author with over 20 years of experience across U.S. administrations. Thames, who served as the Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia, unpacks the historical roots and contemporary challenges of religious freedom in the United States.


From the First Amendment’s foundational promise of freedom of religion to the complexities of pluralism in a globalized world, this thought-provoking conversation delves into the importance of protecting the rights of all religious minorities. Thames also reflects on his book, Ending Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom, offering insights into how the U.S. can lead by example in a world grappling with religious intolerance.


#ReligiousFreedom, #HumanRights, #GlobalAffairs, #FirstAmendment, #USForeignPolicy, #ReligiousMinorities,  #HumanRightsAbroad

From the conversation:

"The challenge of the 21st century is going to be the challenge of diversity. For the first time in history, literally everybody is everywhere." -- The First Amendment- Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America

"The challenge of pluralism is really about agreeing to disagree on ultimate questions by doing so agreeably, then standing arm in arm with the fundamental belief that everyone has the right to pursue truth as their conscience lays." -- The First Amendment- Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America

You might also like:

• A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out.

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

• Part 1 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Asks does 'W...

]]> Wed, 22 Jan 2025 11:47:10 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2594 What does the First Amendment mean in a modern, diverse America? In this episode of Back in America, host Stan Berteloot speaks with Knox Thames, an international human rights lawyer, advocate, and author with over 20 years of experience across U.S. administrations. Thames, who served as the Special Advisor for Religious Minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia, unpacks the historical roots and contemporary challenges of religious freedom in the United States.


From the First Amendment’s foundational promise of freedom of religion to the complexities of pluralism in a globalized world, this thought-provoking conversation delves into the importance of protecting the rights of all religious minorities. Thames also reflects on his book, Ending Persecution: Charting the Path to Global Religious Freedom, offering insights into how the U.S. can lead by example in a world grappling with religious intolerance.


#ReligiousFreedom, #HumanRights, #GlobalAffairs, #FirstAmendment, #USForeignPolicy, #ReligiousMinorities,  #HumanRightsAbroad

From the conversation:

"The challenge of the 21st century is going to be the challenge of diversity. For the first time in history, literally everybody is everywhere." -- The First Amendment- Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America

"The challenge of pluralism is really about agreeing to disagree on ultimate questions by doing so agreeably, then standing arm in arm with the fundamental belief that everyone has the right to pursue truth as their conscience lays." -- The First Amendment- Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America

You might also like:

• A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out.

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

• Part 1 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Asks does 'W...

]]> ReligiousFreedom, HumanRights, GlobalAffairs, FirstAmendment, USForeignPolicy, ReligiousMinorities, HumanRightsAbroad No Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters: A Conversation with Coco Kee 109 109 Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters: A Conversation with Coco Kee full 8611c30f-6f05-4d06-a88b-d91d4d1aa941 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7e43ac1a
Host Stan Berteloot welcomes Coco Kee, entrepreneur, blockchain pioneer, and host of the Blockchain Asia Podcast. Coco shares her journey from studying literature and theater at Peking University to becoming a leading figure in cryptocurrency.

  • Coco discusses on the 2024 U.S. elections and offers a unique perspectives on theChinese-American voters.
  • Exploration of the surprising connections between politics and cryptocurrency.
  • Coco opens up about her experiences as an immigrant and how her arts background shaped her approach to technology and business.
  • Insights on how regulatory changes under different U.S. administrations have impacted the cryptocurrency industry.
  • Explanation of Bitcoin's resurgence linked to political shifts and China's stance on crypto, addressing capital control vs. decentralization.
  • Discussion on the convergence of AI and blockchain and how it could decentralize computing power and data ownership, counteracting big tech monopolies.
  • Practical advice for crypto beginners, including ETFs as a safe entry point into digital currencies.
  • Reflection on Coco’s political awakening after the 2016 election and her views on opportunities and freedoms in the U.S.
  • An eye-opening discussion bridging global perspectives, emerging technologies, and a decentralized future.

About Back in America Podcast: Back in America is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by French journalist Stan Berteloot offering a multicultural perspective on American identity, culture, and values. With over 25 years of European experience, Stan explores what it means to be American through intimate conversations with diverse guests, tackling complex issues like racism, social justice, and the evolving American Dream. Featuring voices often overlooked in mainstream media, the podcast delves into timely topics and offers a critical yet empathetic view of modern America. Through live interviews and innovative storytelling, Back in America brings diverse perspectives to the forefront.

From the conversation:

"Trump is going to be the first president pro-crypto since 2009 when Bitcoin came into being." -- Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters- A Conversation with Coco Kee

"I pick up the phone and called and people yelled at me. It was very scary in the beginning, but my skin got thicker and thicker." -- Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters- A Conversation with Coco Kee

You might also like:

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

• Cecilia Birge - Anti-Asian racism during the Pandemic - Growing-up ...

• Can Europe Catch Up in Tech? Oliver Coste Says Change This Law

]]>
Host Stan Berteloot welcomes Coco Kee, entrepreneur, blockchain pioneer, and host of the Blockchain Asia Podcast. Coco shares her journey from studying literature and theater at Peking University to becoming a leading figure in cryptocurrency.

  • Coco discusses on the 2024 U.S. elections and offers a unique perspectives on theChinese-American voters.
  • Exploration of the surprising connections between politics and cryptocurrency.
  • Coco opens up about her experiences as an immigrant and how her arts background shaped her approach to technology and business.
  • Insights on how regulatory changes under different U.S. administrations have impacted the cryptocurrency industry.
  • Explanation of Bitcoin's resurgence linked to political shifts and China's stance on crypto, addressing capital control vs. decentralization.
  • Discussion on the convergence of AI and blockchain and how it could decentralize computing power and data ownership, counteracting big tech monopolies.
  • Practical advice for crypto beginners, including ETFs as a safe entry point into digital currencies.
  • Reflection on Coco’s political awakening after the 2016 election and her views on opportunities and freedoms in the U.S.
  • An eye-opening discussion bridging global perspectives, emerging technologies, and a decentralized future.

About Back in America Podcast: Back in America is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by French journalist Stan Berteloot offering a multicultural perspective on American identity, culture, and values. With over 25 years of European experience, Stan explores what it means to be American through intimate conversations with diverse guests, tackling complex issues like racism, social justice, and the evolving American Dream. Featuring voices often overlooked in mainstream media, the podcast delves into timely topics and offers a critical yet empathetic view of modern America. Through live interviews and innovative storytelling, Back in America brings diverse perspectives to the forefront.

From the conversation:

"Trump is going to be the first president pro-crypto since 2009 when Bitcoin came into being." -- Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters- A Conversation with Coco Kee

"I pick up the phone and called and people yelled at me. It was very scary in the beginning, but my skin got thicker and thicker." -- Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters- A Conversation with Coco Kee

You might also like:

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

• Cecilia Birge - Anti-Asian racism during the Pandemic - Growing-up ...

• Can Europe Catch Up in Tech? Oliver Coste Says Change This Law

]]> Sat, 04 Jan 2025 16:38:04 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2419
Host Stan Berteloot welcomes Coco Kee, entrepreneur, blockchain pioneer, and host of the Blockchain Asia Podcast. Coco shares her journey from studying literature and theater at Peking University to becoming a leading figure in cryptocurrency.

  • Coco discusses on the 2024 U.S. elections and offers a unique perspectives on theChinese-American voters.
  • Exploration of the surprising connections between politics and cryptocurrency.
  • Coco opens up about her experiences as an immigrant and how her arts background shaped her approach to technology and business.
  • Insights on how regulatory changes under different U.S. administrations have impacted the cryptocurrency industry.
  • Explanation of Bitcoin's resurgence linked to political shifts and China's stance on crypto, addressing capital control vs. decentralization.
  • Discussion on the convergence of AI and blockchain and how it could decentralize computing power and data ownership, counteracting big tech monopolies.
  • Practical advice for crypto beginners, including ETFs as a safe entry point into digital currencies.
  • Reflection on Coco’s political awakening after the 2016 election and her views on opportunities and freedoms in the U.S.
  • An eye-opening discussion bridging global perspectives, emerging technologies, and a decentralized future.

About Back in America Podcast: Back in America is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by French journalist Stan Berteloot offering a multicultural perspective on American identity, culture, and values. With over 25 years of European experience, Stan explores what it means to be American through intimate conversations with diverse guests, tackling complex issues like racism, social justice, and the evolving American Dream. Featuring voices often overlooked in mainstream media, the podcast delves into timely topics and offers a critical yet empathetic view of modern America. Through live interviews and innovative storytelling, Back in America brings diverse perspectives to the forefront.

From the conversation:

"Trump is going to be the first president pro-crypto since 2009 when Bitcoin came into being." -- Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters- A Conversation with Coco Kee

"I pick up the phone and called and people yelled at me. It was very scary in the beginning, but my skin got thicker and thicker." -- Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters- A Conversation with Coco Kee

You might also like:

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

• Cecilia Birge - Anti-Asian racism during the Pandemic - Growing-up ...

• Can Europe Catch Up in Tech? Oliver Coste Says Change This Law

]]> BlockchainTechnology, CryptoAdvocate, DigitalCurrencyRising, BlockchainAI DataOwnershipRevolution, cryptocurrency PoliticalShift, USChinaRelations EmpowermentThroughCrypto, GlobalTechImpact No David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future 107 107 David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future full 9b45e764-1049-47b1-bfab-2d38a01b09d9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/115ce411 In this episode of Back in America, Stan Berteloot sits down with David Reaboi, a national security expert, media analyst, and Claremont Institute Fellow, known for his incisive takes on political warfare and influence operations. Dubbed a “right-wing Twitter pugilist” by Politico, David shares his unique perspective on some of the most contentious issues shaping the United States today.


We discuss his views on Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and the evolving dynamics of federalism. David offers his candid take on January 6, the role of political violence, and how America’s fractured unity might lead to a breaking point. Our conversation also explores Hungary’s role as a beacon for some conservatives, the influence of figures like Elon Musk, and whether America needs to reconcile its history of slavery and Native American displacement.


David provides a window into his worldview, shaped by his upbringing, intellectual pursuits, and career at the intersection of national security and political commentary.

From the conversation:

"Politics is there to reward your friend and to punish your enemies so that people will want to be your friend and not your enemy." -- David Reaboi- Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

"Nothing lasts forever. All empires fall for the same reason: too many competing ideas about the nature of the good and justice." -- David Reaboi- Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

You might also like:

• BrooklynDad_Defiant: Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks A...

• How do you feel about the election? Six Interviews with Democrats a...

• Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Set...

]]> In this episode of Back in America, Stan Berteloot sits down with David Reaboi, a national security expert, media analyst, and Claremont Institute Fellow, known for his incisive takes on political warfare and influence operations. Dubbed a “right-wing Twitter pugilist” by Politico, David shares his unique perspective on some of the most contentious issues shaping the United States today.


We discuss his views on Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and the evolving dynamics of federalism. David offers his candid take on January 6, the role of political violence, and how America’s fractured unity might lead to a breaking point. Our conversation also explores Hungary’s role as a beacon for some conservatives, the influence of figures like Elon Musk, and whether America needs to reconcile its history of slavery and Native American displacement.


David provides a window into his worldview, shaped by his upbringing, intellectual pursuits, and career at the intersection of national security and political commentary.

From the conversation:

"Politics is there to reward your friend and to punish your enemies so that people will want to be your friend and not your enemy." -- David Reaboi- Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

"Nothing lasts forever. All empires fall for the same reason: too many competing ideas about the nature of the good and justice." -- David Reaboi- Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

You might also like:

• BrooklynDad_Defiant: Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks A...

• How do you feel about the election? Six Interviews with Democrats a...

• Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Set...

]]> Sat, 07 Dec 2024 16:36:22 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2401 In this episode of Back in America, Stan Berteloot sits down with David Reaboi, a national security expert, media analyst, and Claremont Institute Fellow, known for his incisive takes on political warfare and influence operations. Dubbed a “right-wing Twitter pugilist” by Politico, David shares his unique perspective on some of the most contentious issues shaping the United States today.


We discuss his views on Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and the evolving dynamics of federalism. David offers his candid take on January 6, the role of political violence, and how America’s fractured unity might lead to a breaking point. Our conversation also explores Hungary’s role as a beacon for some conservatives, the influence of figures like Elon Musk, and whether America needs to reconcile its history of slavery and Native American displacement.


David provides a window into his worldview, shaped by his upbringing, intellectual pursuits, and career at the intersection of national security and political commentary.

From the conversation:

"Politics is there to reward your friend and to punish your enemies so that people will want to be your friend and not your enemy." -- David Reaboi- Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

"Nothing lasts forever. All empires fall for the same reason: too many competing ideas about the nature of the good and justice." -- David Reaboi- Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

You might also like:

• BrooklynDad_Defiant: Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks A...

• How do you feel about the election? Six Interviews with Democrats a...

• Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Set...

]]> trump, us, politics, right-wing, musk, david reaboi, january 6 No Former CIA Analyst to Bestselling Author: David McCloskey on Espionage, Writing, and America’s Identity 106 106 Former CIA Analyst to Bestselling Author: David McCloskey on Espionage, Writing, and America’s Identity full 54b6664e-0c43-45e7-a9f8-b6be4b32125b https://share.transistor.fm/s/06512fd9 Cia analyst interview with Host Stan Berteloot welcomes David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and bestselling author. They discuss David's career in intelligence, focusing on geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

  • David shares insights on current conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon, and Iran.
  • The role of intelligence services in global crises is explored.
  • They delve into the challenges of understanding the world through both personal and professional experiences.
  • David's transition from CIA officer to writing thrillers like The 7th Floor and Damascus Station is examined.
  • The conversation explores how David's experiences shaped his novels and how writing became a form of healing and discovery.
  • Topics include politics, intelligence work, and the American perspective on global issues.
  • David shares how he crafts his books, stressing the importance of connecting with experts and real-life experiences for authenticity.
  • He reveals his goals as a writer, focusing on keeping readers engaged and offering a deeper understanding of the CIA’s culture and operations.
  • On a personal note, David reflects on the idea of America as a dynamic, open society that welcomes all to contribute, regardless of background.
  • The episode is a compelling conversation about storytelling, global geopolitics, and the American ideal.

About Back in America Podcast: Back in America is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by French journalist Stan Berteloot offering a multicultural perspective on American identity, culture, and values. With over 25 years of European experience, Stan explores what it means to be American through intimate conversations with diverse guests, tackling complex issues like racism, social justice, and the evolving American Dream. Featuring voices often overlooked in mainstream media, the podcast delves into timely topics and offers a critical yet empathetic view of modern America. Through live interviews and innovative storytelling, Back in America brings diverse perspectives to the forefront.


His latest book The Seventh Floor can be found here

To learn more about David visit his website

From the conversation:

"Russians get high on their own supply and overstate their actual impact on American society pretty consistently." -- Former CIA Analyst to Bestselling Author- David McCloskey on Espionage, Writing, and America's Identity

"In fiction, I could deal with geopolitical topics through the lens of how ordinary people experience them and live through them." -- Former CIA Analyst to Bestselling Author- David McCloskey on Espionage, Writing, and America's Identity

You might also like:

• A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out.

• Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Set...

• SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T.

]]> Cia analyst interview with Host Stan Berteloot welcomes David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and bestselling author. They discuss David's career in intelligence, focusing on geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

  • David shares insights on current conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon, and Iran.
  • The role of intelligence services in global crises is explored.
  • They delve into the challenges of understanding the world through both personal and professional experiences.
  • David's transition from CIA officer to writing thrillers like The 7th Floor and Damascus Station is examined.
  • The conversation explores how David's experiences shaped his novels and how writing became a form of healing and discovery.
  • Topics include politics, intelligence work, and the American perspective on global issues.
  • David shares how he crafts his books, stressing the importance of connecting with experts and real-life experiences for authenticity.
  • He reveals his goals as a writer, focusing on keeping readers engaged and offering a deeper understanding of the CIA’s culture and operations.
  • On a personal note, David reflects on the idea of America as a dynamic, open society that welcomes all to contribute, regardless of background.
  • The episode is a compelling conversation about storytelling, global geopolitics, and the American ideal.

About Back in America Podcast: Back in America is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by French journalist Stan Berteloot offering a multicultural perspective on American identity, culture, and values. With over 25 years of European experience, Stan explores what it means to be American through intimate conversations with diverse guests, tackling complex issues like racism, social justice, and the evolving American Dream. Featuring voices often overlooked in mainstream media, the podcast delves into timely topics and offers a critical yet empathetic view of modern America. Through live interviews and innovative storytelling, Back in America brings diverse perspectives to the forefront.


His latest book The Seventh Floor can be found here

To learn more about David visit his website

From the conversation:

"Russians get high on their own supply and overstate their actual impact on American society pretty consistently." -- Former CIA Analyst to Bestselling Author- David McCloskey on Espionage, Writing, and America's Identity

"In fiction, I could deal with geopolitical topics through the lens of how ordinary people experience them and live through them." -- Former CIA Analyst to Bestselling Author- David McCloskey on Espionage, Writing, and America's Identity

You might also like:

• A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out.

• Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Set...

• SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T.

]]> Sun, 17 Nov 2024 12:23:24 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1801 Cia analyst interview with Host Stan Berteloot welcomes David McCloskey, a former CIA analyst and bestselling author. They discuss David's career in intelligence, focusing on geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

  • David shares insights on current conflicts involving Israel, Lebanon, and Iran.
  • The role of intelligence services in global crises is explored.
  • They delve into the challenges of understanding the world through both personal and professional experiences.
  • David's transition from CIA officer to writing thrillers like The 7th Floor and Damascus Station is examined.
  • The conversation explores how David's experiences shaped his novels and how writing became a form of healing and discovery.
  • Topics include politics, intelligence work, and the American perspective on global issues.
  • David shares how he crafts his books, stressing the importance of connecting with experts and real-life experiences for authenticity.
  • He reveals his goals as a writer, focusing on keeping readers engaged and offering a deeper understanding of the CIA’s culture and operations.
  • On a personal note, David reflects on the idea of America as a dynamic, open society that welcomes all to contribute, regardless of background.
  • The episode is a compelling conversation about storytelling, global geopolitics, and the American ideal.

About Back in America Podcast: Back in America is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by French journalist Stan Berteloot offering a multicultural perspective on American identity, culture, and values. With over 25 years of European experience, Stan explores what it means to be American through intimate conversations with diverse guests, tackling complex issues like racism, social justice, and the evolving American Dream. Featuring voices often overlooked in mainstream media, the podcast delves into timely topics and offers a critical yet empathetic view of modern America. Through live interviews and innovative storytelling, Back in America brings diverse perspectives to the forefront.


His latest book The Seventh Floor can be found here

To learn more about David visit his website

From the conversation:

"Russians get high on their own supply and overstate their actual impact on American society pretty consistently." -- Former CIA Analyst to Bestselling Author- David McCloskey on Espionage, Writing, and America's Identity

"In fiction, I could deal with geopolitical topics through the lens of how ordinary people experience them and live through them." -- Former CIA Analyst to Bestselling Author- David McCloskey on Espionage, Writing, and America's Identity

You might also like:

• A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out.

• Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Set...

• SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T.

]]> cia analyst interview, former cia analyst, cia analyst job, ex cia analyst, america's identity crisis, american identity movement, native american identity in the 21st century, american identity, american identity who is us No A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona: Tom Peine’s Unlikely American Journey 105 105 A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona: Tom Peine’s Unlikely American Journey full e285e2c9-0b17-42a1-ba50-0c3df7dccea8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/71c3458e In this episode of Back in America, Stan Berteloot explores the extraordinary life of Tom Peine, who left a corporate career in Germany to become a deputy sheriff in the deserts of Arizona. At 40, Tom stepped into an entirely new world, navigating America’s complex gun culture, immigration, and race dynamics from the front lines of law enforcement. His story challenges assumptions about identity, resilience, and belonging in America. Join us for a conversation on the twists and tensions of Tom’s unique journey—and what it really means to protect and serve as an outsider on the inside.

Tom's book: Deputy While Immigrant: The Story of a German Who Became a Deputy Sheriff in Arizona

From the conversation:

"I had the greatest sense of fulfillment during my time as a detective in Crimes Against Children, which is by far the hardest type of work I had to do." -- A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona- Tom Peine’s Unlikely American Journey

"I feel like I'm coming home. And home isn't foreign anymore. It's a certain kind of warmth that you have when you arrive back from a long trip abroad." -- A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona- Tom Peine’s Unlikely American Journey

You might also like:

• I'll Always Be French. Now I'm Also a US Citizen.

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer a Gay Vietnamese-American ...

]]> In this episode of Back in America, Stan Berteloot explores the extraordinary life of Tom Peine, who left a corporate career in Germany to become a deputy sheriff in the deserts of Arizona. At 40, Tom stepped into an entirely new world, navigating America’s complex gun culture, immigration, and race dynamics from the front lines of law enforcement. His story challenges assumptions about identity, resilience, and belonging in America. Join us for a conversation on the twists and tensions of Tom’s unique journey—and what it really means to protect and serve as an outsider on the inside.

Tom's book: Deputy While Immigrant: The Story of a German Who Became a Deputy Sheriff in Arizona

From the conversation:

"I had the greatest sense of fulfillment during my time as a detective in Crimes Against Children, which is by far the hardest type of work I had to do." -- A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona- Tom Peine’s Unlikely American Journey

"I feel like I'm coming home. And home isn't foreign anymore. It's a certain kind of warmth that you have when you arrive back from a long trip abroad." -- A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona- Tom Peine’s Unlikely American Journey

You might also like:

• I'll Always Be French. Now I'm Also a US Citizen.

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer a Gay Vietnamese-American ...

]]> Sun, 03 Nov 2024 12:40:15 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2926 In this episode of Back in America, Stan Berteloot explores the extraordinary life of Tom Peine, who left a corporate career in Germany to become a deputy sheriff in the deserts of Arizona. At 40, Tom stepped into an entirely new world, navigating America’s complex gun culture, immigration, and race dynamics from the front lines of law enforcement. His story challenges assumptions about identity, resilience, and belonging in America. Join us for a conversation on the twists and tensions of Tom’s unique journey—and what it really means to protect and serve as an outsider on the inside.

Tom's book: Deputy While Immigrant: The Story of a German Who Became a Deputy Sheriff in Arizona

From the conversation:

"I had the greatest sense of fulfillment during my time as a detective in Crimes Against Children, which is by far the hardest type of work I had to do." -- A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona- Tom Peine’s Unlikely American Journey

"I feel like I'm coming home. And home isn't foreign anymore. It's a certain kind of warmth that you have when you arrive back from a long trip abroad." -- A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona- Tom Peine’s Unlikely American Journey

You might also like:

• I'll Always Be French. Now I'm Also a US Citizen.

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer a Gay Vietnamese-American ...

]]> police, germany, race, gun, german, career No Why ‘Empowerment’ Is a Dirty Word: Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting Gender Bias 104 104 Why ‘Empowerment’ Is a Dirty Word: Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting Gender Bias full dacf2e51-1242-4d35-8158-523fe6785c35 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4a638073 In this provocative episode of Back in America, we sit down with Dr. Patti Fletcher, author of “Disruptors: Success Strategies for Women Who Break the Mold.” Dr. Fletcher challenges traditional notions of empowerment and exposes the systemic barriers holding women back in 2024 America. Drawing from her personal journey—including her family’s legacy of overcoming adversity during the Armenian genocide—she reveals why true disruption requires efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. Listen as Dr. Fletcher explains why she can’t stand the word “empower,” how women can harness their own inherent power, and what it takes to break free from antiquated status quo. If you’re ready to rethink leadership, gender dynamics, and the very language we use around women’s advancement, this episode is a must-listen.

Find Dr. Patti Fletcher's book - Disruptors: Success Strategies for Women Who Break the Mold, on Amazon
Read Back in America's exclusive interview with Dr. Patti Fletcher on Sustack. 

From the conversation:

"Women aren't ego motivated. They are purpose motivated. They're on boards because they saw it as a channel to deliver on the promise of their passion and their purpose." -- Why 'Empowerment' Is a Dirty Word- Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting Gender Bias

"Every barrier is a strategy waiting to happen. No matter the systemic challenges you face, it's simply a strategy that you're going to ignore, overcome, or create your own path." -- Why 'Empowerment' Is a Dirty Word- Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting Gender Bias

You might also like:

• Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings: On her Late Husband Elijah Cummings,...

• International Women's Day - Listen Again - Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cum...

• Cassandra Shuck - A survivor of abuse now leads a women-only market...

]]> In this provocative episode of Back in America, we sit down with Dr. Patti Fletcher, author of “Disruptors: Success Strategies for Women Who Break the Mold.” Dr. Fletcher challenges traditional notions of empowerment and exposes the systemic barriers holding women back in 2024 America. Drawing from her personal journey—including her family’s legacy of overcoming adversity during the Armenian genocide—she reveals why true disruption requires efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. Listen as Dr. Fletcher explains why she can’t stand the word “empower,” how women can harness their own inherent power, and what it takes to break free from antiquated status quo. If you’re ready to rethink leadership, gender dynamics, and the very language we use around women’s advancement, this episode is a must-listen.

Find Dr. Patti Fletcher's book - Disruptors: Success Strategies for Women Who Break the Mold, on Amazon
Read Back in America's exclusive interview with Dr. Patti Fletcher on Sustack. 

From the conversation:

"Women aren't ego motivated. They are purpose motivated. They're on boards because they saw it as a channel to deliver on the promise of their passion and their purpose." -- Why 'Empowerment' Is a Dirty Word- Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting Gender Bias

"Every barrier is a strategy waiting to happen. No matter the systemic challenges you face, it's simply a strategy that you're going to ignore, overcome, or create your own path." -- Why 'Empowerment' Is a Dirty Word- Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting Gender Bias

You might also like:

• Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings: On her Late Husband Elijah Cummings,...

• International Women's Day - Listen Again - Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cum...

• Cassandra Shuck - A survivor of abuse now leads a women-only market...

]]> Mon, 23 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2416 In this provocative episode of Back in America, we sit down with Dr. Patti Fletcher, author of “Disruptors: Success Strategies for Women Who Break the Mold.” Dr. Fletcher challenges traditional notions of empowerment and exposes the systemic barriers holding women back in 2024 America. Drawing from her personal journey—including her family’s legacy of overcoming adversity during the Armenian genocide—she reveals why true disruption requires efficiency, effectiveness, and equity. Listen as Dr. Fletcher explains why she can’t stand the word “empower,” how women can harness their own inherent power, and what it takes to break free from antiquated status quo. If you’re ready to rethink leadership, gender dynamics, and the very language we use around women’s advancement, this episode is a must-listen.

Find Dr. Patti Fletcher's book - Disruptors: Success Strategies for Women Who Break the Mold, on Amazon
Read Back in America's exclusive interview with Dr. Patti Fletcher on Sustack. 

From the conversation:

"Women aren't ego motivated. They are purpose motivated. They're on boards because they saw it as a channel to deliver on the promise of their passion and their purpose." -- Why 'Empowerment' Is a Dirty Word- Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting Gender Bias

"Every barrier is a strategy waiting to happen. No matter the systemic challenges you face, it's simply a strategy that you're going to ignore, overcome, or create your own path." -- Why 'Empowerment' Is a Dirty Word- Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting Gender Bias

You might also like:

• Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings: On her Late Husband Elijah Cummings,...

• International Women's Day - Listen Again - Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cum...

• Cassandra Shuck - A survivor of abuse now leads a women-only market...

]]> No Rewriting the American Dream: Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the Power of Storytelling -- with Alvaro de Cozar 103 103 Rewriting the American Dream: Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the Power of Storytelling -- with Alvaro de Cozar full 929415d4-38eb-4983-a78f-5f508a9af81b https://share.transistor.fm/s/99272629 In this episode, we sit down with Alvaro de Cozar, an award-winning journalist and podcast producer, to explore the power of storytelling in a time of political upheaval and misinformation. I talk with Alvaro about his story and podcast episode on Aquilino Gonell, a Dominican immigrant, former U.S. Army soldier, and U.S. Capitol Police officer who defended the Capitol during the January 6th insurrection. Gonell’s journey from pursuing his American dream to confronting its harsh realities offers a profound reflection on democracy, truth, and what it means to be an immigrant in today’s America.

Alvaro, who has a knack for unraveling amazing stories, discusses his approach to bringing stories like Gonell’s to life through his hit podcast, “True Stories,” which has captivated millions of listeners worldwide. He explains the challenge of making such a deeply American narrative resonate with a global audience and his efforts to combat the rewriting of history in a time where truth is often under siege. Join us as we uncover the emotional depth, universal appeal, and raw power of telling the real story behind the headlines.

Listen to discover how Alvaro crafts stories that challenge perceptions, inspire empathy, and hold power to account in an era when every narrative is contested.


Sources:

Hechos Reales 


Video shows Trump's role in Jan. 6 at 2024 Democratic National Convention


American Shield: The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy




From the conversation:

"He just wants to tell his story because he knows that is the truth. He lived that. He suffered that. He saw his colleagues falling down in front of him." -- Rewriting the American Dream- Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the Power of Storytelling

"I'm looking for emotions, finally. I'm looking for that little secret that some of stories have that you see how this is going to connect with people." -- Rewriting the American Dream- Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the Power of Storytelling

You might also like:

• Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural

• Part 2/2 - Eric Marsh, Black Activist on the George Floyd's Mural

• Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing? Press Freedom and AI with Clay...

]]> In this episode, we sit down with Alvaro de Cozar, an award-winning journalist and podcast producer, to explore the power of storytelling in a time of political upheaval and misinformation. I talk with Alvaro about his story and podcast episode on Aquilino Gonell, a Dominican immigrant, former U.S. Army soldier, and U.S. Capitol Police officer who defended the Capitol during the January 6th insurrection. Gonell’s journey from pursuing his American dream to confronting its harsh realities offers a profound reflection on democracy, truth, and what it means to be an immigrant in today’s America.

Alvaro, who has a knack for unraveling amazing stories, discusses his approach to bringing stories like Gonell’s to life through his hit podcast, “True Stories,” which has captivated millions of listeners worldwide. He explains the challenge of making such a deeply American narrative resonate with a global audience and his efforts to combat the rewriting of history in a time where truth is often under siege. Join us as we uncover the emotional depth, universal appeal, and raw power of telling the real story behind the headlines.

Listen to discover how Alvaro crafts stories that challenge perceptions, inspire empathy, and hold power to account in an era when every narrative is contested.


Sources:

Hechos Reales 


Video shows Trump's role in Jan. 6 at 2024 Democratic National Convention


American Shield: The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy




From the conversation:

"He just wants to tell his story because he knows that is the truth. He lived that. He suffered that. He saw his colleagues falling down in front of him." -- Rewriting the American Dream- Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the Power of Storytelling

"I'm looking for emotions, finally. I'm looking for that little secret that some of stories have that you see how this is going to connect with people." -- Rewriting the American Dream- Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the Power of Storytelling

You might also like:

• Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural

• Part 2/2 - Eric Marsh, Black Activist on the George Floyd's Mural

• Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing? Press Freedom and AI with Clay...

]]> Tue, 03 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1754 In this episode, we sit down with Alvaro de Cozar, an award-winning journalist and podcast producer, to explore the power of storytelling in a time of political upheaval and misinformation. I talk with Alvaro about his story and podcast episode on Aquilino Gonell, a Dominican immigrant, former U.S. Army soldier, and U.S. Capitol Police officer who defended the Capitol during the January 6th insurrection. Gonell’s journey from pursuing his American dream to confronting its harsh realities offers a profound reflection on democracy, truth, and what it means to be an immigrant in today’s America.

Alvaro, who has a knack for unraveling amazing stories, discusses his approach to bringing stories like Gonell’s to life through his hit podcast, “True Stories,” which has captivated millions of listeners worldwide. He explains the challenge of making such a deeply American narrative resonate with a global audience and his efforts to combat the rewriting of history in a time where truth is often under siege. Join us as we uncover the emotional depth, universal appeal, and raw power of telling the real story behind the headlines.

Listen to discover how Alvaro crafts stories that challenge perceptions, inspire empathy, and hold power to account in an era when every narrative is contested.


Sources:

Hechos Reales 


Video shows Trump's role in Jan. 6 at 2024 Democratic National Convention


American Shield: The Immigrant Sergeant Who Defended Democracy




From the conversation:

"He just wants to tell his story because he knows that is the truth. He lived that. He suffered that. He saw his colleagues falling down in front of him." -- Rewriting the American Dream- Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the Power of Storytelling

"I'm looking for emotions, finally. I'm looking for that little secret that some of stories have that you see how this is going to connect with people." -- Rewriting the American Dream- Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the Power of Storytelling

You might also like:

• Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural

• Part 2/2 - Eric Marsh, Black Activist on the George Floyd's Mural

• Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing? Press Freedom and AI with Clay...

]]> No Home at the End: Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America -- with Dr. Andrea Sankar 102 102 Home at the End: Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America -- with Dr. Andrea Sankar full 94bc4c28-0594-4668-990e-6d480ddf7fb4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a7630564 In this episode of Back in America, we confront one of life’s most challenging realities—caring for a dying loved one at home. Join us as we talk with Dr. Andrea Sankar, professor of medical anthropology at Wayne State University and author of Dying at Home: A Family Guide for Caregiving. Drawing from her experience and extensive research, Dr. Sankar offers profound insights into the emotional and logistical complexities of turning a home into a sanctuary for end-of-life care. Learn about the cultural perspectives on death, the crucial role of community support, and practical advice for caregivers. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder of the importance of compassion and the deep connections that can be forged in the final stages of life. Listen in to gain valuable understanding and support, whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone looking to learn more about end-of-life care. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion, and be sure to subscribe for more impactful stories.

From the conversation:

"The reality of essentially creating a mini ICU in your home was pretty overwhelming. I mean, we managed quite well, but there was very little information around to help us." -- Home at the End- Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America

"They can live while they're dying. They can be part of the family. They can be part of their social world. They can be part of the life that they've always known, even though they're about to leave it." -- Home at the End- Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America

You might also like:

• Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of ...

• Tricia Baker: "My Dog Saved My Life" - Inside Dog Therapy and Menta...

• Dr. Glenda Wrenn on COVID, Remote work, Mental Health & Corporate A...

]]> In this episode of Back in America, we confront one of life’s most challenging realities—caring for a dying loved one at home. Join us as we talk with Dr. Andrea Sankar, professor of medical anthropology at Wayne State University and author of Dying at Home: A Family Guide for Caregiving. Drawing from her experience and extensive research, Dr. Sankar offers profound insights into the emotional and logistical complexities of turning a home into a sanctuary for end-of-life care. Learn about the cultural perspectives on death, the crucial role of community support, and practical advice for caregivers. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder of the importance of compassion and the deep connections that can be forged in the final stages of life. Listen in to gain valuable understanding and support, whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone looking to learn more about end-of-life care. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion, and be sure to subscribe for more impactful stories.

From the conversation:

"The reality of essentially creating a mini ICU in your home was pretty overwhelming. I mean, we managed quite well, but there was very little information around to help us." -- Home at the End- Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America

"They can live while they're dying. They can be part of the family. They can be part of their social world. They can be part of the life that they've always known, even though they're about to leave it." -- Home at the End- Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America

You might also like:

• Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of ...

• Tricia Baker: "My Dog Saved My Life" - Inside Dog Therapy and Menta...

• Dr. Glenda Wrenn on COVID, Remote work, Mental Health & Corporate A...

]]> Tue, 13 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1619 In this episode of Back in America, we confront one of life’s most challenging realities—caring for a dying loved one at home. Join us as we talk with Dr. Andrea Sankar, professor of medical anthropology at Wayne State University and author of Dying at Home: A Family Guide for Caregiving. Drawing from her experience and extensive research, Dr. Sankar offers profound insights into the emotional and logistical complexities of turning a home into a sanctuary for end-of-life care. Learn about the cultural perspectives on death, the crucial role of community support, and practical advice for caregivers. This heartfelt conversation is a reminder of the importance of compassion and the deep connections that can be forged in the final stages of life. Listen in to gain valuable understanding and support, whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone looking to learn more about end-of-life care. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion, and be sure to subscribe for more impactful stories.

From the conversation:

"The reality of essentially creating a mini ICU in your home was pretty overwhelming. I mean, we managed quite well, but there was very little information around to help us." -- Home at the End- Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America

"They can live while they're dying. They can be part of the family. They can be part of their social world. They can be part of the life that they've always known, even though they're about to leave it." -- Home at the End- Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America

You might also like:

• Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of ...

• Tricia Baker: "My Dog Saved My Life" - Inside Dog Therapy and Menta...

• Dr. Glenda Wrenn on COVID, Remote work, Mental Health & Corporate A...

]]> end of life, dying at home No AI Bias and Education: Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech with Sparkplug 101 101 AI Bias and Education: Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech with Sparkplug full 9304334b-3253-488a-8202-1c3389d3d39f https://share.transistor.fm/s/349291ec In this episode of “Back in America,” we sit down with Tamar Huggins, founder and CEO of TechSpark, a platform empowering Black, Indigenous, and people of color through technology education. Tamar shares her journey from building computers with her father to launching Sparkplug, an innovative AI tool that translates classical literature into African American Vernacular English (AAVE). We explore the critical issues of AI bias, the importance of diverse training data, and how education can bridge gaps in tech. Tamar explains why she considers Sparkplug a “human AI” and discusses her mission to make technology accessible and inclusive for all students.

From the conversation:

"We have to start looking at elements like technology is something that is for all people. Unfortunately, big tech focus on what's going to serve their bottom line." -- AI Bias and Education- Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech with Sparkplug

"The models, machines cannot work without human interaction. Unfortunately, as humans, we all have biases. And when that is coupled with the creation of a new thing, those biases can be implemented into the training data." -- AI Bias and Education- Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech with Sparkplug

You might also like:

• AI in Education: A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and ...

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

• Why ‘Empowerment’ Is a Dirty Word: Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting...

]]> In this episode of “Back in America,” we sit down with Tamar Huggins, founder and CEO of TechSpark, a platform empowering Black, Indigenous, and people of color through technology education. Tamar shares her journey from building computers with her father to launching Sparkplug, an innovative AI tool that translates classical literature into African American Vernacular English (AAVE). We explore the critical issues of AI bias, the importance of diverse training data, and how education can bridge gaps in tech. Tamar explains why she considers Sparkplug a “human AI” and discusses her mission to make technology accessible and inclusive for all students.

From the conversation:

"We have to start looking at elements like technology is something that is for all people. Unfortunately, big tech focus on what's going to serve their bottom line." -- AI Bias and Education- Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech with Sparkplug

"The models, machines cannot work without human interaction. Unfortunately, as humans, we all have biases. And when that is coupled with the creation of a new thing, those biases can be implemented into the training data." -- AI Bias and Education- Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech with Sparkplug

You might also like:

• AI in Education: A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and ...

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

• Why ‘Empowerment’ Is a Dirty Word: Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting...

]]> Tue, 23 Jul 2024 10:30:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1860 In this episode of “Back in America,” we sit down with Tamar Huggins, founder and CEO of TechSpark, a platform empowering Black, Indigenous, and people of color through technology education. Tamar shares her journey from building computers with her father to launching Sparkplug, an innovative AI tool that translates classical literature into African American Vernacular English (AAVE). We explore the critical issues of AI bias, the importance of diverse training data, and how education can bridge gaps in tech. Tamar explains why she considers Sparkplug a “human AI” and discusses her mission to make technology accessible and inclusive for all students.

From the conversation:

"We have to start looking at elements like technology is something that is for all people. Unfortunately, big tech focus on what's going to serve their bottom line." -- AI Bias and Education- Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech with Sparkplug

"The models, machines cannot work without human interaction. Unfortunately, as humans, we all have biases. And when that is coupled with the creation of a new thing, those biases can be implemented into the training data." -- AI Bias and Education- Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech with Sparkplug

You might also like:

• AI in Education: A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and ...

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

• Why ‘Empowerment’ Is a Dirty Word: Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting...

]]> No OnlyFans: Behind the Scene — Undercover with Brendan Koerner 100 100 OnlyFans: Behind the Scene — Undercover with Brendan Koerner full da0652d6-26b9-4abf-9889-41a51f9a26ef https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f1e48d7 In this episode of Back in America, host Stan Berteloot interviews acclaimed journalist Brendan Koerner about his undercover investigation into the world of OnlyFans, a platform that connects adult performers with subscribers, through his Wired cover story - 'She has 80,000 subscribers but she always has time for you'. Koerner reveals the hidden workings of the platform and the surprising reality of its chat services. From his initial encounters to becoming an undercover chatter himself, Koerner exposes the intricate business operations and psychological dynamics that drive OnlyFans. Tune in to uncover the truth about the creators, their chat specialists, and the emotional connections forged in this digital age.

Read the article on the Back in America's Substack blog

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• Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing? Press Freedom and AI with Clay...

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

• Derrick Cobb - From New York Homeless Teen to Hollywood Music Star

]]> In this episode of Back in America, host Stan Berteloot interviews acclaimed journalist Brendan Koerner about his undercover investigation into the world of OnlyFans, a platform that connects adult performers with subscribers, through his Wired cover story - 'She has 80,000 subscribers but she always has time for you'. Koerner reveals the hidden workings of the platform and the surprising reality of its chat services. From his initial encounters to becoming an undercover chatter himself, Koerner exposes the intricate business operations and psychological dynamics that drive OnlyFans. Tune in to uncover the truth about the creators, their chat specialists, and the emotional connections forged in this digital age.

Read the article on the Back in America's Substack blog

You might also like:

• Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing? Press Freedom and AI with Clay...

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

• Derrick Cobb - From New York Homeless Teen to Hollywood Music Star

]]> Wed, 10 Jul 2024 21:32:59 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2251 In this episode of Back in America, host Stan Berteloot interviews acclaimed journalist Brendan Koerner about his undercover investigation into the world of OnlyFans, a platform that connects adult performers with subscribers, through his Wired cover story - 'She has 80,000 subscribers but she always has time for you'. Koerner reveals the hidden workings of the platform and the surprising reality of its chat services. From his initial encounters to becoming an undercover chatter himself, Koerner exposes the intricate business operations and psychological dynamics that drive OnlyFans. Tune in to uncover the truth about the creators, their chat specialists, and the emotional connections forged in this digital age.

Read the article on the Back in America's Substack blog

You might also like:

• Is ‘Mainstream Media’ Still a Thing? Press Freedom and AI with Clay...

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

• Derrick Cobb - From New York Homeless Teen to Hollywood Music Star

]]> No Back in America Returns: Exploring American Culture and Identity 99 99 Back in America Returns: Exploring American Culture and Identity full 83eb21a6-53c7-4734-b1be-20fbe3fd0370 https://share.transistor.fm/s/67d77e4b Hey everyone, Stan Berteloot here, your host of the Back in America podcast. After a long two-year break, we’re back with fresh, insightful episodes exploring American culture, values, and identity through the eyes of an expatriate.


I’ve been busy working with amazing companies like NeuTigers, Pontosense, and Nytro Marketing, and staying active with Share My Meals, fighting food waste. The world has changed since COVID-19, and so have I. The Me Too movement, Black Lives Matter, and climate change have profoundly impacted me.


We’re back with new interviews, amazing guests, and fascinating stories. Episodes will be released monthly. Meanwhile, check out previous favorites like “Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships” and “John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer.”

Check out AI in Marketing my personally curated and AI-Generated podcast


Share the news, tell your friends to subscribe, and see you soon!
#AmericanCulture #ExpatLife #Podcast #BackInAmerica

From the conversation:

"If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try talking with one of them in real life." -- Back in America Returns- Exploring American Culture and Identity

"AI is the most radical revolution humanity has ever known." -- Back in America Returns- Exploring American Culture and Identity

You might also like:

• Trailer Back in America August 2020

• Update: A Native American Candidate to US Election - Subscribe to o...

• Quick Up-Date: Gay, Dad & Principal Dancer Coming-up + Follow-up on...

]]> Hey everyone, Stan Berteloot here, your host of the Back in America podcast. After a long two-year break, we’re back with fresh, insightful episodes exploring American culture, values, and identity through the eyes of an expatriate.


I’ve been busy working with amazing companies like NeuTigers, Pontosense, and Nytro Marketing, and staying active with Share My Meals, fighting food waste. The world has changed since COVID-19, and so have I. The Me Too movement, Black Lives Matter, and climate change have profoundly impacted me.


We’re back with new interviews, amazing guests, and fascinating stories. Episodes will be released monthly. Meanwhile, check out previous favorites like “Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships” and “John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer.”

Check out AI in Marketing my personally curated and AI-Generated podcast


Share the news, tell your friends to subscribe, and see you soon!
#AmericanCulture #ExpatLife #Podcast #BackInAmerica

From the conversation:

"If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try talking with one of them in real life." -- Back in America Returns- Exploring American Culture and Identity

"AI is the most radical revolution humanity has ever known." -- Back in America Returns- Exploring American Culture and Identity

You might also like:

• Trailer Back in America August 2020

• Update: A Native American Candidate to US Election - Subscribe to o...

• Quick Up-Date: Gay, Dad & Principal Dancer Coming-up + Follow-up on...

]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2024 17:54:52 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 243 Hey everyone, Stan Berteloot here, your host of the Back in America podcast. After a long two-year break, we’re back with fresh, insightful episodes exploring American culture, values, and identity through the eyes of an expatriate.


I’ve been busy working with amazing companies like NeuTigers, Pontosense, and Nytro Marketing, and staying active with Share My Meals, fighting food waste. The world has changed since COVID-19, and so have I. The Me Too movement, Black Lives Matter, and climate change have profoundly impacted me.


We’re back with new interviews, amazing guests, and fascinating stories. Episodes will be released monthly. Meanwhile, check out previous favorites like “Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships” and “John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer.”

Check out AI in Marketing my personally curated and AI-Generated podcast


Share the news, tell your friends to subscribe, and see you soon!
#AmericanCulture #ExpatLife #Podcast #BackInAmerica

From the conversation:

"If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try talking with one of them in real life." -- Back in America Returns- Exploring American Culture and Identity

"AI is the most radical revolution humanity has ever known." -- Back in America Returns- Exploring American Culture and Identity

You might also like:

• Trailer Back in America August 2020

• Update: A Native American Candidate to US Election - Subscribe to o...

• Quick Up-Date: Gay, Dad & Principal Dancer Coming-up + Follow-up on...

]]> society, america, usa No Listen again: Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships 98 98 Listen again: Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships full backinamerica.podbean.com/859dc47e-61bd-3361-8f46-c09fddf19217 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0cab599d This episode was originally published on December 17, 2020

In this episode, I interview three crew members of the EPIX / BBC docuseries Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

While 2020 has been a year of intense examination of racism in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, Enslaved takes a deep dive at the historical realities of the Middle Passage. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, The Guardian’s Afua Hirsh, and investigative journalist Simcha Jacobovici, the series travels across the globe to sites of slave ships to uncover what these sunken graveyards can reveal about life onboard––lives of which there is little historical record or archive. 

Our first guest is the British marine archaeologist Dr. Sean Kingsley who served as a historical advisor to the series’ diving crew.

 

Then two of the divers will join me: Kinga Philipps and Kramer Wimberley.  An award-winning journalist, writer, TV host, and esteemed member of the Explorer’s Club, Kinga provided a European perspective to the shoot, and also was one of the few non-Black divers for Enslaved. Next, Kramer will introduce himself as the series’ lead diving instructor who also leads “Diving with a Purpose,” a maritime archaeology program that protects the legacy of the Transatlantic slave trade shipwrecks.

Each of the three interviews was broadcasted live and can be watched in full on the Back in America’s YouTube channel.

 

As I conducted these interviews, I wanted to understand two things. First, what did diving on the wrecks of slave ships us about the history of the slave trade. Then, I wanted the divers to speak about their own experiences as they dived and explored these sunken mass graves, especially in light of recent activism in America.

 

Dr Sean Kingsley Wreckwatch Mag 

 

Kramer Wimberly Diving With a Purpose

 

Kinga Philipps


This episode was partially edited by Back in America’s Podcast Editor Josh Wagner.

 

Read the Transcript

From the conversation:

"When you are boots on the ground in that place and having that realization, it hits you so much harder than if you ever read that story in a book or a news article or even watched it on documentary." -- Listen again- Divers from the EPIX- BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”- Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships

"It's another thing to dive on a shipwreck and actually physically hold these objects which are around and traded and circulate and touched by human beings in the 1670s to the 1820s. And that means you can't ignore it." -- Listen again- Divers from the EPIX- BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”- Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships

You might also like:

• Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Diving on Shipwrec...

• The WWII Fugitive Who Became King of a Headhunter Tribe

• Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural

]]> This episode was originally published on December 17, 2020

In this episode, I interview three crew members of the EPIX / BBC docuseries Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

While 2020 has been a year of intense examination of racism in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, Enslaved takes a deep dive at the historical realities of the Middle Passage. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, The Guardian’s Afua Hirsh, and investigative journalist Simcha Jacobovici, the series travels across the globe to sites of slave ships to uncover what these sunken graveyards can reveal about life onboard––lives of which there is little historical record or archive. 

Our first guest is the British marine archaeologist Dr. Sean Kingsley who served as a historical advisor to the series’ diving crew.

 

Then two of the divers will join me: Kinga Philipps and Kramer Wimberley.  An award-winning journalist, writer, TV host, and esteemed member of the Explorer’s Club, Kinga provided a European perspective to the shoot, and also was one of the few non-Black divers for Enslaved. Next, Kramer will introduce himself as the series’ lead diving instructor who also leads “Diving with a Purpose,” a maritime archaeology program that protects the legacy of the Transatlantic slave trade shipwrecks.

Each of the three interviews was broadcasted live and can be watched in full on the Back in America’s YouTube channel.

 

As I conducted these interviews, I wanted to understand two things. First, what did diving on the wrecks of slave ships us about the history of the slave trade. Then, I wanted the divers to speak about their own experiences as they dived and explored these sunken mass graves, especially in light of recent activism in America.

 

Dr Sean Kingsley Wreckwatch Mag 

 

Kramer Wimberly Diving With a Purpose

 

Kinga Philipps


This episode was partially edited by Back in America’s Podcast Editor Josh Wagner.

 

Read the Transcript

From the conversation:

"When you are boots on the ground in that place and having that realization, it hits you so much harder than if you ever read that story in a book or a news article or even watched it on documentary." -- Listen again- Divers from the EPIX- BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”- Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships

"It's another thing to dive on a shipwreck and actually physically hold these objects which are around and traded and circulate and touched by human beings in the 1670s to the 1820s. And that means you can't ignore it." -- Listen again- Divers from the EPIX- BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”- Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships

You might also like:

• Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Diving on Shipwrec...

• The WWII Fugitive Who Became King of a Headhunter Tribe

• Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural

]]> Wed, 20 Oct 2021 07:51:07 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2717 This episode was originally published on December 17, 2020 In this episode, I interview three crew members of the EPIX / BBC docuseries Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. While 2020 has been a year of intense examination of racism in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, Enslaved takes a deep dive at the historical realities of the Middle Passage. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, The Guardian’s Afua Hirsh, and investigative journalist Simcha Jacobovici, the series travels across the globe to sites of slave ships to uncover what these sunken graveyards can reveal about life onboard––lives of which there is little historical record or archive.  Our first guest is the British marine archaeologist Dr. Sean Kingsley who served as a historical advisor to the series’ diving crew.   Then two of the divers will join me: Kinga Philipps and Kramer Wimberley.  An award-winning journalist, writer, TV host, and esteemed member of the Explorer’s Club, Kinga provided a European perspective to the shoot, and also was one of the few non-Black divers for Enslaved. Next, Kramer will introduce himself as the series’ lead diving instructor who also leads “Diving with a Purpose,” a maritime archaeology program that protects the legacy of the Transatlantic slave trade shipwrecks. Each of the three interviews was broadcasted live and can be watched in full on the Back in America’s YouTube channel.   As I conducted these interviews, I wanted to understand two things. First, what did diving on the wrecks of slave ships us about the history of the slave trade. Then, I wanted the divers to speak about their own experiences as they dived and explored these sunken mass graves, especially in light of recent activism in America.   Dr Sean Kingsley Wreckwatch Mag    Kramer Wimberly Diving With a Purpose   Kinga Philipps This episode was partially edited by Back in America’s Podcast Editor Josh Wagner.   Read the Transcript This episode was originally published on December 17, 2020 In this episode, I interview three crew members of the EPIX / BBC docuseries Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. While 2020 has been a year of intense examination of racis No SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T. 97 97 SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T. full backinamerica.podbean.com/ae9f1433-3b45-32ac-8b62-f2124fc42f3f https://share.transistor.fm/s/ae2bfb61 Back in America is a podcast exploring America’s culture, values, and identity. This conversation was recorded live on September 17. You can watch the unedited version on our Youtube channel. 

Listen to this episode to learn more about the release of the Pentagon report on UFOs to Congress. The importance of cosmos exploration. The chances of finding extraterrestrial life in our lifetime.

After taking a long summer break during which my intern Josh Wagner took over Back in America with his excellent series Poetism I am happy to be back behind the mic.

My guest, Seth Shostak is a Doctor in Astronomy, and an Alien Hunter working with the SETI Institute, a research organization whose mission is to explore, understand, and explain the origin and nature of life in the universe. In fact, SETI stands for the "search for extraterrestrial intelligence". He has published more than 400 articles on science including regular contributions to NBC News MACH, gives many dozens of talks annually, and is the host of the SETI Institute’s weekly science radio show, “Big Picture Science.” 

During our conversation, he said, “The equipment is getting faster and faster. We're looking at more and more of the universe. And on that basis that I've bet everyone a cup of Starbucks coffee, that we will find some evidence that we're not alone by 2035.

 

The SETI Institute https://www.seti.org/

Dr. Soth Shostak http://sethshostak.com/

The Big Picture Science Podcast https://radio.seti.org/

From the conversation:

"We're just looking for the type of signal. Is it a signal that only transmitters can make and not something natural cooked up by nature?" -- SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T.

"I've bet everyone a cup of Starbucks coffee that we will find some evidence that we're not alone by 2035." -- SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T.

You might also like:

• The Promise of a Better Human: James Clement on our Transhuman futures

• World Correspondence Chess Champion Jon Edwards on Playing Alongsid...

• Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism a...

]]> Back in America is a podcast exploring America’s culture, values, and identity. This conversation was recorded live on September 17. You can watch the unedited version on our Youtube channel. 

Listen to this episode to learn more about the release of the Pentagon report on UFOs to Congress. The importance of cosmos exploration. The chances of finding extraterrestrial life in our lifetime.

After taking a long summer break during which my intern Josh Wagner took over Back in America with his excellent series Poetism I am happy to be back behind the mic.

My guest, Seth Shostak is a Doctor in Astronomy, and an Alien Hunter working with the SETI Institute, a research organization whose mission is to explore, understand, and explain the origin and nature of life in the universe. In fact, SETI stands for the "search for extraterrestrial intelligence". He has published more than 400 articles on science including regular contributions to NBC News MACH, gives many dozens of talks annually, and is the host of the SETI Institute’s weekly science radio show, “Big Picture Science.” 

During our conversation, he said, “The equipment is getting faster and faster. We're looking at more and more of the universe. And on that basis that I've bet everyone a cup of Starbucks coffee, that we will find some evidence that we're not alone by 2035.

 

The SETI Institute https://www.seti.org/

Dr. Soth Shostak http://sethshostak.com/

The Big Picture Science Podcast https://radio.seti.org/

From the conversation:

"We're just looking for the type of signal. Is it a signal that only transmitters can make and not something natural cooked up by nature?" -- SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T.

"I've bet everyone a cup of Starbucks coffee that we will find some evidence that we're not alone by 2035." -- SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T.

You might also like:

• The Promise of a Better Human: James Clement on our Transhuman futures

• World Correspondence Chess Champion Jon Edwards on Playing Alongsid...

• Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism a...

]]> Sat, 18 Sep 2021 14:03:44 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2126 Back in America is a podcast exploring America’s culture, values, and identity. This conversation was recorded live on September 17. You can watch the unedited version on our Youtube channel.  Listen to this episode to learn more about the release of the Pentagon report on UFOs to Congress. The importance of cosmos exploration. The chances of finding extraterrestrial life in our lifetime. After taking a long summer break during which my intern Josh Wagner took over Back in America with his excellent series Poetism I am happy to be back behind the mic. My guest, Seth Shostak is a Doctor in Astronomy, and an Alien Hunter working with the SETI Institute, a research organization whose mission is to explore, understand, and explain the origin and nature of life in the universe. In fact, SETI stands for the "search for extraterrestrial intelligence". He has published more than 400 articles on science including regular contributions to NBC News MACH, gives many dozens of talks annually, and is the host of the SETI Institute’s weekly science radio show, “Big Picture Science.”  During our conversation, he said, “The equipment is getting faster and faster. We're looking at more and more of the universe. And on that basis that I've bet everyone a cup of Starbucks coffee, that we will find some evidence that we're not alone by 2035.   The SETI Institute https://www.seti.org/ Dr. Soth Shostak http://sethshostak.com/ The Big Picture Science Podcast https://radio.seti.org/ Back in America is a podcast exploring America’s culture, values, and identity. This conversation was recorded live on September 17. You can watch the unedited version on our Youtube channel.  Listen to this episode to learn more about the release of the No Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocteau Twins & Brigit Pegeen Kelly 96 96 Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocteau Twins & Brigit Pegeen Kelly full backinamerica.podbean.com/9e8202f6-4e36-37ae-aa62-9399a7568ad3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6fbe29f0 If the particular cannot be repeated, it remains forever lost; and this is why there can be no final closure to mourning. There can only be, alongside of mourning,​ learning to love new particulars ––Louise Fradenburg

 

In this week’s installment of “Poetism,” we’d like to ask about how words, poems, songs, and other kinds of art objects help bring life to a world. And by world, we mean a perspective, something experienced and understood in the innermost part of our being. Whether faced by inner solitude or loss, words attempt to communicate a state of affairs. But do they have to? Is there a way of placing listeners and readers directly into an experience without only describing it? Are there more direct ways of touching or “worlding” or elegizing? Or, in the words of this week’s poet, a moment: “Stands, the way a status / does in the mind.​​

 

Perhaps! And it is in this great abyss of a perhaps that this episode takes off. Our working theory is that the sonic qualities of words, and of language in general, can help transmit moods and sensations without the need for specific meanings. To ask such questions, Josh is joined by his college roommate Scott Stevens, a recent English graduate of Stanford University (and incoming Fulbright Scholar) who also speaks in Japanese and French. And, in the course of their dialogue, Scott they are assisted by the Cocteau Twins’ 1984 track “Amelia” off of Treasure as well as Brigit Pegeen Kelly’s “Field Song” from the collection Song (1995).

 

Over the course of their conversation, Scott and Josh touch upon the uniqueness of sound as a medium of communication, their difficulties of listening to the lyrics of a song, and poetry’s collective oral tradition.

***

For more Poetism, stay tuned for next week’s two-part series finale on Rachel McKibbins, blackface, and FKA twigs.

From the conversation:

"Poetry that draws me tends to have a sense of mystery. It's like, why bother writing a poem if it's super straightforward?" -- Poetism Part 7- Can you describe it all- Scott Stevens on the Cocteau Twins & Brigit Pegeen Kelly

"I think entrance into other people's souls is often through reading their poetry, especially when there's a sense of alien otherworldliness." -- Poetism Part 7- Can you describe it all- Scott Stevens on the Cocteau Twins & Brigit Pegeen Kelly

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehea...

• Poetism Part 5: Can you speak for others? Lorenzo Bartolucci on Sea...

• Poetism 4: Can you break a word? Gabriel Ellis on SOPHIE and Jos Ch...

]]> If the particular cannot be repeated, it remains forever lost; and this is why there can be no final closure to mourning. There can only be, alongside of mourning,​ learning to love new particulars ––Louise Fradenburg

 

In this week’s installment of “Poetism,” we’d like to ask about how words, poems, songs, and other kinds of art objects help bring life to a world. And by world, we mean a perspective, something experienced and understood in the innermost part of our being. Whether faced by inner solitude or loss, words attempt to communicate a state of affairs. But do they have to? Is there a way of placing listeners and readers directly into an experience without only describing it? Are there more direct ways of touching or “worlding” or elegizing? Or, in the words of this week’s poet, a moment: “Stands, the way a status / does in the mind.​​

 

Perhaps! And it is in this great abyss of a perhaps that this episode takes off. Our working theory is that the sonic qualities of words, and of language in general, can help transmit moods and sensations without the need for specific meanings. To ask such questions, Josh is joined by his college roommate Scott Stevens, a recent English graduate of Stanford University (and incoming Fulbright Scholar) who also speaks in Japanese and French. And, in the course of their dialogue, Scott they are assisted by the Cocteau Twins’ 1984 track “Amelia” off of Treasure as well as Brigit Pegeen Kelly’s “Field Song” from the collection Song (1995).

 

Over the course of their conversation, Scott and Josh touch upon the uniqueness of sound as a medium of communication, their difficulties of listening to the lyrics of a song, and poetry’s collective oral tradition.

***

For more Poetism, stay tuned for next week’s two-part series finale on Rachel McKibbins, blackface, and FKA twigs.

From the conversation:

"Poetry that draws me tends to have a sense of mystery. It's like, why bother writing a poem if it's super straightforward?" -- Poetism Part 7- Can you describe it all- Scott Stevens on the Cocteau Twins & Brigit Pegeen Kelly

"I think entrance into other people's souls is often through reading their poetry, especially when there's a sense of alien otherworldliness." -- Poetism Part 7- Can you describe it all- Scott Stevens on the Cocteau Twins & Brigit Pegeen Kelly

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehea...

• Poetism Part 5: Can you speak for others? Lorenzo Bartolucci on Sea...

• Poetism 4: Can you break a word? Gabriel Ellis on SOPHIE and Jos Ch...

]]> Fri, 13 Aug 2021 13:09:58 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2961 If the particular cannot be repeated, it remains forever lost; and this is why there can be no final closure to mourning. There can only be, alongside of mourning,​ learning to love new particulars ––Louise Fradenburg   In this week’s installment of “Poetism,” we’d like to ask about how words, poems, songs, and other kinds of art objects help bring life to a world. And by world, we mean a perspective, something experienced and understood in the innermost part of our being. Whether faced by inner solitude or loss, words attempt to communicate a state of affairs. But do they have to? Is there a way of placing listeners and readers directly into an experience without only describing it? Are there more direct ways of touching or “worlding” or elegizing? Or, in the words of this week’s poet, a moment: “Stands, the way a status / does in the mind.​​   Perhaps! And it is in this great abyss of a perhaps that this episode takes off. Our working theory is that the sonic qualities of words, and of language in general, can help transmit moods and sensations without the need for specific meanings. To ask such questions, Josh is joined by his college roommate Scott Stevens, a recent English graduate of Stanford University (and incoming Fulbright Scholar) who also speaks in Japanese and French. And, in the course of their dialogue, Scott they are assisted by the Cocteau Twins’ 1984 track “Amelia” off of Treasure as well as Brigit Pegeen Kelly’s “Field Song” from the collection Song (1995).   Over the course of their conversation, Scott and Josh touch upon the uniqueness of sound as a medium of communication, their difficulties of listening to the lyrics of a song, and poetry’s collective oral tradition. *** For more Poetism, stay tuned for next week’s two-part series finale on Rachel McKibbins, blackface, and FKA twigs. If the particular cannot be repeated, it remains forever lost; and this is why there can be no final closure to mourning. There can only be, alongside of mourning,​ learning to love new particulars ––Louise Fradenburg   In this week’s installment of “Poeti No Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehead and Pharoah Sanders 95 95 Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehead and Pharoah Sanders full backinamerica.podbean.com/1e9021ba-56d3-35fc-ad61-6a63c0c08741 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8cf5fe63

The sullen murmur of the bees shouldering their way through the long unmown grass, or circling with monotonous insistence round the dusty gilt horns of the straggling woodbine, seemed to make the stillness more oppressive. The dim roar of London was like the bourdon note of a distant organ.

 

These lines, from the opening pages of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, emphasize unseen background noises as constituting an environment. The bees, working through the grass, create the biological condition of possibility for nature and the world, especially in their unseen state. And, so too, does the roar of London create the background chatter that allows the plot of the novel to take off. In this week’s installment of Poetism, we’d like to ask a similar question about our own age: what is the background noise that has made all this––society, labor, world–– possible?

 

Michael Leon Thomas, a professor of philosophy at Susquehanna University, joins Josh in the studio to tackle the vicissitudes and interisies of Alfred North Whitehead’s conception of philosophy alongside Pharoah Sanders’ 1973 album Izipho Zam, particularly the 28-minute titular track which closes the album. For Whitehead, a worldview is always in the process of emerging, and our language needs to follow suit. A reformed logician, Whitehead balks against a wholly systematic view of philosophy, suggesting that it is in the gaps, silences, and wetness of philosophy that something happens.

 

And to figure out what this something might be, we turn to Pharoah Sanders’ enigmatic, if expansive, composition which traverses through various languages, instruments, and cosmologies. The bandleader himself cannot be heard until the last third of the track, creating and leaving space (a society?) in which music creation can happen. In other words, it’s a slow reconditioning process.

 

Along the way, Michael and I talk about why he’s decided to spend his life with philosophy, how experience feeds into our listening habits, the postcolony of American, and why philosophy might have more in common with poetry than one might assume.

 

To read more about Michael’s work on music, check out an interview in Aesthetics with Birds.

 

Here is the 2016 Pharoah Sanders performance mentioned in the episode.

***

 

For Poetism, stay tuned for next week’s episode on Brigit Pegeen Kelly and the Cocteau Twins with Scott Stevens

 

 

From the conversation:

"When something goes wrong or when you listen to music that really strikes you, you realize oh wait, the world is being constructed for me through the way that I talk about things." -- Poetism Part 6- Can you experience- Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehead and Pharoah Sanders

"If I'm not listening now, I'm not doing it justice—so I had to force myself to stop and actually listen to someone do the poetry because half-listening wasn't getting what I needed from music." -- Poetism Part 6- Can you experience- Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehead and Pharoah Sanders

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocte...

• Poetism Part 5: Can you speak for others? Lorenzo Bartolucci on Sea...

• Poetism 3: Can You Feel It? Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Ba...

]]>

The sullen murmur of the bees shouldering their way through the long unmown grass, or circling with monotonous insistence round the dusty gilt horns of the straggling woodbine, seemed to make the stillness more oppressive. The dim roar of London was like the bourdon note of a distant organ.

 

These lines, from the opening pages of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, emphasize unseen background noises as constituting an environment. The bees, working through the grass, create the biological condition of possibility for nature and the world, especially in their unseen state. And, so too, does the roar of London create the background chatter that allows the plot of the novel to take off. In this week’s installment of Poetism, we’d like to ask a similar question about our own age: what is the background noise that has made all this––society, labor, world–– possible?

 

Michael Leon Thomas, a professor of philosophy at Susquehanna University, joins Josh in the studio to tackle the vicissitudes and interisies of Alfred North Whitehead’s conception of philosophy alongside Pharoah Sanders’ 1973 album Izipho Zam, particularly the 28-minute titular track which closes the album. For Whitehead, a worldview is always in the process of emerging, and our language needs to follow suit. A reformed logician, Whitehead balks against a wholly systematic view of philosophy, suggesting that it is in the gaps, silences, and wetness of philosophy that something happens.

 

And to figure out what this something might be, we turn to Pharoah Sanders’ enigmatic, if expansive, composition which traverses through various languages, instruments, and cosmologies. The bandleader himself cannot be heard until the last third of the track, creating and leaving space (a society?) in which music creation can happen. In other words, it’s a slow reconditioning process.

 

Along the way, Michael and I talk about why he’s decided to spend his life with philosophy, how experience feeds into our listening habits, the postcolony of American, and why philosophy might have more in common with poetry than one might assume.

 

To read more about Michael’s work on music, check out an interview in Aesthetics with Birds.

 

Here is the 2016 Pharoah Sanders performance mentioned in the episode.

***

 

For Poetism, stay tuned for next week’s episode on Brigit Pegeen Kelly and the Cocteau Twins with Scott Stevens

 

 

From the conversation:

"When something goes wrong or when you listen to music that really strikes you, you realize oh wait, the world is being constructed for me through the way that I talk about things." -- Poetism Part 6- Can you experience- Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehead and Pharoah Sanders

"If I'm not listening now, I'm not doing it justice—so I had to force myself to stop and actually listen to someone do the poetry because half-listening wasn't getting what I needed from music." -- Poetism Part 6- Can you experience- Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehead and Pharoah Sanders

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocte...

• Poetism Part 5: Can you speak for others? Lorenzo Bartolucci on Sea...

• Poetism 3: Can You Feel It? Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Ba...

]]> Fri, 06 Aug 2021 12:48:05 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 3163 The sullen murmur of the bees shouldering their way through the long unmown grass, or circling with monotonous insistence round the dusty gilt horns of the straggling woodbine, seemed to make the stillness more oppressive. The dim roar of London was like the bourdon note of a distant organ.   These lines, from the opening pages of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray, emphasize unseen background noises as constituting an environment. The bees, working through the grass, create the biological condition of possibility for nature and the world, especially in their unseen state. And, so too, does the roar of London create the background chatter that allows the plot of the novel to take off. In this week’s installment of Poetism, we’d like to ask a similar question about our own age: what is the background noise that has made all this––society, labor, world–– possible?   Michael Leon Thomas, a professor of philosophy at Susquehanna University, joins Josh in the studio to tackle the vicissitudes and interisies of Alfred North Whitehead’s conception of philosophy alongside Pharoah Sanders’ 1973 album Izipho Zam, particularly the 28-minute titular track which closes the album. For Whitehead, a worldview is always in the process of emerging, and our language needs to follow suit. A reformed logician, Whitehead balks against a wholly systematic view of philosophy, suggesting that it is in the gaps, silences, and wetness of philosophy that something happens.   And to figure out what this something might be, we turn to Pharoah Sanders’ enigmatic, if expansive, composition which traverses through various languages, instruments, and cosmologies. The bandleader himself cannot be heard until the last third of the track, creating and leaving space (a society?) in which music creation can happen. In other words, it’s a slow reconditioning process.   Along the way, Michael and I talk about why he’s decided to spend his life with philosophy, how experience feeds into our listening habits, the postcolony of American, and why philosophy might have more in common with poetry than one might assume.   To read more about Michael’s work on music, check out an interview in Aesthetics with Birds.   Here is the 2016 Pharoah Sanders performance mentioned in the episode. ***   For Poetism, stay tuned for next week’s episode on Brigit Pegeen Kelly and the Cocteau Twins with Scott Stevens     The sullen murmur of the bees shouldering their way through the long unmown grass, or circling with monotonous insistence round the dusty gilt horns of the straggling woodbine, seemed to make the stillness more oppressive. The dim roar of London was like No Poetism Part 5: Can you speak for others? Lorenzo Bartolucci on Seamus Heaney and Hozier 94 94 Poetism Part 5: Can you speak for others? Lorenzo Bartolucci on Seamus Heaney and Hozier full backinamerica.podbean.com/eff8e91f-5357-3af2-bd9d-05a5ca048e5a https://share.transistor.fm/s/4133d9a1 Across Northern Europe, so-called “bog people” have often been discovered shuffling around in the peat. While no one is quite certain where these quasi-mummified bodies come from––some date as recently as the 1940s––they have posed a strange mystery for countless poets and artists.

This week, Back in America’s Poetism team takes a look at one of Seamus Heaney’s bog-inspired poems “The Bog Queen” from his 1975 collection North. Written in the spring of the May 1968 movement and the beginning of the Irish “Troubles,” “The Bog Queen” ventriloquizes the voice of its eponymous queen, pretending to experience underground life before her eventual discovery.

In 2014, Irish musician Hozier released a setting of the poem, “Like Real People Do, ”removing many explicit references to Heaney himself, while keeping the ethos of the poem. For Hozier, the relationship of the fallen queen to her discoverer is one of love, even if from afar. Is it possible to love those who we will never meet? Can such a love be anything more than one-sided or wonderfully ironic?

To explore these questions, Stanford graduate student Lorenzo Bartolucci joins Josh in the studio to offer his take on love, Heaney, bog bodies, and American-ness itself.

***

If you’re enjoying this summer series, stay tuned for next week’s installment, featuring Susquehanna Philosophy Professor Michael Leon Thomas and the works of Alfred North Whitehead and Pharoah Sanders.

From the conversation:

"Poetry allows me to perpetuate that spark of rediscovery and enjoyment forward, which is why I've decided to work on poetry full time." -- Poetism Part 5- Can you speak for others- Lorenzo Bartolucci on Seamus Heaney and Hozier

"Death as one of the forms that life takes—this is clearly something that would have been at the top of Heaney's mind." -- Poetism Part 5- Can you speak for others- Lorenzo Bartolucci on Seamus Heaney and Hozier

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocte...

• Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehea...

• Poetism 4: Can you break a word? Gabriel Ellis on SOPHIE and Jos Ch...

]]> Across Northern Europe, so-called “bog people” have often been discovered shuffling around in the peat. While no one is quite certain where these quasi-mummified bodies come from––some date as recently as the 1940s––they have posed a strange mystery for countless poets and artists.

This week, Back in America’s Poetism team takes a look at one of Seamus Heaney’s bog-inspired poems “The Bog Queen” from his 1975 collection North. Written in the spring of the May 1968 movement and the beginning of the Irish “Troubles,” “The Bog Queen” ventriloquizes the voice of its eponymous queen, pretending to experience underground life before her eventual discovery.

In 2014, Irish musician Hozier released a setting of the poem, “Like Real People Do, ”removing many explicit references to Heaney himself, while keeping the ethos of the poem. For Hozier, the relationship of the fallen queen to her discoverer is one of love, even if from afar. Is it possible to love those who we will never meet? Can such a love be anything more than one-sided or wonderfully ironic?

To explore these questions, Stanford graduate student Lorenzo Bartolucci joins Josh in the studio to offer his take on love, Heaney, bog bodies, and American-ness itself.

***

If you’re enjoying this summer series, stay tuned for next week’s installment, featuring Susquehanna Philosophy Professor Michael Leon Thomas and the works of Alfred North Whitehead and Pharoah Sanders.

From the conversation:

"Poetry allows me to perpetuate that spark of rediscovery and enjoyment forward, which is why I've decided to work on poetry full time." -- Poetism Part 5- Can you speak for others- Lorenzo Bartolucci on Seamus Heaney and Hozier

"Death as one of the forms that life takes—this is clearly something that would have been at the top of Heaney's mind." -- Poetism Part 5- Can you speak for others- Lorenzo Bartolucci on Seamus Heaney and Hozier

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocte...

• Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehea...

• Poetism 4: Can you break a word? Gabriel Ellis on SOPHIE and Jos Ch...

]]> Fri, 30 Jul 2021 13:52:47 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2550 Across Northern Europe, so-called “bog people” have often been discovered shuffling around in the peat. While no one is quite certain where these quasi-mummified bodies come from––some date as recently as the 1940s––they have posed a strange mystery for countless poets and artists. This week, Back in America’s Poetism team takes a look at one of Seamus Heaney’s bog-inspired poems “The Bog Queen” from his 1975 collection North. Written in the spring of the May 1968 movement and the beginning of the Irish “Troubles,” “The Bog Queen” ventriloquizes the voice of its eponymous queen, pretending to experience underground life before her eventual discovery. In 2014, Irish musician Hozier released a setting of the poem, “Like Real People Do, ”removing many explicit references to Heaney himself, while keeping the ethos of the poem. For Hozier, the relationship of the fallen queen to her discoverer is one of love, even if from afar. Is it possible to love those who we will never meet? Can such a love be anything more than one-sided or wonderfully ironic? To explore these questions, Stanford graduate student Lorenzo Bartolucci joins Josh in the studio to offer his take on love, Heaney, bog bodies, and American-ness itself. *** If you’re enjoying this summer series, stay tuned for next week’s installment, featuring Susquehanna Philosophy Professor Michael Leon Thomas and the works of Alfred North Whitehead and Pharoah Sanders. Across Northern Europe, so-called “bog people” have often been discovered shuffling around in the peat. While no one is quite certain where these quasi-mummified bodies come from––some date as recently as the 1940s––they have posed a strange mystery for c No Poetism 4: Can you break a word? Gabriel Ellis on SOPHIE and Jos Charles 93 93 Poetism 4: Can you break a word? Gabriel Ellis on SOPHIE and Jos Charles full backinamerica.podbean.com/7ba9c6f1-5eac-3a35-b95e-d8720965372d https://share.transistor.fm/s/f73e6574

Elegy

Who would I show it to

In this short one-line poem, W.S. Merwin condenses the anguish of loss, of being alive, and of the limitations of languages into a neat little package. Why write in the absence of finality? And what happens when mortality catches up with us?

In this installment of Poetism, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner takes to the studio to ask about the honesty of writing––can writing ever reflect a true impression of reality? To field such questions about life, poetry, and everything in between, Stanford graduate student Gabriel Ellis takes the mic. Studying musicology, Gabriel focuses on contemporary pop music, and especially what he terms “anaesthetics,” music that describes, induces, or creates a sense of narcotic escape.

Our conversation loosely tracks Gabriel’s musical career before turning to Jos Charles’ 2018 poetry collection feeld, which he reads in a faux-Chaucerian accent: “i care so much abot the whord i cant reed.” Then, we talk about the late SOPHIE’s 2018 track “Immaterial” off of Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides to explore a sonic tapestry of vibe.

 

Stay tuned at your dials for next week’s episode of Poetism, featuring dead Irish myths, Seamus Heany, Hozier, and more Stanford friends!

 

Note: Both Charles and SOPHIE identify as trans and use she/them pronouns, so we use both interchangeably.

From the conversation:

"It takes a great deal of creativity to take an art form that's historically been concerned with producing strong feelings and find ways to use those tools to do the opposite." -- Poetism 4- Can you break a word- Gabriel Ellis on SOPHIE and Jos Charles

"Charles is searching for a vocabulary that's capable of describing experiences that maybe we don't quite have words for or that feel kind of alien in contemporary standard English." -- Poetism 4- Can you break a word- Gabriel Ellis on SOPHIE and Jos Charles

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocte...

• Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehea...

• Poetism 3: Can You Feel It? Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Ba...

]]>

Elegy

Who would I show it to

In this short one-line poem, W.S. Merwin condenses the anguish of loss, of being alive, and of the limitations of languages into a neat little package. Why write in the absence of finality? And what happens when mortality catches up with us?

In this installment of Poetism, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner takes to the studio to ask about the honesty of writing––can writing ever reflect a true impression of reality? To field such questions about life, poetry, and everything in between, Stanford graduate student Gabriel Ellis takes the mic. Studying musicology, Gabriel focuses on contemporary pop music, and especially what he terms “anaesthetics,” music that describes, induces, or creates a sense of narcotic escape.

Our conversation loosely tracks Gabriel’s musical career before turning to Jos Charles’ 2018 poetry collection feeld, which he reads in a faux-Chaucerian accent: “i care so much abot the whord i cant reed.” Then, we talk about the late SOPHIE’s 2018 track “Immaterial” off of Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides to explore a sonic tapestry of vibe.

 

Stay tuned at your dials for next week’s episode of Poetism, featuring dead Irish myths, Seamus Heany, Hozier, and more Stanford friends!

 

Note: Both Charles and SOPHIE identify as trans and use she/them pronouns, so we use both interchangeably.

From the conversation:

"It takes a great deal of creativity to take an art form that's historically been concerned with producing strong feelings and find ways to use those tools to do the opposite." -- Poetism 4- Can you break a word- Gabriel Ellis on SOPHIE and Jos Charles

"Charles is searching for a vocabulary that's capable of describing experiences that maybe we don't quite have words for or that feel kind of alien in contemporary standard English." -- Poetism 4- Can you break a word- Gabriel Ellis on SOPHIE and Jos Charles

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocte...

• Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehea...

• Poetism 3: Can You Feel It? Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Ba...

]]> Fri, 23 Jul 2021 04:20:59 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2985 Elegy Who would I show it to In this short one-line poem, W.S. Merwin condenses the anguish of loss, of being alive, and of the limitations of languages into a neat little package. Why write in the absence of finality? And what happens when mortality catches up with us? In this installment of Poetism, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner takes to the studio to ask about the honesty of writing––can writing ever reflect a true impression of reality? To field such questions about life, poetry, and everything in between, Stanford graduate student Gabriel Ellis takes the mic. Studying musicology, Gabriel focuses on contemporary pop music, and especially what he terms “anaesthetics,” music that describes, induces, or creates a sense of narcotic escape. Our conversation loosely tracks Gabriel’s musical career before turning to Jos Charles’ 2018 poetry collection feeld, which he reads in a faux-Chaucerian accent: “i care so much abot the whord i cant reed.” Then, we talk about the late SOPHIE’s 2018 track “Immaterial” off of Oil of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides to explore a sonic tapestry of vibe.   Stay tuned at your dials for next week’s episode of Poetism, featuring dead Irish myths, Seamus Heany, Hozier, and more Stanford friends!   Note: Both Charles and SOPHIE identify as trans and use she/them pronouns, so we use both interchangeably. Elegy Who would I show it to In this short one-line poem, W.S. Merwin condenses the anguish of loss, of being alive, and of the limitations of languages into a neat little package. Why write in the absence of finality? And what happens when mortality catc No Poetism 3: Can You Feel It? Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Baraka 92 92 Poetism 3: Can You Feel It? Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Baraka full backinamerica.podbean.com/8ff190c5-6d40-32cc-9d49-014625f24f67 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5df38f41 She listen to a little of that D’Angelo music, some love’s melody, sophisticated-type rap, which she say sounds more like real music, like intelligent music, than some of that other music, then she cuts the radio off ––Gayl Jones, The Healing

 

Like the narrator in Gayl Jones’ The Healing, this week’s installment of Poetism focuses on and around “black music,” that is music which conveys a specific feeling of a sensation or time without explaining anything. For me, it’s like being a child at an adult’s card table; no one tells you how the game works, you have to learn by being attentive and tuning into the tricks at hand. But the joy is in the puzzle, almost as much as in the rules of the game.

 

When his producer tried to market his serpentine music as “neo-soul,” D’Angelo rejected that moniker for the more expressive and expansive “black music.” There’s history and respect in his 2014 collaboration with the Vanguard, “Black Messiah,” but also affection, nostalgia, and rage. In scholar D’Angelo’s own words, “it’s all about capturing the spirit. It’s all about capturing the vibe. I’m kinda a first take dude.” 

 

To tackle such questions of lineage and history, actor and tap dance instructor Johnnie Hobbs joins me in this week’s episode. Our conversation starts with Johnnie’s own background and love for films––especially the rare period piece that displays the mundane. As Sumana Roy and Xander Manshel have noted, it’s rare for art made by people of color about the everyday to be accepted by mainstream culture. The vast majority of literary awards given to writers of color are for historical novels which focus on their ethnic identities. To be taught within the university, Indian novels need to be about what it means to be a postcolonial subject;––it’s uncommon to see a novel about one’s dreams of becoming a famous poet, midnight walks, and family fights.

 

And Johnnie has developed his own test to see whether a historical film can do more than just showcase violence against Black bodies. In the final minutes of the podcast, we turn towards Amiri Baraka’s “Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note” (1961) to unpack it’s own relationship to Black suffering and its future(s).

 

Stay tuned for next week’s episode on bubblegum pop and Old English verse in Jos Charles’ feeld (2018) and SOPHIE’s “Immaterial” (2018)––guided by anesthetic wizard Gabriel Ellis, who you might remember from his cameo in last week’s installment.

From the conversation:

"African movements and steps mixed with Irish movements and steps through indentured servitude and enslavement, and tap dancing became what it is because of one man, William Henry Lane." -- Poetism 3- Can You Feel It- Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Baraka

"Why is this always the only thing that I'm seeing of black people in period pieces? Why are we always getting traumatized and beat and called names?" -- Poetism 3- Can You Feel It- Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Baraka

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehea...

• Poetism Part 5: Can you speak for others? Lorenzo Bartolucci on Sea...

• Poetism Part 2: Are we numb yet? Lisa Robertson and the Airborne To...

]]> She listen to a little of that D’Angelo music, some love’s melody, sophisticated-type rap, which she say sounds more like real music, like intelligent music, than some of that other music, then she cuts the radio off ––Gayl Jones, The Healing

 

Like the narrator in Gayl Jones’ The Healing, this week’s installment of Poetism focuses on and around “black music,” that is music which conveys a specific feeling of a sensation or time without explaining anything. For me, it’s like being a child at an adult’s card table; no one tells you how the game works, you have to learn by being attentive and tuning into the tricks at hand. But the joy is in the puzzle, almost as much as in the rules of the game.

 

When his producer tried to market his serpentine music as “neo-soul,” D’Angelo rejected that moniker for the more expressive and expansive “black music.” There’s history and respect in his 2014 collaboration with the Vanguard, “Black Messiah,” but also affection, nostalgia, and rage. In scholar D’Angelo’s own words, “it’s all about capturing the spirit. It’s all about capturing the vibe. I’m kinda a first take dude.” 

 

To tackle such questions of lineage and history, actor and tap dance instructor Johnnie Hobbs joins me in this week’s episode. Our conversation starts with Johnnie’s own background and love for films––especially the rare period piece that displays the mundane. As Sumana Roy and Xander Manshel have noted, it’s rare for art made by people of color about the everyday to be accepted by mainstream culture. The vast majority of literary awards given to writers of color are for historical novels which focus on their ethnic identities. To be taught within the university, Indian novels need to be about what it means to be a postcolonial subject;––it’s uncommon to see a novel about one’s dreams of becoming a famous poet, midnight walks, and family fights.

 

And Johnnie has developed his own test to see whether a historical film can do more than just showcase violence against Black bodies. In the final minutes of the podcast, we turn towards Amiri Baraka’s “Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note” (1961) to unpack it’s own relationship to Black suffering and its future(s).

 

Stay tuned for next week’s episode on bubblegum pop and Old English verse in Jos Charles’ feeld (2018) and SOPHIE’s “Immaterial” (2018)––guided by anesthetic wizard Gabriel Ellis, who you might remember from his cameo in last week’s installment.

From the conversation:

"African movements and steps mixed with Irish movements and steps through indentured servitude and enslavement, and tap dancing became what it is because of one man, William Henry Lane." -- Poetism 3- Can You Feel It- Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Baraka

"Why is this always the only thing that I'm seeing of black people in period pieces? Why are we always getting traumatized and beat and called names?" -- Poetism 3- Can You Feel It- Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Baraka

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehea...

• Poetism Part 5: Can you speak for others? Lorenzo Bartolucci on Sea...

• Poetism Part 2: Are we numb yet? Lisa Robertson and the Airborne To...

]]> Thu, 15 Jul 2021 16:23:37 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2577 She listen to a little of that D’Angelo music, some love’s melody, sophisticated-type rap, which she say sounds more like real music, like intelligent music, than some of that other music, then she cuts the radio off ––Gayl Jones, The Healing   Like the narrator in Gayl Jones’ The Healing, this week’s installment of Poetism focuses on and around “black music,” that is music which conveys a specific feeling of a sensation or time without explaining anything. For me, it’s like being a child at an adult’s card table; no one tells you how the game works, you have to learn by being attentive and tuning into the tricks at hand. But the joy is in the puzzle, almost as much as in the rules of the game.   When his producer tried to market his serpentine music as “neo-soul,” D’Angelo rejected that moniker for the more expressive and expansive “black music.” There’s history and respect in his 2014 collaboration with the Vanguard, “Black Messiah,” but also affection, nostalgia, and rage. In scholar D’Angelo’s own words, “it’s all about capturing the spirit. It’s all about capturing the vibe. I’m kinda a first take dude.”    To tackle such questions of lineage and history, actor and tap dance instructor Johnnie Hobbs joins me in this week’s episode. Our conversation starts with Johnnie’s own background and love for films––especially the rare period piece that displays the mundane. As Sumana Roy and Xander Manshel have noted, it’s rare for art made by people of color about the everyday to be accepted by mainstream culture. The vast majority of literary awards given to writers of color are for historical novels which focus on their ethnic identities. To be taught within the university, Indian novels need to be about what it means to be a postcolonial subject;––it’s uncommon to see a novel about one’s dreams of becoming a famous poet, midnight walks, and family fights.   And Johnnie has developed his own test to see whether a historical film can do more than just showcase violence against Black bodies. In the final minutes of the podcast, we turn towards Amiri Baraka’s “Preface to a Twenty Volume Suicide Note” (1961) to unpack it’s own relationship to Black suffering and its future(s).   Stay tuned for next week’s episode on bubblegum pop and Old English verse in Jos Charles’ feeld (2018) and SOPHIE’s “Immaterial” (2018)––guided by anesthetic wizard Gabriel Ellis, who you might remember from his cameo in last week’s installment. She listen to a little of that D’Angelo music, some love’s melody, sophisticated-type rap, which she say sounds more like real music, like intelligent music, than some of that other music, then she cuts the radio off ––Gayl Jones, The Healing   Like the n No Poetism Part 2: Are we numb yet? Lisa Robertson and the Airborne Toxic Event with Mitch Therieau 91 91 Poetism Part 2: Are we numb yet? Lisa Robertson and the Airborne Toxic Event with Mitch Therieau full backinamerica.podbean.com/b9abdedb-bf05-394d-8e1a-5348b581800d https://share.transistor.fm/s/2f94dff9  

Why are we so blind, why do we see so little, when there is much around us to see?

 

So asks philosopher Alva Noë in Strange Tools, an exploration of how art objects contain, persuade, envelop, and direct our attention. What happens when we love a song, poem, or a moment in a day? How do these works of art direct and misdirect our attention? What––physically, emotionally, actually––happens to us in these moments of transport? And how can we talk about any of this without poorly paraphrasing that direct experience?

 

These are the questions Podcast Editor Josh Wagner was left with at the end of our last episode of Poetism. So, in this week’s installment, Josh invited Mitch Therieau, a Stanford researcher working on contemporary literature, to unravel the interstices of Lisa Robertson’s R’s Boat (2010) and the Airborne Toxic Event’s 2011 hit “Numb” off of All at Once.

 

Robertson’s poetry captures fleeting moments of stillness and the everyday, placing them in complex and abstract forms, while Numb’s soundscape desensitizes listeners to the world around them. Over the course of their conversation, Mitch and Josh plumb the surface-level depths of Robertson’s avant-garde poetry and trace the music history at the core of the Airborne Toxic Event’s track.

 

Longtime listeners might be interested to compare Mitch’s idea of what America is with Josh’s––way back from his first episode with Back in America.

 

Stay tuned for next week’s episode with Los Angeles-based filmmaker and tap dancer Johnnie Hobbs, featuring Amiri Baraka and D’Angelo and The Vanguard.

 

Check out frontman for the Airborne Toxic Event Mikel Jollett’s 2020 memoir Hollywood Park.

 

From the conversation:

"There's this incredible compression where every line is just so jam packed with sensory stuff and emotion potentially, but not necessarily—there's just so much jammed into so little space." -- Poetism Part 2- Are we numb yet- Lisa Robertson and the Airborne Toxic Event with Mitch Therieau

"Robertson really is not satisfied with that easy definition of the I—she wants the I to be this porous container that takes in all of these crazy impressions from the world and makes new things from it." -- Poetism Part 2- Are we numb yet- Lisa Robertson and the Airborne Toxic Event with Mitch Therieau

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocte...

• Poetism 3: Can You Feel It? Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Ba...

• Poetism Part 1: Patrick Rosal and The Doors with Fang Liu

]]>  

Why are we so blind, why do we see so little, when there is much around us to see?

 

So asks philosopher Alva Noë in Strange Tools, an exploration of how art objects contain, persuade, envelop, and direct our attention. What happens when we love a song, poem, or a moment in a day? How do these works of art direct and misdirect our attention? What––physically, emotionally, actually––happens to us in these moments of transport? And how can we talk about any of this without poorly paraphrasing that direct experience?

 

These are the questions Podcast Editor Josh Wagner was left with at the end of our last episode of Poetism. So, in this week’s installment, Josh invited Mitch Therieau, a Stanford researcher working on contemporary literature, to unravel the interstices of Lisa Robertson’s R’s Boat (2010) and the Airborne Toxic Event’s 2011 hit “Numb” off of All at Once.

 

Robertson’s poetry captures fleeting moments of stillness and the everyday, placing them in complex and abstract forms, while Numb’s soundscape desensitizes listeners to the world around them. Over the course of their conversation, Mitch and Josh plumb the surface-level depths of Robertson’s avant-garde poetry and trace the music history at the core of the Airborne Toxic Event’s track.

 

Longtime listeners might be interested to compare Mitch’s idea of what America is with Josh’s––way back from his first episode with Back in America.

 

Stay tuned for next week’s episode with Los Angeles-based filmmaker and tap dancer Johnnie Hobbs, featuring Amiri Baraka and D’Angelo and The Vanguard.

 

Check out frontman for the Airborne Toxic Event Mikel Jollett’s 2020 memoir Hollywood Park.

 

From the conversation:

"There's this incredible compression where every line is just so jam packed with sensory stuff and emotion potentially, but not necessarily—there's just so much jammed into so little space." -- Poetism Part 2- Are we numb yet- Lisa Robertson and the Airborne Toxic Event with Mitch Therieau

"Robertson really is not satisfied with that easy definition of the I—she wants the I to be this porous container that takes in all of these crazy impressions from the world and makes new things from it." -- Poetism Part 2- Are we numb yet- Lisa Robertson and the Airborne Toxic Event with Mitch Therieau

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocte...

• Poetism 3: Can You Feel It? Johnnie Hobbs on D’Angelo and Amiri Ba...

• Poetism Part 1: Patrick Rosal and The Doors with Fang Liu

]]> Thu, 08 Jul 2021 14:19:29 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2547   Why are we so blind, why do we see so little, when there is much around us to see?   So asks philosopher Alva Noë in Strange Tools, an exploration of how art objects contain, persuade, envelop, and direct our attention. What happens when we love a song, poem, or a moment in a day? How do these works of art direct and misdirect our attention? What––physically, emotionally, actually––happens to us in these moments of transport? And how can we talk about any of this without poorly paraphrasing that direct experience?   These are the questions Podcast Editor Josh Wagner was left with at the end of our last episode of Poetism. So, in this week’s installment, Josh invited Mitch Therieau, a Stanford researcher working on contemporary literature, to unravel the interstices of Lisa Robertson’s R’s Boat (2010) and the Airborne Toxic Event’s 2011 hit “Numb” off of All at Once.   Robertson’s poetry captures fleeting moments of stillness and the everyday, placing them in complex and abstract forms, while Numb’s soundscape desensitizes listeners to the world around them. Over the course of their conversation, Mitch and Josh plumb the surface-level depths of Robertson’s avant-garde poetry and trace the music history at the core of the Airborne Toxic Event’s track.   Longtime listeners might be interested to compare Mitch’s idea of what America is with Josh’s––way back from his first episode with Back in America.   Stay tuned for next week’s episode with Los Angeles-based filmmaker and tap dancer Johnnie Hobbs, featuring Amiri Baraka and D’Angelo and The Vanguard.   Check out frontman for the Airborne Toxic Event Mikel Jollett’s 2020 memoir Hollywood Park.     Why are we so blind, why do we see so little, when there is much around us to see?   So asks philosopher Alva Noë in Strange Tools, an exploration of how art objects contain, persuade, envelop, and direct our attention. What happens when we love a song, No Poetism Part 1: Patrick Rosal and The Doors with Fang Liu 90 90 Poetism Part 1: Patrick Rosal and The Doors with Fang Liu full backinamerica.podbean.com/4d4472e4-9003-3b14-8199-98aaec7a5e5a https://share.transistor.fm/s/fcc480b1  

Happy July! While Stan and the usual Back in America podcast are on a hiatus this summer, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner will be hosting a new series entitled Poetism, tracing the foundations of and influences behind American poetry and music.

Each week, Josh will invite a guest on the air to talk about an unusual pairing of a poem and song––seeing how they overlap and converse with one another. In the process, we hope to expose listeners to new poets and songs and make a case for the enduring relevance of poetry in an age of digital and visual media.

In our inaugural episode, Josh is joined by Fang Liu, a linguistics major from Stanford, to talk about memory and imagination in Patrick Rosal’s 2015 ekphrastic poem “Children Walk on Chairs to Cross a Flooded Schoolyard” and The Doors’ “Wild Child” off of the 1969 record The Soft Parade.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode on sensations of loneliness through the Airborne Toxic Event’s early 2000s bop “Numb” and poet Lisa Robertson’s R’s Boat (2010).

From the conversation:

"I don't believe in mystery and then I'm reminded what it's like to be in America, to kneel beside a six-year-old, to slide my left hand beneath his back and my right under his knees." -- Poetism Part 1- Patrick Rosal and The Doors with Fang Liu

"how disaster works, how it can turn a child back into a glistening butterfish or finches and then they'll just do what they do which has teached the rest of us how to move with such natural gravity." -- Poetism Part 1- Patrick Rosal and The Doors with Fang Liu

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocte...

• Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehea...

• Poetism Part 2: Are we numb yet? Lisa Robertson and the Airborne To...

]]>  

Happy July! While Stan and the usual Back in America podcast are on a hiatus this summer, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner will be hosting a new series entitled Poetism, tracing the foundations of and influences behind American poetry and music.

Each week, Josh will invite a guest on the air to talk about an unusual pairing of a poem and song––seeing how they overlap and converse with one another. In the process, we hope to expose listeners to new poets and songs and make a case for the enduring relevance of poetry in an age of digital and visual media.

In our inaugural episode, Josh is joined by Fang Liu, a linguistics major from Stanford, to talk about memory and imagination in Patrick Rosal’s 2015 ekphrastic poem “Children Walk on Chairs to Cross a Flooded Schoolyard” and The Doors’ “Wild Child” off of the 1969 record The Soft Parade.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode on sensations of loneliness through the Airborne Toxic Event’s early 2000s bop “Numb” and poet Lisa Robertson’s R’s Boat (2010).

From the conversation:

"I don't believe in mystery and then I'm reminded what it's like to be in America, to kneel beside a six-year-old, to slide my left hand beneath his back and my right under his knees." -- Poetism Part 1- Patrick Rosal and The Doors with Fang Liu

"how disaster works, how it can turn a child back into a glistening butterfish or finches and then they'll just do what they do which has teached the rest of us how to move with such natural gravity." -- Poetism Part 1- Patrick Rosal and The Doors with Fang Liu

You might also like:

• Poetism Part 7: Can you describe it all? Scott Stevens on the Cocte...

• Poetism Part 6: Can you experience? Michael Leon Thomas on Whitehea...

• Poetism Part 2: Are we numb yet? Lisa Robertson and the Airborne To...

]]> Thu, 01 Jul 2021 13:05:17 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2580   Happy July! While Stan and the usual Back in America podcast are on a hiatus this summer, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner will be hosting a new series entitled Poetism, tracing the foundations of and influences behind American poetry and music. Each week, Josh will invite a guest on the air to talk about an unusual pairing of a poem and song––seeing how they overlap and converse with one another. In the process, we hope to expose listeners to new poets and songs and make a case for the enduring relevance of poetry in an age of digital and visual media. In our inaugural episode, Josh is joined by Fang Liu, a linguistics major from Stanford, to talk about memory and imagination in Patrick Rosal’s 2015 ekphrastic poem “Children Walk on Chairs to Cross a Flooded Schoolyard” and The Doors’ “Wild Child” off of the 1969 record The Soft Parade. Stay tuned for next week’s episode on sensations of loneliness through the Airborne Toxic Event’s early 2000s bop “Numb” and poet Lisa Robertson’s R’s Boat (2010).   Happy July! While Stan and the usual Back in America podcast are on a hiatus this summer, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner will be hosting a new series entitled Poetism, tracing the foundations of and influences behind American poetry and music. Each week, Jo No Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom 89 89 Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom full backinamerica.podbean.com/b128a3c0-85bb-3fdf-98cb-83ad06d5bcdb https://share.transistor.fm/s/909a216f  

Before we dive into today’s episode, a personal note: This summer, I will be going back to France for the first time in two years, and I will take a break from podcasting until September. 

However, my interns Josh and Emma will be keeping the lights on by releasing podcast episodes and newsletter articles (subscribe here).

Josh has been working on a series of episodes discussing American music and poetry, which will be released weekly in July and August.

So, Back in America will be in summer mode, and I know you will love it!

Now, it is time for our interview.

Starting this podcast back in November 2019, I wanted to make sense of the Trump years, and the sadness I felt for a country I loved but no longer understood.

In more than 50 episodes and countless conversations, I have time and time again asked my guests: What is America to them?. Careful listeners to this podcast might have gained a better understanding of the fabric of this country––I know I certainly have. 

In this episode, I turn to Professor Douglas Steinel, a man whose life has been dedicated to just that: understanding America.

His students have praised him for forcing them to confront opposing views, and his course syllabi require reading political critiques from both sides of the aisle.

Professor Douglas Steinel has been a professor of American Political Thought since 1982 at the George Washington University, just a few blocks away from the White House.

 

Professor Steinel's book suggestions

 

Plato's Republic

 

Bertrand Russell Collection, Selected Works, 1912-1922: The Problems of Philosophy, The Analysis of Mind, Why Men Fight, Free Thought and Official Propaganda

 

Why I Am Not a Christian and Other Essays on Religion and Related Subjects 

by Bertrand Russell 

 

The New Class War: Saving Democracy from the Managerial Elite

by Michael Lind 

 

From the conversation:

"If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try talking with one of them in real life." -- Doug Steinel- Cancel Culture in Classroom

"America's becoming more like that. I read People's Daily and the Nationalist Press in Chinese for years and America's press has become kind of like that propagandistic." -- Doug Steinel- Cancel Culture in Classroom

You might also like:

• AI in Education: A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and ...

• AI Bias and Education: Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech wit...

• Jessica Baxter - Princeton High School Principal - Adjusting to rem...

]]>  

Before we dive into today’s episode, a personal note: This summer, I will be going back to France for the first time in two years, and I will take a break from podcasting until September. 

However, my interns Josh and Emma will be keeping the lights on by releasing podcast episodes and newsletter articles (subscribe here).

Josh has been working on a series of episodes discussing American music and poetry, which will be released weekly in July and August.

So, Back in America will be in summer mode, and I know you will love it!

Now, it is time for our interview.

Starting this podcast back in November 2019, I wanted to make sense of the Trump years, and the sadness I felt for a country I loved but no longer understood.

In more than 50 episodes and countless conversations, I have time and time again asked my guests: What is America to them?. Careful listeners to this podcast might have gained a better understanding of the fabric of this country––I know I certainly have. 

In this episode, I turn to Professor Douglas Steinel, a man whose life has been dedicated to just that: understanding America.

His students have praised him for forcing them to confront opposing views, and his course syllabi require reading political critiques from both sides of the aisle.

Professor Douglas Steinel has been a professor of American Political Thought since 1982 at the George Washington University, just a few blocks away from the White House.

 

Professor Steinel's book suggestions

 

Plato's Republic

 

Bertrand Russell Collection, Selected Works, 1912-1922: The Problems of Philosophy, The Analysis of Mind, Why Men Fight, Free Thought and Official Propaganda

 

Why I Am Not a Christian and Other Essays on Religion and Related Subjects 

by Bertrand Russell 

 

The New Class War: Saving Democracy from the Managerial Elite

by Michael Lind 

 

From the conversation:

"If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try talking with one of them in real life." -- Doug Steinel- Cancel Culture in Classroom

"America's becoming more like that. I read People's Daily and the Nationalist Press in Chinese for years and America's press has become kind of like that propagandistic." -- Doug Steinel- Cancel Culture in Classroom

You might also like:

• AI in Education: A Fractional CTO on Teaching, Hiring Juniors, and ...

• AI Bias and Education: Tamar Huggins on Building Inclusive Tech wit...

• Jessica Baxter - Princeton High School Principal - Adjusting to rem...

]]> Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:37:59 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2328   Before we dive into today’s episode, a personal note: This summer, I will be going back to France for the first time in two years, and I will take a break from podcasting until September.  However, my interns Josh and Emma will be keeping the lights on by releasing podcast episodes and newsletter articles (subscribe here). Josh has been working on a series of episodes discussing American music and poetry, which will be released weekly in July and August. So, Back in America will be in summer mode, and I know you will love it! Now, it is time for our interview. Starting this podcast back in November 2019, I wanted to make sense of the Trump years, and the sadness I felt for a country I loved but no longer understood. In more than 50 episodes and countless conversations, I have time and time again asked my guests: What is America to them?. Careful listeners to this podcast might have gained a better understanding of the fabric of this country––I know I certainly have.  In this episode, I turn to Professor Douglas Steinel, a man whose life has been dedicated to just that: understanding America. His students have praised him for forcing them to confront opposing views, and his course syllabi require reading political critiques from both sides of the aisle. Professor Douglas Steinel has been a professor of American Political Thought since 1982 at the George Washington University, just a few blocks away from the White House.   Professor Steinel's book suggestions   Plato's Republic   Bertrand Russell Collection, Selected Works, 1912-1922: The Problems of Philosophy, The Analysis of Mind, Why Men Fight, Free Thought and Official Propaganda   Why I Am Not a Christian and Other Essays on Religion and Related Subjects  by Bertrand Russell    The New Class War: Saving Democracy from the Managerial Elite by Michael Lind      Before we dive into today’s episode, a personal note: This summer, I will be going back to France for the first time in two years, and I will take a break from podcasting until September.  However, my interns Josh and Emma will be keeping the lights on No Cargo-Sailboats are Back-at-Sea, Creating a Greener Supply Chain -- with Stefan Gallard 88 88 Cargo-Sailboats are Back-at-Sea, Creating a Greener Supply Chain -- with Stefan Gallard full backinamerica.podbean.com/900e6940-21a7-3293-99a2-61c3154334f4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f03a7391 This episode was recorded live on May 26 and includes questions from the audience.

It is part of a series on sustainable initiatives to save our planet. In his latest interviews, host Stan Berteloot spoke with Navi Radjou about the frugal economy and Bruno Sarda about how corporations are experimenting with sustainability. 

Stan’s guest, Stefan Gallard, is a French-American working for Grain de Sail, a company that has built the first modern wind-powered cargo ships. 

Grain de Sail transports wine, coffee beans, and chocolate across the globe in its 80- foot schooner. Its sailboat cargo is an essential part of the company’s green logistics chain.

More information on Grain de Sel at: Graindesailwines.com

You might also like:

• Bruno Sarda: “Climate change poses a systemic, existential risk to ...

• Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism a...

• Richard Heinberg: Has America Reached Its Limits? Biden, Climate, T...

]]> This episode was recorded live on May 26 and includes questions from the audience.

It is part of a series on sustainable initiatives to save our planet. In his latest interviews, host Stan Berteloot spoke with Navi Radjou about the frugal economy and Bruno Sarda about how corporations are experimenting with sustainability. 

Stan’s guest, Stefan Gallard, is a French-American working for Grain de Sail, a company that has built the first modern wind-powered cargo ships. 

Grain de Sail transports wine, coffee beans, and chocolate across the globe in its 80- foot schooner. Its sailboat cargo is an essential part of the company’s green logistics chain.

More information on Grain de Sel at: Graindesailwines.com

You might also like:

• Bruno Sarda: “Climate change poses a systemic, existential risk to ...

• Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism a...

• Richard Heinberg: Has America Reached Its Limits? Biden, Climate, T...

]]> Thu, 03 Jun 2021 20:18:13 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2770 This episode was recorded live on May 26 and includes questions from the audience. It is part of a series on sustainable initiatives to save our planet. In his latest interviews, host Stan Berteloot spoke with Navi Radjou about the frugal economy and Bruno Sarda about how corporations are experimenting with sustainability.  Stan’s guest, Stefan Gallard, is a French-American working for Grain de Sail, a company that has built the first modern wind-powered cargo ships.  Grain de Sail transports wine, coffee beans, and chocolate across the globe in its 80- foot schooner. Its sailboat cargo is an essential part of the company’s green logistics chain. More information on Grain de Sel at: Graindesailwines.com This episode was recorded live on May 26 and includes questions from the audience. It is part of a series on sustainable initiatives to save our planet. In his latest interviews, host Stan Berteloot spoke with Navi Radjou about the frugal economy and Brun No Bruno Sarda: “Climate change poses a systemic, existential risk to the future viability of your system” 87 87 Bruno Sarda: “Climate change poses a systemic, existential risk to the future viability of your system” full backinamerica.podbean.com/112834b8-e3a3-3419-b28f-b2bca75925ff https://share.transistor.fm/s/df1228f6

Subscribe to Back in America, the newsletter

Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity. This episode is part of a series on positive initiatives to save our planet. In his last interview, Stan Berteloot spoke with Navi Radjou about the frugal economy. Today, he is talking to Bruno Sarda, an internationally renowned expert in sustainability. 

For years, corporations have advertised their green initiatives to reassure both investors and customers about their sustainable practices. Yet as we know, climate change is only getting worse, so we wanted to ask Bruno if this was just “greenwashing.” 

On a personal note: Back in America now boasts more than 50 episodes, and we am very grateful to you, our listeners, for your support during all this time. This summer, Stan will be going back to France for the first time in two years, and he will take a podcast break until September. 

However, Back in America’s interns Josh and Emma will be keeping the lights on by releasing podcast episodes and newsletter articles (subscribe here).

Josh has been working on a series of episodes discussing American music and poetry, which will be released every week in July and August.

So Back in America will be in summer mode, and we know you will love it!

 

To learn more about Bruno Sarda check out his Linkedin profile.

From the conversation:

"Capital markets and finance now recognize there is a very systemic existential risk to future profitability and viability of many systems if unaddressed." -- Bruno Sarda- “Climate change poses a systemic, existential risk to the future viability of your syst

"Most organizations fail to match the level of commitment to the level of resource mobilization and capital deployment necessary to actually meet stated ambitions." -- Bruno Sarda- “Climate change poses a systemic, existential risk to the future viability of your syst

You might also like:

• Cargo-Sailboats are Back-at-Sea, Creating a Greener Supply Chain

• Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism a...

• Richard Heinberg: Has America Reached Its Limits? Biden, Climate, T...

]]>

Subscribe to Back in America, the newsletter

Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity. This episode is part of a series on positive initiatives to save our planet. In his last interview, Stan Berteloot spoke with Navi Radjou about the frugal economy. Today, he is talking to Bruno Sarda, an internationally renowned expert in sustainability. 

For years, corporations have advertised their green initiatives to reassure both investors and customers about their sustainable practices. Yet as we know, climate change is only getting worse, so we wanted to ask Bruno if this was just “greenwashing.” 

On a personal note: Back in America now boasts more than 50 episodes, and we am very grateful to you, our listeners, for your support during all this time. This summer, Stan will be going back to France for the first time in two years, and he will take a podcast break until September. 

However, Back in America’s interns Josh and Emma will be keeping the lights on by releasing podcast episodes and newsletter articles (subscribe here).

Josh has been working on a series of episodes discussing American music and poetry, which will be released every week in July and August.

So Back in America will be in summer mode, and we know you will love it!

 

To learn more about Bruno Sarda check out his Linkedin profile.

From the conversation:

"Capital markets and finance now recognize there is a very systemic existential risk to future profitability and viability of many systems if unaddressed." -- Bruno Sarda- “Climate change poses a systemic, existential risk to the future viability of your syst

"Most organizations fail to match the level of commitment to the level of resource mobilization and capital deployment necessary to actually meet stated ambitions." -- Bruno Sarda- “Climate change poses a systemic, existential risk to the future viability of your syst

You might also like:

• Cargo-Sailboats are Back-at-Sea, Creating a Greener Supply Chain

• Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism a...

• Richard Heinberg: Has America Reached Its Limits? Biden, Climate, T...

]]> Thu, 27 May 2021 19:45:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2154 Subscribe to Back in America, the newsletter Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity. This episode is part of a series on positive initiatives to save our planet. In his last interview, Stan Berteloot spoke with Navi Radjou about the frugal economy. Today, he is talking to Bruno Sarda, an internationally renowned expert in sustainability.  For years, corporations have advertised their green initiatives to reassure both investors and customers about their sustainable practices. Yet as we know, climate change is only getting worse, so we wanted to ask Bruno if this was just “greenwashing.”  On a personal note: Back in America now boasts more than 50 episodes, and we am very grateful to you, our listeners, for your support during all this time. This summer, Stan will be going back to France for the first time in two years, and he will take a podcast break until September.  However, Back in America’s interns Josh and Emma will be keeping the lights on by releasing podcast episodes and newsletter articles (subscribe here). Josh has been working on a series of episodes discussing American music and poetry, which will be released every week in July and August. So Back in America will be in summer mode, and we know you will love it!   To learn more about Bruno Sarda check out his Linkedin profile. Subscribe to Back in America, the newsletter Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity. This episode is part of a series on positive initiatives to save our planet. In his last interview, Stan Berteloot spoke with Navi No Students Becoming Pro: the Interns Behind the Mic 86 86 Students Becoming Pro: the Interns Behind the Mic full backinamerica.podbean.com/828380cb-6f45-34ac-97c3-fafaf157e749 https://share.transistor.fm/s/27a0fd43 Careful listeners of Back in America may have noticed that we have expanded our team and welcomed two interns to research, record and write the podcast alongside me, Stan Berteloot.

In the spirit of transparency, I’d like for you to formally meet my interns Josh Wagner and Emma Myers in true podcast fashion as they interview each other!

They also discuss their own exciting projects coming soon: be on the lookout for Josh’s Poetry and Eugenics series both releasing this summer, and Emma’s deep dive into the history of vaccine hesitancy and medical ethics later this month.

From the conversation:

"I host a podcast about transhumanism, which is the idea that humans can essentially evolve themselves through technological attachments, whether that's a pair of glasses or an extra brain." -- Students Becoming Pro- the Interns Behind the Mic

"America is a stomping ground where people bring their cultures and ancestry, really trying to bring it into the conversation, into the economy, into the culture." -- Students Becoming Pro- the Interns Behind the Mic

You might also like:

• On the Frontlines of the 2020 Election with Poll-worker Josh Wagner

• Jessica Baxter - Princeton High School Principal - Adjusting to rem...

• Trailer - Back in America - A podcast questioning our understanding...

]]> Careful listeners of Back in America may have noticed that we have expanded our team and welcomed two interns to research, record and write the podcast alongside me, Stan Berteloot.

In the spirit of transparency, I’d like for you to formally meet my interns Josh Wagner and Emma Myers in true podcast fashion as they interview each other!

They also discuss their own exciting projects coming soon: be on the lookout for Josh’s Poetry and Eugenics series both releasing this summer, and Emma’s deep dive into the history of vaccine hesitancy and medical ethics later this month.

From the conversation:

"I host a podcast about transhumanism, which is the idea that humans can essentially evolve themselves through technological attachments, whether that's a pair of glasses or an extra brain." -- Students Becoming Pro- the Interns Behind the Mic

"America is a stomping ground where people bring their cultures and ancestry, really trying to bring it into the conversation, into the economy, into the culture." -- Students Becoming Pro- the Interns Behind the Mic

You might also like:

• On the Frontlines of the 2020 Election with Poll-worker Josh Wagner

• Jessica Baxter - Princeton High School Principal - Adjusting to rem...

• Trailer - Back in America - A podcast questioning our understanding...

]]> Thu, 06 May 2021 19:45:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1225 Careful listeners of Back in America may have noticed that we have expanded our team and welcomed two interns to research, record and write the podcast alongside me, Stan Berteloot. In the spirit of transparency, I’d like for you to formally meet my interns Josh Wagner and Emma Myers in true podcast fashion as they interview each other! They also discuss their own exciting projects coming soon: be on the lookout for Josh’s Poetry and Eugenics series both releasing this summer, and Emma’s deep dive into the history of vaccine hesitancy and medical ethics later this month. Careful listeners of Back in America may have noticed that we have expanded our team and welcomed two interns to research, record and write the podcast alongside me, Stan Berteloot. In the spirit of transparency, I’d like for you to formally meet my inte No Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism and Could it Save our Planet? 85 85 Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism and Could it Save our Planet? full backinamerica.podbean.com/7c4605b3-0054-303b-82f7-eaf520b60136 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e9bc77de In this episode, Back in America’s host, Stan Berteloot speaks with Navi Radjou, internationally renowned Indian-French-American scholar, innovation and leadership advisor, and bestselling author based in New York. Navi’s most recent book, Frugal Innovation: How To Do More With Less, shows how companies can innovate faster, better, and more sustainably. 

The conversation focuses on Navi’s work on developing an alternative to capitalism and concrete actions individuals and businesses are taking to build a better, more sustainable world.

“My job is to introduce Americans to new ways of doing business, new ways of creating economic and social value in a sustainable way,” says Radjou. 

He describes the “frugal economy” as a new economy that is built on business-to-business (b2b) sharing, local production from micro-factories, the notion of regeneration, or how companies can consciously have a positive impact on society and the planet.

Since Navi is multicultural, the episode focuses on the values, culture, and identity of America. Navi comments on an excerpt from a previous Back in America interview with American writer and thinker John Michael Greer. 

In the audio clip, we hear Greer say that America is all about independence and every man for himself, while European countries have a more communal attitude.

In response, Navi asked: “Why do we have to choose? Why can we have both? Why can we go into a kind of the third dimension where we try to integrate the goodness of America, the goodness of Europe? The ideal society,” he says, “is the one that tried to find the sweet spot between maximizing individual expression while contributing to social integration.”

Navi backs up his theories with concrete examples of companies, such as Xometry, People + Work Connect from Accenture, Unilever, Civica RX, or Convoy that are currently working according to the frugal economy precept.

Here are two of Radjou’s articles on Frugal Economy and B2B Sharing :

The Rising Frugal Economy

The sharing economy’s next target: Business-to-business

Navi Radjou’s Movie and Books Selection

The Evolving Self: A Psychology for the Third Millennium Paperback 

by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi 

The Life Divine Paperback 

by Sri Aurobindo

Movie

Losers on Netflix 

 

Watch the full, unedited, interview on YouTube

You might also like:

• Bruno Sarda: “Climate change poses a systemic, existential risk to ...

• Cargo-Sailboats are Back-at-Sea, Creating a Greener Supply Chain

• Richard Heinberg: on building resilient communities - transitioning...

]]> In this episode, Back in America’s host, Stan Berteloot speaks with Navi Radjou, internationally renowned Indian-French-American scholar, innovation and leadership advisor, and bestselling author based in New York. Navi’s most recent book, Frugal Innovation: How To Do More With Less, shows how companies can innovate faster, better, and more sustainably. 

The conversation focuses on Navi’s work on developing an alternative to capitalism and concrete actions individuals and businesses are taking to build a better, more sustainable world.

“My job is to introduce Americans to new ways of doing business, new ways of creating economic and social value in a sustainable way,” says Radjou. 

He describes the “frugal economy” as a new economy that is built on business-to-business (b2b) sharing, local production from micro-factories, the notion of regeneration, or how companies can consciously have a positive impact on society and the planet.

Since Navi is multicultural, the episode focuses on the values, culture, and identity of America. Navi comments on an excerpt from a previous Back in America interview with American writer and thinker John Michael Greer. 

In the audio clip, we hear Greer say that America is all about independence and every man for himself, while European countries have a more communal attitude.

In response, Navi asked: “Why do we have to choose? Why can we have both? Why can we go into a kind of the third dimension where we try to integrate the goodness of America, the goodness of Europe? The ideal society,” he says, “is the one that tried to find the sweet spot between maximizing individual expression while contributing to social integration.”

Navi backs up his theories with concrete examples of companies, such as Xometry, People + Work Connect from Accenture, Unilever, Civica RX, or Convoy that are currently working according to the frugal economy precept.

Here are two of Radjou’s articles on Frugal Economy and B2B Sharing :

The Rising Frugal Economy

The sharing economy’s next target: Business-to-business

Navi Radjou’s Movie and Books Selection

The Evolving Self: A Psychology for the Third Millennium Paperback 

by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi 

The Life Divine Paperback 

by Sri Aurobindo

Movie

Losers on Netflix 

 

Watch the full, unedited, interview on YouTube

You might also like:

• Bruno Sarda: “Climate change poses a systemic, existential risk to ...

• Cargo-Sailboats are Back-at-Sea, Creating a Greener Supply Chain

• Richard Heinberg: on building resilient communities - transitioning...

]]> Thu, 29 Apr 2021 21:56:15 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2720 In this episode, Back in America’s host, Stan Berteloot speaks with Navi Radjou, internationally renowned Indian-French-American scholar, innovation and leadership advisor, and bestselling author based in New York. Navi’s most recent book, Frugal Innovation: How To Do More With Less, shows how companies can innovate faster, better, and more sustainably.  The conversation focuses on Navi’s work on developing an alternative to capitalism and concrete actions individuals and businesses are taking to build a better, more sustainable world. “My job is to introduce Americans to new ways of doing business, new ways of creating economic and social value in a sustainable way,” says Radjou.  He describes the “frugal economy” as a new economy that is built on business-to-business (b2b) sharing, local production from micro-factories, the notion of regeneration, or how companies can consciously have a positive impact on society and the planet. Since Navi is multicultural, the episode focuses on the values, culture, and identity of America. Navi comments on an excerpt from a previous Back in America interview with American writer and thinker John Michael Greer.  In the audio clip, we hear Greer say that America is all about independence and every man for himself, while European countries have a more communal attitude. In response, Navi asked: “Why do we have to choose? Why can we have both? Why can we go into a kind of the third dimension where we try to integrate the goodness of America, the goodness of Europe? The ideal society,” he says, “is the one that tried to find the sweet spot between maximizing individual expression while contributing to social integration.” Navi backs up his theories with concrete examples of companies, such as Xometry, People + Work Connect from Accenture, Unilever, Civica RX, or Convoy that are currently working according to the frugal economy precept. Here are two of Radjou’s articles on Frugal Economy and B2B Sharing : The Rising Frugal Economy The sharing economy’s next target: Business-to-business Navi Radjou’s Movie and Books Selection The Evolving Self: A Psychology for the Third Millennium Paperback  by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi  The Life Divine Paperback  by Sri Aurobindo Movie Losers on Netflix    Watch the full, unedited, interview on YouTube In this episode, Back in America’s host, Stan Berteloot speaks with Navi Radjou, internationally renowned Indian-French-American scholar, innovation and leadership advisor, and bestselling author based in New York. Navi’s most recent book, Frugal Innovati No How would you go to Zoom School as a homeless youth? We asked Bridging Tech, a charity devoted to overcoming the digital divide 84 84 How would you go to Zoom School as a homeless youth? We asked Bridging Tech, a charity devoted to overcoming the digital divide full backinamerica.podbean.com/daa2f049-1d7d-3199-b5f5-e75b5b6a1970 https://share.transistor.fm/s/455de290 Bridging COVID-19 Isolation and the Digital Divide with Bridging Tech

 

In 2021, it is nearly impossible to get anything done without a laptop: apply for a job, go to school, safely connect with friends, or schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Yet, there are fewer laptops in existence than humans on this planet, presenting a unique challenge for unhoused students. Not only are they disadvantaged in terms of their living situation, but also have to deal with this extra technological hurdle known as the digital divide.

Naturalized Americans have a unique set of familial and institutional knowledge about how to navigate the complex and confusing American system: What is an SAT? Who can I ask for help on my math homework? Where can I get free public Wi-Fi? While these questions might seem obvious to a second-generation resident, they are anything but for immigrant and first-generation communities. This week’s episode of Back in America, hosted by Podcast Editor Josh Wagner, highlights Bridging Tech, a charity devoted to providing hardware and other educational resources for unhoused students. Having donated nearly 1,000 laptops nationwide, Bridging Tech is developing infrastructure for companies and individuals to donate disused computers to be wiped/refurbished before being donated to unhoused communities. Founded by rising Stanford seniors, Isabel Wang and Margot Bellon, Bridging Tech is committed to listening to the unhoused community and creating actually helpful resources, rather than assuming what would be best and offering potentially unhelpful solutions. Holly Giang, Bridging Tech’s Foundation Relations Manager, also joins us for the interview.

To find out how unhoused youths can go to online school, what policy measures are holding back their success, and how to get involved with Bridging Tech, listen to our episode!

–––

In the coming weeks, the Back in America team will be launching an eight-part series investigating the relationship between music and poetry, tentatively titled “Rhythmic Verses.” Join Podcast Editor Josh Wagner as he poetically travels around the country, asking the age-old question: What is American to you?

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• Housing Assistance Series 1/2: Louise Kekulah - From Liberia to Pri...

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]]> Bridging COVID-19 Isolation and the Digital Divide with Bridging Tech

 

In 2021, it is nearly impossible to get anything done without a laptop: apply for a job, go to school, safely connect with friends, or schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Yet, there are fewer laptops in existence than humans on this planet, presenting a unique challenge for unhoused students. Not only are they disadvantaged in terms of their living situation, but also have to deal with this extra technological hurdle known as the digital divide.

Naturalized Americans have a unique set of familial and institutional knowledge about how to navigate the complex and confusing American system: What is an SAT? Who can I ask for help on my math homework? Where can I get free public Wi-Fi? While these questions might seem obvious to a second-generation resident, they are anything but for immigrant and first-generation communities. This week’s episode of Back in America, hosted by Podcast Editor Josh Wagner, highlights Bridging Tech, a charity devoted to providing hardware and other educational resources for unhoused students. Having donated nearly 1,000 laptops nationwide, Bridging Tech is developing infrastructure for companies and individuals to donate disused computers to be wiped/refurbished before being donated to unhoused communities. Founded by rising Stanford seniors, Isabel Wang and Margot Bellon, Bridging Tech is committed to listening to the unhoused community and creating actually helpful resources, rather than assuming what would be best and offering potentially unhelpful solutions. Holly Giang, Bridging Tech’s Foundation Relations Manager, also joins us for the interview.

To find out how unhoused youths can go to online school, what policy measures are holding back their success, and how to get involved with Bridging Tech, listen to our episode!

–––

In the coming weeks, the Back in America team will be launching an eight-part series investigating the relationship between music and poetry, tentatively titled “Rhythmic Verses.” Join Podcast Editor Josh Wagner as he poetically travels around the country, asking the age-old question: What is American to you?

You might also like:

• Housing Assistance Series 1/2: Louise Kekulah - From Liberia to Pri...

• Housing Assistance Series 2/2: Carol Golden - Housing Initiatives o...

• Share My Meals - Princeton Non-Profit Keeps Restaurants Open During...

]]> Thu, 15 Apr 2021 20:00:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2037 Bridging COVID-19 Isolation and the Digital Divide with Bridging Tech   In 2021, it is nearly impossible to get anything done without a laptop: apply for a job, go to school, safely connect with friends, or schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Yet, there are fewer laptops in existence than humans on this planet, presenting a unique challenge for unhoused students. Not only are they disadvantaged in terms of their living situation, but also have to deal with this extra technological hurdle known as the digital divide. Naturalized Americans have a unique set of familial and institutional knowledge about how to navigate the complex and confusing American system: What is an SAT? Who can I ask for help on my math homework? Where can I get free public Wi-Fi? While these questions might seem obvious to a second-generation resident, they are anything but for immigrant and first-generation communities. This week’s episode of Back in America, hosted by Podcast Editor Josh Wagner, highlights Bridging Tech, a charity devoted to providing hardware and other educational resources for unhoused students. Having donated nearly 1,000 laptops nationwide, Bridging Tech is developing infrastructure for companies and individuals to donate disused computers to be wiped/refurbished before being donated to unhoused communities. Founded by rising Stanford seniors, Isabel Wang and Margot Bellon, Bridging Tech is committed to listening to the unhoused community and creating actually helpful resources, rather than assuming what would be best and offering potentially unhelpful solutions. Holly Giang, Bridging Tech’s Foundation Relations Manager, also joins us for the interview. To find out how unhoused youths can go to online school, what policy measures are holding back their success, and how to get involved with Bridging Tech, listen to our episode! ––– In the coming weeks, the Back in America team will be launching an eight-part series investigating the relationship between music and poetry, tentatively titled “Rhythmic Verses.” Join Podcast Editor Josh Wagner as he poetically travels around the country, asking the age-old question: What is American to you? Bridging COVID-19 Isolation and the Digital Divide with Bridging Tech   In 2021, it is nearly impossible to get anything done without a laptop: apply for a job, go to school, safely connect with friends, or schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Yet, th No Listen Again: Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America - David Treibs Christian & Guns Activist - Prof. Robert Spitzer Constitution and Gun Control Expert, SUNY Cortland 83 83 Listen Again: Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America - David Treibs Christian & Guns Activist - Prof. Robert Spitzer Constitution and Gun Control Expert, SUNY Cortland full backinamerica.podbean.com/7308ed27-a1d6-3dc4-b4b9-62bdfd6283df https://share.transistor.fm/s/20188038  

As Biden announces new executive actions on gun control, the Back in America team invites you to re-listen to an episode on guns in America, initially published on Oct. 23, 2020.

In his executive actions today, Biden restricted the sale of “ghost guns,” untraceable guns which are sold in kits.

Today’s announcements are less expansive than the president’s initial campaign promises. Yet, administration officials suggest that these measures are only the first steps of Biden’s plans for addressing gun violence. Further legislation will require Congressional approval and include a nationwide assault weapons ban (something that Australia successfully adopted 25 years ago) and universal background checks.

 

The following episode is an edited version of live interviews that were recorded on October 20th and 21st. 2020. You can watch the entire broadcast on Back in America’s YouTube channel.  

 

A few weeks ago Jon, a good college friend, visited us for the weekend. At night, we were joined by a couple living next door and we started to talk about politics as we drank beers by the fire pit in the backyard.

 

In the backyard were two French nationals (my wife and I) joined by three Americans.

 

I can't remember exactly how or why Jon started to talk about gun rights, but the conversation became serious when he professed not only his belief in the right to bear arms but also that it was essential to the protection of civilians against the tyranny of the government. Historically, the people most affected by governmental tyranny (forced displacement, slavery) have been denied access to firearms and the ability to use them.

 

This made me dig further into the American gun debate. I've learned that many citizens support the idea of owning any type of gun and that some believe that it is a God-given right.

 

What has God got to do with guns? How can a democracy work when its citizens trust their guns more than their votes? And with the recent bankruptcy of the NRA, will gun control actually work?

 

To try to make sense of all this we are going to hear from three people: first, my friend Jon Phebus will clarify his views; then David Treibs, a Christian and gun activist, will talk about his God-given right to bear arms. Finally, SUNY Cortland’s Professor Robert Spitzer, an expert on constitutional law and gun control, will offer his interpretation of the constitution and bring some historical context to the debate.

 

Books and Movies Recommendations:

 

David Treibs

Love Letter to America by Tomas Schuman

The Persecutor by Sergei Kourdakov 

Marx & Satan by Richard Wurmbrand

 

Professor Robert Spitzer

The Politics of Gun Control by Robert J. Spitzer

Casablanca (1942)



You might also like:

• Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America - David Treibs Christian &...

• Princeton University Janitor & Mailman Tommy Parker Talks of Repara...

• Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Set...

]]>  

As Biden announces new executive actions on gun control, the Back in America team invites you to re-listen to an episode on guns in America, initially published on Oct. 23, 2020.

In his executive actions today, Biden restricted the sale of “ghost guns,” untraceable guns which are sold in kits.

Today’s announcements are less expansive than the president’s initial campaign promises. Yet, administration officials suggest that these measures are only the first steps of Biden’s plans for addressing gun violence. Further legislation will require Congressional approval and include a nationwide assault weapons ban (something that Australia successfully adopted 25 years ago) and universal background checks.

 

The following episode is an edited version of live interviews that were recorded on October 20th and 21st. 2020. You can watch the entire broadcast on Back in America’s YouTube channel.  

 

A few weeks ago Jon, a good college friend, visited us for the weekend. At night, we were joined by a couple living next door and we started to talk about politics as we drank beers by the fire pit in the backyard.

 

In the backyard were two French nationals (my wife and I) joined by three Americans.

 

I can't remember exactly how or why Jon started to talk about gun rights, but the conversation became serious when he professed not only his belief in the right to bear arms but also that it was essential to the protection of civilians against the tyranny of the government. Historically, the people most affected by governmental tyranny (forced displacement, slavery) have been denied access to firearms and the ability to use them.

 

This made me dig further into the American gun debate. I've learned that many citizens support the idea of owning any type of gun and that some believe that it is a God-given right.

 

What has God got to do with guns? How can a democracy work when its citizens trust their guns more than their votes? And with the recent bankruptcy of the NRA, will gun control actually work?

 

To try to make sense of all this we are going to hear from three people: first, my friend Jon Phebus will clarify his views; then David Treibs, a Christian and gun activist, will talk about his God-given right to bear arms. Finally, SUNY Cortland’s Professor Robert Spitzer, an expert on constitutional law and gun control, will offer his interpretation of the constitution and bring some historical context to the debate.

 

Books and Movies Recommendations:

 

David Treibs

Love Letter to America by Tomas Schuman

The Persecutor by Sergei Kourdakov 

Marx & Satan by Richard Wurmbrand

 

Professor Robert Spitzer

The Politics of Gun Control by Robert J. Spitzer

Casablanca (1942)



You might also like:

• Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America - David Treibs Christian &...

• Princeton University Janitor & Mailman Tommy Parker Talks of Repara...

• Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Set...

]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2021 20:00:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 3676   As Biden announces new executive actions on gun control, the Back in America team invites you to re-listen to an episode on guns in America, initially published on Oct. 23, 2020. In his executive actions today, Biden restricted the sale of “ghost guns,” untraceable guns which are sold in kits. Today’s announcements are less expansive than the president’s initial campaign promises. Yet, administration officials suggest that these measures are only the first steps of Biden’s plans for addressing gun violence. Further legislation will require Congressional approval and include a nationwide assault weapons ban (something that Australia successfully adopted 25 years ago) and universal background checks.   The following episode is an edited version of live interviews that were recorded on October 20th and 21st. 2020. You can watch the entire broadcast on Back in America’s YouTube channel.     A few weeks ago Jon, a good college friend, visited us for the weekend. At night, we were joined by a couple living next door and we started to talk about politics as we drank beers by the fire pit in the backyard.   In the backyard were two French nationals (my wife and I) joined by three Americans.   I can't remember exactly how or why Jon started to talk about gun rights, but the conversation became serious when he professed not only his belief in the right to bear arms but also that it was essential to the protection of civilians against the tyranny of the government. Historically, the people most affected by governmental tyranny (forced displacement, slavery) have been denied access to firearms and the ability to use them.   This made me dig further into the American gun debate. I've learned that many citizens support the idea of owning any type of gun and that some believe that it is a God-given right.   What has God got to do with guns? How can a democracy work when its citizens trust their guns more than their votes? And with the recent bankruptcy of the NRA, will gun control actually work?   To try to make sense of all this we are going to hear from three people: first, my friend Jon Phebus will clarify his views; then David Treibs, a Christian and gun activist, will talk about his God-given right to bear arms. Finally, SUNY Cortland’s Professor Robert Spitzer, an expert on constitutional law and gun control, will offer his interpretation of the constitution and bring some historical context to the debate.   Books and Movies Recommendations:   David Treibs Love Letter to America by Tomas Schuman The Persecutor by Sergei Kourdakov  Marx & Satan by Richard Wurmbrand   Professor Robert Spitzer The Politics of Gun Control by Robert J. Spitzer Casablanca (1942)   As Biden announces new executive actions on gun control, the Back in America team invites you to re-listen to an episode on guns in America, initially published on Oct. 23, 2020. In his executive actions today, Biden restricted the sale of “ghost guns,” No Derrick Jensen: Are We at the End of the World or just the End of our Civilization? 82 82 Derrick Jensen: Are We at the End of the World or just the End of our Civilization? full backinamerica.podbean.com/f850b2bd-d9ab-3432-870d-9a4fb20c6f09 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5de9b040 In this episode, Stan Berteloot continues to explore how leading American collapsologists thinkers conceive of the collapse of our Western civilization.

Since the 1990s, scholars have been predicting that the end of the Cold War and the struggle between capitalism/communism will also bring about “the end of history.” But, are these worries founded? What are we to make of the last 30 years?

After previous episodes with John-Michael Greer and Richard Heinberg, Stan sat down with Derrick Jensen, an American author, ecophilosopher, radical environmentalist, and anti-civilization advocate. He once said that “We’re going to watch the end of the world on television until the TVs go out.”

For Jenson, the solution is essentially to return to the Stone Age. You say that’s ridiculous?!

Well, his movement, the Deep Green Resistance (DGR), is gaining international traction in the West. In any case, many people agree that, whether we want it, our civilization is on the brink of extinction.

From the conversation:

"There is great intelligence in time. If you have sharks for tens of millions of years, there are going to be designs that take place that are extremely intelligent." -- Derrick Jensen- Are We at the End of the World or just the End of our Civilization-

"When a value of a forest is in two-by-fours, when you look at a tree, you see dollar bills, then that's going to inevitably lead to the behavior we see around us." -- Derrick Jensen- Are We at the End of the World or just the End of our Civilization-

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• John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, So...

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• Richard Heinberg: Has America Reached Its Limits? Biden, Climate, T...

]]> In this episode, Stan Berteloot continues to explore how leading American collapsologists thinkers conceive of the collapse of our Western civilization.

Since the 1990s, scholars have been predicting that the end of the Cold War and the struggle between capitalism/communism will also bring about “the end of history.” But, are these worries founded? What are we to make of the last 30 years?

After previous episodes with John-Michael Greer and Richard Heinberg, Stan sat down with Derrick Jensen, an American author, ecophilosopher, radical environmentalist, and anti-civilization advocate. He once said that “We’re going to watch the end of the world on television until the TVs go out.”

For Jenson, the solution is essentially to return to the Stone Age. You say that’s ridiculous?!

Well, his movement, the Deep Green Resistance (DGR), is gaining international traction in the West. In any case, many people agree that, whether we want it, our civilization is on the brink of extinction.

From the conversation:

"There is great intelligence in time. If you have sharks for tens of millions of years, there are going to be designs that take place that are extremely intelligent." -- Derrick Jensen- Are We at the End of the World or just the End of our Civilization-

"When a value of a forest is in two-by-fours, when you look at a tree, you see dollar bills, then that's going to inevitably lead to the behavior we see around us." -- Derrick Jensen- Are We at the End of the World or just the End of our Civilization-

You might also like:

• John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, So...

• Listen again: John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Ind...

• Richard Heinberg: Has America Reached Its Limits? Biden, Climate, T...

]]> Sat, 27 Mar 2021 11:24:34 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2092 In this episode, Stan Berteloot continues to explore how leading American collapsologists thinkers conceive of the collapse of our Western civilization. Since the 1990s, scholars have been predicting that the end of the Cold War and the struggle between capitalism/communism will also bring about “the end of history.” But, are these worries founded? What are we to make of the last 30 years? After previous episodes with John-Michael Greer and Richard Heinberg, Stan sat down with Derrick Jensen, an American author, ecophilosopher, radical environmentalist, and anti-civilization advocate. He once said that “We’re going to watch the end of the world on television until the TVs go out.” For Jenson, the solution is essentially to return to the Stone Age. You say that’s ridiculous?! Well, his movement, the Deep Green Resistance (DGR), is gaining international traction in the West. In any case, many people agree that, whether we want it, our civilization is on the brink of extinction. In this episode, Stan Berteloot continues to explore how leading American collapsologists thinkers conceive of the collapse of our Western civilization. Since the 1990s, scholars have been predicting that the end of the Cold War and the struggle between No International Women's Day - Listen Again - Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings: Black Feminism, Civil Rights… 81 81 International Women's Day - Listen Again - Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings: Black Feminism, Civil Rights… full backinamerica.podbean.com/1932fff0-f153-3a57-a25f-78bf25681ed6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/05a974ec Today is March 8, International Women's Day, and on this day I suggest that we listen to Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and her work for civil justice.

This episode was previously released on Jan. 22, 2021. In this episode of Back in America, I speak with Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, political consultant, and activist. She recently ran to represent Maryland’s 7th District in Congress after undergoing a double mastectomy.

Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings is the widow of Congressman Elijah Cummings, a good friend of former Congressman John Lewis. When Lewis died in 2020, hundreds of Twitter account accidentally posted memorial photos of Cummings since the two looked so much alike!

On Back in America, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore. Cummings discusses the ongoing fight for civil rights. “I fight for the right to exist. I fight for the right of everyone to be recognized on the level of our common humanity. I fight for the history in this country that has been suppressed. I am the fourth generation from slavery in this country. My parents grew up in the Jim Crow South. My late husband, Elijah Cummings grew up in the Jim Crow South. They were born into a world that denied African Americans the right to exist,” she said.

We also spoke of Black feminism and the importance for Black women to take charge of their struggle against racist and institutionalized patriarchy.

In recent months, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings has been working to publish We're Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy, her husband’s final, unfinished book. The book came out last September and she talks to me about the importance of getting her husband’s voice out there.

We're Better Than This - My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy

 

From the conversation:

"Black women have been the mules of the world, considered the bottom of the bottom at the base of the totem pole because of intersecting racism and sexism." -- International Women's Day

"I fight for the right to exist. I fight for the right of everyone to be recognized on the level of our common humanity." -- International Women's Day

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]]> Today is March 8, International Women's Day, and on this day I suggest that we listen to Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and her work for civil justice.

This episode was previously released on Jan. 22, 2021. In this episode of Back in America, I speak with Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, political consultant, and activist. She recently ran to represent Maryland’s 7th District in Congress after undergoing a double mastectomy.

Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings is the widow of Congressman Elijah Cummings, a good friend of former Congressman John Lewis. When Lewis died in 2020, hundreds of Twitter account accidentally posted memorial photos of Cummings since the two looked so much alike!

On Back in America, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore. Cummings discusses the ongoing fight for civil rights. “I fight for the right to exist. I fight for the right of everyone to be recognized on the level of our common humanity. I fight for the history in this country that has been suppressed. I am the fourth generation from slavery in this country. My parents grew up in the Jim Crow South. My late husband, Elijah Cummings grew up in the Jim Crow South. They were born into a world that denied African Americans the right to exist,” she said.

We also spoke of Black feminism and the importance for Black women to take charge of their struggle against racist and institutionalized patriarchy.

In recent months, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings has been working to publish We're Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy, her husband’s final, unfinished book. The book came out last September and she talks to me about the importance of getting her husband’s voice out there.

We're Better Than This - My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy

 

From the conversation:

"Black women have been the mules of the world, considered the bottom of the bottom at the base of the totem pole because of intersecting racism and sexism." -- International Women's Day

"I fight for the right to exist. I fight for the right of everyone to be recognized on the level of our common humanity." -- International Women's Day

You might also like:

• Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings: On her Late Husband Elijah Cummings,...

• Why ‘Empowerment’ Is a Dirty Word: Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting...

• Listen Again: Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of ...

]]> Mon, 08 Mar 2021 05:45:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1370 Today is March 8, International Women's Day, and on this day I suggest that we listen to Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and her work for civil justice. This episode was previously released on Jan. 22, 2021. In this episode of Back in America, I speak with Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, political consultant, and activist. She recently ran to represent Maryland’s 7th District in Congress after undergoing a double mastectomy. Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings is the widow of Congressman Elijah Cummings, a good friend of former Congressman John Lewis. When Lewis died in 2020, hundreds of Twitter account accidentally posted memorial photos of Cummings since the two looked so much alike! On Back in America, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore. Cummings discusses the ongoing fight for civil rights. “I fight for the right to exist. I fight for the right of everyone to be recognized on the level of our common humanity. I fight for the history in this country that has been suppressed. I am the fourth generation from slavery in this country. My parents grew up in the Jim Crow South. My late husband, Elijah Cummings grew up in the Jim Crow South. They were born into a world that denied African Americans the right to exist,” she said. We also spoke of Black feminism and the importance for Black women to take charge of their struggle against racist and institutionalized patriarchy. In recent months, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings has been working to publish We're Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy, her husband’s final, unfinished book. The book came out last September and she talks to me about the importance of getting her husband’s voice out there. We're Better Than This - My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy   Today is March 8, International Women's Day, and on this day I suggest that we listen to Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and her work for civil justice. This episode was previously released on Jan. 22, 2021. In this episode of Back in America, I speak with  No Who should get the vaccine first? We didn’t know so we asked a philosopher 80 80 Who should get the vaccine first? We didn’t know so we asked a philosopher full backinamerica.podbean.com/a62062fd-f1ce-3d77-8d35-7831667b76eb https://share.transistor.fm/s/632fa2de As countries worldwide scramble to vaccinate their citizens against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, governments have to make the uncomfortable calculus of who deserves to get the vaccine right now. The ones who are spreading it the most? The ones in essential high-risk jobs? People over a certain age? That threshold is unclear and hotly contested. With several months to go before vaccines are readily available to any desiring American adult, legislators have to ask The Question: who first? And, as more vaccine becomes available, they will also have to ask whether it is morally justified for the U.S. government to mandate every citizen or every healthcare worker to take the vaccine? If many states mandate every child to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella, is COVID-19 significantly different?

 

In August 2020, Justin Bernstein, a philosopher at Florida Atlantic University, co-authored a paper answering precisely this question. And while the state of the world has changed significantly since then, the core question of how governments value their citizens, when, and why remains constant (if you’re curious, the U.S. government places the monetary value of a human life at roughly $10 million).

Podcast Editor Josh Wagner sat down with Justin to ask precisely these burning questions. For Justin, vaccines are just like any other vital resource that the government needs to allocate. And, in his mind, while our government has been failing in its mandate to protect public health, it is still the best means we have. 

 

Listen in to find out the answers to these questions and more!

 

Justin’s website


Alexander Guerrero’s blog post about dividing up the United States

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]]> As countries worldwide scramble to vaccinate their citizens against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, governments have to make the uncomfortable calculus of who deserves to get the vaccine right now. The ones who are spreading it the most? The ones in essential high-risk jobs? People over a certain age? That threshold is unclear and hotly contested. With several months to go before vaccines are readily available to any desiring American adult, legislators have to ask The Question: who first? And, as more vaccine becomes available, they will also have to ask whether it is morally justified for the U.S. government to mandate every citizen or every healthcare worker to take the vaccine? If many states mandate every child to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella, is COVID-19 significantly different?

 

In August 2020, Justin Bernstein, a philosopher at Florida Atlantic University, co-authored a paper answering precisely this question. And while the state of the world has changed significantly since then, the core question of how governments value their citizens, when, and why remains constant (if you’re curious, the U.S. government places the monetary value of a human life at roughly $10 million).

Podcast Editor Josh Wagner sat down with Justin to ask precisely these burning questions. For Justin, vaccines are just like any other vital resource that the government needs to allocate. And, in his mind, while our government has been failing in its mandate to protect public health, it is still the best means we have. 

 

Listen in to find out the answers to these questions and more!

 

Justin’s website


Alexander Guerrero’s blog post about dividing up the United States

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]]> Thu, 04 Mar 2021 20:00:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2403 As countries worldwide scramble to vaccinate their citizens against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, governments have to make the uncomfortable calculus of who deserves to get the vaccine right now. The ones who are spreading it the most? The ones in essential high-risk jobs? People over a certain age? That threshold is unclear and hotly contested. With several months to go before vaccines are readily available to any desiring American adult, legislators have to ask The Question: who first? And, as more vaccine becomes available, they will also have to ask whether it is morally justified for the U.S. government to mandate every citizen or every healthcare worker to take the vaccine? If many states mandate every child to be vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella, is COVID-19 significantly different?   In August 2020, Justin Bernstein, a philosopher at Florida Atlantic University, co-authored a paper answering precisely this question. And while the state of the world has changed significantly since then, the core question of how governments value their citizens, when, and why remains constant (if you’re curious, the U.S. government places the monetary value of a human life at roughly $10 million). Podcast Editor Josh Wagner sat down with Justin to ask precisely these burning questions. For Justin, vaccines are just like any other vital resource that the government needs to allocate. And, in his mind, while our government has been failing in its mandate to protect public health, it is still the best means we have.    Listen in to find out the answers to these questions and more!   Justin’s website Alexander Guerrero’s blog post about dividing up the United States As countries worldwide scramble to vaccinate their citizens against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, governments have to make the uncomfortable calculus of who deserves to get the vaccine right now. The ones who are spreading it the most? The ones in essenti No Listen again: Eric Marsh - Being a Black man today in America 79 79 Listen again: Eric Marsh - Being a Black man today in America full backinamerica.podbean.com/4ec9bf23-3bb2-3de7-835a-c9497a0d51de https://share.transistor.fm/s/1918885d

First published on November 18, 2019

 

When a French journalist returns to live in the US 25 years after leaving it as a student, he struggles to recognize the country he loves. He embarks on conversations with Americans of all backgrounds in a quest to understand what America means today.

 

This was the first installment of Back in America.

The episode is part of a series on masculinity in America.

Here I speak to Eric Marsh a Black activist and a social worker in Philadelphia. 

We speak about being a Black man in America; the impact of slavery. The impact of the Trump election; consumerism.

We discuss an art piece by Hank Willis Thomas, Branded Head, a photo of a Black man’s head with the shape of the Nike swoosh, and what Thomas called commodifiable blackness.

From the conversation:

"The history of this country has primarily been the denial by white American men of the humanity and the agency of Black men." -- Listen again- Eric Marsh

"There is this ongoing thread of the Black body only having value through either being a consumer or being consumed." -- Listen again- Eric Marsh

You might also like:

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

]]>

First published on November 18, 2019

 

When a French journalist returns to live in the US 25 years after leaving it as a student, he struggles to recognize the country he loves. He embarks on conversations with Americans of all backgrounds in a quest to understand what America means today.

 

This was the first installment of Back in America.

The episode is part of a series on masculinity in America.

Here I speak to Eric Marsh a Black activist and a social worker in Philadelphia. 

We speak about being a Black man in America; the impact of slavery. The impact of the Trump election; consumerism.

We discuss an art piece by Hank Willis Thomas, Branded Head, a photo of a Black man’s head with the shape of the Nike swoosh, and what Thomas called commodifiable blackness.

From the conversation:

"The history of this country has primarily been the denial by white American men of the humanity and the agency of Black men." -- Listen again- Eric Marsh

"There is this ongoing thread of the Black body only having value through either being a consumer or being consumed." -- Listen again- Eric Marsh

You might also like:

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

]]> Sat, 27 Feb 2021 16:58:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1267 First published on November 18, 2019   When a French journalist returns to live in the US 25 years after leaving it as a student, he struggles to recognize the country he loves. He embarks on conversations with Americans of all backgrounds in a quest to understand what America means today.   This was the first installment of Back in America. The episode is part of a series on masculinity in America. Here I speak to Eric Marsh a Black activist and a social worker in Philadelphia.  We speak about being a Black man in America; the impact of slavery. The impact of the Trump election; consumerism. We discuss an art piece by Hank Willis Thomas, Branded Head, a photo of a Black man’s head with the shape of the Nike swoosh, and what Thomas called commodifiable blackness. First published on November 18, 2019   When a French journalist returns to live in the US 25 years after leaving it as a student, he struggles to recognize the country he loves. He embarks on conversations with Americans of all backgrounds in a quest to u No Witchcraft and Feminism: Three American witches share their experiences 78 78 Witchcraft and Feminism: Three American witches share their experiences full backinamerica.podbean.com/b138aabc-9ad9-3177-90f5-41a82738cc42 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7d8e75f2 Witches are everywhere! Your neighbor might be a witch, you can run into one at the farmer market, the organic food store, the alternative medicine section of your bookstore, and definitely at feminist rallies––you could even be a witch without knowing it!

Since the 1960s, the historical stereotype of the witch has been reclaimed as a feminist icon. 

In their everyday lives, American witches act just the same as anyone else. While it is forbidden for outsiders to enter certain covens, many sell protection spells on Etsy for $15 a pop. They post pictures of Midnight Sabbaths on Instagram and Livestream Tarot readings on YouTube.

Beyond the folklore and the spells, the modern American witch is taking a stand against the patriarchy. 

You will hear from three witches in this episode: Amanda Auchter, an American writer, professor, and editor. Amanda has won several literary awards and is currently working on her third book of poems which focuses on how witchcraft and faith empowered women.

Then, Cabra Woodwell, a witch “dedicated to changing the narratives of magic to decolonize, decarcerate, and liberate” comes in.   

The third witch is Pixie from Salem, Massachusetts. The interview with Pixie was recorded live and can be watched in full on YouTube. 

If you want to learn more about Amanda, her books and her new witchcraft store, and if you want to explore what Pixie and Cabra are up to, see this episode's note.

To explore even further witchcraft and feminism check out Back in America's Newsletter on Substack!

Amanda Auchter

Amanda is about to open an occult-based shop, Midnight Apothecary, on March 1, with her creative partner, Eddy Roberts. Their information and stories are available on Instagram, here: https://www.instagram.com/midnight.apothecary/.

Pixie

Pixie’s Instagram account is https://www.instagram.com/thisisreallypixie/

Cabra Woodwell

Cabra Woodwell on Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/garlicwitchzines/

Their astrology school can be found on https://starsdanceastrology.com/mystery-school/




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]]> Witches are everywhere! Your neighbor might be a witch, you can run into one at the farmer market, the organic food store, the alternative medicine section of your bookstore, and definitely at feminist rallies––you could even be a witch without knowing it!

Since the 1960s, the historical stereotype of the witch has been reclaimed as a feminist icon. 

In their everyday lives, American witches act just the same as anyone else. While it is forbidden for outsiders to enter certain covens, many sell protection spells on Etsy for $15 a pop. They post pictures of Midnight Sabbaths on Instagram and Livestream Tarot readings on YouTube.

Beyond the folklore and the spells, the modern American witch is taking a stand against the patriarchy. 

You will hear from three witches in this episode: Amanda Auchter, an American writer, professor, and editor. Amanda has won several literary awards and is currently working on her third book of poems which focuses on how witchcraft and faith empowered women.

Then, Cabra Woodwell, a witch “dedicated to changing the narratives of magic to decolonize, decarcerate, and liberate” comes in.   

The third witch is Pixie from Salem, Massachusetts. The interview with Pixie was recorded live and can be watched in full on YouTube. 

If you want to learn more about Amanda, her books and her new witchcraft store, and if you want to explore what Pixie and Cabra are up to, see this episode's note.

To explore even further witchcraft and feminism check out Back in America's Newsletter on Substack!

Amanda Auchter

Amanda is about to open an occult-based shop, Midnight Apothecary, on March 1, with her creative partner, Eddy Roberts. Their information and stories are available on Instagram, here: https://www.instagram.com/midnight.apothecary/.

Pixie

Pixie’s Instagram account is https://www.instagram.com/thisisreallypixie/

Cabra Woodwell

Cabra Woodwell on Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/garlicwitchzines/

Their astrology school can be found on https://starsdanceastrology.com/mystery-school/




You might also like:

• Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of ...

• Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of abuse that sta...

• Listen Again: Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of ...

]]> Thu, 11 Feb 2021 19:54:05 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1520 Witches are everywhere! Your neighbor might be a witch, you can run into one at the farmer market, the organic food store, the alternative medicine section of your bookstore, and definitely at feminist rallies––you could even be a witch without knowing it! Since the 1960s, the historical stereotype of the witch has been reclaimed as a feminist icon.  In their everyday lives, American witches act just the same as anyone else. While it is forbidden for outsiders to enter certain covens, many sell protection spells on Etsy for $15 a pop. They post pictures of Midnight Sabbaths on Instagram and Livestream Tarot readings on YouTube. Beyond the folklore and the spells, the modern American witch is taking a stand against the patriarchy.  You will hear from three witches in this episode: Amanda Auchter, an American writer, professor, and editor. Amanda has won several literary awards and is currently working on her third book of poems which focuses on how witchcraft and faith empowered women. Then, Cabra Woodwell, a witch “dedicated to changing the narratives of magic to decolonize, decarcerate, and liberate” comes in.    The third witch is Pixie from Salem, Massachusetts. The interview with Pixie was recorded live and can be watched in full on YouTube.  If you want to learn more about Amanda, her books and her new witchcraft store, and if you want to explore what Pixie and Cabra are up to, see this episode's note. To explore even further witchcraft and feminism check out Back in America's Newsletter on Substack! Amanda Auchter Amanda is about to open an occult-based shop, Midnight Apothecary, on March 1, with her creative partner, Eddy Roberts. Their information and stories are available on Instagram, here: https://www.instagram.com/midnight.apothecary/. Pixie Pixie’s Instagram account is https://www.instagram.com/thisisreallypixie/ Cabra Woodwell Cabra Woodwell on Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/garlicwitchzines/ Their astrology school can be found on https://starsdanceastrology.com/mystery-school/ Witches are everywhere! Your neighbor might be a witch, you can run into one at the farmer market, the organic food store, the alternative medicine section of your bookstore, and definitely at feminist rallies––you could even be a witch without knowing it No Tricia Baker: "My Dog Saved My Life" - Inside Dog Therapy and Mental Health Education 77 77 Tricia Baker: "My Dog Saved My Life" - Inside Dog Therapy and Mental Health Education full backinamerica.podbean.com/81b7ea5b-0d93-3ba3-be05-6003d566aae6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8d5c9b48 This episode was originally recorded live and you can watch the entire interview on our YouTube channel.

Trica Baker was the VP of Marketing Services at Merrill Lynch for 13 years before leaving her job to take care of her teenage son who was struggling with severe depression.

After battling this disease for three long years, her son tragically committed suicide. In the aftermath of those dark days, Tricia fell into a terrible depression and suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress, barely able to leave her bed.

Yet, her dog Miki, guided by a mysterious instinct, helped her deal with her depression and got her out of bed each day. “Miki saved my life,” says Tricia.

 

In this episode of Back in America, the podcast we hear from Tricia who has since dedicated her life to training dogs to prevent suicide.

 

You can find Tricia’s suicide prevention organization, Attitudes In Reverse, at  https://air.ngo/. 

20 Paws is her dog training business: https://20paws.com/. 

 

If you or a loved one is depressed or having suicidal thoughts, the suicide prevention text line can be found by texting ‘AIR’ to 741 741. To speak to a counselor call 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) or go online: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. 

 

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• Home at the End: Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America

• Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of ...

• Dr. Glenda Wrenn on COVID, Remote work, Mental Health & Corporate A...

]]> This episode was originally recorded live and you can watch the entire interview on our YouTube channel.

Trica Baker was the VP of Marketing Services at Merrill Lynch for 13 years before leaving her job to take care of her teenage son who was struggling with severe depression.

After battling this disease for three long years, her son tragically committed suicide. In the aftermath of those dark days, Tricia fell into a terrible depression and suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress, barely able to leave her bed.

Yet, her dog Miki, guided by a mysterious instinct, helped her deal with her depression and got her out of bed each day. “Miki saved my life,” says Tricia.

 

In this episode of Back in America, the podcast we hear from Tricia who has since dedicated her life to training dogs to prevent suicide.

 

You can find Tricia’s suicide prevention organization, Attitudes In Reverse, at  https://air.ngo/. 

20 Paws is her dog training business: https://20paws.com/. 

 

If you or a loved one is depressed or having suicidal thoughts, the suicide prevention text line can be found by texting ‘AIR’ to 741 741. To speak to a counselor call 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) or go online: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/. 

 

You might also like:

• Home at the End: Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America

• Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of ...

• Dr. Glenda Wrenn on COVID, Remote work, Mental Health & Corporate A...

]]> Thu, 04 Feb 2021 20:00:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1751 This episode was originally recorded live and you can watch the entire interview on our YouTube channel. Trica Baker was the VP of Marketing Services at Merrill Lynch for 13 years before leaving her job to take care of her teenage son who was struggling with severe depression. After battling this disease for three long years, her son tragically committed suicide. In the aftermath of those dark days, Tricia fell into a terrible depression and suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress, barely able to leave her bed. Yet, her dog Miki, guided by a mysterious instinct, helped her deal with her depression and got her out of bed each day. “Miki saved my life,” says Tricia.   In this episode of Back in America, the podcast we hear from Tricia who has since dedicated her life to training dogs to prevent suicide.   You can find Tricia’s suicide prevention organization, Attitudes In Reverse, at  https://air.ngo/.  20 Paws is her dog training business: https://20paws.com/.    If you or a loved one is depressed or having suicidal thoughts, the suicide prevention text line can be found by texting ‘AIR’ to 741 741. To speak to a counselor call 1 (800) 273-TALK (8255) or go online: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.    This episode was originally recorded live and you can watch the entire interview on our YouTube channel. Trica Baker was the VP of Marketing Services at Merrill Lynch for 13 years before leaving her job to take care of her teenage son who was struggling w No Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on American Judaism today 76 76 Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on American Judaism today full backinamerica.podbean.com/21ca8746-5f42-3b05-bdcd-406bc536b4eb https://share.transistor.fm/s/2268f4ae

 

What is really at question is the American way of life. What is really at question is whether Americans already have an identity or are still sufficiently flexible to achieve one. This is a painfully complicated question, for what now appears to be the American identity is really a bewildering and sometimes demoralizing blend of nostalgia and opportunism. ––James Baldwin

In recent months, shows about Jewish thought and theology (Pretend it’s a City, Unorthodox) have populated Netflix’s “Trending Now” tab. But what does it mean to be an American Jew in 2021? Why are many Jews today turning towards Hasidism and more conservative forms of religion in a time of unprecedented secularism? Are spirituality and personal faith compatible with traditional Jewish precepts? Why is it the case that Jews have both benefited from and been victimized by white nationalism? And how does Zionism, Jewish nationalism, fit into this story?

To think about these questions, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner spoke with Sam Shonkoff, Professor Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, California as well as two of his students. Sam’s research delves into the intersection between secular spiritual practices and the contemporary Hasidic movement, especially in the thought of not-quite theologian Martin Buber. For Buber, religion was less about acting according to the letter of the law than cultivating a sense of “embodied theology” in the everyday––faith as less of a regulating authority than source of spiritual transformation (tiqqun). His students, Eva Sturm-Gross and Jonah Gelfand both took Sam’s Jewish Mysticism seminar at Oberlin College and became fascinated with the downright odd and weird mystics in Jewish thought. Eva is a junior from Vermont who works at a bakery and is majoring in Studio Art and Religion with a minor in Jewish Studies. Jonah just graduated from Oberlin last June and has followed Sam to the GTU and hopes to continue his personal and professional engagement with Jewish thought. Both Eva and Jonah grew up as secular Reform Jews, yet have decided to become more seriously devout. 

While their experience cannot speak for all American Jews, Sam, Eva, and Jonah tell a story about their return to a practical faith in a time of uncertainty and doubt.

To find out more, listen to the episode on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you usually find your podcasts!

 

Links: 

Sam’s latest book on contemporary Hasidism, edited with Rabbi Ariel Evan Mayse: Hasidism: Writings on Devotion, Community, and Life in the Modern World

 

The book on top of Sam’s desk at the time of recording this episode: The Obligated Self

Maternal Subjectivity and Jewish Thought by Mara H. Benjamin

 

Eva’s art Instagram

Martin Buber’s I and Thou

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• Part 1 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Asks does 'W...

]]>

 

What is really at question is the American way of life. What is really at question is whether Americans already have an identity or are still sufficiently flexible to achieve one. This is a painfully complicated question, for what now appears to be the American identity is really a bewildering and sometimes demoralizing blend of nostalgia and opportunism. ––James Baldwin

In recent months, shows about Jewish thought and theology (Pretend it’s a City, Unorthodox) have populated Netflix’s “Trending Now” tab. But what does it mean to be an American Jew in 2021? Why are many Jews today turning towards Hasidism and more conservative forms of religion in a time of unprecedented secularism? Are spirituality and personal faith compatible with traditional Jewish precepts? Why is it the case that Jews have both benefited from and been victimized by white nationalism? And how does Zionism, Jewish nationalism, fit into this story?

To think about these questions, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner spoke with Sam Shonkoff, Professor Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, California as well as two of his students. Sam’s research delves into the intersection between secular spiritual practices and the contemporary Hasidic movement, especially in the thought of not-quite theologian Martin Buber. For Buber, religion was less about acting according to the letter of the law than cultivating a sense of “embodied theology” in the everyday––faith as less of a regulating authority than source of spiritual transformation (tiqqun). His students, Eva Sturm-Gross and Jonah Gelfand both took Sam’s Jewish Mysticism seminar at Oberlin College and became fascinated with the downright odd and weird mystics in Jewish thought. Eva is a junior from Vermont who works at a bakery and is majoring in Studio Art and Religion with a minor in Jewish Studies. Jonah just graduated from Oberlin last June and has followed Sam to the GTU and hopes to continue his personal and professional engagement with Jewish thought. Both Eva and Jonah grew up as secular Reform Jews, yet have decided to become more seriously devout. 

While their experience cannot speak for all American Jews, Sam, Eva, and Jonah tell a story about their return to a practical faith in a time of uncertainty and doubt.

To find out more, listen to the episode on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you usually find your podcasts!

 

Links: 

Sam’s latest book on contemporary Hasidism, edited with Rabbi Ariel Evan Mayse: Hasidism: Writings on Devotion, Community, and Life in the Modern World

 

The book on top of Sam’s desk at the time of recording this episode: The Obligated Self

Maternal Subjectivity and Jewish Thought by Mara H. Benjamin

 

Eva’s art Instagram

Martin Buber’s I and Thou

You might also like:

• Delphine Horvilleur: "People Whisper to Me What They're Afraid to S...

• The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America –...

• Part 1 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Asks does 'W...

]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2021 20:00:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2161   What is really at question is the American way of life. What is really at question is whether Americans already have an identity or are still sufficiently flexible to achieve one. This is a painfully complicated question, for what now appears to be the American identity is really a bewildering and sometimes demoralizing blend of nostalgia and opportunism. ––James Baldwin In recent months, shows about Jewish thought and theology (Pretend it’s a City, Unorthodox) have populated Netflix’s “Trending Now” tab. But what does it mean to be an American Jew in 2021? Why are many Jews today turning towards Hasidism and more conservative forms of religion in a time of unprecedented secularism? Are spirituality and personal faith compatible with traditional Jewish precepts? Why is it the case that Jews have both benefited from and been victimized by white nationalism? And how does Zionism, Jewish nationalism, fit into this story? To think about these questions, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner spoke with Sam Shonkoff, Professor Jewish Studies at the Graduate Theological Union (GTU) in Berkeley, California as well as two of his students. Sam’s research delves into the intersection between secular spiritual practices and the contemporary Hasidic movement, especially in the thought of not-quite theologian Martin Buber. For Buber, religion was less about acting according to the letter of the law than cultivating a sense of “embodied theology” in the everyday––faith as less of a regulating authority than source of spiritual transformation (tiqqun). His students, Eva Sturm-Gross and Jonah Gelfand both took Sam’s Jewish Mysticism seminar at Oberlin College and became fascinated with the downright odd and weird mystics in Jewish thought. Eva is a junior from Vermont who works at a bakery and is majoring in Studio Art and Religion with a minor in Jewish Studies. Jonah just graduated from Oberlin last June and has followed Sam to the GTU and hopes to continue his personal and professional engagement with Jewish thought. Both Eva and Jonah grew up as secular Reform Jews, yet have decided to become more seriously devout.  While their experience cannot speak for all American Jews, Sam, Eva, and Jonah tell a story about their return to a practical faith in a time of uncertainty and doubt. To find out more, listen to the episode on Podbean, Spotify, Stitcher, or wherever you usually find your podcasts!   Links:  Sam’s latest book on contemporary Hasidism, edited with Rabbi Ariel Evan Mayse: Hasidism: Writings on Devotion, Community, and Life in the Modern World   The book on top of Sam’s desk at the time of recording this episode: The Obligated Self Maternal Subjectivity and Jewish Thought by Mara H. Benjamin   Eva’s art Instagram Martin Buber’s I and Thou   What is really at question is the American way of life. What is really at question is whether Americans already have an identity or are still sufficiently flexible to achieve one. This is a painfully complicated question, for what now appears to be the No Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings: On her Late Husband Elijah Cummings, Black Feminism, Civil Rights... 75 75 Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings: On her Late Husband Elijah Cummings, Black Feminism, Civil Rights... full backinamerica.podbean.com/0bac0d89-34be-30c0-9253-7dbdec3059f2 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f6dfa7e6 In this episode of Back in America, I speak with Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, political consultant, and activist. She recently ran to represent Maryland’s 7th District in Congress after undergoing a double mastectomy.

 

Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings is the widow of Congressman Elijah Cummings, a good friend of former Congressman John Lewis. When Lewis died in 2020, hundreds of Twitter account accidentally posted memorial photos of Cummings since the two looked so much alike!

 

On Back in America, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore. Cummings discusses the ongoing fight for civil rights. “I fight for the right to exist. I fight for the right of everyone to be recognized on the level of our common humanity. I fight for the history in this country that has been suppressed. I am the fourth generation from slavery in this country. My parents grew up in the Jim Crow South. My late husband, Elijah Cummings grew up in the Jim Crow South. They were born into a world that denied African Americans the right to exist,” she said.

 

We also spoke of Black feminism and the importance for Black women to take charge of their struggle against racist and institutionalized patriarchy.


In recent months, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings has been working to publish We're Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy, her husband’s final, unfinished book. The book came out last September and she talks to me about the importance of getting her husband’s voice out there.

We're Better Than This - My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy

 

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]]> In this episode of Back in America, I speak with Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, political consultant, and activist. She recently ran to represent Maryland’s 7th District in Congress after undergoing a double mastectomy.

 

Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings is the widow of Congressman Elijah Cummings, a good friend of former Congressman John Lewis. When Lewis died in 2020, hundreds of Twitter account accidentally posted memorial photos of Cummings since the two looked so much alike!

 

On Back in America, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore. Cummings discusses the ongoing fight for civil rights. “I fight for the right to exist. I fight for the right of everyone to be recognized on the level of our common humanity. I fight for the history in this country that has been suppressed. I am the fourth generation from slavery in this country. My parents grew up in the Jim Crow South. My late husband, Elijah Cummings grew up in the Jim Crow South. They were born into a world that denied African Americans the right to exist,” she said.

 

We also spoke of Black feminism and the importance for Black women to take charge of their struggle against racist and institutionalized patriarchy.


In recent months, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings has been working to publish We're Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy, her husband’s final, unfinished book. The book came out last September and she talks to me about the importance of getting her husband’s voice out there.

We're Better Than This - My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy

 

You might also like:

• International Women's Day - Listen Again - Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cum...

• Why ‘Empowerment’ Is a Dirty Word: Dr. Patti Fletcher on Disrupting...

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2021 07:59:19 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1370 In this episode of Back in America, I speak with Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, political consultant, and activist. She recently ran to represent Maryland’s 7th District in Congress after undergoing a double mastectomy.   Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings is the widow of Congressman Elijah Cummings, a good friend of former Congressman John Lewis. When Lewis died in 2020, hundreds of Twitter account accidentally posted memorial photos of Cummings since the two looked so much alike!   On Back in America, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore. Cummings discusses the ongoing fight for civil rights. “I fight for the right to exist. I fight for the right of everyone to be recognized on the level of our common humanity. I fight for the history in this country that has been suppressed. I am the fourth generation from slavery in this country. My parents grew up in the Jim Crow South. My late husband, Elijah Cummings grew up in the Jim Crow South. They were born into a world that denied African Americans the right to exist,” she said.   We also spoke of Black feminism and the importance for Black women to take charge of their struggle against racist and institutionalized patriarchy. In recent months, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings has been working to publish We're Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy, her husband’s final, unfinished book. The book came out last September and she talks to me about the importance of getting her husband’s voice out there. We're Better Than This - My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy   In this episode of Back in America, I speak with Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party, political consultant, and activist. She recently ran to represent Maryland’s 7th District in Congress after undergoing a double No The Promise of a Better Human: James Clement on our Transhuman futures 74 74 The Promise of a Better Human: James Clement on our Transhuman futures full backinamerica.podbean.com/0ebdb43e-ae99-326d-9371-3c5f64af0df5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e9e06aa4 In this week’s episode, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner takes a look at transhumanism, the philosophy, and ideology that the next stage in human evolution will arrive through artificial enhancements. Started in the early 1990s in Silicon Valley, transhumanism has accrued a wide variety of adherents, ranging from Ray Kurzweil and Elon Musk to Jeffrey Epstein, who believe that the human body itself needs to be upgraded. In their minds, such technological enhancements will increase the quality of life and abilities of every human being––“if nature is unjust, change nature!”

 

But, are such transhumanist dreams even possible, and would such biological enhancements actually help transform the human race rather than reinforcing the social, racial, and economic divides which are tearing at the foundations of our democracy?

 

Joining us this week is James Clement, director of BetterHumans, the world’s first transhumanist-oriented biomedical research lab. A former international tax lawyer and brewpub founder, Clement now works on the scientific side of anti-aging, often collaborating with Havard geneticist George Church to discover why certain humans are able to live for more than 100 years. At the heart of his transhumanism rests a fundamental belief in human capabilities and their liberation, beliefs which motivate his biological research. For him, transhumanism is a real technology, fundamentally linked to medical vaccines, stitches, and contact lenses. The only difference is that, like any new technology, transhumanism is not fully understood, especially by Americans who are resistant to such changes.

 

At the core of this interview lies a concern that a so-called transhumanist utopia, while possible, may not be entirely desirable. Like Odysseus’ searching beyond the limits of human cognition in Dante’s Inferno, transhumanism crucially aspires to alter our relationship with our own bodies, potentially increasing carbon emissions, overpopulation, and racial/social inequalities.

 

James Clement: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwclement/ 

 

Transhumanist Manifesto: https://natashavita-more.com/transhumanist-manifesto/ 

 

Humanist Manifesto: https://zelalemkibret.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/humanist-manifestos.pdf 

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]]> In this week’s episode, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner takes a look at transhumanism, the philosophy, and ideology that the next stage in human evolution will arrive through artificial enhancements. Started in the early 1990s in Silicon Valley, transhumanism has accrued a wide variety of adherents, ranging from Ray Kurzweil and Elon Musk to Jeffrey Epstein, who believe that the human body itself needs to be upgraded. In their minds, such technological enhancements will increase the quality of life and abilities of every human being––“if nature is unjust, change nature!”

 

But, are such transhumanist dreams even possible, and would such biological enhancements actually help transform the human race rather than reinforcing the social, racial, and economic divides which are tearing at the foundations of our democracy?

 

Joining us this week is James Clement, director of BetterHumans, the world’s first transhumanist-oriented biomedical research lab. A former international tax lawyer and brewpub founder, Clement now works on the scientific side of anti-aging, often collaborating with Havard geneticist George Church to discover why certain humans are able to live for more than 100 years. At the heart of his transhumanism rests a fundamental belief in human capabilities and their liberation, beliefs which motivate his biological research. For him, transhumanism is a real technology, fundamentally linked to medical vaccines, stitches, and contact lenses. The only difference is that, like any new technology, transhumanism is not fully understood, especially by Americans who are resistant to such changes.

 

At the core of this interview lies a concern that a so-called transhumanist utopia, while possible, may not be entirely desirable. Like Odysseus’ searching beyond the limits of human cognition in Dante’s Inferno, transhumanism crucially aspires to alter our relationship with our own bodies, potentially increasing carbon emissions, overpopulation, and racial/social inequalities.

 

James Clement: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwclement/ 

 

Transhumanist Manifesto: https://natashavita-more.com/transhumanist-manifesto/ 

 

Humanist Manifesto: https://zelalemkibret.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/humanist-manifestos.pdf 

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• World Correspondence Chess Champion Jon Edwards on Playing Alongsid...

• SETI – Dr. Seth Shostak – Searching for E.T.

• Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism a...

]]> Thu, 07 Jan 2021 20:27:31 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1801 In this week’s episode, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner takes a look at transhumanism, the philosophy, and ideology that the next stage in human evolution will arrive through artificial enhancements. Started in the early 1990s in Silicon Valley, transhumanism has accrued a wide variety of adherents, ranging from Ray Kurzweil and Elon Musk to Jeffrey Epstein, who believe that the human body itself needs to be upgraded. In their minds, such technological enhancements will increase the quality of life and abilities of every human being––“if nature is unjust, change nature!”   But, are such transhumanist dreams even possible, and would such biological enhancements actually help transform the human race rather than reinforcing the social, racial, and economic divides which are tearing at the foundations of our democracy?   Joining us this week is James Clement, director of BetterHumans, the world’s first transhumanist-oriented biomedical research lab. A former international tax lawyer and brewpub founder, Clement now works on the scientific side of anti-aging, often collaborating with Havard geneticist George Church to discover why certain humans are able to live for more than 100 years. At the heart of his transhumanism rests a fundamental belief in human capabilities and their liberation, beliefs which motivate his biological research. For him, transhumanism is a real technology, fundamentally linked to medical vaccines, stitches, and contact lenses. The only difference is that, like any new technology, transhumanism is not fully understood, especially by Americans who are resistant to such changes.   At the core of this interview lies a concern that a so-called transhumanist utopia, while possible, may not be entirely desirable. Like Odysseus’ searching beyond the limits of human cognition in Dante’s Inferno, transhumanism crucially aspires to alter our relationship with our own bodies, potentially increasing carbon emissions, overpopulation, and racial/social inequalities.   James Clement: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwclement/    Transhumanist Manifesto: https://natashavita-more.com/transhumanist-manifesto/    Humanist Manifesto: https://zelalemkibret.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/humanist-manifestos.pdf  In this week’s episode, Podcast Editor Josh Wagner takes a look at transhumanism, the philosophy, and ideology that the next stage in human evolution will arrive through artificial enhancements. Started in the early 1990s in Silicon Valley, transhumanism No Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships 73 73 Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Diving on Shipwrecked Slave Ships full backinamerica.podbean.com/a985ac3b-5a9c-3d8c-a584-beb386d21184 https://share.transistor.fm/s/151103a4  

In this episode, I interview three crew members of the EPIX / BBC docuseries Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

While 2020 has been a year of intense examination of racism in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, Enslaved takes a deep dive at the historical realities of the Middle Passage. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, The Guardian’s Afua Hirsh, and investigative journalist Simcha Jacobovici, the series travels across the globe to sites of slave ships to uncover what these sunken graveyards can reveal about life onboard––lives of which there is little historical record or archive. 

Our first guest is the British marine archaeologist Dr. Sean Kingsley who served as a historical advisor to the series’ diving crew.

 

Then two of the divers will join me: Kinga Philipps and Kramer Wimberley.  An award-winning journalist, writer, TV host, and esteemed member of the Explorer’s Club, Kinga provided a European perspective to the shoot, and also was one of the few non-Black divers for Enslaved. Next, Kramer will introduce himself as the series’ lead diving instructor who also leads “Diving with a Purpose,” a maritime archaeology program which protects the legacy of the Transatlantic slave trade shipwrecks.

Each of the three interviews was broadcasted live and can be watched in full on the Back in America’s YouTube channel.

 

As I conducted these interviews, I wanted to understand two things. First, what did diving on the wrecks of slave ships  us about the history of slave trade. Then, I wanted the divers to speak about their own experiences as they dived and explored these sunken mass graves, especially in light of recent activism in America.

 

Dr Sean Kingsley Wreckwatch Mag 

 

Kramer Wimberly Diving With a Purpose

 

Kinga Philipps


This episode was partially edited by Back in America’s Podcast Editor Josh Wagner.

 

Read the Transcript

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]]>  

In this episode, I interview three crew members of the EPIX / BBC docuseries Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

While 2020 has been a year of intense examination of racism in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, Enslaved takes a deep dive at the historical realities of the Middle Passage. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, The Guardian’s Afua Hirsh, and investigative journalist Simcha Jacobovici, the series travels across the globe to sites of slave ships to uncover what these sunken graveyards can reveal about life onboard––lives of which there is little historical record or archive. 

Our first guest is the British marine archaeologist Dr. Sean Kingsley who served as a historical advisor to the series’ diving crew.

 

Then two of the divers will join me: Kinga Philipps and Kramer Wimberley.  An award-winning journalist, writer, TV host, and esteemed member of the Explorer’s Club, Kinga provided a European perspective to the shoot, and also was one of the few non-Black divers for Enslaved. Next, Kramer will introduce himself as the series’ lead diving instructor who also leads “Diving with a Purpose,” a maritime archaeology program which protects the legacy of the Transatlantic slave trade shipwrecks.

Each of the three interviews was broadcasted live and can be watched in full on the Back in America’s YouTube channel.

 

As I conducted these interviews, I wanted to understand two things. First, what did diving on the wrecks of slave ships  us about the history of slave trade. Then, I wanted the divers to speak about their own experiences as they dived and explored these sunken mass graves, especially in light of recent activism in America.

 

Dr Sean Kingsley Wreckwatch Mag 

 

Kramer Wimberly Diving With a Purpose

 

Kinga Philipps


This episode was partially edited by Back in America’s Podcast Editor Josh Wagner.

 

Read the Transcript

You might also like:

• Listen again: Divers from the EPIX/ BBC Docuseries “Enslaved”: Divi...

• The WWII Fugitive Who Became King of a Headhunter Tribe

• Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural

]]> Thu, 17 Dec 2020 21:12:10 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2717   In this episode, I interview three crew members of the EPIX / BBC docuseries Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. While 2020 has been a year of intense examination of racism in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, Enslaved takes a deep dive at the historical realities of the Middle Passage. Starring Samuel L. Jackson, The Guardian’s Afua Hirsh, and investigative journalist Simcha Jacobovici, the series travels across the globe to sites of slave ships to uncover what these sunken graveyards can reveal about life onboard––lives of which there is little historical record or archive.  Our first guest is the British marine archaeologist Dr. Sean Kingsley who served as a historical advisor to the series’ diving crew.   Then two of the divers will join me: Kinga Philipps and Kramer Wimberley.  An award-winning journalist, writer, TV host, and esteemed member of the Explorer’s Club, Kinga provided a European perspective to the shoot, and also was one of the few non-Black divers for Enslaved. Next, Kramer will introduce himself as the series’ lead diving instructor who also leads “Diving with a Purpose,” a maritime archaeology program which protects the legacy of the Transatlantic slave trade shipwrecks. Each of the three interviews was broadcasted live and can be watched in full on the Back in America’s YouTube channel.   As I conducted these interviews, I wanted to understand two things. First, what did diving on the wrecks of slave ships  us about the history of slave trade. Then, I wanted the divers to speak about their own experiences as they dived and explored these sunken mass graves, especially in light of recent activism in America.   Dr Sean Kingsley Wreckwatch Mag    Kramer Wimberly Diving With a Purpose   Kinga Philipps This episode was partially edited by Back in America’s Podcast Editor Josh Wagner.   Read the Transcript   In this episode, I interview three crew members of the EPIX / BBC docuseries Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. While 2020 has been a year of intense examination of racism in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, Enslave No Richard Heinberg: Has America Reached Its Limits? Biden, Climate, The End of Fossil Fuel 72 72 Richard Heinberg: Has America Reached Its Limits? Biden, Climate, The End of Fossil Fuel full backinamerica.podbean.com/70dab06b-ceeb-3560-b712-16e262262a62 https://share.transistor.fm/s/80cdf38a Richard Heinberg is a Senior Fellow of the Post Carbon Institute and is regarded as one of the world’s top advocates for a shift away from our current dependence on fossil fuels. He is also the author of thirteen books on climate and energy.

Today, in this episode I am releasing the complete interview I had with Richard on November 11. This interview was broadcasted live and you can watch it on Youtube. 

Richard and I talk about the election and what impact the new government might have on the environment.

Richard asks, who's going to cleaning up the fracking mess as the oil and gas companies go bankrupt? 

We wonder if Trump in the time he has left at the White House can do more damages to the climate and Richard warns that Biden will need to prepare Americans for the hard change looming ahead.

If you enjoy this podcast please share it with your friend and leave us a review on Apple podcast.

I would like to wish you all a happy holiday and to thank you for your incredible support in 2020. A big shout out to my top fans: Celine, Missy, Jon, Caroline, Natja, Nicolas, Mark, Aurelia, Ben, Zoe. 

Our Intern is Josh Wagner and he is busy editing the episode on the BBC Series Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

I hope to be publishing it before the end of the month. make sure you listen to it as we are working on a new no linear format mixing the interviews with great soundtracks. Bye for now and have a great day.   

From the conversation:

"Our plan seems to be to keep the accelerator smashed against the floorboard until we hit the wall. And that's collapse." -- Richard Heinberg- Has America Reached Its Limits- Biden, Climate, The End of Fossil Fuel

"Resilient communities are going to be ones that find ways to solve basic human problems using less energy and less materials." -- Richard Heinberg- Has America Reached Its Limits- Biden, Climate, The End of Fossil Fuel

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]]> Richard Heinberg is a Senior Fellow of the Post Carbon Institute and is regarded as one of the world’s top advocates for a shift away from our current dependence on fossil fuels. He is also the author of thirteen books on climate and energy.

Today, in this episode I am releasing the complete interview I had with Richard on November 11. This interview was broadcasted live and you can watch it on Youtube. 

Richard and I talk about the election and what impact the new government might have on the environment.

Richard asks, who's going to cleaning up the fracking mess as the oil and gas companies go bankrupt? 

We wonder if Trump in the time he has left at the White House can do more damages to the climate and Richard warns that Biden will need to prepare Americans for the hard change looming ahead.

If you enjoy this podcast please share it with your friend and leave us a review on Apple podcast.

I would like to wish you all a happy holiday and to thank you for your incredible support in 2020. A big shout out to my top fans: Celine, Missy, Jon, Caroline, Natja, Nicolas, Mark, Aurelia, Ben, Zoe. 

Our Intern is Josh Wagner and he is busy editing the episode on the BBC Series Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

I hope to be publishing it before the end of the month. make sure you listen to it as we are working on a new no linear format mixing the interviews with great soundtracks. Bye for now and have a great day.   

From the conversation:

"Our plan seems to be to keep the accelerator smashed against the floorboard until we hit the wall. And that's collapse." -- Richard Heinberg- Has America Reached Its Limits- Biden, Climate, The End of Fossil Fuel

"Resilient communities are going to be ones that find ways to solve basic human problems using less energy and less materials." -- Richard Heinberg- Has America Reached Its Limits- Biden, Climate, The End of Fossil Fuel

You might also like:

• Richard Heinberg: on building resilient communities - transitioning...

• Derrick Jensen: Are We at the End of the World or just the End of o...

• Bruno Sarda: “Climate change poses a systemic, existential risk to ...

]]> Fri, 11 Dec 2020 15:28:44 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1198 Richard Heinberg is a Senior Fellow of the Post Carbon Institute and is regarded as one of the world’s top advocates for a shift away from our current dependence on fossil fuels. He is also the author of thirteen books on climate and energy. Today, in this episode I am releasing the complete interview I had with Richard on November 11. This interview was broadcasted live and you can watch it on Youtube.  Richard and I talk about the election and what impact the new government might have on the environment. Richard asks, who's going to cleaning up the fracking mess as the oil and gas companies go bankrupt?  We wonder if Trump in the time he has left at the White House can do more damages to the climate and Richard warns that Biden will need to prepare Americans for the hard change looming ahead. If you enjoy this podcast please share it with your friend and leave us a review on Apple podcast. I would like to wish you all a happy holiday and to thank you for your incredible support in 2020. A big shout out to my top fans: Celine, Missy, Jon, Caroline, Natja, Nicolas, Mark, Aurelia, Ben, Zoe.  Our Intern is Josh Wagner and he is busy editing the episode on the BBC Series Enslaved: The Lost History of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. I hope to be publishing it before the end of the month. make sure you listen to it as we are working on a new no linear format mixing the interviews with great soundtracks. Bye for now and have a great day.    Richard Heinberg is a Senior Fellow of the Post Carbon Institute and is regarded as one of the world’s top advocates for a shift away from our current dependence on fossil fuels. He is also the author of thirteen books on climate and energy. Today, in thi No On the Frontlines of the 2020 Election with Poll-worker Josh Wagner 71 71 On the Frontlines of the 2020 Election with Poll-worker Josh Wagner full backinamerica.podbean.com/d341186f-bb44-305b-ac6b-73de1e6f27c1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ffcc3508 The 2020 election cycle has been wracked with scandal, accusations of fraud, and uncertainty. Fearing the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans voted by mail, and have little idea what in-person polling looked like in this historic year. Join us this week as Stan sits down with Back in America’s new Podcast Editor and poll worker Josh Wagner. 

 

A native Los Angeleno, Josh worked the polls in Downtown Los Angeles at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, site of the Los Angeles Opera. Amid a startling amalgamation of modernist and abstracted artworks, voters took to the polls, casting their ballots in the decisive 2020 presidential election. To make sense of the opulence of the polling station alongside the monotony of the democratic process (not to mention the scores of unhoused people living just blocks away), Josh spoke with several of his fellow poll workers––comic Chistine Medrano, high schooler Emilee Salas, and assistant lead Harrell Greene––as well as several voters. 

 

How were poll workers kept safe? Who voted at The Music Center? Listen to find out what it was really like to vote in the 2020 election downtown!


You can find Josh’s published works here and make sure to look out for future episodes with him.

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• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

]]> The 2020 election cycle has been wracked with scandal, accusations of fraud, and uncertainty. Fearing the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans voted by mail, and have little idea what in-person polling looked like in this historic year. Join us this week as Stan sits down with Back in America’s new Podcast Editor and poll worker Josh Wagner. 

 

A native Los Angeleno, Josh worked the polls in Downtown Los Angeles at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, site of the Los Angeles Opera. Amid a startling amalgamation of modernist and abstracted artworks, voters took to the polls, casting their ballots in the decisive 2020 presidential election. To make sense of the opulence of the polling station alongside the monotony of the democratic process (not to mention the scores of unhoused people living just blocks away), Josh spoke with several of his fellow poll workers––comic Chistine Medrano, high schooler Emilee Salas, and assistant lead Harrell Greene––as well as several voters. 

 

How were poll workers kept safe? Who voted at The Music Center? Listen to find out what it was really like to vote in the 2020 election downtown!


You can find Josh’s published works here and make sure to look out for future episodes with him.

You might also like:

• How do you feel about the election? Six Interviews with Democrats a...

• BrooklynDad_Defiant: Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks A...

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

]]> Thu, 03 Dec 2020 20:00:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1537 The 2020 election cycle has been wracked with scandal, accusations of fraud, and uncertainty. Fearing the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans voted by mail, and have little idea what in-person polling looked like in this historic year. Join us this week as Stan sits down with Back in America’s new Podcast Editor and poll worker Josh Wagner.    A native Los Angeleno, Josh worked the polls in Downtown Los Angeles at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, site of the Los Angeles Opera. Amid a startling amalgamation of modernist and abstracted artworks, voters took to the polls, casting their ballots in the decisive 2020 presidential election. To make sense of the opulence of the polling station alongside the monotony of the democratic process (not to mention the scores of unhoused people living just blocks away), Josh spoke with several of his fellow poll workers––comic Chistine Medrano, high schooler Emilee Salas, and assistant lead Harrell Greene––as well as several voters.    How were poll workers kept safe? Who voted at The Music Center? Listen to find out what it was really like to vote in the 2020 election downtown! You can find Josh’s published works here and make sure to look out for future episodes with him. The 2020 election cycle has been wracked with scandal, accusations of fraud, and uncertainty. Fearing the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of Americans voted by mail, and have little idea what in-person polling looked like in this historic year. J No Listen Again: Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of abuse that started when she was a toddler (with Nov. 2020 update) 70 70 Listen Again: Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of abuse that started when she was a toddler (with Nov. 2020 update) full backinamerica.podbean.com/b1dd6134-fa50-38cf-9766-dd1918cd20c1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/37b75b1d  

Today is The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

In this episode, first published a year ago, I speak with Sheri Kurdakul the CEO and founder of VictimsVoice an app that provides a legally admissible way for victims to document abuse incidents.

 

Sheri speaks with Back in America about her father’s abuse that started when she was a toddler, her recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD and how she reclaimed her life to become who she is today.

Since I first interviewed Sheri Kurdakul the pandemic has struck and VictimsVoice experienced massive growth.

“The law enforcement officers that I've spoken with have said that while the number of reports has decreased, the severity of the incidents, by the time they do report, they are pretty much at the life or death stage,” says Sheri.

 

She adds, “You have people who probably have lost their jobs, money is tight, the Feeding America saw a double increased need in food distribution, for people needing food. You have people that normally are being watched all the time when their spouses or significant others are home. And now they're forced to be home all the time. So whereas an abuser may have gone to work, or, left the house for any length of time, that was an opportunity for a victim to be able to talk to a nonprofit and put together a safety plan to get out or be able to just have some downtime, where they're not being controlled and abused. They don't have that anymore. They don't have the luxury of having any downtime at all. And if the victim is also employed, now they must act professionally in a space where they're being abused."

Sheri says, “We saw six states between January and February. And then we compared it to March and April. We had six states in the US that had triple-digit percentage increases, Utah saw a 450% increase in usage. And we had over 30 states that had double-digit percentage increases as well. New Jersey is one of those.”

 

For more information about Victims Voice https://victimsvoice.app/

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]]>  

Today is The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

In this episode, first published a year ago, I speak with Sheri Kurdakul the CEO and founder of VictimsVoice an app that provides a legally admissible way for victims to document abuse incidents.

 

Sheri speaks with Back in America about her father’s abuse that started when she was a toddler, her recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD and how she reclaimed her life to become who she is today.

Since I first interviewed Sheri Kurdakul the pandemic has struck and VictimsVoice experienced massive growth.

“The law enforcement officers that I've spoken with have said that while the number of reports has decreased, the severity of the incidents, by the time they do report, they are pretty much at the life or death stage,” says Sheri.

 

She adds, “You have people who probably have lost their jobs, money is tight, the Feeding America saw a double increased need in food distribution, for people needing food. You have people that normally are being watched all the time when their spouses or significant others are home. And now they're forced to be home all the time. So whereas an abuser may have gone to work, or, left the house for any length of time, that was an opportunity for a victim to be able to talk to a nonprofit and put together a safety plan to get out or be able to just have some downtime, where they're not being controlled and abused. They don't have that anymore. They don't have the luxury of having any downtime at all. And if the victim is also employed, now they must act professionally in a space where they're being abused."

Sheri says, “We saw six states between January and February. And then we compared it to March and April. We had six states in the US that had triple-digit percentage increases, Utah saw a 450% increase in usage. And we had over 30 states that had double-digit percentage increases as well. New Jersey is one of those.”

 

For more information about Victims Voice https://victimsvoice.app/

You might also like:

• Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of abuse that sta...

• Cassandra Shuck - A survivor of abuse now leads a women-only market...

• Witchcraft and Feminism: Three American witches share their experie...

]]> Tue, 24 Nov 2020 20:00:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2830   Today is The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In this episode, first published a year ago, I speak with Sheri Kurdakul the CEO and founder of VictimsVoice an app that provides a legally admissible way for victims to document abuse incidents.   Sheri speaks with Back in America about her father’s abuse that started when she was a toddler, her recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD and how she reclaimed her life to become who she is today. Since I first interviewed Sheri Kurdakul the pandemic has struck and VictimsVoice experienced massive growth. “The law enforcement officers that I've spoken with have said that while the number of reports has decreased, the severity of the incidents, by the time they do report, they are pretty much at the life or death stage,” says Sheri.   She adds, “You have people who probably have lost their jobs, money is tight, the Feeding America saw a double increased need in food distribution, for people needing food. You have people that normally are being watched all the time when their spouses or significant others are home. And now they're forced to be home all the time. So whereas an abuser may have gone to work, or, left the house for any length of time, that was an opportunity for a victim to be able to talk to a nonprofit and put together a safety plan to get out or be able to just have some downtime, where they're not being controlled and abused. They don't have that anymore. They don't have the luxury of having any downtime at all. And if the victim is also employed, now they must act professionally in a space where they're being abused." Sheri says, “We saw six states between January and February. And then we compared it to March and April. We had six states in the US that had triple-digit percentage increases, Utah saw a 450% increase in usage. And we had over 30 states that had double-digit percentage increases as well. New Jersey is one of those.”   For more information about Victims Voice https://victimsvoice.app/   Today is The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. In this episode, first published a year ago, I speak with Sheri Kurdakul the CEO and founder of VictimsVoice an app that provides a legally admissible way for victims to docum No How do you feel about the election? Six Interviews with Democrats and Republicans 69 69 How do you feel about the election? Six Interviews with Democrats and Republicans full backinamerica.podbean.com/d0858e62-00a6-3c04-bf08-9bc687695549 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dffb99ea Twenty-four years ago, I was living in Washington D.C. while studying at the University of Maryland. I came back to America in August of 2016, this time with my family. It was just a few months before Trump's election. As I settled in the US and tried to understand why Trump got elected, I noticed how much the country had changed.

I believe that two major crises have determined the shape of what the country is today: the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and the subprime economic crisis in 2008.

Then came Trump. A man loved by half the country for being anti-elite, playing tough, and speaking his mind and hated by the other half for pretty much the same reasons. Trump has polarized America and the world at large, pushing what we thought was politically possible. Lies and mediocrity became the new normal.

For a year now, with this podcast, Back in America, I have been exploring and questioning America's culture, values, and identity. In every episode, I ask my guests “What is America?”. Quite often, they say that America is a story, an idea in the making.

By many standards, the 2020 election is historical and will once again help define what America is. The pandemic, the foreign interferences, the mistrust in the democratic voting process, and now the legal attacks against Biden's victory. 

I have asked Americans what they thought of the outcome of the election.

Here they are: 

Jake Hoffman, the president of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans.

 

Mark Charles, an independent candidate who ran in the 2020 Presidential Election who holds dual citizenship to the United States and the Navajo Nation.

https://twitter.com/wirelesshogan

Previous episode https://pod.fo/e/a048d and https://pod.fo/e/a048e

 

Richard Heinberg, a Senior Fellow at the Post Carbon Institute, and one of the world’s foremost advocates for a shift away from our current reliance on fossil fuels.

https://twitter.com/richardheinberg

Live Interview

 

David Treibs, a Constitutionalist, Christian, and gun-rights activists from Fredericksburg, Texas.

Previous episode https://pod.fo/e/a2f78

Live Interview

 

Chivona Renee Newsome, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter chapter in Greater NY.

https://twitter.com/newyorkvonni

Live Interview

 

Majid Padellan, social justice warrior, social media expert, Twitter celebrity, an author, a digital designer, and a proud father of 5. His Twitter handle is BrooklynDad_Defiant.

 https://twitter.com/mmpadellan

Previous episode https://pod.fo/e/9f4f2

Live Interview

 

Read the Transcript

You might also like:

• On the Frontlines of the 2020 Election with Poll-worker Josh Wagner

• BrooklynDad_Defiant: Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks A...

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

]]> Twenty-four years ago, I was living in Washington D.C. while studying at the University of Maryland. I came back to America in August of 2016, this time with my family. It was just a few months before Trump's election. As I settled in the US and tried to understand why Trump got elected, I noticed how much the country had changed.

I believe that two major crises have determined the shape of what the country is today: the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and the subprime economic crisis in 2008.

Then came Trump. A man loved by half the country for being anti-elite, playing tough, and speaking his mind and hated by the other half for pretty much the same reasons. Trump has polarized America and the world at large, pushing what we thought was politically possible. Lies and mediocrity became the new normal.

For a year now, with this podcast, Back in America, I have been exploring and questioning America's culture, values, and identity. In every episode, I ask my guests “What is America?”. Quite often, they say that America is a story, an idea in the making.

By many standards, the 2020 election is historical and will once again help define what America is. The pandemic, the foreign interferences, the mistrust in the democratic voting process, and now the legal attacks against Biden's victory. 

I have asked Americans what they thought of the outcome of the election.

Here they are: 

Jake Hoffman, the president of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans.

 

Mark Charles, an independent candidate who ran in the 2020 Presidential Election who holds dual citizenship to the United States and the Navajo Nation.

https://twitter.com/wirelesshogan

Previous episode https://pod.fo/e/a048d and https://pod.fo/e/a048e

 

Richard Heinberg, a Senior Fellow at the Post Carbon Institute, and one of the world’s foremost advocates for a shift away from our current reliance on fossil fuels.

https://twitter.com/richardheinberg

Live Interview

 

David Treibs, a Constitutionalist, Christian, and gun-rights activists from Fredericksburg, Texas.

Previous episode https://pod.fo/e/a2f78

Live Interview

 

Chivona Renee Newsome, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter chapter in Greater NY.

https://twitter.com/newyorkvonni

Live Interview

 

Majid Padellan, social justice warrior, social media expert, Twitter celebrity, an author, a digital designer, and a proud father of 5. His Twitter handle is BrooklynDad_Defiant.

 https://twitter.com/mmpadellan

Previous episode https://pod.fo/e/9f4f2

Live Interview

 

Read the Transcript

You might also like:

• On the Frontlines of the 2020 Election with Poll-worker Josh Wagner

• BrooklynDad_Defiant: Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks A...

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

]]> Thu, 12 Nov 2020 22:50:08 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1375 Twenty-four years ago, I was living in Washington D.C. while studying at the University of Maryland. I came back to America in August of 2016, this time with my family. It was just a few months before Trump's election. As I settled in the US and tried to understand why Trump got elected, I noticed how much the country had changed. I believe that two major crises have determined the shape of what the country is today: the terrorist attacks on 9/11 and the subprime economic crisis in 2008. Then came Trump. A man loved by half the country for being anti-elite, playing tough, and speaking his mind and hated by the other half for pretty much the same reasons. Trump has polarized America and the world at large, pushing what we thought was politically possible. Lies and mediocrity became the new normal. For a year now, with this podcast, Back in America, I have been exploring and questioning America's culture, values, and identity. In every episode, I ask my guests “What is America?”. Quite often, they say that America is a story, an idea in the making. By many standards, the 2020 election is historical and will once again help define what America is. The pandemic, the foreign interferences, the mistrust in the democratic voting process, and now the legal attacks against Biden's victory.  I have asked Americans what they thought of the outcome of the election. Here they are:  Jake Hoffman, the president of the Tampa Bay Young Republicans.   Mark Charles, an independent candidate who ran in the 2020 Presidential Election who holds dual citizenship to the United States and the Navajo Nation. https://twitter.com/wirelesshogan Previous episode https://pod.fo/e/a048d and https://pod.fo/e/a048e   Richard Heinberg, a Senior Fellow at the Post Carbon Institute, and one of the world’s foremost advocates for a shift away from our current reliance on fossil fuels. https://twitter.com/richardheinberg Live Interview   David Treibs, a Constitutionalist, Christian, and gun-rights activists from Fredericksburg, Texas. Previous episode https://pod.fo/e/a2f78 Live Interview   Chivona Renee Newsome, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter chapter in Greater NY. https://twitter.com/newyorkvonni Live Interview   Majid Padellan, social justice warrior, social media expert, Twitter celebrity, an author, a digital designer, and a proud father of 5. His Twitter handle is BrooklynDad_Defiant.  https://twitter.com/mmpadellan Previous episode https://pod.fo/e/9f4f2 Live Interview   Read the Transcript Twenty-four years ago, I was living in Washington D.C. while studying at the University of Maryland. I came back to America in August of 2016, this time with my family. It was just a few months before Trump's election. As I settled in the US and tried to No Listen again: John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, Societal Collapse, and the Values of the Frontier Period 68 68 Listen again: John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, Societal Collapse, and the Values of the Frontier Period full backinamerica.podbean.com/17a49ca4-2d4d-35aa-9799-69a4633b257f https://share.transistor.fm/s/d165a0f9  

Join our mailing list for exclusive information

I am publishing this episode once again for all of the listeners who might not have heard it yet. 
I find it strangely prophetic and visionary which if you know my guest shouldn't be much of a surprise.

John Micheal Greer a widely respected author and blogger in the fields of nature spirituality and the future of industrial society.
He is the author of more than fifty books and his blog, Ecosophia. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife Sara.
John, a look at your Wikipedia page made me realize that you are a pretty complex person. The most striking aspect of your life for a layman is probably that you are a Druid. When I realized, thanks to you that Druids made their way from Europe to the US was a surprise and I want to learn more about it. 
The reason for my reaching out to you, however, is that you’re one of the leading minds, in the US, behind the concept of societal collapse.
You were quoted on this topic back in 2008. In 2016, you wrote Dark Age America: Climate Change, Cultural Collapse, and the Hard Future Ahead. Since then you published 8 books and countless articles on collapse.

Collapse means that our fossil fuel-based civilization, cannot sustain itself and will fail.
As our world is going through an unprecedented pandemic and is bracing itself for recession I am delighted to get your view on the situation.

John’s blog can be found at https://www.ecosophia.net/

Here is a link to his books on Amazon https://amzn.to/3cANDom

 

Read the Transcript

 

From the conversation:

"The thing that will help most is that if individuals are personally resilient, personally prepared, they've stashed some stuff, they've developed some skills, they know what we're facing." -- Listen again- John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, Societal Collapse, an

"If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try talking with one of them in real life." -- Listen again- John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, Societal Collapse, an

You might also like:

• John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, So...

• Derrick Jensen: Are We at the End of the World or just the End of o...

• Only Roundup Remains: The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

]]>  

Join our mailing list for exclusive information

I am publishing this episode once again for all of the listeners who might not have heard it yet. 
I find it strangely prophetic and visionary which if you know my guest shouldn't be much of a surprise.

John Micheal Greer a widely respected author and blogger in the fields of nature spirituality and the future of industrial society.
He is the author of more than fifty books and his blog, Ecosophia. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife Sara.
John, a look at your Wikipedia page made me realize that you are a pretty complex person. The most striking aspect of your life for a layman is probably that you are a Druid. When I realized, thanks to you that Druids made their way from Europe to the US was a surprise and I want to learn more about it. 
The reason for my reaching out to you, however, is that you’re one of the leading minds, in the US, behind the concept of societal collapse.
You were quoted on this topic back in 2008. In 2016, you wrote Dark Age America: Climate Change, Cultural Collapse, and the Hard Future Ahead. Since then you published 8 books and countless articles on collapse.

Collapse means that our fossil fuel-based civilization, cannot sustain itself and will fail.
As our world is going through an unprecedented pandemic and is bracing itself for recession I am delighted to get your view on the situation.

John’s blog can be found at https://www.ecosophia.net/

Here is a link to his books on Amazon https://amzn.to/3cANDom

 

Read the Transcript

 

From the conversation:

"The thing that will help most is that if individuals are personally resilient, personally prepared, they've stashed some stuff, they've developed some skills, they know what we're facing." -- Listen again- John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, Societal Collapse, an

"If you're tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try talking with one of them in real life." -- Listen again- John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, Societal Collapse, an

You might also like:

• John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, So...

• Derrick Jensen: Are We at the End of the World or just the End of o...

• Only Roundup Remains: The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

]]> Fri, 30 Oct 2020 11:07:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2249   Join our mailing list for exclusive information I am publishing this episode once again for all of the listeners who might not have heard it yet. I find it strangely prophetic and visionary which if you know my guest shouldn't be much of a surprise. John Micheal Greer a widely respected author and blogger in the fields of nature spirituality and the future of industrial society.He is the author of more than fifty books and his blog, Ecosophia. He lives in Rhode Island with his wife Sara.John, a look at your Wikipedia page made me realize that you are a pretty complex person. The most striking aspect of your life for a layman is probably that you are a Druid. When I realized, thanks to you that Druids made their way from Europe to the US was a surprise and I want to learn more about it. The reason for my reaching out to you, however, is that you’re one of the leading minds, in the US, behind the concept of societal collapse.You were quoted on this topic back in 2008. In 2016, you wrote Dark Age America: Climate Change, Cultural Collapse, and the Hard Future Ahead. Since then you published 8 books and countless articles on collapse. Collapse means that our fossil fuel-based civilization, cannot sustain itself and will fail.As our world is going through an unprecedented pandemic and is bracing itself for recession I am delighted to get your view on the situation. John’s blog can be found at https://www.ecosophia.net/ Here is a link to his books on Amazon https://amzn.to/3cANDom   Read the Transcript     Join our mailing list for exclusive information I am publishing this episode once again for all of the listeners who might not have heard it yet. I find it strangely prophetic and visionary which if you know my guest shouldn't be much of a surprise. Joh No Thierry Sauvage -- COVID, changement de vie : de Shanghai au Croisic 67 67 Thierry Sauvage -- COVID, changement de vie : de Shanghai au Croisic full backinamerica.podbean.com/b0777f0b-28eb-3360-a494-70b03e005d3a https://share.transistor.fm/s/3c2b170d  

Rejoignez notre mailing list exclusive

 

Aujourd'hui, et une fois n'est pas coutume,  Back in America est en français et contrairement aux épisodes précédents nous n'allons pas traiter de la culture, des valeurs et de l'identité des Etats-Unis.

Mon invité, Thierry Sauvage, va me rejoindre dans quelques instants. Si je lui ai demandé de partager son expérience avec Back in America c'est qu'à l'image de beaucoup de mes invités interviewés depuis le début de la pandémie de COVID, cette période a été pour lui l'occasion de réfléchir sur sa vie. 

Eric Marsh nous disait que les Américains ont profités du confinement pour réaliser l'ampleur du racisme systémique aux Etats-Unis. Glenda Wrenn de son côté à redécouvert ses enfants et l'intérêt de diner ensemble chaque soir. D'autres ont été confrontés à la dépression et aux violences domestiques. Positivement ou non, le COVID n'épargne personne.

A New York, depuis mars, plus de 246 000 personnes ont quittés la ville ce qui représente une augmentation de presque 100 % par rapport à la même période en 2019. En France, d'après le magazine Capital, 1 cadre parisien sur 2 envisage une mobilité régionale. 

Pour mon invité, la COVID 19 a été le déclencheur d'un changement de vie radicale. En février il vivait avec son épouse chinoise et son fils de 4 ans à Shanghai. 

Cadre de l'industrie automobile, il est également DJ et producteur de musique électronique pendant son temps libre. Il est booké un an en avance pour jouer dans les plus grands clubs de Shanghai !

 

Quatre mois plus tard et après de nombreuses nuits blanches, c'est au Croisic, petit port de 4000 habitants en Loire-Atlantique, qu'il vit avec sa femme et son fils.  

Retrouvez la video de l’entretien en direct sur YouTube.

From the conversation:

"COVID-19 was a trigger because without COVID-19 I would have stayed in Shanghai. I had always told my friends and my parents that coming back to France would not be a dream." -- Thierry Sauvage -- COVID, changement de vie

"I took it as if it was a project. Instead of making car parts, we make the dishes. There is personal management, budget management, marketing." -- Thierry Sauvage -- COVID, changement de vie

You might also like:

• Carole Jury - 'La femme de...' se réinvente aux Etats-Unis et devie...

• I'll Always Be French. Now I'm Also a US Citizen.

• Delphine Horvilleur: "People Whisper to Me What They're Afraid to S...

]]>  

Rejoignez notre mailing list exclusive

 

Aujourd'hui, et une fois n'est pas coutume,  Back in America est en français et contrairement aux épisodes précédents nous n'allons pas traiter de la culture, des valeurs et de l'identité des Etats-Unis.

Mon invité, Thierry Sauvage, va me rejoindre dans quelques instants. Si je lui ai demandé de partager son expérience avec Back in America c'est qu'à l'image de beaucoup de mes invités interviewés depuis le début de la pandémie de COVID, cette période a été pour lui l'occasion de réfléchir sur sa vie. 

Eric Marsh nous disait que les Américains ont profités du confinement pour réaliser l'ampleur du racisme systémique aux Etats-Unis. Glenda Wrenn de son côté à redécouvert ses enfants et l'intérêt de diner ensemble chaque soir. D'autres ont été confrontés à la dépression et aux violences domestiques. Positivement ou non, le COVID n'épargne personne.

A New York, depuis mars, plus de 246 000 personnes ont quittés la ville ce qui représente une augmentation de presque 100 % par rapport à la même période en 2019. En France, d'après le magazine Capital, 1 cadre parisien sur 2 envisage une mobilité régionale. 

Pour mon invité, la COVID 19 a été le déclencheur d'un changement de vie radicale. En février il vivait avec son épouse chinoise et son fils de 4 ans à Shanghai. 

Cadre de l'industrie automobile, il est également DJ et producteur de musique électronique pendant son temps libre. Il est booké un an en avance pour jouer dans les plus grands clubs de Shanghai !

 

Quatre mois plus tard et après de nombreuses nuits blanches, c'est au Croisic, petit port de 4000 habitants en Loire-Atlantique, qu'il vit avec sa femme et son fils.  

Retrouvez la video de l’entretien en direct sur YouTube.

From the conversation:

"COVID-19 was a trigger because without COVID-19 I would have stayed in Shanghai. I had always told my friends and my parents that coming back to France would not be a dream." -- Thierry Sauvage -- COVID, changement de vie

"I took it as if it was a project. Instead of making car parts, we make the dishes. There is personal management, budget management, marketing." -- Thierry Sauvage -- COVID, changement de vie

You might also like:

• Carole Jury - 'La femme de...' se réinvente aux Etats-Unis et devie...

• I'll Always Be French. Now I'm Also a US Citizen.

• Delphine Horvilleur: "People Whisper to Me What They're Afraid to S...

]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2020 15:00:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2161   Rejoignez notre mailing list exclusive   Aujourd'hui, et une fois n'est pas coutume,  Back in America est en français et contrairement aux épisodes précédents nous n'allons pas traiter de la culture, des valeurs et de l'identité des Etats-Unis. Mon invité, Thierry Sauvage, va me rejoindre dans quelques instants. Si je lui ai demandé de partager son expérience avec Back in America c'est qu'à l'image de beaucoup de mes invités interviewés depuis le début de la pandémie de COVID, cette période a été pour lui l'occasion de réfléchir sur sa vie.  Eric Marsh nous disait que les Américains ont profités du confinement pour réaliser l'ampleur du racisme systémique aux Etats-Unis. Glenda Wrenn de son côté à redécouvert ses enfants et l'intérêt de diner ensemble chaque soir. D'autres ont été confrontés à la dépression et aux violences domestiques. Positivement ou non, le COVID n'épargne personne. A New York, depuis mars, plus de 246 000 personnes ont quittés la ville ce qui représente une augmentation de presque 100 % par rapport à la même période en 2019. En France, d'après le magazine Capital, 1 cadre parisien sur 2 envisage une mobilité régionale.  Pour mon invité, la COVID 19 a été le déclencheur d'un changement de vie radicale. En février il vivait avec son épouse chinoise et son fils de 4 ans à Shanghai.  Cadre de l'industrie automobile, il est également DJ et producteur de musique électronique pendant son temps libre. Il est booké un an en avance pour jouer dans les plus grands clubs de Shanghai !   Quatre mois plus tard et après de nombreuses nuits blanches, c'est au Croisic, petit port de 4000 habitants en Loire-Atlantique, qu'il vit avec sa femme et son fils.   Retrouvez la video de l’entretien en direct sur YouTube.   Rejoignez notre mailing list exclusive   Aujourd'hui, et une fois n'est pas coutume,  Back in America est en français et contrairement aux épisodes précédents nous n'allons pas traiter de la culture, des valeurs et de l'identité des Etats-Unis. Mon invi No Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America - David Treibs Christian & Guns Activist - Prof. Robert Spitzer Constitution and Gun Control Expert, SUNY Cortland 66 66 Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America - David Treibs Christian & Guns Activist - Prof. Robert Spitzer Constitution and Gun Control Expert, SUNY Cortland full backinamerica.podbean.com/028170e5-5ff6-392b-861e-662d73326bab https://share.transistor.fm/s/31948387  

Join our exclusive mailing list!

The following interviews are edited versions of live interviews that were recorded on October 20th and 21st. You can what the entire broadcast on Back in America's Youtube channel.  

Welcome to Back in America, the podcast. I am your host Stan Berteloot, and in each episode, I trace America’s identity, culture, and values back to its source: its people.

A few weeks ago Jon, a good friend from college visited us for the weekend. At night we were joined by a couple living next door and we started to talk about politics as we drunk beers by the pit-fire in the back yard.
You had two French persons: my wife and I, and three Americans.
I can't remember exactly how or why Jon started to speak of gun rights but the conversation became intense when he said that not only did he support the right to bear arms but that it was essential to the protection of civilians against the tyranny of the government.

This made me dig further into the gun debate. I've learned that many support the idea of owning guns, any types of gun and that in the US some people believe that they have a God-given right to carry a gun.
What has God to do with guns? How can a democracy work when its citizens trust their guns more than their votes?

To try to make sense of all this we are going to hear from 3 persons: first Jon Phebus, my friend will clarify his views; then David Treibs a Christian and Gun Activists will talk about what he believes is a god-given right to bear arms. Finally, Professor Robert Spitzer from SUNY Cortland, an expert on constitutional law and gun control will give us his interpretation of the constitution and bring some historical context to the debate.

Book Recommendations David Treibs

Love Letter to America, by Tomas Schuman

The Persecutor by Sergei Kourdakov 

Marx & Satan by Richard Wurmbrand

Professor Robert Spitzer

The Politics of Gun Control 8th Edition
by Robert J. Spitzer

Casablanca 
by Michael Curtiz

From the conversation:

"Firearms are a means, in fact, the bottom line, they are the last means to defend two things that are important to me, life and liberty." -- Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America

"We all have the right to keep and bear arms, including people in foreign countries where they're denied that or where it's heavily restricted." -- Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America

You might also like:

• Listen Again: Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America - David Trei...

• Princeton University Janitor & Mailman Tommy Parker Talks of Repara...

• Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Set...

]]>  

Join our exclusive mailing list!

The following interviews are edited versions of live interviews that were recorded on October 20th and 21st. You can what the entire broadcast on Back in America's Youtube channel.  

Welcome to Back in America, the podcast. I am your host Stan Berteloot, and in each episode, I trace America’s identity, culture, and values back to its source: its people.

A few weeks ago Jon, a good friend from college visited us for the weekend. At night we were joined by a couple living next door and we started to talk about politics as we drunk beers by the pit-fire in the back yard.
You had two French persons: my wife and I, and three Americans.
I can't remember exactly how or why Jon started to speak of gun rights but the conversation became intense when he said that not only did he support the right to bear arms but that it was essential to the protection of civilians against the tyranny of the government.

This made me dig further into the gun debate. I've learned that many support the idea of owning guns, any types of gun and that in the US some people believe that they have a God-given right to carry a gun.
What has God to do with guns? How can a democracy work when its citizens trust their guns more than their votes?

To try to make sense of all this we are going to hear from 3 persons: first Jon Phebus, my friend will clarify his views; then David Treibs a Christian and Gun Activists will talk about what he believes is a god-given right to bear arms. Finally, Professor Robert Spitzer from SUNY Cortland, an expert on constitutional law and gun control will give us his interpretation of the constitution and bring some historical context to the debate.

Book Recommendations David Treibs

Love Letter to America, by Tomas Schuman

The Persecutor by Sergei Kourdakov 

Marx & Satan by Richard Wurmbrand

Professor Robert Spitzer

The Politics of Gun Control 8th Edition
by Robert J. Spitzer

Casablanca 
by Michael Curtiz

From the conversation:

"Firearms are a means, in fact, the bottom line, they are the last means to defend two things that are important to me, life and liberty." -- Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America

"We all have the right to keep and bear arms, including people in foreign countries where they're denied that or where it's heavily restricted." -- Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America

You might also like:

• Listen Again: Guns, God & the 2nd Amendment in America - David Trei...

• Princeton University Janitor & Mailman Tommy Parker Talks of Repara...

• Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Set...

]]> Fri, 23 Oct 2020 11:10:43 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 3676   Join our exclusive mailing list! The following interviews are edited versions of live interviews that were recorded on October 20th and 21st. You can what the entire broadcast on Back in America's Youtube channel.   Welcome to Back in America, the podcast. I am your host Stan Berteloot, and in each episode, I trace America’s identity, culture, and values back to its source: its people. A few weeks ago Jon, a good friend from college visited us for the weekend. At night we were joined by a couple living next door and we started to talk about politics as we drunk beers by the pit-fire in the back yard.You had two French persons: my wife and I, and three Americans.I can't remember exactly how or why Jon started to speak of gun rights but the conversation became intense when he said that not only did he support the right to bear arms but that it was essential to the protection of civilians against the tyranny of the government. This made me dig further into the gun debate. I've learned that many support the idea of owning guns, any types of gun and that in the US some people believe that they have a God-given right to carry a gun.What has God to do with guns? How can a democracy work when its citizens trust their guns more than their votes? To try to make sense of all this we are going to hear from 3 persons: first Jon Phebus, my friend will clarify his views; then David Treibs a Christian and Gun Activists will talk about what he believes is a god-given right to bear arms. Finally, Professor Robert Spitzer from SUNY Cortland, an expert on constitutional law and gun control will give us his interpretation of the constitution and bring some historical context to the debate. Book Recommendations David Treibs Love Letter to America, by Tomas Schuman The Persecutor by Sergei Kourdakov  Marx & Satan by Richard Wurmbrand Professor Robert Spitzer The Politics of Gun Control 8th Editionby Robert J. Spitzer Casablanca by Michael Curtiz   Join our exclusive mailing list! The following interviews are edited versions of live interviews that were recorded on October 20th and 21st. You can what the entire broadcast on Back in America's Youtube channel.   Welcome to Back in America, the podca No BrooklynDad_Defiant: Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks About his Fight to Elect Joe Biden 65 65 BrooklynDad_Defiant: Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks About his Fight to Elect Joe Biden full backinamerica.podbean.com/04e0a14d-5da2-380d-8ebb-b7cc5ed36884 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b684501b Join our exclusive mailing list!

This episode is an edited version of a live interview that was recorded on September 16, 2020, and streamed on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

My guest, Majid Padellan might be better known under his Twitter name BrooklynDad_Defiant and his handle @mmpadellan.

He is a social justice warrior, social media expert, and Twitter celebrity, an author, a digital designer, and a proud father of 5. And I will add that he is pissed off!

He has been upset at the politics of this country since November 8, 2016, and the election of Donald Trump. So upset that he decided to change his twitter handle to BrooklynDad_Defiant.

When asked if his online rage could be polarizing Majid Padellan said, "If if what I say is polarizing, so be it, but you have to you do have to pick aside, [Trump] is not somebody who is a regular leader. This is not a George W. Bush. This is not a Ronald Reagan. He's not a Jimmy Carter. He's not a Gerald Ford. This is a guy who has lied 20,000 times."

He rapidly grew his Twitter fans to over 682K followers (665K at the time of the interview) becoming one of the most popular anti-Trump commentators on Twitter. BrooklynDad_Defiant has been quoted across the globe from L’Obs in France to Newsweek and CBS in the U.S.

"I realized that not very many people have an audience the size that I have. I understand that I have a responsibility to use that audience for good. And I think the best good I can do right now is to help not only elect Joe Biden but elect as many Democratic candidates across the country so that we can give Joe Biden a helpful Congress so he can actually get something done," said Majid Padellan.

In this episode of Back in America we will try to go beyond the Twitter persona to understand who’s the man behind the handle.

 

Majid Padellan's Book

The Liddle'est President can be found on Amazon 

 

His website is brooklyndaddefiant.com

 

 

From the conversation:

"I realize that I have a responsibility to use that audience for good, and I think the best good I can do right now is to help elect Joe Biden and Democratic candidates across the country." -- BrooklynDad_Defiant- Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks About his Fight to Elect Joe Biden

"Donald Trump was that brick that crashed into all of our windows. I was just happily living my life before 2016, tweeting about TV shows and bad customer service experiences." -- BrooklynDad_Defiant- Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks About his Fight to Elect Joe Biden

You might also like:

• On the Frontlines of the 2020 Election with Poll-worker Josh Wagner

• How do you feel about the election? Six Interviews with Democrats a...

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

]]> Join our exclusive mailing list!

This episode is an edited version of a live interview that was recorded on September 16, 2020, and streamed on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

My guest, Majid Padellan might be better known under his Twitter name BrooklynDad_Defiant and his handle @mmpadellan.

He is a social justice warrior, social media expert, and Twitter celebrity, an author, a digital designer, and a proud father of 5. And I will add that he is pissed off!

He has been upset at the politics of this country since November 8, 2016, and the election of Donald Trump. So upset that he decided to change his twitter handle to BrooklynDad_Defiant.

When asked if his online rage could be polarizing Majid Padellan said, "If if what I say is polarizing, so be it, but you have to you do have to pick aside, [Trump] is not somebody who is a regular leader. This is not a George W. Bush. This is not a Ronald Reagan. He's not a Jimmy Carter. He's not a Gerald Ford. This is a guy who has lied 20,000 times."

He rapidly grew his Twitter fans to over 682K followers (665K at the time of the interview) becoming one of the most popular anti-Trump commentators on Twitter. BrooklynDad_Defiant has been quoted across the globe from L’Obs in France to Newsweek and CBS in the U.S.

"I realized that not very many people have an audience the size that I have. I understand that I have a responsibility to use that audience for good. And I think the best good I can do right now is to help not only elect Joe Biden but elect as many Democratic candidates across the country so that we can give Joe Biden a helpful Congress so he can actually get something done," said Majid Padellan.

In this episode of Back in America we will try to go beyond the Twitter persona to understand who’s the man behind the handle.

 

Majid Padellan's Book

The Liddle'est President can be found on Amazon 

 

His website is brooklyndaddefiant.com

 

 

From the conversation:

"I realize that I have a responsibility to use that audience for good, and I think the best good I can do right now is to help elect Joe Biden and Democratic candidates across the country." -- BrooklynDad_Defiant- Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks About his Fight to Elect Joe Biden

"Donald Trump was that brick that crashed into all of our windows. I was just happily living my life before 2016, tweeting about TV shows and bad customer service experiences." -- BrooklynDad_Defiant- Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks About his Fight to Elect Joe Biden

You might also like:

• On the Frontlines of the 2020 Election with Poll-worker Josh Wagner

• How do you feel about the election? Six Interviews with Democrats a...

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

]]> Fri, 02 Oct 2020 11:52:06 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2644 Join our exclusive mailing list! This episode is an edited version of a live interview that was recorded on September 16, 2020, and streamed on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. My guest, Majid Padellan might be better known under his Twitter name BrooklynDad_Defiant and his handle @mmpadellan. He is a social justice warrior, social media expert, and Twitter celebrity, an author, a digital designer, and a proud father of 5. And I will add that he is pissed off! He has been upset at the politics of this country since November 8, 2016, and the election of Donald Trump. So upset that he decided to change his twitter handle to BrooklynDad_Defiant. When asked if his online rage could be polarizing Majid Padellan said, "If if what I say is polarizing, so be it, but you have to you do have to pick aside, [Trump] is not somebody who is a regular leader. This is not a George W. Bush. This is not a Ronald Reagan. He's not a Jimmy Carter. He's not a Gerald Ford. This is a guy who has lied 20,000 times." He rapidly grew his Twitter fans to over 682K followers (665K at the time of the interview) becoming one of the most popular anti-Trump commentators on Twitter. BrooklynDad_Defiant has been quoted across the globe from L’Obs in France to Newsweek and CBS in the U.S. "I realized that not very many people have an audience the size that I have. I understand that I have a responsibility to use that audience for good. And I think the best good I can do right now is to help not only elect Joe Biden but elect as many Democratic candidates across the country so that we can give Joe Biden a helpful Congress so he can actually get something done," said Majid Padellan. In this episode of Back in America we will try to go beyond the Twitter persona to understand who’s the man behind the handle.   Majid Padellan's Book The Liddle'est President can be found on Amazon    His website is brooklyndaddefiant.com     Join our exclusive mailing list! This episode is an edited version of a live interview that was recorded on September 16, 2020, and streamed on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. My guest, Majid Padellan might be better known under his Twitter name BrooklynDa No Derrick Cobb - From New York Homeless Teen to Hollywood Music Star 64 64 Derrick Cobb - From New York Homeless Teen to Hollywood Music Star full backinamerica.podbean.com/934d0b68-3a63-3a92-a6dc-f93d2682a20d https://share.transistor.fm/s/84e329b0 Join our exclusive mailing list!

 

The podcast is an edited version of the first live interview of the podcast Back in America. 

 

The original can be seen on the Podcast YouTube or FaceBook page.

 

My guest is a model, a dancer, a singer, and an incredible performer. Look him up on Spotify or wherever you listen to your music and you will understand why he is such a rising star in this industry.

 

Getting where he is today has been a long and challenging journey. A Journey that started in New York with a drug addict father and abusive stepfather. A journey that took him through homeless shelters and psych wards. Despite the pain and humiliation he somehow managed to make it to school, to rehearsals, and to castings. His determination and hard work paid off. 

 

The Alvin Ailey Theater hired him to do a series of recitals. He won a modeling contract for 7 for Mankind and for Marc Jacob, which lead to his now 8th year as a  professional model. 

While working as a dancer and a model in New York City, He teamed up with Nate Beats, and D.Gatez, who produced and released his early singles. 

 

Now living in Los Angeles he is working with Grammy award-winning producer Ebonie Smith. He’s recording his latest music at Atlantic Records and Warner Music studios. He was even invited to become a member of the Recording Academy and is now recognized by the Grammy Board as a recording professional.

 

Derrick Cobb can be found:

https://www.instagram.com/d_cobb

https://www.dcobbnow.com/

From the conversation:

"I'm the happiest when I'm on stage. You can't hide your voice, you can't hide your dancing, you can't hide your skill." -- Derrick Cobb

"I truly believe that everyone should be themselves. I don't expect people to tiptoe around me to avoid my trauma." -- Derrick Cobb

You might also like:

• John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer a Gay Vietnamese-American ...

• Princeton University Janitor & Mailman Tommy Parker Talks of Repara...

• Seattle Adventurer Erden Eruç and his wife Nancy Board reflect on l...

]]> Join our exclusive mailing list!

 

The podcast is an edited version of the first live interview of the podcast Back in America. 

 

The original can be seen on the Podcast YouTube or FaceBook page.

 

My guest is a model, a dancer, a singer, and an incredible performer. Look him up on Spotify or wherever you listen to your music and you will understand why he is such a rising star in this industry.

 

Getting where he is today has been a long and challenging journey. A Journey that started in New York with a drug addict father and abusive stepfather. A journey that took him through homeless shelters and psych wards. Despite the pain and humiliation he somehow managed to make it to school, to rehearsals, and to castings. His determination and hard work paid off. 

 

The Alvin Ailey Theater hired him to do a series of recitals. He won a modeling contract for 7 for Mankind and for Marc Jacob, which lead to his now 8th year as a  professional model. 

While working as a dancer and a model in New York City, He teamed up with Nate Beats, and D.Gatez, who produced and released his early singles. 

 

Now living in Los Angeles he is working with Grammy award-winning producer Ebonie Smith. He’s recording his latest music at Atlantic Records and Warner Music studios. He was even invited to become a member of the Recording Academy and is now recognized by the Grammy Board as a recording professional.

 

Derrick Cobb can be found:

https://www.instagram.com/d_cobb

https://www.dcobbnow.com/

From the conversation:

"I'm the happiest when I'm on stage. You can't hide your voice, you can't hide your dancing, you can't hide your skill." -- Derrick Cobb

"I truly believe that everyone should be themselves. I don't expect people to tiptoe around me to avoid my trauma." -- Derrick Cobb

You might also like:

• John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer a Gay Vietnamese-American ...

• Princeton University Janitor & Mailman Tommy Parker Talks of Repara...

• Seattle Adventurer Erden Eruç and his wife Nancy Board reflect on l...

]]> Tue, 29 Sep 2020 18:29:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 3223 Join our exclusive mailing list!   The podcast is an edited version of the first live interview of the podcast Back in America.    The original can be seen on the Podcast YouTube or FaceBook page.   My guest is a model, a dancer, a singer, and an incredible performer. Look him up on Spotify or wherever you listen to your music and you will understand why he is such a rising star in this industry.   Getting where he is today has been a long and challenging journey. A Journey that started in New York with a drug addict father and abusive stepfather. A journey that took him through homeless shelters and psych wards. Despite the pain and humiliation he somehow managed to make it to school, to rehearsals, and to castings. His determination and hard work paid off.    The Alvin Ailey Theater hired him to do a series of recitals. He won a modeling contract for 7 for Mankind and for Marc Jacob, which lead to his now 8th year as a  professional model.  While working as a dancer and a model in New York City, He teamed up with Nate Beats, and D.Gatez, who produced and released his early singles.    Now living in Los Angeles he is working with Grammy award-winning producer Ebonie Smith. He’s recording his latest music at Atlantic Records and Warner Music studios. He was even invited to become a member of the Recording Academy and is now recognized by the Grammy Board as a recording professional.   Derrick Cobb can be found: https://www.instagram.com/d_cobb https://www.dcobbnow.com/ Join our exclusive mailing list!   The podcast is an edited version of the first live interview of the podcast Back in America.    The original can be seen on the Podcast YouTube or FaceBook page.   My guest is a model, a dancer, a singer, and an incredib No Dr. Glenda Wrenn on COVID, Remote work, Mental Health & Corporate America 63 63 Dr. Glenda Wrenn on COVID, Remote work, Mental Health & Corporate America full backinamerica.podbean.com/389c6343-1e49-39fa-82c0-57b6712b5083 https://share.transistor.fm/s/105ebea4  

Join our exclusive mailing list!

"COVID-19 has created a worldwide public health crisis, and the resulting lockdowns and social distancing measures have sent most country’s economies into a severe downturn. But we believe these crises are only the tip of the pandemic’s iceberg," writes Mario Iacobacci and Mathieu Laberge in a recent Deloitte study.
"There is another crisis looming – a human crisis," they add.  "Our past research ... has revealed a potential for increased incidences of mental illness, poorer educational outcomes, an increase in substance abuse and crime, and the weakening of the community fabric."
 
The researchers called on the governments to get ready for the looming crisis. It is particularly striking that they stressed the need for employers to address employees' mental health, reviewing the mix of employee benefits and to see how to better accommodate employees in this stressful period, sometimes by introducing flexible benefit options that respond to different needs from employees at different stages in life. 

Since 1989 in France, employers must 1989 ensure the physical and mental well being of their employees. This is in line with the European tradition of social class differences and community solidarity. 
The American tradition is influenced by the like of Locke, Jefferson, Smith, and Mill, and favors individual freedom and economic freedom.

In the US, a country of hard work, individualism, and personal privacy culture, many corporations are hesitant to tackle employees well being.

Indeed, The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted our lives as families sheltered in place and juggled homeschooling, work from home together with keeping their household afloat. According to a poll conducted in mid-July, by non-profit 
Kaiser Family Foundation 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. This is significantly higher than the 32% reported in March.

In this episode of Back in America: corporate America, COVID and Employees well being, or lack of.

Back In America speaks with Glenda Wrenn a psychiatrist, chief medical officer for Franklin, Tenn.-based 180 Health Partners, and previously the founding director of the Kennedy Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity in the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine.

"I think we are addicted to working in our culture," said Glenda Wrenn. "it is promoted by our work environments. What is the incentive for your employer to get you to slow down? You're rewarded for working more. I know this from personal experience as a true recovering workaholic. I love working. I do. I really love working. And it has been such a process for me to redirect that energy to my home. The same excellence that I put into doing mental health policy work, now I'm just redirecting it at home. I'm giving it to myself and my family. I was honestly incapable of doing that before this pandemic."

Glenda's Book Recommendation

A People's History of the United States 
by Howard Zinn 

Between the World and Me
by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America
by John Lewis

 

Read the transcript

From the conversation:

"The biggest threat that's happened first is loss of employment and the financial instability and uncertainty that the pandemic has created." -- Dr. Glenda Wrenn on COVID, Remote work, Mental Health & Corporate America

"Workers are there for the purpose of advancing that aim. At the end of the day, it is about the capitalist framework and the function of the worker is to provide value and to generate value for that corporation." -- Dr. Glenda Wrenn on COVID, Remote work, Mental Health & Corporate America

You might also like:

• Tricia Baker: "My Dog Saved My Life" - Inside Dog Therapy and Menta...

• Home at the End: Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America

• Jessica Baxter - Princeton High School Principal - Adjusting to rem...

]]>  

Join our exclusive mailing list!

"COVID-19 has created a worldwide public health crisis, and the resulting lockdowns and social distancing measures have sent most country’s economies into a severe downturn. But we believe these crises are only the tip of the pandemic’s iceberg," writes Mario Iacobacci and Mathieu Laberge in a recent Deloitte study.
"There is another crisis looming – a human crisis," they add.  "Our past research ... has revealed a potential for increased incidences of mental illness, poorer educational outcomes, an increase in substance abuse and crime, and the weakening of the community fabric."
 
The researchers called on the governments to get ready for the looming crisis. It is particularly striking that they stressed the need for employers to address employees' mental health, reviewing the mix of employee benefits and to see how to better accommodate employees in this stressful period, sometimes by introducing flexible benefit options that respond to different needs from employees at different stages in life. 

Since 1989 in France, employers must 1989 ensure the physical and mental well being of their employees. This is in line with the European tradition of social class differences and community solidarity. 
The American tradition is influenced by the like of Locke, Jefferson, Smith, and Mill, and favors individual freedom and economic freedom.

In the US, a country of hard work, individualism, and personal privacy culture, many corporations are hesitant to tackle employees well being.

Indeed, The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted our lives as families sheltered in place and juggled homeschooling, work from home together with keeping their household afloat. According to a poll conducted in mid-July, by non-profit 
Kaiser Family Foundation 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. This is significantly higher than the 32% reported in March.

In this episode of Back in America: corporate America, COVID and Employees well being, or lack of.

Back In America speaks with Glenda Wrenn a psychiatrist, chief medical officer for Franklin, Tenn.-based 180 Health Partners, and previously the founding director of the Kennedy Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity in the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine.

"I think we are addicted to working in our culture," said Glenda Wrenn. "it is promoted by our work environments. What is the incentive for your employer to get you to slow down? You're rewarded for working more. I know this from personal experience as a true recovering workaholic. I love working. I do. I really love working. And it has been such a process for me to redirect that energy to my home. The same excellence that I put into doing mental health policy work, now I'm just redirecting it at home. I'm giving it to myself and my family. I was honestly incapable of doing that before this pandemic."

Glenda's Book Recommendation

A People's History of the United States 
by Howard Zinn 

Between the World and Me
by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of America
by John Lewis

 

Read the transcript

From the conversation:

"The biggest threat that's happened first is loss of employment and the financial instability and uncertainty that the pandemic has created." -- Dr. Glenda Wrenn on COVID, Remote work, Mental Health & Corporate America

"Workers are there for the purpose of advancing that aim. At the end of the day, it is about the capitalist framework and the function of the worker is to provide value and to generate value for that corporation." -- Dr. Glenda Wrenn on COVID, Remote work, Mental Health & Corporate America

You might also like:

• Tricia Baker: "My Dog Saved My Life" - Inside Dog Therapy and Menta...

• Home at the End: Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America

• Jessica Baxter - Princeton High School Principal - Adjusting to rem...

]]> Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:13:48 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 3011   Join our exclusive mailing list! "COVID-19 has created a worldwide public health crisis, and the resulting lockdowns and social distancing measures have sent most country’s economies into a severe downturn. But we believe these crises are only the tip of the pandemic’s iceberg," writes Mario Iacobacci and Mathieu Laberge in a recent Deloitte study."There is another crisis looming – a human crisis," they add.  "Our past research ... has revealed a potential for increased incidences of mental illness, poorer educational outcomes, an increase in substance abuse and crime, and the weakening of the community fabric." The researchers called on the governments to get ready for the looming crisis. It is particularly striking that they stressed the need for employers to address employees' mental health, reviewing the mix of employee benefits and to see how to better accommodate employees in this stressful period, sometimes by introducing flexible benefit options that respond to different needs from employees at different stages in life.  Since 1989 in France, employers must 1989 ensure the physical and mental well being of their employees. This is in line with the European tradition of social class differences and community solidarity. The American tradition is influenced by the like of Locke, Jefferson, Smith, and Mill, and favors individual freedom and economic freedom. In the US, a country of hard work, individualism, and personal privacy culture, many corporations are hesitant to tackle employees well being. Indeed, The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply impacted our lives as families sheltered in place and juggled homeschooling, work from home together with keeping their household afloat. According to a poll conducted in mid-July, by non-profit Kaiser Family Foundation 53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the coronavirus. This is significantly higher than the 32% reported in March. In this episode of Back in America: corporate America, COVID and Employees well being, or lack of. Back In America speaks with Glenda Wrenn a psychiatrist, chief medical officer for Franklin, Tenn.-based 180 Health Partners, and previously the founding director of the Kennedy Satcher Center for Mental Health Equity in the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine. "I think we are addicted to working in our culture," said Glenda Wrenn. "it is promoted by our work environments. What is the incentive for your employer to get you to slow down? You're rewarded for working more. I know this from personal experience as a true recovering workaholic. I love working. I do. I really love working. And it has been such a process for me to redirect that energy to my home. The same excellence that I put into doing mental health policy work, now I'm just redirecting it at home. I'm giving it to myself and my family. I was honestly incapable of doing that before this pandemic." Glenda's Book Recommendation A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn  Between the World and Meby Ta-Nehisi Coates Across That Bridge: A Vision for Change and the Future of Americaby John Lewis   Read the transcript   Join our exclusive mailing list! "COVID-19 has created a worldwide public health crisis, and the resulting lockdowns and social distancing measures have sent most country’s economies into a severe downturn. But we believe these crises are only the tip o No Don't miss the two live interviews on Sept. 14 and 16th 62 62 Don't miss the two live interviews on Sept. 14 and 16th full backinamerica.podbean.com/ce156941-defe-324f-a9fb-f3ede2a37271 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9aa753af Monday at 3 pm EST with Derrick Cobb a singer, model, and performer.

Wednesday at 1 pm EST Majid M. Padellan known on Twitter as @BrooklynDad_Defiant!. Majid who has over 260K followers is an anti-Trump political commentator.

The event will be streaming live from Linkedin, Twitter, and the podcast Facebook page.

 

Facebook @backinamerica.podcast

Twitter @Back_in_America

Linkedin @Berteloot

 

 

You might also like:

• Derrick Cobb - From New York Homeless Teen to Hollywood Music Star

• BrooklynDad_Defiant: Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks A...

• Back in America Returns: Exploring American Culture and Identity

]]> Monday at 3 pm EST with Derrick Cobb a singer, model, and performer.

Wednesday at 1 pm EST Majid M. Padellan known on Twitter as @BrooklynDad_Defiant!. Majid who has over 260K followers is an anti-Trump political commentator.

The event will be streaming live from Linkedin, Twitter, and the podcast Facebook page.

 

Facebook @backinamerica.podcast

Twitter @Back_in_America

Linkedin @Berteloot

 

 

You might also like:

• Derrick Cobb - From New York Homeless Teen to Hollywood Music Star

• BrooklynDad_Defiant: Liberal Online Activist Majid Padellan Talks A...

• Back in America Returns: Exploring American Culture and Identity

]]> Sat, 12 Sep 2020 13:29:17 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 128 Monday at 3 pm EST with Derrick Cobb a singer, model, and performer. Wednesday at 1 pm EST Majid M. Padellan known on Twitter as @BrooklynDad_Defiant!. Majid who has over 260K followers is an anti-Trump political commentator. The event will be streaming live from Linkedin, Twitter, and the podcast Facebook page.   Facebook @backinamerica.podcast Twitter @Back_in_America Linkedin @Berteloot     Monday at 3 pm EST with Derrick Cobb a singer, model, and performer. Wednesday at 1 pm EST Majid M. Padellan known on Twitter as @BrooklynDad_Defiant!. Majid who has over 260K followers is an anti-Trump political commentator. The event will be streaming l No Part 2/2 - Eric Marsh, Black Activist on the George Floyd's Mural 61 61 Part 2/2 - Eric Marsh, Black Activist on the George Floyd's Mural full backinamerica.podbean.com/eb1c1a17-340b-3ac8-bd24-b204a84fca3f https://share.transistor.fm/s/17fe650d Join our exclusive mailing list!

Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity.

After my interview with Cadex Herrera a lead artist of the memorial mural of George Floyd in Minneapolis, I asked Eric Marsh a Black community leader and activist in Philadelphia what he thought of controversy around the mural.


Some black activists, including Keno Evol, the executive director of Black Table Arts, have voiced their concern about the fact that Black artists had not been invited to participate in the mural creation. 

From the conversation:

"It's very easy to be upset about a thing, but it's also easy to go off in the wrong direction if you're not centering the people who are most directly impacted by the thing that you're upset." -- Part 2-2

"The only way that the rest of the world will hear and know and understand our stories is by seeing the thing that African Americans would create." -- Part 2-2

You might also like:

• Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

]]> Join our exclusive mailing list!

Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity.

After my interview with Cadex Herrera a lead artist of the memorial mural of George Floyd in Minneapolis, I asked Eric Marsh a Black community leader and activist in Philadelphia what he thought of controversy around the mural.


Some black activists, including Keno Evol, the executive director of Black Table Arts, have voiced their concern about the fact that Black artists had not been invited to participate in the mural creation. 

From the conversation:

"It's very easy to be upset about a thing, but it's also easy to go off in the wrong direction if you're not centering the people who are most directly impacted by the thing that you're upset." -- Part 2-2

"The only way that the rest of the world will hear and know and understand our stories is by seeing the thing that African Americans would create." -- Part 2-2

You might also like:

• Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

]]> Fri, 04 Sep 2020 15:01:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 994 Join our exclusive mailing list! Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity. After my interview with Cadex Herrera a lead artist of the memorial mural of George Floyd in Minneapolis, I asked Eric Marsh a Black community leader and activist in Philadelphia what he thought of controversy around the mural. Some black activists, including Keno Evol, the executive director of Black Table Arts, have voiced their concern about the fact that Black artists had not been invited to participate in the mural creation.  Join our exclusive mailing list! Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity. After my interview with Cadex Herrera a lead artist of the memorial mural of George Floyd in Minneapolis, I asked Eric Marsh a Black community No Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural 60 60 Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural full backinamerica.podbean.com/ec6ada60-ce9b-3d08-bb4a-60c8e86f0164 https://share.transistor.fm/s/095487e4 Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity.

The death of George Floyd, a black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer has triggered protests against police brutality, police racism, and lack of police accountability. Three days after Floyd's death a group of artists painted a mural on the Cup Foods building at the corner where George Floyd was killed on May 25. 
The artists started at about 7 a.m. on May 28 and finished the mural at  5:30 p.m. the same day. 


Most of us have seen an image of the mural since almost every American TV station live-streamed the George Floyd funeral whose backdrop was a digital version of this mural.
Inspired by this work, artists across the globe started producing similar tributes to George Floyd, and a digital database of such art has gathered a repository of 1324 pieces of art so far.


In this episode, I speak with Cadex Herrera a co-artist behind this iconic memorial mural of George Floyd. Cadex immigrated to the United States from Belize when he was 19. Today at 45, he works as an elementary school behavioral specialist and social justice art is his passion.

Cadex can be found on Instagram 
His website is www.cadexherrera.com

He recommended the following book and movies:

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez 

The Platform
FOUTAISES (THINGS I LIKE, THINGS I DON'T LIKE)

 

Episode's Transcript

From the conversation:

"I decided to be a participant rather than an observer. I put my camera down and decided not to take any photographs and just joined the demonstrators that were there." -- Part 1-2

"This wasn't a grant-based mural and no, we did not ask permission from the owner of the building. We saw the wall and we never even thought about the owners' feelings." -- Part 1-2

You might also like:

• Part 2/2 - Eric Marsh, Black Activist on the George Floyd's Mural

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Rewriting the American Dream: Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the P...

]]> Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity.

The death of George Floyd, a black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer has triggered protests against police brutality, police racism, and lack of police accountability. Three days after Floyd's death a group of artists painted a mural on the Cup Foods building at the corner where George Floyd was killed on May 25. 
The artists started at about 7 a.m. on May 28 and finished the mural at  5:30 p.m. the same day. 


Most of us have seen an image of the mural since almost every American TV station live-streamed the George Floyd funeral whose backdrop was a digital version of this mural.
Inspired by this work, artists across the globe started producing similar tributes to George Floyd, and a digital database of such art has gathered a repository of 1324 pieces of art so far.


In this episode, I speak with Cadex Herrera a co-artist behind this iconic memorial mural of George Floyd. Cadex immigrated to the United States from Belize when he was 19. Today at 45, he works as an elementary school behavioral specialist and social justice art is his passion.

Cadex can be found on Instagram 
His website is www.cadexherrera.com

He recommended the following book and movies:

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez 

The Platform
FOUTAISES (THINGS I LIKE, THINGS I DON'T LIKE)

 

Episode's Transcript

From the conversation:

"I decided to be a participant rather than an observer. I put my camera down and decided not to take any photographs and just joined the demonstrators that were there." -- Part 1-2

"This wasn't a grant-based mural and no, we did not ask permission from the owner of the building. We saw the wall and we never even thought about the owners' feelings." -- Part 1-2

You might also like:

• Part 2/2 - Eric Marsh, Black Activist on the George Floyd's Mural

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Rewriting the American Dream: Aquilino Gonell, January 6, and the P...

]]> Fri, 04 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2397 Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity. The death of George Floyd, a black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer has triggered protests against police brutality, police racism, and lack of police accountability. Three days after Floyd's death a group of artists painted a mural on the Cup Foods building at the corner where George Floyd was killed on May 25. The artists started at about 7 a.m. on May 28 and finished the mural at  5:30 p.m. the same day.  Most of us have seen an image of the mural since almost every American TV station live-streamed the George Floyd funeral whose backdrop was a digital version of this mural.Inspired by this work, artists across the globe started producing similar tributes to George Floyd, and a digital database of such art has gathered a repository of 1324 pieces of art so far. In this episode, I speak with Cadex Herrera a co-artist behind this iconic memorial mural of George Floyd. Cadex immigrated to the United States from Belize when he was 19. Today at 45, he works as an elementary school behavioral specialist and social justice art is his passion. Cadex can be found on Instagram His website is www.cadexherrera.com He recommended the following book and movies: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez  The PlatformFOUTAISES (THINGS I LIKE, THINGS I DON'T LIKE)   Episode's Transcript Back in America is a podcast exploring America's culture, values, and identity. The death of George Floyd, a black man killed by a Minneapolis police officer has triggered protests against police brutality, police racism, and lack of police accountability No Housing Assistance Series 2/2: Carol Golden - Housing Initiatives of Princeton - US Politics, Social Issues and Housing Situation 58 58 Housing Assistance Series 2/2: Carol Golden - Housing Initiatives of Princeton - US Politics, Social Issues and Housing Situation full backinamerica.podbean.com/b14d3357-fe28-3a76-8fdd-d53724794f83 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ec352c83

This part two of a series on housing assistance. I am publishing these episodes at a time when nearly 25 million people reported they will not be able to pay rent in the next month and almost 30 million people said they didn't have enough to eat.

In this episode, I talk with Carol Golden the chair of Housing Initiatives of Princeton and also a member of the affordable housing Board of Princeton. 
If you haven't listened to episode one of this series I encourage you to do so. 

Carol and I talk about US politics and the crossroad at which is America according to her.

She regrets the lack of government social safety nets and blames the current situation to a "loss of devotion to public education and to the antagonism to teachers and public schools. 

As the chair of Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP) Carol talks about the challenges facing HIP, its successes, and upcoming initiatives such as an emergency rental assistance program HIP is working on.

 

Transcript

 

From the conversation:

"I would like nothing more than to have HIP become obsolete because we're not needed because people aren't getting evicted from their homes." -- Housing Assistance Series 2-2- Carol Golden

"We're really helping individual women in a way that isn't judgy, trying to be a partner with them and say, let's figure out how we can get this better for you." -- Housing Assistance Series 2-2- Carol Golden

You might also like:

• Housing Assistance Series 1/2: Louise Kekulah - From Liberia to Pri...

• Liliana Morenilla - A life dedicated to immigrants in Princeton, NJ

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

]]>

This part two of a series on housing assistance. I am publishing these episodes at a time when nearly 25 million people reported they will not be able to pay rent in the next month and almost 30 million people said they didn't have enough to eat.

In this episode, I talk with Carol Golden the chair of Housing Initiatives of Princeton and also a member of the affordable housing Board of Princeton. 
If you haven't listened to episode one of this series I encourage you to do so. 

Carol and I talk about US politics and the crossroad at which is America according to her.

She regrets the lack of government social safety nets and blames the current situation to a "loss of devotion to public education and to the antagonism to teachers and public schools. 

As the chair of Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP) Carol talks about the challenges facing HIP, its successes, and upcoming initiatives such as an emergency rental assistance program HIP is working on.

 

Transcript

 

From the conversation:

"I would like nothing more than to have HIP become obsolete because we're not needed because people aren't getting evicted from their homes." -- Housing Assistance Series 2-2- Carol Golden

"We're really helping individual women in a way that isn't judgy, trying to be a partner with them and say, let's figure out how we can get this better for you." -- Housing Assistance Series 2-2- Carol Golden

You might also like:

• Housing Assistance Series 1/2: Louise Kekulah - From Liberia to Pri...

• Liliana Morenilla - A life dedicated to immigrants in Princeton, NJ

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2020 17:08:25 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1572 This part two of a series on housing assistance. I am publishing these episodes at a time when nearly 25 million people reported they will not be able to pay rent in the next month and almost 30 million people said they didn't have enough to eat. In this episode, I talk with Carol Golden the chair of Housing Initiatives of Princeton and also a member of the affordable housing Board of Princeton. If you haven't listened to episode one of this series I encourage you to do so.  Carol and I talk about US politics and the crossroad at which is America according to her. She regrets the lack of government social safety nets and blames the current situation to a "loss of devotion to public education and to the antagonism to teachers and public schools.  As the chair of Housing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP) Carol talks about the challenges facing HIP, its successes, and upcoming initiatives such as an emergency rental assistance program HIP is working on.   Transcript   This part two of a series on housing assistance. I am publishing these episodes at a time when nearly 25 million people reported they will not be able to pay rent in the next month and almost 30 million people said they didn't have enough to eat. In this No Housing Assistance Series 1/2: Louise Kekulah - From Liberia to Princeton 57 57 Housing Assistance Series 1/2: Louise Kekulah - From Liberia to Princeton full backinamerica.podbean.com/6bcd4254-a1c4-35c7-8692-7005a898d6a0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9ccf4908 In July, according to the census bureau nearly 25 million people reported they had little to no confidence they would be able to pay rent in the next month and almost 30 million people said they didn't have enough to eat.

Without federal intervention, housing experts and advocates warn of an unprecedented wave of eviction in the coming month and one far more devastating than the 2008 crisis.

Today I am releasing a series of two episodes on housing assistance.

In this episode, I speak with Louise Kekulah, a woman who grew up in Liberia, Africa. Moved by herself in the US as a child. Had a baby, graduated from Rutgers, and now works as a counselor for families at risk of losing their children.

The fact that Louise is very bright and highly driven probably explains how she managed to do so well. Yet, she says that the Housing Initiatives of Princeton has changed her life and allowed her to bounce back and secure a better carrier. You will hear Louise mention Carol. 

In part two I then speak with Carol Golden the chair of Housing Initiatives of Princeton and also a member of the Affordable Housing Board of Princeton.

Transcript 

 

From the conversation:

"I couldn't take it. My income was just not much at all—about $200 a week for me and Malcolm—so I couldn't afford to leave even without heat in the apartment." -- Housing Assistance Series 1-2- Louise Kekulah

"Someone paid the way for me, so paving the way for others is just my goal right now, which is why I got into the whole social work field." -- Housing Assistance Series 1-2- Louise Kekulah

You might also like:

• Housing Assistance Series 2/2: Carol Golden - Housing Initiatives o...

• Liliana Morenilla - A life dedicated to immigrants in Princeton, NJ

• How would you go to Zoom School as a homeless youth? We asked Bridg...

]]> In July, according to the census bureau nearly 25 million people reported they had little to no confidence they would be able to pay rent in the next month and almost 30 million people said they didn't have enough to eat.

Without federal intervention, housing experts and advocates warn of an unprecedented wave of eviction in the coming month and one far more devastating than the 2008 crisis.

Today I am releasing a series of two episodes on housing assistance.

In this episode, I speak with Louise Kekulah, a woman who grew up in Liberia, Africa. Moved by herself in the US as a child. Had a baby, graduated from Rutgers, and now works as a counselor for families at risk of losing their children.

The fact that Louise is very bright and highly driven probably explains how she managed to do so well. Yet, she says that the Housing Initiatives of Princeton has changed her life and allowed her to bounce back and secure a better carrier. You will hear Louise mention Carol. 

In part two I then speak with Carol Golden the chair of Housing Initiatives of Princeton and also a member of the Affordable Housing Board of Princeton.

Transcript 

 

From the conversation:

"I couldn't take it. My income was just not much at all—about $200 a week for me and Malcolm—so I couldn't afford to leave even without heat in the apartment." -- Housing Assistance Series 1-2- Louise Kekulah

"Someone paid the way for me, so paving the way for others is just my goal right now, which is why I got into the whole social work field." -- Housing Assistance Series 1-2- Louise Kekulah

You might also like:

• Housing Assistance Series 2/2: Carol Golden - Housing Initiatives o...

• Liliana Morenilla - A life dedicated to immigrants in Princeton, NJ

• How would you go to Zoom School as a homeless youth? We asked Bridg...

]]> Thu, 06 Aug 2020 16:44:34 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1628 In July, according to the census bureau nearly 25 million people reported they had little to no confidence they would be able to pay rent in the next month and almost 30 million people said they didn't have enough to eat. Without federal intervention, housing experts and advocates warn of an unprecedented wave of eviction in the coming month and one far more devastating than the 2008 crisis. Today I am releasing a series of two episodes on housing assistance. In this episode, I speak with Louise Kekulah, a woman who grew up in Liberia, Africa. Moved by herself in the US as a child. Had a baby, graduated from Rutgers, and now works as a counselor for families at risk of losing their children. The fact that Louise is very bright and highly driven probably explains how she managed to do so well. Yet, she says that the Housing Initiatives of Princeton has changed her life and allowed her to bounce back and secure a better carrier. You will hear Louise mention Carol.  In part two I then speak with Carol Golden the chair of Housing Initiatives of Princeton and also a member of the Affordable Housing Board of Princeton. Transcript    In July, according to the census bureau nearly 25 million people reported they had little to no confidence they would be able to pay rent in the next month and almost 30 million people said they didn't have enough to eat. Without federal intervention, hou No Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Seton Hall University... America will be (see episode note) 56 56 Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price - Afghanistan, Counterterrorism, Seton Hall University... America will be (see episode note) full backinamerica.podbean.com/88c8901a-bf63-3119-a8df-1a556fb30c62 https://share.transistor.fm/s/be9eebae Join our exclusive mailing list!

In this episode, I talk with Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price about the current racial unrest, about meritocracy, the values, culture, and identity of this country. 

We speak about the separation between the military and the government and of the current administration.

Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price is known for his published research on terrorism and counterterrorism.  He holds a B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy in U.S. history, an M.A. in international relations from St. Mary’s University (TX), and an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from Stanford University.

Bryan and I talk about leadership -- he is the Founding Executive Director at the Buccino Leadership Institute at Seton Hall University. 

During the interview, Bryan shared a story that exemplifies George Washington’s leadership skills, he then asked: “You can probably guess some individuals that that are in power today. What if they were the George Washington at that time? How differently would our country have a look like?”

I ask him if he thinks that the military will escort Donald Trump from the White House should the president loses the election and refuse to leave his office.

For my guest, American is a dream, not a reality. Yet he believes that American is the greatest experiment of democracy that the world has ever known and that's a worthwhile cause to fight for. 

 

 

Book List

Alexis de Tocqueville -- Democracy in America

David Lipsky -- Absolutely American

Ron Chernow -- Washington: A Life

 

Facebook

Twitter @BryanPrice7

Top Mental Game

 

Transcript

 

From the conversation:

"Maybe we're not good. Maybe we just got really lucky early on and we had the right person at the right time to put us on this path." -- Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price

"The best memories always relate around the people. In the military, you are in a crucible where all the veneer gets removed and you're facing incredible odds with people you care deeply about." -- Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price

You might also like:

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

• Former CIA Analyst to Bestselling Author: David McCloskey on Espion...

• A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out.

]]> Join our exclusive mailing list!

In this episode, I talk with Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price about the current racial unrest, about meritocracy, the values, culture, and identity of this country. 

We speak about the separation between the military and the government and of the current administration.

Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price is known for his published research on terrorism and counterterrorism.  He holds a B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy in U.S. history, an M.A. in international relations from St. Mary’s University (TX), and an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from Stanford University.

Bryan and I talk about leadership -- he is the Founding Executive Director at the Buccino Leadership Institute at Seton Hall University. 

During the interview, Bryan shared a story that exemplifies George Washington’s leadership skills, he then asked: “You can probably guess some individuals that that are in power today. What if they were the George Washington at that time? How differently would our country have a look like?”

I ask him if he thinks that the military will escort Donald Trump from the White House should the president loses the election and refuse to leave his office.

For my guest, American is a dream, not a reality. Yet he believes that American is the greatest experiment of democracy that the world has ever known and that's a worthwhile cause to fight for. 

 

 

Book List

Alexis de Tocqueville -- Democracy in America

David Lipsky -- Absolutely American

Ron Chernow -- Washington: A Life

 

Facebook

Twitter @BryanPrice7

Top Mental Game

 

Transcript

 

From the conversation:

"Maybe we're not good. Maybe we just got really lucky early on and we had the right person at the right time to put us on this path." -- Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price

"The best memories always relate around the people. In the military, you are in a crucible where all the veneer gets removed and you're facing incredible odds with people you care deeply about." -- Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price

You might also like:

• David Reaboi: Trump, DeSantis, January 6 and America’s Divided Future

• Former CIA Analyst to Bestselling Author: David McCloskey on Espion...

• A Pastor Joined the FBI. Then His Kids Came Out.

]]> Wed, 22 Jul 2020 15:26:29 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2525 Join our exclusive mailing list! In this episode, I talk with Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price about the current racial unrest, about meritocracy, the values, culture, and identity of this country.  We speak about the separation between the military and the government and of the current administration. Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price is known for his published research on terrorism and counterterrorism.  He holds a B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy in U.S. history, an M.A. in international relations from St. Mary’s University (TX), and an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from Stanford University. Bryan and I talk about leadership -- he is the Founding Executive Director at the Buccino Leadership Institute at Seton Hall University.  During the interview, Bryan shared a story that exemplifies George Washington’s leadership skills, he then asked: “You can probably guess some individuals that that are in power today. What if they were the George Washington at that time? How differently would our country have a look like?” I ask him if he thinks that the military will escort Donald Trump from the White House should the president loses the election and refuse to leave his office. For my guest, American is a dream, not a reality. Yet he believes that American is the greatest experiment of democracy that the world has ever known and that's a worthwhile cause to fight for.      Book List Alexis de Tocqueville -- Democracy in America David Lipsky -- Absolutely American Ron Chernow -- Washington: A Life   Facebook Twitter @BryanPrice7 Top Mental Game   Transcript   Join our exclusive mailing list! In this episode, I talk with Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Price about the current racial unrest, about meritocracy, the values, culture, and identity of this country.  We speak about the separation between the military and the No Cecilia Birge - Anti-Asian racism during the Pandemic - Growing-up in Chinese Labor Camp - Student on Tiananmen Square protests 55 55 Cecilia Birge - Anti-Asian racism during the Pandemic - Growing-up in Chinese Labor Camp - Student on Tiananmen Square protests full backinamerica.podbean.com/9fc33822-9cca-5359-9ea2-f6dbd4802c94 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0f50ee34  

While President Trump has been calling the Coronavirus the Chinese virus and while the US is facing unprecedented protests against police violence and racial discrimination, Back in America is examining how these events have affected the Chinese Community.

In this episode, I speak with Cecilia Birge a former Montgomery, NJ mayor, a form bond analyst on Wall Street, now a head coach and a member of the Princeton High School Speech and Debate Team.
Cecilia shares her experience organizing fundraising with the Chinese community to help local first responders.
For us, she revisits her childhood in Chineses labor camps. As a student in Bejing during the Tiananmen Protests, she talks of her fear at the time and the turmoil in the city.
Today America is her home and the way she talks about this country and understands it help us see America in a different light. 

Transcript

 

From the conversation:

"These kind of bias and prejudice and racism comes from the same place, which is ignorance. For someone who deliberately uses their positions to practice this kind of racist views, they don't deserve the office." -- Cecilia Birge

"I was born in the dark ages of modern Chinese history. My father was a counter-revolutionary intellectual who spent years as a janitor, cleaning bathrooms and writing confessions before Mao's portrait." -- Cecilia Birge

You might also like:

• Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters: ...

• Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty: The Impact of A lien on Immigrat...

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

]]>  

While President Trump has been calling the Coronavirus the Chinese virus and while the US is facing unprecedented protests against police violence and racial discrimination, Back in America is examining how these events have affected the Chinese Community.

In this episode, I speak with Cecilia Birge a former Montgomery, NJ mayor, a form bond analyst on Wall Street, now a head coach and a member of the Princeton High School Speech and Debate Team.
Cecilia shares her experience organizing fundraising with the Chinese community to help local first responders.
For us, she revisits her childhood in Chineses labor camps. As a student in Bejing during the Tiananmen Protests, she talks of her fear at the time and the turmoil in the city.
Today America is her home and the way she talks about this country and understands it help us see America in a different light. 

Transcript

 

From the conversation:

"These kind of bias and prejudice and racism comes from the same place, which is ignorance. For someone who deliberately uses their positions to practice this kind of racist views, they don't deserve the office." -- Cecilia Birge

"I was born in the dark ages of modern Chinese history. My father was a counter-revolutionary intellectual who spent years as a janitor, cleaning bathrooms and writing confessions before Mao's portrait." -- Cecilia Birge

You might also like:

• Trump, cryptocurrency investment, and the Chinese-American voters: ...

• Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty: The Impact of A lien on Immigrat...

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

]]> Mon, 06 Jul 2020 13:17:53 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2164   While President Trump has been calling the Coronavirus the Chinese virus and while the US is facing unprecedented protests against police violence and racial discrimination, Back in America is examining how these events have affected the Chinese Community. In this episode, I speak with Cecilia Birge a former Montgomery, NJ mayor, a form bond analyst on Wall Street, now a head coach and a member of the Princeton High School Speech and Debate Team.Cecilia shares her experience organizing fundraising with the Chinese community to help local first responders. For us, she revisits her childhood in Chineses labor camps. As a student in Bejing during the Tiananmen Protests, she talks of her fear at the time and the turmoil in the city.Today America is her home and the way she talks about this country and understands it help us see America in a different light.  Transcript     While President Trump has been calling the Coronavirus the Chinese virus and while the US is facing unprecedented protests against police violence and racial discrimination, Back in America is examining how these events have affected the Chinese Communi No Marina Ahun — A Princeton Painter — From the Collapse of the Soviet Union to The Hardship of COVID-19 54 54 Marina Ahun — A Princeton Painter — From the Collapse of the Soviet Union to The Hardship of COVID-19 full backinamerica.podbean.com/c6226ea1-b44d-5780-b279-5da4311e9b9b https://share.transistor.fm/s/8ab8563b  

 

Marina Ahun's website: https://www.marinaahun.com/

 

Transcript

 

You might also like:

• Carole Jury - 'La femme de...' se réinvente aux Etats-Unis et devie...

• I'll Always Be French. Now I'm Also a US Citizen.

• Trailer - Back in America - A podcast questioning our understanding...

]]>  

 

Marina Ahun's website: https://www.marinaahun.com/

 

Transcript

 

You might also like:

• Carole Jury - 'La femme de...' se réinvente aux Etats-Unis et devie...

• I'll Always Be French. Now I'm Also a US Citizen.

• Trailer - Back in America - A podcast questioning our understanding...

]]> Thu, 18 Jun 2020 23:01:35 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1672     Marina Ahun's website: https://www.marinaahun.com/   Transcript       Marina Ahun's website: https://www.marinaahun.com/   Transcript   No Part 1 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Asks does 'We The People' includes everybody? 53 53 Part 1 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Asks does 'We The People' includes everybody? full backinamerica.podbean.com/212af4c1-b363-59f2-bb1e-cea0201af44b https://share.transistor.fm/s/30540426  

Transcript

Part 1/2

I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America, a podcast where I explore American's identity, culture, and values.

My guest today is a candidate running as an independent for president of the United States. A man who's not white, not black but a dual citizen of The United States and The Navajo Nation.

For three years he lived with his family in a one-room hogan with no running water or electricity out in a Navajo reservation. He dreams of a nation where 'we the people' truly means 'all the people'.

Yet as we prepare to celebrate Memorial day he reminds us of the “ethnic cleansing and genocide” the United States carried against the indigenous peoples of this land.

Welcome to Back in America Mark Charles.

 

Transcript

 

Books and Movie Recommendation

Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Christian Discovery
by Steven Newcomb 

Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery
by Mark Charles, Soong-Chan Rah

Homeland: Four Portraits of Native Action (2005)
Director: Roberta Grossman

Somebody's Daughter by Rain 

 

From the conversation:

"The nation, which claimed to be about equality, freedom and liberty and justice, was actually defined very narrowly for white landowning men." -- Part 1

"Living on the reservation, primarily the only non natives you ever see or interact with are those who come to give you charity or those who come to take your picture." -- Part 1

You might also like:

• Part 2 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Wants 'We Th...

• The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America –...

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

]]>  

Transcript

Part 1/2

I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America, a podcast where I explore American's identity, culture, and values.

My guest today is a candidate running as an independent for president of the United States. A man who's not white, not black but a dual citizen of The United States and The Navajo Nation.

For three years he lived with his family in a one-room hogan with no running water or electricity out in a Navajo reservation. He dreams of a nation where 'we the people' truly means 'all the people'.

Yet as we prepare to celebrate Memorial day he reminds us of the “ethnic cleansing and genocide” the United States carried against the indigenous peoples of this land.

Welcome to Back in America Mark Charles.

 

Transcript

 

Books and Movie Recommendation

Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Christian Discovery
by Steven Newcomb 

Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery
by Mark Charles, Soong-Chan Rah

Homeland: Four Portraits of Native Action (2005)
Director: Roberta Grossman

Somebody's Daughter by Rain 

 

From the conversation:

"The nation, which claimed to be about equality, freedom and liberty and justice, was actually defined very narrowly for white landowning men." -- Part 1

"Living on the reservation, primarily the only non natives you ever see or interact with are those who come to give you charity or those who come to take your picture." -- Part 1

You might also like:

• Part 2 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Wants 'We Th...

• The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America –...

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2020 16:12:19 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1704   Transcript Part 1/2 I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America, a podcast where I explore American's identity, culture, and values. My guest today is a candidate running as an independent for president of the United States. A man who's not white, not black but a dual citizen of The United States and The Navajo Nation. For three years he lived with his family in a one-room hogan with no running water or electricity out in a Navajo reservation. He dreams of a nation where 'we the people' truly means 'all the people'. Yet as we prepare to celebrate Memorial day he reminds us of the “ethnic cleansing and genocide” the United States carried against the indigenous peoples of this land. Welcome to Back in America Mark Charles.   Transcript   Books and Movie Recommendation Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Christian Discovery by Steven Newcomb  Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery by Mark Charles, Soong-Chan Rah Homeland: Four Portraits of Native Action (2005)Director: Roberta Grossman Somebody's Daughter by Rain      Transcript Part 1/2 I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America, a podcast where I explore American's identity, culture, and values. My guest today is a candidate running as an independent for president of the United States. A man who's not white, No Part 2 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Wants 'We The People' to Mean 'All The people' 52 52 Part 2 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Wants 'We The People' to Mean 'All The people' full backinamerica.podbean.com/d7542cc3-e55a-5625-a1ba-8032f780faa0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c4aa51bb  

Part 2/2

I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America, a podcast where I explore American's identity, culture, and values.

My guest today is a candidate running as an independent for president of the United States. A man who's not white, not black but a dual citizen of The United States and The Navajo Nation.

For three years he lived with his family in a one-room hogan with no running water or electricity out in a Navajo reservation. He dreams of a nation where 'we the people' truly means 'all the people'.

Yet as we prepare to celebrate Memorial day he reminds us of the “ethnic cleansing and genocide” the United States carried against the indigenous peoples of this land.

Welcome to Back in America Mark Charles.

 

Transcript

 

Books and Movie Recommendation

Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Christian Discovery
by Steven Newcomb 

Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery
by Mark Charles, Soong-Chan Rah

Homeland: Four Portraits of Native Action (2005)
Director: Roberta Grossman

Somebody's Daughter by Rain 

 

You might also like:

• Part 1 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Asks does 'W...

• The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America –...

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

]]>  

Part 2/2

I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America, a podcast where I explore American's identity, culture, and values.

My guest today is a candidate running as an independent for president of the United States. A man who's not white, not black but a dual citizen of The United States and The Navajo Nation.

For three years he lived with his family in a one-room hogan with no running water or electricity out in a Navajo reservation. He dreams of a nation where 'we the people' truly means 'all the people'.

Yet as we prepare to celebrate Memorial day he reminds us of the “ethnic cleansing and genocide” the United States carried against the indigenous peoples of this land.

Welcome to Back in America Mark Charles.

 

Transcript

 

Books and Movie Recommendation

Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Christian Discovery
by Steven Newcomb 

Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery
by Mark Charles, Soong-Chan Rah

Homeland: Four Portraits of Native Action (2005)
Director: Roberta Grossman

Somebody's Daughter by Rain 

 

You might also like:

• Part 1 - Mark Charles - Native American 2020 candidate Asks does 'W...

• The First Amendment: Freedom of Religion and Diversity in America –...

• Zionism, Mysticism, and the Law: Sam Shonkoff and his students on A...

]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2020 15:52:35 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2870   Part 2/2 I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America, a podcast where I explore American's identity, culture, and values. My guest today is a candidate running as an independent for president of the United States. A man who's not white, not black but a dual citizen of The United States and The Navajo Nation. For three years he lived with his family in a one-room hogan with no running water or electricity out in a Navajo reservation. He dreams of a nation where 'we the people' truly means 'all the people'. Yet as we prepare to celebrate Memorial day he reminds us of the “ethnic cleansing and genocide” the United States carried against the indigenous peoples of this land. Welcome to Back in America Mark Charles.   Transcript   Books and Movie Recommendation Pagans in the Promised Land: Decoding the Doctrine of Christian Discovery by Steven Newcomb  Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery by Mark Charles, Soong-Chan Rah Homeland: Four Portraits of Native Action (2005)Director: Roberta Grossman Somebody's Daughter by Rain      Part 2/2 I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America, a podcast where I explore American's identity, culture, and values. My guest today is a candidate running as an independent for president of the United States. A man who's not white, not black bu No 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffocating 50 50 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffocating full backinamerica.podbean.com/5074bea9-19d3-55f5-99ec-898f0e60c267 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cabc3a6c  

The death of George Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by a white police officer, has sparked protests across the United States and even abroad.

In France, the event has even revived anger over the death of Adama Traore a black Frenchman who died in police custody 4 years ago. Some 20,000 people demonstrated in Paris on Tuesday.

I met my guest at the Kneel for justice protest yesterday in Princeton.
She was one of the speakers.
She is a Prospective Molecular Biology Major at Princeton University. Welcome to Back in America Imani Mulrain

She recommends watching the following video 
how to financially help BLM with NO MONEY/leaving your house (Invest in the future for FREE)

 to help the Black Lives Matter movement

 

Transcript

 

From the conversation:

"Being Black in the US is like suffocating—we're so used to all this trauma and seeing things so often that it's not really surprising anymore, and we shouldn't normalize that." -- 19 Year-Old Princeton Student- Being Black in the US is Like Suffocating

"Just because Biden is in power doesn't mean that everything is going to magically change, that racism is going to end—there needs to be proactive change and active steps done to mitigate these things." -- 19 Year-Old Princeton Student- Being Black in the US is Like Suffocating

You might also like:

• Part 2/2 - Eric Marsh, Black Activist on the George Floyd's Mural

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

]]>  

The death of George Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by a white police officer, has sparked protests across the United States and even abroad.

In France, the event has even revived anger over the death of Adama Traore a black Frenchman who died in police custody 4 years ago. Some 20,000 people demonstrated in Paris on Tuesday.

I met my guest at the Kneel for justice protest yesterday in Princeton.
She was one of the speakers.
She is a Prospective Molecular Biology Major at Princeton University. Welcome to Back in America Imani Mulrain

She recommends watching the following video 
how to financially help BLM with NO MONEY/leaving your house (Invest in the future for FREE)

 to help the Black Lives Matter movement

 

Transcript

 

From the conversation:

"Being Black in the US is like suffocating—we're so used to all this trauma and seeing things so often that it's not really surprising anymore, and we shouldn't normalize that." -- 19 Year-Old Princeton Student- Being Black in the US is Like Suffocating

"Just because Biden is in power doesn't mean that everything is going to magically change, that racism is going to end—there needs to be proactive change and active steps done to mitigate these things." -- 19 Year-Old Princeton Student- Being Black in the US is Like Suffocating

You might also like:

• Part 2/2 - Eric Marsh, Black Activist on the George Floyd's Mural

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2020 18:17:47 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1148   The death of George Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by a white police officer, has sparked protests across the United States and even abroad. In France, the event has even revived anger over the death of Adama Traore a black Frenchman who died in police custody 4 years ago. Some 20,000 people demonstrated in Paris on Tuesday. I met my guest at the Kneel for justice protest yesterday in Princeton. She was one of the speakers. She is a Prospective Molecular Biology Major at Princeton University. Welcome to Back in America Imani Mulrain She recommends watching the following video how to financially help BLM with NO MONEY/leaving your house (Invest in the future for FREE)  to help the Black Lives Matter movement   Transcript     The death of George Floyd, a black man who died on Memorial Day after he was pinned down by a white police officer, has sparked protests across the United States and even abroad. In France, the event has even revived anger over the death of Adama Traore No Update: A Native American Candidate to US Election - Subscribe to our Mailing list 49 49 Update: A Native American Candidate to US Election - Subscribe to our Mailing list full backinamerica.podbean.com/2134cf4d-bbc6-5d19-be26-1c1d2a022161 https://share.transistor.fm/s/257344f9 Hello Back in America's fan!


I hope that you are well and safe wherever in the world you are. This is a short update about the podcast and myself.


The podcast is doing very very well. I am receiving amazing feedback and have some exciting interviews lined up.


On a personal note, we've moved over the memorial day weekend and we are living among boxes. Since my wife my 3 daughters and our 2 dogs are all sharing the same roof 24/7 I struggle to find a quiet space to record...


Anyway, I want to find a way to engage more with you and this is why I would like that you go to backinamericathepodcast.com or the Facebook page Back in America and that you subscribe to our mailing list for exclusive content.


Once part of the list, you will receive, from time to time unique content and opportunity to influence the conversation.

Also, I am very excited to announce that I will soon release an interview with Mark Charles a Native American who's a candidate for the US presidential election. Rember to subscribe to the mailing list.

Stay safe
And share your love for this podcast!

You might also like:

• Trailer Back in America August 2020

• Back in America Returns: Exploring American Culture and Identity

• Quick Up-Date: Gay, Dad & Principal Dancer Coming-up + Follow-up on...

]]> Hello Back in America's fan!


I hope that you are well and safe wherever in the world you are. This is a short update about the podcast and myself.


The podcast is doing very very well. I am receiving amazing feedback and have some exciting interviews lined up.


On a personal note, we've moved over the memorial day weekend and we are living among boxes. Since my wife my 3 daughters and our 2 dogs are all sharing the same roof 24/7 I struggle to find a quiet space to record...


Anyway, I want to find a way to engage more with you and this is why I would like that you go to backinamericathepodcast.com or the Facebook page Back in America and that you subscribe to our mailing list for exclusive content.


Once part of the list, you will receive, from time to time unique content and opportunity to influence the conversation.

Also, I am very excited to announce that I will soon release an interview with Mark Charles a Native American who's a candidate for the US presidential election. Rember to subscribe to the mailing list.

Stay safe
And share your love for this podcast!

You might also like:

• Trailer Back in America August 2020

• Back in America Returns: Exploring American Culture and Identity

• Quick Up-Date: Gay, Dad & Principal Dancer Coming-up + Follow-up on...

]]> Thu, 28 May 2020 15:42:34 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 276 Hello Back in America's fan! I hope that you are well and safe wherever in the world you are. This is a short update about the podcast and myself. The podcast is doing very very well. I am receiving amazing feedback and have some exciting interviews lined up. On a personal note, we've moved over the memorial day weekend and we are living among boxes. Since my wife my 3 daughters and our 2 dogs are all sharing the same roof 24/7 I struggle to find a quiet space to record... Anyway, I want to find a way to engage more with you and this is why I would like that you go to backinamericathepodcast.com or the Facebook page Back in America and that you subscribe to our mailing list for exclusive content. Once part of the list, you will receive, from time to time unique content and opportunity to influence the conversation. Also, I am very excited to announce that I will soon release an interview with Mark Charles a Native American who's a candidate for the US presidential election. Rember to subscribe to the mailing list. Stay safeAnd share your love for this podcast! Hello Back in America's fan! I hope that you are well and safe wherever in the world you are. This is a short update about the podcast and myself. The podcast is doing very very well. I am receiving amazing feedback and have some exciting interviews lined No John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, Societal Collapse, and the Values of the Frontier Period 44 44 John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Individualism, Societal Collapse, and the Values of the Frontier Period full backinamerica.podbean.com/3439357d-116b-5efd-9abc-36dd8dcfca8b https://share.transistor.fm/s/e545b319  

Join our exclusive mailing list!

In this episode, I speak with John Michael Greer (JMG) an author and blogger in the fields of nature spirituality, and the future of industrial society.  He is the author of more than fifty books and a blogger.  He lives in Rhode Island with his wife Sara.

Our conversation takes us to the suburbs of Seattle in the 70s. We discuss Druidry since JMG is a druid and ecology.

John is one of the leading minds, in the US, behind the concept of societal collapse.

He was quoted on this topic back in 2008. In 2016, he wrote Dark Age America: Climate Change, Cultural Collapse, and the Hard Future Ahead. Since then John published eight books and countless articles on collapse.

Collapse means that our fossil fuel-based civilization, cannot sustain itself and will fail.

As our world is going through unprecedented pandemic and is bracing itself for what might be also an unprecedented recession.

John’s blog can be found at https://www.ecosophia.net/

Here is a link to his books on Amazon https://amzn.to/3cANDom

You might also like:

• Listen again: John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Ind...

• Derrick Jensen: Are We at the End of the World or just the End of o...

• Only Roundup Remains: The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

]]>  

Join our exclusive mailing list!

In this episode, I speak with John Michael Greer (JMG) an author and blogger in the fields of nature spirituality, and the future of industrial society.  He is the author of more than fifty books and a blogger.  He lives in Rhode Island with his wife Sara.

Our conversation takes us to the suburbs of Seattle in the 70s. We discuss Druidry since JMG is a druid and ecology.

John is one of the leading minds, in the US, behind the concept of societal collapse.

He was quoted on this topic back in 2008. In 2016, he wrote Dark Age America: Climate Change, Cultural Collapse, and the Hard Future Ahead. Since then John published eight books and countless articles on collapse.

Collapse means that our fossil fuel-based civilization, cannot sustain itself and will fail.

As our world is going through unprecedented pandemic and is bracing itself for what might be also an unprecedented recession.

John’s blog can be found at https://www.ecosophia.net/

Here is a link to his books on Amazon https://amzn.to/3cANDom

You might also like:

• Listen again: John Michael Greer an American Druid on Americans Ind...

• Derrick Jensen: Are We at the End of the World or just the End of o...

• Only Roundup Remains: The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

]]> Thu, 14 May 2020 19:50:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2214   Join our exclusive mailing list! In this episode, I speak with John Michael Greer (JMG) an author and blogger in the fields of nature spirituality, and the future of industrial society.  He is the author of more than fifty books and a blogger.  He lives in Rhode Island with his wife Sara. Our conversation takes us to the suburbs of Seattle in the 70s. We discuss Druidry since JMG is a druid and ecology. John is one of the leading minds, in the US, behind the concept of societal collapse. He was quoted on this topic back in 2008. In 2016, he wrote Dark Age America: Climate Change, Cultural Collapse, and the Hard Future Ahead. Since then John published eight books and countless articles on collapse. Collapse means that our fossil fuel-based civilization, cannot sustain itself and will fail. As our world is going through unprecedented pandemic and is bracing itself for what might be also an unprecedented recession. John’s blog can be found at https://www.ecosophia.net/ Here is a link to his books on Amazon https://amzn.to/3cANDom   Join our exclusive mailing list! In this episode, I speak with John Michael Greer (JMG) an author and blogger in the fields of nature spirituality, and the future of industrial society.  He is the author of more than fifty books and a blogger.  He lives No Gil Lopez: Guerrilla Gardening in Queen, Resilient Communities and the Power of Radical Ideas  43 43 Gil Lopez: Guerrilla Gardening in Queen, Resilient Communities and the Power of Radical Ideas  full backinamerica.podbean.com/106da1c6-624a-58f9-ac7b-9b1635a30ed6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7401613d A few words before this episode.

Gil who's interviewed here has been laid off since I recorded this episode and the NYC Compost Project and the curbside compost collection in NYC, for which he worked are coming to pass. Curbside compost pick-up will end on May 4 and the Compost Project will be completely mothballed in July, he told me. 

However, Gil’s spirit is still high.

“I’m doing okay,” he wrote to me. “I was laid off last month but I received my first unemployment check today. 

 I’m am blessed beyond words to have my community garden to go to and be outside in the sun and soil basically whenever I want”.

Now, on my side, I am sheltering in place with my wife and three daughters. We never expected to have Zoe, our 21-year-old at home with us again and are enjoying this extra time with her.

I hope you, my listeners are well. Please stay home and stay safe! 

 

 

In this episode, I am on the phone with Gil Lopez the founder of Smiling Hogshead Ranch an urban garden in Queens New York. 

The Smiling Hogshead Ranch started 9 years ago as a “guerilla garden” on a set of abandoned railroad tracks. After many backs on forth with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, they managed to secure a lease.

Today the Ranch is an agriculture farm and community garden by day, and a social club and cultural venue. 

-- Gil, I have read that you see the more important effects of community gardens as being psychological, off-setting mindsets of commodification and enhancing ideas of community.

The coronavirus is devastating our economy, deeply impacting our way of life and putting a stop to production and consumption. It is a costly reminder that in order to survive our communities must transition to a more resilient model. 

 

Here are Gil’s recommendations

Book

Basic Call To Consciousness 

by Akwesasne Notes 

 

Documentaries (YouTube)

HyperNormalisation: by Adam Curtis

 

The Century of the Self

You might also like:

• Share My Meals - Princeton Non-Profit Keeps Restaurants Open During...

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

• Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism a...

]]> A few words before this episode.

Gil who's interviewed here has been laid off since I recorded this episode and the NYC Compost Project and the curbside compost collection in NYC, for which he worked are coming to pass. Curbside compost pick-up will end on May 4 and the Compost Project will be completely mothballed in July, he told me. 

However, Gil’s spirit is still high.

“I’m doing okay,” he wrote to me. “I was laid off last month but I received my first unemployment check today. 

 I’m am blessed beyond words to have my community garden to go to and be outside in the sun and soil basically whenever I want”.

Now, on my side, I am sheltering in place with my wife and three daughters. We never expected to have Zoe, our 21-year-old at home with us again and are enjoying this extra time with her.

I hope you, my listeners are well. Please stay home and stay safe! 

 

 

In this episode, I am on the phone with Gil Lopez the founder of Smiling Hogshead Ranch an urban garden in Queens New York. 

The Smiling Hogshead Ranch started 9 years ago as a “guerilla garden” on a set of abandoned railroad tracks. After many backs on forth with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, they managed to secure a lease.

Today the Ranch is an agriculture farm and community garden by day, and a social club and cultural venue. 

-- Gil, I have read that you see the more important effects of community gardens as being psychological, off-setting mindsets of commodification and enhancing ideas of community.

The coronavirus is devastating our economy, deeply impacting our way of life and putting a stop to production and consumption. It is a costly reminder that in order to survive our communities must transition to a more resilient model. 

 

Here are Gil’s recommendations

Book

Basic Call To Consciousness 

by Akwesasne Notes 

 

Documentaries (YouTube)

HyperNormalisation: by Adam Curtis

 

The Century of the Self

You might also like:

• Share My Meals - Princeton Non-Profit Keeps Restaurants Open During...

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

• Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism a...

]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2020 22:12:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2398 A few words before this episode. Gil who's interviewed here has been laid off since I recorded this episode and the NYC Compost Project and the curbside compost collection in NYC, for which he worked are coming to pass. Curbside compost pick-up will end on May 4 and the Compost Project will be completely mothballed in July, he told me.  However, Gil’s spirit is still high. “I’m doing okay,” he wrote to me. “I was laid off last month but I received my first unemployment check today.   I’m am blessed beyond words to have my community garden to go to and be outside in the sun and soil basically whenever I want”. Now, on my side, I am sheltering in place with my wife and three daughters. We never expected to have Zoe, our 21-year-old at home with us again and are enjoying this extra time with her. I hope you, my listeners are well. Please stay home and stay safe!      In this episode, I am on the phone with Gil Lopez the founder of Smiling Hogshead Ranch an urban garden in Queens New York.  The Smiling Hogshead Ranch started 9 years ago as a “guerilla garden” on a set of abandoned railroad tracks. After many backs on forth with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, they managed to secure a lease. Today the Ranch is an agriculture farm and community garden by day, and a social club and cultural venue.  -- Gil, I have read that you see the more important effects of community gardens as being psychological, off-setting mindsets of commodification and enhancing ideas of community. The coronavirus is devastating our economy, deeply impacting our way of life and putting a stop to production and consumption. It is a costly reminder that in order to survive our communities must transition to a more resilient model.    Here are Gil’s recommendations Book Basic Call To Consciousness  by Akwesasne Notes    Documentaries (YouTube) HyperNormalisation: by Adam Curtis   The Century of the Self A few words before this episode. Gil who's interviewed here has been laid off since I recorded this episode and the NYC Compost Project and the curbside compost collection in NYC, for which he worked are coming to pass. Curbside compost pick-up will end o No Share My Meals - Princeton Non-Profit Keeps Restaurants Open During the Pandemic to Feed Those in Need 42 42 Share My Meals - Princeton Non-Profit Keeps Restaurants Open During the Pandemic to Feed Those in Need full backinamerica.podbean.com/5c9167ed-b9f0-5dd9-abca-f7828fbac217 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1f7ee777 In this episode, I speak to Share My Meals's President and Co-Founder Isabelle Lambotte about her vision for Share My Meals Inc. The non-profit was initially created to fight hunger by recovering meal surplus from corporations and Universities cafeterias.
Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, Share My Meals's volunteers are working non-stop to feed the community in need.

Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros from the Municipality of Princeton comments on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on restaurants and businesses in Princeton.

Two restaurant owners Michele Moriello of La Mezzaluna, and husband and wife Amar Gautam and Amanda Maher owner of The Meeting House a new restaurant in Princeton are sharing their experiences. Both restaurants have decided to keep a reduced team and to partner with Share My Meals to cook meals for the families served by Isabelle and her team of volunteers.

Patty Yates, is an African American community leader and a Share My Meals recipient. She talks of the need of her community and explains how she redistributes the meals received from the non-profit to her community.

 

Visit Share My Meals at https://sharemymeals.org/

 

From the conversation:

"I pass them to seniors, families working just one day a week now, and families that have been laid off. So I take turns passing the five meals around." -- Share My Meals

"This was the best thing that they could do for people at a time like this and to all the people who are volunteers and donors, we truly appreciate this." -- Share My Meals

You might also like:

• Gil Lopez: Guerrilla Gardening in Queen, Resilient Communities and ...

• How would you go to Zoom School as a homeless youth? We asked Bridg...

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

]]> In this episode, I speak to Share My Meals's President and Co-Founder Isabelle Lambotte about her vision for Share My Meals Inc. The non-profit was initially created to fight hunger by recovering meal surplus from corporations and Universities cafeterias.
Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, Share My Meals's volunteers are working non-stop to feed the community in need.

Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros from the Municipality of Princeton comments on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on restaurants and businesses in Princeton.

Two restaurant owners Michele Moriello of La Mezzaluna, and husband and wife Amar Gautam and Amanda Maher owner of The Meeting House a new restaurant in Princeton are sharing their experiences. Both restaurants have decided to keep a reduced team and to partner with Share My Meals to cook meals for the families served by Isabelle and her team of volunteers.

Patty Yates, is an African American community leader and a Share My Meals recipient. She talks of the need of her community and explains how she redistributes the meals received from the non-profit to her community.

 

Visit Share My Meals at https://sharemymeals.org/

 

From the conversation:

"I pass them to seniors, families working just one day a week now, and families that have been laid off. So I take turns passing the five meals around." -- Share My Meals

"This was the best thing that they could do for people at a time like this and to all the people who are volunteers and donors, we truly appreciate this." -- Share My Meals

You might also like:

• Gil Lopez: Guerrilla Gardening in Queen, Resilient Communities and ...

• How would you go to Zoom School as a homeless youth? We asked Bridg...

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2020 19:55:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1744 In this episode, I speak to Share My Meals's President and Co-Founder Isabelle Lambotte about her vision for Share My Meals Inc. The non-profit was initially created to fight hunger by recovering meal surplus from corporations and Universities cafeterias.Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, Share My Meals's volunteers are working non-stop to feed the community in need. Councilwoman Michelle Pirone Lambros from the Municipality of Princeton comments on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on restaurants and businesses in Princeton. Two restaurant owners Michele Moriello of La Mezzaluna, and husband and wife Amar Gautam and Amanda Maher owner of The Meeting House a new restaurant in Princeton are sharing their experiences. Both restaurants have decided to keep a reduced team and to partner with Share My Meals to cook meals for the families served by Isabelle and her team of volunteers. Patty Yates, is an African American community leader and a Share My Meals recipient. She talks of the need of her community and explains how she redistributes the meals received from the non-profit to her community.   Visit Share My Meals at https://sharemymeals.org/   In this episode, I speak to Share My Meals's President and Co-Founder Isabelle Lambotte about her vision for Share My Meals Inc. The non-profit was initially created to fight hunger by recovering meal surplus from corporations and Universities cafeterias. No Jessica Baxter - Princeton High School Principal - Adjusting to remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic 41 41 Jessica Baxter - Princeton High School Principal - Adjusting to remote learning during the coronavirus pandemic full backinamerica.podbean.com/b88dfc4d-ea10-5885-9b78-32ab2b236f17 https://share.transistor.fm/s/229e69e4 I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America. Today I am speaking via Skype with Princeton High School Principal Jessica Baxter.

Jessica, as most school leaders across the globe, is faced with the challenging task of adjusting to the reality of the Coronavirus pandemic.

When the school closed, initially for two weeks on March 16 putting in place remote learning was only part of what had to be done. The staff at PHS had to ensure that every kid had access to a computer and the Internet. Curriculums had to be adjusted for kids to learn online.

Strategies had to be put in place to ensure well being of students.

Jessica, when we prepared this interview you told me that you are reassessing and re-planning what you do, not day to day, but minute to minute.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with Back in America and to share your experience keeping Princeton High School strong for the students and their families.

Jessica's book suggestions

Daring Greatly, by Brown, Brene, Ph.D. 

Tell Me Who You Are: Sharing Our Stories of Race, Culture, & Identity
by Winona Guo, Priya Vulchi

From the conversation:

"When you're used to being in a school with 1,600 teenagers and you're always on the move, to sit at a desk on your computer all day—it's quite changing." -- Jessica Baxter

"Our teachers taught three quarters of the year in person and were given two days notice to put the rest of the year online." -- Jessica Baxter

You might also like:

• Doug Steinel: Cancel Culture in Classroom

• Students Becoming Pro: the Interns Behind the Mic

• Elan Leibner - From Israel kibbutz to the Waldorf School of Princet...

]]> I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America. Today I am speaking via Skype with Princeton High School Principal Jessica Baxter.

Jessica, as most school leaders across the globe, is faced with the challenging task of adjusting to the reality of the Coronavirus pandemic.

When the school closed, initially for two weeks on March 16 putting in place remote learning was only part of what had to be done. The staff at PHS had to ensure that every kid had access to a computer and the Internet. Curriculums had to be adjusted for kids to learn online.

Strategies had to be put in place to ensure well being of students.

Jessica, when we prepared this interview you told me that you are reassessing and re-planning what you do, not day to day, but minute to minute.

Thank you for taking the time to speak with Back in America and to share your experience keeping Princeton High School strong for the students and their families.

Jessica's book suggestions

Daring Greatly, by Brown, Brene, Ph.D. 

Tell Me Who You Are: Sharing Our Stories of Race, Culture, & Identity
by Winona Guo, Priya Vulchi

From the conversation:

"When you're used to being in a school with 1,600 teenagers and you're always on the move, to sit at a desk on your computer all day—it's quite changing." -- Jessica Baxter

"Our teachers taught three quarters of the year in person and were given two days notice to put the rest of the year online." -- Jessica Baxter

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]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2020 19:55:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1803 I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America. Today I am speaking via Skype with Princeton High School Principal Jessica Baxter. Jessica, as most school leaders across the globe, is faced with the challenging task of adjusting to the reality of the Coronavirus pandemic. When the school closed, initially for two weeks on March 16 putting in place remote learning was only part of what had to be done. The staff at PHS had to ensure that every kid had access to a computer and the Internet. Curriculums had to be adjusted for kids to learn online. Strategies had to be put in place to ensure well being of students. Jessica, when we prepared this interview you told me that you are reassessing and re-planning what you do, not day to day, but minute to minute. Thank you for taking the time to speak with Back in America and to share your experience keeping Princeton High School strong for the students and their families. Jessica's book suggestions Daring Greatly, by Brown, Brene, Ph.D.  Tell Me Who You Are: Sharing Our Stories of Race, Culture, & Identityby Winona Guo, Priya Vulchi I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America. Today I am speaking via Skype with Princeton High School Principal Jessica Baxter. Jessica, as most school leaders across the globe, is faced with the challenging task of adjusting to the reality of the Cor No Richard Heinberg: on building resilient communities - transitioning away from fossil fuels - Coronavirus - Collapse (effondrement) 40 40 Richard Heinberg: on building resilient communities - transitioning away from fossil fuels - Coronavirus - Collapse (effondrement) full backinamerica.podbean.com/4f9bd584-1c92-5950-8941-48c79bfc86b3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e3683b8d I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America. Today I am speaking with Richard Heinberg a Senior Fellow at the Post Carbon Institute, and one of the world’s foremost advocates for a shift away from our current reliance on fossil fuels.

Richard has written for many publications including Nature, Reuters, Wall Street Journal, The American Prospect, Public Policy Research, Quarterly Review just to name a few. He’s been quoted by Reuters, the Associated Press, and Time Magazine, and has appeared on Good Morning America, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Al-Jazeera, and C-SPAN, NPR and others. Leonardo DiCaprio’s called on Richard’s expertise for his documentary the 11th Hour.

Richard, I wanted to speak with you about a topic that’s increasingly present in Europe and which is making its way into North America that’s the concept of our society’s collapse or l’effondrement has it is now called in French.

The idea is that the process by which basic needs (water, food, shelter, clothing, energy, etc.) are no longer provided (at a reasonable cost) to a majority of the population by services regulated by law. 

As Pablo Servigne puts it, collapse is both distant and close, slow and fast, gradual and brutal. It involves not only natural events but also (and above all) political, economic and social shocks, as well as events of a psychological nature.

Collapse means that our fossil fuel-based civilization, cannot sustain itself and will fail. 

People that study how societies collapse believe that tomorrow is going to be very different from today. That no green energy and no technology are going to save our way of life. Not even the concept of degrowth will work since we can’t force humanity into stopping production and consumption, especially in developing countries. So yes, they say, we are running into a wall.

But what’s interesting is that that same person, those that a convinced that we will sooner or later collapse are also full of hope. They say that we have to do everything we can today to smoothen this collision. We have to decelerate, we have to put on our seatbelt and prepare everyone for the shock.

They are convinced that preparing for the world to come will give us hope as we work to create for a better society, more collective and resilient.

 

Richard's List of Books

Surviving the Future: Culture, Carnival and Capital in the Aftermath of the Market
by David Fleming

Lean Logic: A Dictionary for the Future and How to Survive It Hardcover
David Fleming

 

And here is a link to Richard's many books

 

 

You might also like:

• Richard Heinberg: Has America Reached Its Limits? Biden, Climate, T...

• Derrick Jensen: Are We at the End of the World or just the End of o...

• Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism a...

]]> I am Stan Berteloot and this is Back in America. Today I am speaking with Richard Heinberg a Senior Fellow at the Post Carbon Institute, and one of the world’s foremost advocates for a shift away from our current reliance on fossil fuels.

Richard has written for many publications including Nature, Reuters, Wall Street Journal, The American Prospect, Public Policy Research, Quarterly Review just to name a few. He’s been quoted by Reuters, the Associated Press, and Time Magazine, and has appeared on Good Morning America, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Al-Jazeera, and C-SPAN, NPR and others. Leonardo DiCaprio’s called on Richard’s expertise for his documentary the 11th Hour.

Richard, I wanted to speak with you about a topic that’s increasingly present in Europe and which is making its way into North America that’s the concept of our society’s collapse or l’effondrement has it is now called in French.

The idea is that the process by which basic needs (water, food, shelter, clothing, energy, etc.) are no longer provided (at a reasonable cost) to a majority of the population by services regulated by law. 

As Pablo Servigne puts it, collapse is both distant and close, slow and fast, gradual and brutal. It involves not only natural events but also (and above all) political, economic and social shocks, as well as events of a psychological nature.

Collapse means that our fossil fuel-based civilization, cannot sustain itself and will fail. 

People that study how societies collapse believe that tomorrow is going to be very different from today. That no green energy and no technology are going to save our way of life. Not even the concept of degrowth will work since we can’t force humanity into stopping production and consumption, especially in developing countries. So yes, they say, we are running into a wall.

But what’s interesting is that that same person, those that a convinced that we will sooner or later collapse are also full of hope. They say that we have to do everything we can today to smoothen this collision. We have to decelerate, we have to put on our seatbelt and prepare everyone for the shock.

They are convinced that preparing for the world to come will give us hope as we work to create for a better society, more collective and resilient.

 

Richard's List of Books

Surviving the Future: Culture, Carnival and Capital in the Aftermath of the Market
by David Fleming

Lean Logic: A Dictionary for the Future and How to Survive It Hardcover
David Fleming

 

And here is a link to Richard's many books

 

 

You might also like:

• Richard Heinberg: Has America Reached Its Limits? Biden, Climate, T...

• Derrick Jensen: Are We at the End of the World or just the End of o...

• Navi Radjou: Is Frugal Economy a Viable Alternative to Capitalism a...

]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2020 19:55:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2457 Collapse means that our fossil fuel-based civilization, cannot sustain itself and will fail.  Collapse means that our fossil fuel-based civilization, cannot sustain itself and will fail.  No Ron Menapace - Homestead Princeton - From Pharma to business owner: Challenges and opportunities in America 39 39 Ron Menapace - Homestead Princeton - From Pharma to business owner: Challenges and opportunities in America full backinamerica.podbean.com/17fd0854-9f49-5b7f-a97d-b7397329aa2c https://share.transistor.fm/s/34256492 Matt Dubberke, Ron Menapace, Fernando Freitas from Homestead Princeton

Ron Menapace owner of Homestead #Princeton talks about his experience from corporate America working in sales for a #Pharma company to creating a home décor and furniture store in Princeton. He shares his challenges competing against large online retailers and the commoditization of furniture as well as his fears of a business slowdown due to the #Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Princeton Homestead is a furniture and home décor store specialized in custom barn wood furniture located in the heart of Princeton, on Palmer square. 

Ron's dad was a carpenter, after a degree in Sport Management Ron also had a stint at woodwork, fixing and refurbishing furniture. Yet he went on to work in sales for a large pharma corporation. 12 years later, however, he and his wife Kristen decided to follow their dreams and, in 2011, opened what was then called the Farmhouse.

 

From the conversation:

"There's really nobody doing what we do in Princeton bringing artists and makers to this community that supports the arts, which is right for what we do." -- Ron Menapace

"I found myself going to the Salvation Army finding old broken-down furniture, realizing I had skills to take them apart, refinish them and create beautiful pieces." -- Ron Menapace

]]> Matt Dubberke, Ron Menapace, Fernando Freitas from Homestead Princeton

Ron Menapace owner of Homestead #Princeton talks about his experience from corporate America working in sales for a #Pharma company to creating a home décor and furniture store in Princeton. He shares his challenges competing against large online retailers and the commoditization of furniture as well as his fears of a business slowdown due to the #Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Princeton Homestead is a furniture and home décor store specialized in custom barn wood furniture located in the heart of Princeton, on Palmer square. 

Ron's dad was a carpenter, after a degree in Sport Management Ron also had a stint at woodwork, fixing and refurbishing furniture. Yet he went on to work in sales for a large pharma corporation. 12 years later, however, he and his wife Kristen decided to follow their dreams and, in 2011, opened what was then called the Farmhouse.

 

From the conversation:

"There's really nobody doing what we do in Princeton bringing artists and makers to this community that supports the arts, which is right for what we do." -- Ron Menapace

"I found myself going to the Salvation Army finding old broken-down furniture, realizing I had skills to take them apart, refinish them and create beautiful pieces." -- Ron Menapace

]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2020 19:55:00 -0400 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1528 Ron Menapace owner of Homestead #Princeton talks about his experience from corporate America working in sales for a #Pharma company to creating a home décor and furniture store in Princeton. He shares his challenges competing against large online retailers and the commoditization of furniture as well as his fears of a business slowdown due to the #Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.  Ron Menapace owner of Homestead #Princeton talks about his experience from corporate America working in sales for a #Pharma company to creating a home décor and furniture store in Princeton. He shares his challenges competing against large online retailer No Carole Jury - 'La femme de...' se réinvente aux Etats-Unis et devient artiste peintre | In French 38 38 Carole Jury - 'La femme de...' se réinvente aux Etats-Unis et devient artiste peintre | In French full backinamerica.podbean.com/adf1bf66-d281-531c-902d-457036e8633c https://share.transistor.fm/s/267f4e1f Je suis Stan Berteloot et vous écoutez Back in America, un podcast où j’explore la société américaine à travers des parcours de vie hors du commun !

Cette interview est pour la première fois en français.

Mon invitée est la peintre française Carole Jury. Carole vit à Princeton dans le New Jersey depuis cinq ans. Elle est à l’origine du groupement « Women Artists I From France to USA ». Hyper active, et de plus en plus sollicitée, elle expose aux quatre coins des Etats-Unis, en Europe et à Dubaï.

La peinture a toujours eu une place centrale dans la vie de cette femme de 44 ans, mais l’art restait un hobby, une passion jusqu’à son installation à Princeton, dans le New Jersey avec son mari Kamel et ses trois enfants.

Avant de signer sa lettre de démission, Carole était responsable de la communication d’une grande entreprise de l’industrie chimique et pour elle l’idée de rester à la maison, loin de ses racines et sans sa propre identité, était une perspective inédite et difficile.

Lorsque nous avons préparé cet entretien, Carole m’a dit, “Je suis devenue ‘la femme de mon mari’. Ne plus avoir de profession c’était comme perdre mon identité.”

En effet d’après le baromètre Humanis-Lepetitjournal.com seuls 14% des professionnelles envoyées à l’étranger sont des femmes, qui partent en solo pour un tiers d’entre elles. En conséquence, dans 91% des cas, le conjoint d’expatrié est une femme, qui met très souvent sa carrière entre parenthèses.
Par ailleurs, malgré un niveau d’études élevé (un bac + 4 et trois langues parlées dans 72% des cas), seule la moitié des conjoints qui veulent travailler – ils sont 8 sur 10 – trouve un emploi sur place.

C’est donc dans ce contexte que Carole devient consultante en communication pour des entreprises françaises installées aux Etats-Unis.

Mais la peinture ne te quitte pas et, un an après son arrivée, elle s’y consacre à temps plein.

Sa recommandation de livre :

L'amie prodigieuse, Elena Ferrante

 

Sa présence en ligne :

Le site web de Carole Jury

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

 

You might also like:

• I'll Always Be French. Now I'm Also a US Citizen.

• Thierry Sauvage -- COVID, changement de vie : de Shanghai au Croisic

• Marina Ahun — A Princeton Painter — From the Collapse of the Soviet...

]]> Je suis Stan Berteloot et vous écoutez Back in America, un podcast où j’explore la société américaine à travers des parcours de vie hors du commun !

Cette interview est pour la première fois en français.

Mon invitée est la peintre française Carole Jury. Carole vit à Princeton dans le New Jersey depuis cinq ans. Elle est à l’origine du groupement « Women Artists I From France to USA ». Hyper active, et de plus en plus sollicitée, elle expose aux quatre coins des Etats-Unis, en Europe et à Dubaï.

La peinture a toujours eu une place centrale dans la vie de cette femme de 44 ans, mais l’art restait un hobby, une passion jusqu’à son installation à Princeton, dans le New Jersey avec son mari Kamel et ses trois enfants.

Avant de signer sa lettre de démission, Carole était responsable de la communication d’une grande entreprise de l’industrie chimique et pour elle l’idée de rester à la maison, loin de ses racines et sans sa propre identité, était une perspective inédite et difficile.

Lorsque nous avons préparé cet entretien, Carole m’a dit, “Je suis devenue ‘la femme de mon mari’. Ne plus avoir de profession c’était comme perdre mon identité.”

En effet d’après le baromètre Humanis-Lepetitjournal.com seuls 14% des professionnelles envoyées à l’étranger sont des femmes, qui partent en solo pour un tiers d’entre elles. En conséquence, dans 91% des cas, le conjoint d’expatrié est une femme, qui met très souvent sa carrière entre parenthèses.
Par ailleurs, malgré un niveau d’études élevé (un bac + 4 et trois langues parlées dans 72% des cas), seule la moitié des conjoints qui veulent travailler – ils sont 8 sur 10 – trouve un emploi sur place.

C’est donc dans ce contexte que Carole devient consultante en communication pour des entreprises françaises installées aux Etats-Unis.

Mais la peinture ne te quitte pas et, un an après son arrivée, elle s’y consacre à temps plein.

Sa recommandation de livre :

L'amie prodigieuse, Elena Ferrante

 

Sa présence en ligne :

Le site web de Carole Jury

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

 

You might also like:

• I'll Always Be French. Now I'm Also a US Citizen.

• Thierry Sauvage -- COVID, changement de vie : de Shanghai au Croisic

• Marina Ahun — A Princeton Painter — From the Collapse of the Soviet...

]]> Thu, 20 Feb 2020 19:58:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2404 Je suis Stan Berteloot et vous écoutez Back in America, un podcast où j’explore la société américaine à travers des parcours de vie hors du commun ! Cette interview est pour la première fois en français. Mon invitée est la peintre française Carole Jury. Carole vit à Princeton dans le New Jersey depuis cinq ans. Elle est à l’origine du groupement « Women Artists I From France to USA ». Hyper active, et de plus en plus sollicitée, elle expose aux quatre coins des Etats-Unis, en Europe et à Dubaï. La peinture a toujours eu une place centrale dans la vie de cette femme de 44 ans, mais l’art restait un hobby, une passion jusqu’à son installation à Princeton, dans le New Jersey avec son mari Kamel et ses trois enfants. Avant de signer sa lettre de démission, Carole était responsable de la communication d’une grande entreprise de l’industrie chimique et pour elle l’idée de rester à la maison, loin de ses racines et sans sa propre identité, était une perspective inédite et difficile. Lorsque nous avons préparé cet entretien, Carole m’a dit, “Je suis devenue ‘la femme de mon mari’. Ne plus avoir de profession c’était comme perdre mon identité.” En effet d’après le baromètre Humanis-Lepetitjournal.com seuls 14% des professionnelles envoyées à l’étranger sont des femmes, qui partent en solo pour un tiers d’entre elles. En conséquence, dans 91% des cas, le conjoint d’expatrié est une femme, qui met très souvent sa carrière entre parenthèses.Par ailleurs, malgré un niveau d’études élevé (un bac + 4 et trois langues parlées dans 72% des cas), seule la moitié des conjoints qui veulent travailler – ils sont 8 sur 10 – trouve un emploi sur place. C’est donc dans ce contexte que Carole devient consultante en communication pour des entreprises françaises installées aux Etats-Unis. Mais la peinture ne te quitte pas et, un an après son arrivée, elle s’y consacre à temps plein. Sa recommandation de livre : L'amie prodigieuse, Elena Ferrante   Sa présence en ligne : Le site web de Carole Jury Facebook Instagram Twitter   Je suis Stan Berteloot et vous écoutez Back in America, un podcast où j’explore la société américaine à travers des parcours de vie hors du commun ! Cette interview est pour la première fois en français. Mon invitée est la peintre française Carole Jury. C No Princeton University Janitor & Mailman Tommy Parker Talks of Reparations and Civil Rights 37 37 Princeton University Janitor & Mailman Tommy Parker Talks of Reparations and Civil Rights full backinamerica.podbean.com/14420754-e958-504c-aa26-5780094f5af5 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a9b166b4 Today I am speaking with someone who wants to be a voice for the voiceless.

Someone passionate about civil justice. I am talking with Thomas Parker or Tommy, as he likes to be called.
Tommy is 67. He was hired as a janitor in 1979 by Princeton University and joined the Print and Mail Services of the University in 1983.


In 2011 The University recognized your social engagement with the Martin Luther King Day Journey Award, for Lifetime Service for your role as an advocate and adviser to co-workers and your dedication to community service.
Indeed you work hard both at the university and in the community where you lead numerous organizations to help the underprivileged.

In the early nineties, you organized, with the Labor Relations Director Fred Clarke the first Labor & Management Committee on campus to help with day to day processes of contract enforcement and mutual considerations for bargaining unit protection under the collective bargaining agreement. Today, you are the president of Princeton’s Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 175.

Freedom Riders

In this interview, Tommy talks about the Freedom Riders who were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated southern US in 1961 and after to challenge the non-enforcement of the Supreme Court decisions which ruled that segregated public buses were unconstitutional. The Southern states had ignored the rulings and the federal government did nothing to enforce them. The first Freedom Ride left Washington, D.C. on May 4, 1961.

Reparations for Slavery

I ask Tommy about what he thinks of Reparations to the African American and he mentions the 40 acres and a mule, which is part of Special Field Orders No. 15, a post-Civil War promise proclaimed by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman on January 16, 1865, to allot family units, including freed people, a plot of land no larger than 40 acres (16 ha). However, according to Wikipedia, Freed people widely expected to legally claim 40 acres of land (a quarter-quarter section) and a mule after the end of the war. Some freedmen took advantage of the order and took initiatives to acquire land plots along a strip of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida coasts. However, Lincoln's successor, President Andrew Johnson explicitly reversed and annulled proclamations such as Special Field Orders No. 15 and the Freedmen's Bureau Act.

 

Thomas Parker books suggestions are:

Man Child in the Promised Land
by Claude Brown

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
by Maya Angelou

 

You might also like:

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural

]]> Today I am speaking with someone who wants to be a voice for the voiceless.

Someone passionate about civil justice. I am talking with Thomas Parker or Tommy, as he likes to be called.
Tommy is 67. He was hired as a janitor in 1979 by Princeton University and joined the Print and Mail Services of the University in 1983.


In 2011 The University recognized your social engagement with the Martin Luther King Day Journey Award, for Lifetime Service for your role as an advocate and adviser to co-workers and your dedication to community service.
Indeed you work hard both at the university and in the community where you lead numerous organizations to help the underprivileged.

In the early nineties, you organized, with the Labor Relations Director Fred Clarke the first Labor & Management Committee on campus to help with day to day processes of contract enforcement and mutual considerations for bargaining unit protection under the collective bargaining agreement. Today, you are the president of Princeton’s Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 175.

Freedom Riders

In this interview, Tommy talks about the Freedom Riders who were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated southern US in 1961 and after to challenge the non-enforcement of the Supreme Court decisions which ruled that segregated public buses were unconstitutional. The Southern states had ignored the rulings and the federal government did nothing to enforce them. The first Freedom Ride left Washington, D.C. on May 4, 1961.

Reparations for Slavery

I ask Tommy about what he thinks of Reparations to the African American and he mentions the 40 acres and a mule, which is part of Special Field Orders No. 15, a post-Civil War promise proclaimed by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman on January 16, 1865, to allot family units, including freed people, a plot of land no larger than 40 acres (16 ha). However, according to Wikipedia, Freed people widely expected to legally claim 40 acres of land (a quarter-quarter section) and a mule after the end of the war. Some freedmen took advantage of the order and took initiatives to acquire land plots along a strip of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida coasts. However, Lincoln's successor, President Andrew Johnson explicitly reversed and annulled proclamations such as Special Field Orders No. 15 and the Freedmen's Bureau Act.

 

Thomas Parker books suggestions are:

Man Child in the Promised Land
by Claude Brown

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
by Maya Angelou

 

You might also like:

• Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

• Part 1/2 - Cadex Herrera Lead Artist of George Floyd's Mural

]]> Thu, 13 Feb 2020 20:00:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2452 Today I am speaking with someone who wants to be a voice for the voiceless. Someone passionate about civil justice. I am talking with Thomas Parker or Tommy, as he likes to be called. Tommy is 67. He was hired as a janitor in 1979 by Princeton University and joined the Print and Mail Services of the University in 1983. In 2011 The University recognized your social engagement with the Martin Luther King Day Journey Award, for Lifetime Service for your role as an advocate and adviser to co-workers and your dedication to community service.Indeed you work hard both at the university and in the community where you lead numerous organizations to help the underprivileged. In the early nineties, you organized, with the Labor Relations Director Fred Clarke the first Labor & Management Committee on campus to help with day to day processes of contract enforcement and mutual considerations for bargaining unit protection under the collective bargaining agreement. Today, you are the president of Princeton’s Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 175. Freedom Riders In this interview, Tommy talks about the Freedom Riders who were civil rights activists who rode interstate buses into the segregated southern US in 1961 and after to challenge the non-enforcement of the Supreme Court decisions which ruled that segregated public buses were unconstitutional. The Southern states had ignored the rulings and the federal government did nothing to enforce them. The first Freedom Ride left Washington, D.C. on May 4, 1961. Reparations for Slavery I ask Tommy about what he thinks of Reparations to the African American and he mentions the 40 acres and a mule, which is part of Special Field Orders No. 15, a post-Civil War promise proclaimed by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman on January 16, 1865, to allot family units, including freed people, a plot of land no larger than 40 acres (16 ha). However, according to Wikipedia, Freed people widely expected to legally claim 40 acres of land (a quarter-quarter section) and a mule after the end of the war. Some freedmen took advantage of the order and took initiatives to acquire land plots along a strip of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida coasts. However, Lincoln's successor, President Andrew Johnson explicitly reversed and annulled proclamations such as Special Field Orders No. 15 and the Freedmen's Bureau Act.   Thomas Parker books suggestions are: Man Child in the Promised Landby Claude Brown I Know Why the Caged Bird Singsby Maya Angelou   Today I am speaking with someone who wants to be a voice for the voiceless. Someone passionate about civil justice. I am talking with Thomas Parker or Tommy, as he likes to be called. Tommy is 67. He was hired as a janitor in 1979 by Princeton University No John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer a Gay Vietnamese-American Reflects on his life Leading to Coming out, Marrying and Having two Kids 33 33 John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer a Gay Vietnamese-American Reflects on his life Leading to Coming out, Marrying and Having two Kids full backinamerica.podbean.com/865b5b59-7cdf-5bf0-a7c1-a7f328e2632f https://share.transistor.fm/s/a22d2ce5 I am speaking with John Lam, the principal dancer at the Boston Ballet.

John is joining me via Skype from his home in Quincy Massachusetts.

His parents immigrated to California from Vietnam. He grew up in an underprivileged household and discovered his love for dance at the age of 4 at Marin Ballet, through the Performing Stars of Marin a children's program that has helped some of the most impoverished children in the Bay Area. 

John’s parents were definitely not expecting him to be gay, become a professional dancer, mary a man and raise two sons. He constantly had to fight against the expectations of his culture, his peers, and his family.

John Lam: When John was 14,  at Marin Ballet, Mikko Nissinen cast the young dancer. 16 years later, John and Mikko continue to work together, John as Principal Dancer and Mikko as Boston Ballet's Artistic Director.

At age 35 John is the first Vietnamese American male in history to become a principal dancer in a major ballet company.

At the beginning of the podcast, I mention a story in Dance Magazine that states that almost 60% of the men in dance companies were gay. The same article writes that as if to protect their own macho image,  Americans, in particular, love to embrace the idea that the stereotype of male dancers automatically being gay. Here is the link 

 

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• Seattle Adventurer Erden Eruç and his wife Nancy Board reflect on l...

• Derrick Cobb - From New York Homeless Teen to Hollywood Music Star

• A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona: Tom Peine’s Unlikely Ame...

]]> I am speaking with John Lam, the principal dancer at the Boston Ballet.

John is joining me via Skype from his home in Quincy Massachusetts.

His parents immigrated to California from Vietnam. He grew up in an underprivileged household and discovered his love for dance at the age of 4 at Marin Ballet, through the Performing Stars of Marin a children's program that has helped some of the most impoverished children in the Bay Area. 

John’s parents were definitely not expecting him to be gay, become a professional dancer, mary a man and raise two sons. He constantly had to fight against the expectations of his culture, his peers, and his family.

John Lam: When John was 14,  at Marin Ballet, Mikko Nissinen cast the young dancer. 16 years later, John and Mikko continue to work together, John as Principal Dancer and Mikko as Boston Ballet's Artistic Director.

At age 35 John is the first Vietnamese American male in history to become a principal dancer in a major ballet company.

At the beginning of the podcast, I mention a story in Dance Magazine that states that almost 60% of the men in dance companies were gay. The same article writes that as if to protect their own macho image,  Americans, in particular, love to embrace the idea that the stereotype of male dancers automatically being gay. Here is the link 

 

You might also like:

• Seattle Adventurer Erden Eruç and his wife Nancy Board reflect on l...

• Derrick Cobb - From New York Homeless Teen to Hollywood Music Star

• A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona: Tom Peine’s Unlikely Ame...

]]> Thu, 06 Feb 2020 20:00:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2245 I am speaking with John Lam, the principal dancer at the Boston Ballet. John is joining me via Skype from his home in Quincy Massachusetts. His parents immigrated to California from Vietnam. He grew up in an underprivileged household and discovered his love for dance at the age of 4 at Marin Ballet, through the Performing Stars of Marin a children's program that has helped some of the most impoverished children in the Bay Area.  John’s parents were definitely not expecting him to be gay, become a professional dancer, mary a man and raise two sons. He constantly had to fight against the expectations of his culture, his peers, and his family. John Lam: When John was 14,  at Marin Ballet, Mikko Nissinen cast the young dancer. 16 years later, John and Mikko continue to work together, John as Principal Dancer and Mikko as Boston Ballet's Artistic Director. At age 35 John is the first Vietnamese American male in history to become a principal dancer in a major ballet company. At the beginning of the podcast, I mention a story in Dance Magazine that states that almost 60% of the men in dance companies were gay. The same article writes that as if to protect their own macho image,  Americans, in particular, love to embrace the idea that the stereotype of male dancers automatically being gay. Here is the link    I am speaking with John Lam, the principal dancer at the Boston Ballet. John is joining me via Skype from his home in Quincy Massachusetts. His parents immigrated to California from Vietnam. He grew up in an underprivileged household and discovered his l No Quick Up-Date: Gay, Dad & Principal Dancer Coming-up + Follow-up on Social Media 36 36 Quick Up-Date: Gay, Dad & Principal Dancer Coming-up + Follow-up on Social Media full backinamerica.podbean.com/3a809baf-3f3f-5fe2-87d0-f9349ced99af https://share.transistor.fm/s/eda1268b Hello back in America fans!

This is just a quick update - Tomorrow on Thursday at 8 PM we are releasing an amazing interview of the principal dancer at the Boston Ballet. John Lam is the son of Vietnamese refugees. He grew up in a poor neighborhood of San Fransisco, is gay which in his parents' culture is pretty tough, yet he married a man and had two sons.

I look forward to your comments after you’ve heard this amazing story

Talking of engaging with my listeners.

If you want to know more about the adventure of back in America if you want to see behind the scene video if you want to hear soundbites from my interviews before they are aired or if you just want to reach out and give feedback follow back in America on the social media
on Instagram Facebook and on YouTube, just search for Back in America.

Once again if you like back in America make sure you share it with your friends, with your family, and help people discover the podcast it would mean a lot to me.

You might also like:

• John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer a Gay Vietnamese-American ...

• Update: A Native American Candidate to US Election - Subscribe to o...

• Trailer Back in America August 2020

]]> Hello back in America fans!

This is just a quick update - Tomorrow on Thursday at 8 PM we are releasing an amazing interview of the principal dancer at the Boston Ballet. John Lam is the son of Vietnamese refugees. He grew up in a poor neighborhood of San Fransisco, is gay which in his parents' culture is pretty tough, yet he married a man and had two sons.

I look forward to your comments after you’ve heard this amazing story

Talking of engaging with my listeners.

If you want to know more about the adventure of back in America if you want to see behind the scene video if you want to hear soundbites from my interviews before they are aired or if you just want to reach out and give feedback follow back in America on the social media
on Instagram Facebook and on YouTube, just search for Back in America.

Once again if you like back in America make sure you share it with your friends, with your family, and help people discover the podcast it would mean a lot to me.

You might also like:

• John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer a Gay Vietnamese-American ...

• Update: A Native American Candidate to US Election - Subscribe to o...

• Trailer Back in America August 2020

]]> Wed, 05 Feb 2020 09:59:31 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 183 Hello back in America fans! This is just a quick update - Tomorrow on Thursday at 8 PM we are releasing an amazing interview of the principal dancer at the Boston Ballet. John Lam is the son of Vietnamese refugees. He grew up in a poor neighborhood of San Fransisco, is gay which in his parents' culture is pretty tough, yet he married a man and had two sons. I look forward to your comments after you’ve heard this amazing story Talking of engaging with my listeners. If you want to know more about the adventure of back in America if you want to see behind the scene video if you want to hear soundbites from my interviews before they are aired or if you just want to reach out and give feedback follow back in America on the social media on Instagram Facebook and on YouTube, just search for Back in America. Once again if you like back in America make sure you share it with your friends, with your family, and help people discover the podcast it would mean a lot to me. Hello back in America fans! This is just a quick update - Tomorrow on Thursday at 8 PM we are releasing an amazing interview of the principal dancer at the Boston Ballet. John Lam is the son of Vietnamese refugees. He grew up in a poor neighborhood of San No Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of rebuilding one's life to help others become unstoppable 32 32 Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of rebuilding one's life to help others become unstoppable full backinamerica.podbean.com/66b31ce8-3ab4-59df-aaad-626873f48284 https://share.transistor.fm/s/71076fc7 Hilary Porta is a leading mindset expert and life architect who helps people design a career and life they love by combining neuroscience-based mindset coaching to shatter the mental limits and provide strategy and a framework for an epic life.

Hilary travels across the globe not only speaking on stages both domestically and internationally but also where she helps Fortune 500 CEOs, professional motorsport as well as pro sports (think: Formula One driver, NFL ) to level up and become unstoppable.

However, life hasn’t always been easy for Hilary. She went through some very dark times but that's where she learned the power of resilience and choice and has turned her loss into leverage.

 

Hilary Porta's website

 

Hilary recommends a Netflix Series and a book:

 

 

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• Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of abuse that sta...

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]]> Hilary Porta is a leading mindset expert and life architect who helps people design a career and life they love by combining neuroscience-based mindset coaching to shatter the mental limits and provide strategy and a framework for an epic life.

Hilary travels across the globe not only speaking on stages both domestically and internationally but also where she helps Fortune 500 CEOs, professional motorsport as well as pro sports (think: Formula One driver, NFL ) to level up and become unstoppable.

However, life hasn’t always been easy for Hilary. She went through some very dark times but that's where she learned the power of resilience and choice and has turned her loss into leverage.

 

Hilary Porta's website

 

Hilary recommends a Netflix Series and a book:

 

 

You might also like:

• Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of abuse that sta...

• Tricia Baker: "My Dog Saved My Life" - Inside Dog Therapy and Menta...

• Home at the End: Navigating Care for a Dying Loved One in America

]]> Thu, 30 Jan 2020 20:00:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1959 Hilary Porta is a leading mindset expert and life architect who helps people design a career and life they love by combining neuroscience-based mindset coaching to shatter the mental limits and provide strategy and a framework for an epic life. Hilary travels across the globe not only speaking on stages both domestically and internationally but also where she helps Fortune 500 CEOs, professional motorsport as well as pro sports (think: Formula One driver, NFL ) to level up and become unstoppable. However, life hasn’t always been easy for Hilary. She went through some very dark times but that's where she learned the power of resilience and choice and has turned her loss into leverage.   Hilary Porta's website   Hilary recommends a Netflix Series and a book: The Kindness diaries The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective     Hilary Porta is a leading mindset expert and life architect who helps people design a career and life they love by combining neuroscience-based mindset coaching to shatter the mental limits and provide strategy and a framework for an epic life. Hilary tra No Elan Leibner - From Israel kibbutz to the Waldorf School of Princeton: a story of passion for education 29 29 Elan Leibner - From Israel kibbutz to the Waldorf School of Princeton: a story of passion for education full backinamerica.podbean.com/c3cb7b65-1c69-5f33-bfe3-1e93bb982c2b https://share.transistor.fm/s/89abae20
In this episode, we explore the idea behind a school system created 100 years ago in Germany and which is increasingly popular throughout the world: the Waldorf education based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy.

My guest is Elan Leibner the chair of the Pedagogical Section Council of North America and a teacher at the Waldorf School of Princeton. Elan grew up in Israel, lived in a kibbutz, and moved to the US at the age of 23. He married Tertia, the woman who recruited him to teach at Waldorf. He was a class teacher at there for 18 years, before directing the Teacher Education program at Emerson College in England.

Altogether, he has been involved in Waldorf education for almost thirty years.

Anyone researching Waldorf School on Google quickly realizes that the school has many fans but also some skeptics.

Waldorf School of Princeton  Website:https://www.princetonwaldorf.org Instagram: @princetonwaldorf Twitter: @NJwaldorf

Elan recommends two movies:

What Dreams May Comes 
Round Midnight 

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• Jessica Baxter - Princeton High School Principal - Adjusting to rem...

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

• A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona: Tom Peine’s Unlikely Ame...

]]>
In this episode, we explore the idea behind a school system created 100 years ago in Germany and which is increasingly popular throughout the world: the Waldorf education based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy.

My guest is Elan Leibner the chair of the Pedagogical Section Council of North America and a teacher at the Waldorf School of Princeton. Elan grew up in Israel, lived in a kibbutz, and moved to the US at the age of 23. He married Tertia, the woman who recruited him to teach at Waldorf. He was a class teacher at there for 18 years, before directing the Teacher Education program at Emerson College in England.

Altogether, he has been involved in Waldorf education for almost thirty years.

Anyone researching Waldorf School on Google quickly realizes that the school has many fans but also some skeptics.

Waldorf School of Princeton  Website:https://www.princetonwaldorf.org Instagram: @princetonwaldorf Twitter: @NJwaldorf

Elan recommends two movies:

What Dreams May Comes 
Round Midnight 

You might also like:

• Jessica Baxter - Princeton High School Principal - Adjusting to rem...

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

• A German Turned Deputy Sheriff in Arizona: Tom Peine’s Unlikely Ame...

]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2020 20:00:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2715 In this episode, we explore the idea behind a school system created 100 years ago in Germany and which is increasingly popular throughout the world: the Waldorf education based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. My guest is Elan Leibner the chair of the Pedagogical Section Council of North America and a teacher at the Waldorf School of Princeton. Elan grew up in Israel, lived in a kibbutz, and moved to the US at the age of 23. He married Tertia, the woman who recruited him to teach at Waldorf. He was a class teacher at there for 18 years, before directing the Teacher Education program at Emerson College in England. Altogether, he has been involved in Waldorf education for almost thirty years. Anyone researching Waldorf School on Google quickly realizes that the school has many fans but also some skeptics. Waldorf School of Princeton  Website:https://www.princetonwaldorf.org Instagram: @princetonwaldorf Twitter: @NJwaldorf Elan recommends two movies: What Dreams May Comes Round Midnight  In this episode, we explore the idea behind a school system created 100 years ago in Germany and which is increasingly popular throughout the world: the Waldorf education based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, the founder of Anthroposophy. No Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story of immigration and integration in America 28 28 Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story of immigration and integration in America full backinamerica.podbean.com/996619c1-bf82-51a2-97fb-067b077e0e85 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8a1f4e3c  

Leticia Fraga is the first Latinx ever elected to Princeton Municipal Government.

She has many responsibilities in Princeton. Born in Mexicali, Mexico, Leticia is one of eight children. At the age of 12, she immigrated to the US, settling in Washington State with her family.

During their first five years in the US, she worked in the fields, side by side with her siblings and parents.

With their earnings, the Fraga family was eventually able to purchase their plot of land on which they cultivated asparagus.

In this episode, Leticia shares her experience as a young Mexican immigrant, her first meal at KFC, her difficulty settling in Princeton and how she made it to an elected councilwoman.
Leticia also shares her hope for some of the large projects she is currently working on.

For more information about Leticia Fraga visit her website (you will find the photo that she describes in this episode)

 

Links to the books mentioned in this episode

Enrique's Journey: The Story of a Boy's Dangerous Odyssey to Reunite with His Mother

American Dirt: A Novel

Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust

 

From the conversation:

"Politics didn't choose me—politics chose me because of the opportunities that I had throughout my life that took me different paths." -- Councilwoman Leticia Fraga

"When I came to Princeton, I didn't have a warm and fuzzy feeling about being here. My impression was that the people were very cliquish. I did not feel welcome." -- Councilwoman Leticia Fraga

You might also like:

• Liliana Morenilla - A life dedicated to immigrants in Princeton, NJ

• Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty: The Impact of A lien on Immigrat...

• Housing Assistance Series 2/2: Carol Golden - Housing Initiatives o...

]]>  

Leticia Fraga is the first Latinx ever elected to Princeton Municipal Government.

She has many responsibilities in Princeton. Born in Mexicali, Mexico, Leticia is one of eight children. At the age of 12, she immigrated to the US, settling in Washington State with her family.

During their first five years in the US, she worked in the fields, side by side with her siblings and parents.

With their earnings, the Fraga family was eventually able to purchase their plot of land on which they cultivated asparagus.

In this episode, Leticia shares her experience as a young Mexican immigrant, her first meal at KFC, her difficulty settling in Princeton and how she made it to an elected councilwoman.
Leticia also shares her hope for some of the large projects she is currently working on.

For more information about Leticia Fraga visit her website (you will find the photo that she describes in this episode)

 

Links to the books mentioned in this episode

Enrique's Journey: The Story of a Boy's Dangerous Odyssey to Reunite with His Mother

American Dirt: A Novel

Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust

 

From the conversation:

"Politics didn't choose me—politics chose me because of the opportunities that I had throughout my life that took me different paths." -- Councilwoman Leticia Fraga

"When I came to Princeton, I didn't have a warm and fuzzy feeling about being here. My impression was that the people were very cliquish. I did not feel welcome." -- Councilwoman Leticia Fraga

You might also like:

• Liliana Morenilla - A life dedicated to immigrants in Princeton, NJ

• Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty: The Impact of A lien on Immigrat...

• Housing Assistance Series 2/2: Carol Golden - Housing Initiatives o...

]]> Thu, 16 Jan 2020 16:37:04 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2856   Leticia Fraga is the first Latinx ever elected to Princeton Municipal Government. She has many responsibilities in Princeton. Born in Mexicali, Mexico, Leticia is one of eight children. At the age of 12, she immigrated to the US, settling in Washington State with her family. During their first five years in the US, she worked in the fields, side by side with her siblings and parents. With their earnings, the Fraga family was eventually able to purchase their plot of land on which they cultivated asparagus. In this episode, Leticia shares her experience as a young Mexican immigrant, her first meal at KFC, her difficulty settling in Princeton and how she made it to an elected councilwoman.Leticia also shares her hope for some of the large projects she is currently working on. For more information about Leticia Fraga visit her website (you will find the photo that she describes in this episode)   Links to the books mentioned in this episode Enrique's Journey: The Story of a Boy's Dangerous Odyssey to Reunite with His Mother American Dirt: A Novel Hitler's Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust     Leticia Fraga is the first Latinx ever elected to Princeton Municipal Government. She has many responsibilities in Princeton. Born in Mexicali, Mexico, Leticia is one of eight children. At the age of 12, she immigrated to the US, settling in Washington No Chris Tyler - Part 3 of 3 - On white men's privileges and reparations to African-Americans 26 26 Chris Tyler - Part 3 of 3 - On white men's privileges and reparations to African-Americans full backinamerica.podbean.com/72dbb34f-7152-5eac-a5fb-c96679af8a43 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9477aa4f This is part 3, the final part of my interview with Chris Tylor, in parts 1 and 2 we learned how he worked as a carpenter for 15 years. How he went on to lived in a Zen monastery for a year before deciding to go back to university for graduate social studies.

Here in episode 11, part 3 we talk about white men's privileges and reparations to the African-Americans.

How can white, educated men deal with the reckoning of their privileges?

As often in this podcast, I will ask Chris where he thinks this country will be in five years from today and what it means to be an American.


Music from Kabbalistic Village
https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

From the conversation:

"I think a lot of the toxicity in masculinity that shows up in intergenerational trauma is that awareness of being a discarded class of people." -- Chris Tyler

"I would put myself on the hook by apologizing because then it opens up the possibility for someone else to be like, hey, doesn't that mean that your privilege now is at least partially unearned?" -- Chris Tyler

You might also like:

• Chris Tyler - Part 2 of 3 - Helping men break free from trauma and ...

• Chris Tyler - Part 1 of 3 - A carpenter becomes a Zen monk for a year

• Author Robert Kandell talks about the American Man and Toxic Mascul...

]]> This is part 3, the final part of my interview with Chris Tylor, in parts 1 and 2 we learned how he worked as a carpenter for 15 years. How he went on to lived in a Zen monastery for a year before deciding to go back to university for graduate social studies.

Here in episode 11, part 3 we talk about white men's privileges and reparations to the African-Americans.

How can white, educated men deal with the reckoning of their privileges?

As often in this podcast, I will ask Chris where he thinks this country will be in five years from today and what it means to be an American.


Music from Kabbalistic Village
https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

From the conversation:

"I think a lot of the toxicity in masculinity that shows up in intergenerational trauma is that awareness of being a discarded class of people." -- Chris Tyler

"I would put myself on the hook by apologizing because then it opens up the possibility for someone else to be like, hey, doesn't that mean that your privilege now is at least partially unearned?" -- Chris Tyler

You might also like:

• Chris Tyler - Part 2 of 3 - Helping men break free from trauma and ...

• Chris Tyler - Part 1 of 3 - A carpenter becomes a Zen monk for a year

• Author Robert Kandell talks about the American Man and Toxic Mascul...

]]> Sun, 05 Jan 2020 07:30:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1522 This is part 3, the final part of my interview with Chris Tylor, in parts 1 and 2 we learned how he worked as a carpenter for 15 years. How he went on to lived in a Zen monastery for a year before deciding to go back to university for graduate social studies. Here in episode 11, part 3 we talk about white men's privileges and reparations to the African-Americans. How can white, educated men deal with the reckoning of their privileges? As often in this podcast, I will ask Chris where he thinks this country will be in five years from today and what it means to be an American. Music from Kabbalistic Villagehttps://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage This is part 3, the final part of my interview with Chris Tylor, in parts 1 and 2 we learned how he worked as a carpenter for 15 years. How he went on to lived in a Zen monastery for a year before deciding to go back to university for graduate social stud No Chris Tyler - Part 2 of 3 - Helping men break free from trauma and abusive behaviors 25 25 Chris Tyler - Part 2 of 3 - Helping men break free from trauma and abusive behaviors full backinamerica.podbean.com/b91db8e9-8b99-57f2-99aa-1e1de3066838 https://share.transistor.fm/s/036ff8aa In part 2 of my interview with Chris Tyler, we talk about his experience working with victims of domestic violence.

Chris is now a student in social studies and works with abusers. This conversation brings us on the topic of masculinity.

Chris is helping men step out of a cycle of trauma and abusive behaviors.

He talks about the social stereotypes of men and how to deal with them.

Listen to episode 11 part 3, the third and final episode of this conversation. Chris will dive into the notion of privileges.

How can white educated men deal with the reckoning of their privileges?

Chris will also discuss the difficult topic of reparation to the African-American.

 

Music from Kabbalistic Village
https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

From the conversation:

"Without getting insight into what's leading him to abuse other people, without that insight, he's going to go out and recreate that again. He's going to find another relationship." -- Chris Tyler

"Hurt people hurt people. If we don't think we can heal that hurt, then no. But if we can, then I think there's hope for everyone." -- Chris Tyler

You might also like:

• Chris Tyler - Part 3 of 3 - On white men's privileges and reparatio...

• Chris Tyler - Part 1 of 3 - A carpenter becomes a Zen monk for a year

• Toby Fraser - Men Explore Their Masculinity in Philadelphia

]]> In part 2 of my interview with Chris Tyler, we talk about his experience working with victims of domestic violence.

Chris is now a student in social studies and works with abusers. This conversation brings us on the topic of masculinity.

Chris is helping men step out of a cycle of trauma and abusive behaviors.

He talks about the social stereotypes of men and how to deal with them.

Listen to episode 11 part 3, the third and final episode of this conversation. Chris will dive into the notion of privileges.

How can white educated men deal with the reckoning of their privileges?

Chris will also discuss the difficult topic of reparation to the African-American.

 

Music from Kabbalistic Village
https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

From the conversation:

"Without getting insight into what's leading him to abuse other people, without that insight, he's going to go out and recreate that again. He's going to find another relationship." -- Chris Tyler

"Hurt people hurt people. If we don't think we can heal that hurt, then no. But if we can, then I think there's hope for everyone." -- Chris Tyler

You might also like:

• Chris Tyler - Part 3 of 3 - On white men's privileges and reparatio...

• Chris Tyler - Part 1 of 3 - A carpenter becomes a Zen monk for a year

• Toby Fraser - Men Explore Their Masculinity in Philadelphia

]]> Sat, 04 Jan 2020 07:30:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 953 In part 2 of my interview with Chris Tyler, we talk about his experience working with victims of domestic violence. Chris is now a student in social studies and works with abusers. This conversation brings us on the topic of masculinity. Chris is helping men step out of a cycle of trauma and abusive behaviors. He talks about the social stereotypes of men and how to deal with them. Listen to episode 11 part 3, the third and final episode of this conversation. Chris will dive into the notion of privileges. How can white educated men deal with the reckoning of their privileges? Chris will also discuss the difficult topic of reparation to the African-American.   Music from Kabbalistic Villagehttps://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage In part 2 of my interview with Chris Tyler, we talk about his experience working with victims of domestic violence. Chris is now a student in social studies and works with abusers. This conversation brings us on the topic of masculinity. Chris is helping No Chris Tyler - Part 1 of 3 - A carpenter becomes a Zen monk for a year 24 24 Chris Tyler - Part 1 of 3 - A carpenter becomes a Zen monk for a year full backinamerica.podbean.com/196035f5-d414-5fe9-8987-9e9c7fbba0ed https://share.transistor.fm/s/d3b9a51e I have edited my interview with Chris Tyler into three installments.

In part 1 we meet Chris. After being a carpenter for 15 years he is thinking about becoming a monk in a Zen monastery.
We discover what its like to seat for hours practicing mindfulness. Chris shares moments of doubt and awakening when what he calls a 'voice,' helps him move forward with his new life.

Listen to part 2 to hear Chris talk about his experience working with victims of domestic violence.

He wants to help men step out of a cycle of trauma and abusive behaviors.

This conversation brings us on the topic of masculinity.


Music from Kabbalistic Village
https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

From the conversation:

"I carried a lot of self hate inside. And it really becomes clear when you spend that much time in meditation." -- Chris Tyler

"There is no permanent me. There is no seat of my consciousness that is unchanging and solid and objectively real in any way." -- Chris Tyler

You might also like:

• Chris Tyler - Part 3 of 3 - On white men's privileges and reparatio...

• Chris Tyler - Part 2 of 3 - Helping men break free from trauma and ...

• Toby Fraser - Men Explore Their Masculinity in Philadelphia

]]> I have edited my interview with Chris Tyler into three installments.

In part 1 we meet Chris. After being a carpenter for 15 years he is thinking about becoming a monk in a Zen monastery.
We discover what its like to seat for hours practicing mindfulness. Chris shares moments of doubt and awakening when what he calls a 'voice,' helps him move forward with his new life.

Listen to part 2 to hear Chris talk about his experience working with victims of domestic violence.

He wants to help men step out of a cycle of trauma and abusive behaviors.

This conversation brings us on the topic of masculinity.


Music from Kabbalistic Village
https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

From the conversation:

"I carried a lot of self hate inside. And it really becomes clear when you spend that much time in meditation." -- Chris Tyler

"There is no permanent me. There is no seat of my consciousness that is unchanging and solid and objectively real in any way." -- Chris Tyler

You might also like:

• Chris Tyler - Part 3 of 3 - On white men's privileges and reparatio...

• Chris Tyler - Part 2 of 3 - Helping men break free from trauma and ...

• Toby Fraser - Men Explore Their Masculinity in Philadelphia

]]> Fri, 03 Jan 2020 07:30:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1391 I have edited my interview with Chris Tyler into three installments. In part 1 we meet Chris. After being a carpenter for 15 years he is thinking about becoming a monk in a Zen monastery.We discover what its like to seat for hours practicing mindfulness. Chris shares moments of doubt and awakening when what he calls a 'voice,' helps him move forward with his new life. Listen to part 2 to hear Chris talk about his experience working with victims of domestic violence. He wants to help men step out of a cycle of trauma and abusive behaviors. This conversation brings us on the topic of masculinity. Music from Kabbalistic Villagehttps://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage I have edited my interview with Chris Tyler into three installments. In part 1 we meet Chris. After being a carpenter for 15 years he is thinking about becoming a monk in a Zen monastery.We discover what its like to seat for hours practicing mindfulness. No Cassandra Shuck - A survivor of abuse now leads a women-only marketing agency for women business owners 23 23 Cassandra Shuck - A survivor of abuse now leads a women-only marketing agency for women business owners full backinamerica.podbean.com/ep-8-cassandra-shuck-a-survivor-of-abuse-now-leads-a-women-only-marketing-agency-for-women-business-owners-2ec4394a89e194590faa9833c94e76f3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/db783ff2

In this installment is speak with Cassandra Shuck from Hunterville, North Carolina. I met Cassandra, at a press event in New York last October and her story immediately struck me as amazing.

  She had a very tough, abusive childhood, struggled with her first husband, yet she managed to move on to become the incredible woman she is today.   After a successful corporate career, Cassandra now heads a global marketing agency which quite unique in that all of her staff and all of her clients are women business owners.     For more information on Cassandra Shuck go to https://www.cassandrashuck.com/      

Music from Kabbalistic Village

https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

 

 

From the conversation:

"I would always say when I was a kid I'm only here for 18 years anyway, and that was kind of my mentality going into it as I'm like I know that there's something else out there." -- Cassandra Shuck

"I married a law enforcement officer because I was like what is more safe than a law enforcement officer, thinking that would protect me from my abusive upbringing." -- Cassandra Shuck

You might also like:

• Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of abuse that sta...

• Listen Again: Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of ...

• Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of ...

]]>

In this installment is speak with Cassandra Shuck from Hunterville, North Carolina. I met Cassandra, at a press event in New York last October and her story immediately struck me as amazing.

  She had a very tough, abusive childhood, struggled with her first husband, yet she managed to move on to become the incredible woman she is today.   After a successful corporate career, Cassandra now heads a global marketing agency which quite unique in that all of her staff and all of her clients are women business owners.     For more information on Cassandra Shuck go to https://www.cassandrashuck.com/      

Music from Kabbalistic Village

https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

 

 

From the conversation:

"I would always say when I was a kid I'm only here for 18 years anyway, and that was kind of my mentality going into it as I'm like I know that there's something else out there." -- Cassandra Shuck

"I married a law enforcement officer because I was like what is more safe than a law enforcement officer, thinking that would protect me from my abusive upbringing." -- Cassandra Shuck

You might also like:

• Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of abuse that sta...

• Listen Again: Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of ...

• Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of ...

]]> Fri, 20 Dec 2019 07:30:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1895 In this installment is speak with Cassandra Shuck from Hunterville, North Carolina. I met Cassandra, at a press event in New York last October and her story immediately struck me as amazing.   She had a very tough, abusive childhood, struggled with her first husband, yet she managed to move on to become the incredible woman she is today.   After a successful corporate career, Cassandra now heads a global marketing agency which quite unique in that all of her staff and all of her clients are women business owners.     For more information on Cassandra Shuck go to https://www.cassandrashuck.com/       Music from Kabbalistic Village https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage     In this installment is speak with Cassandra Shuck from Hunterville, North Carolina. I met Cassandra, at a press event in New York last October and her story immediately struck me as amazing.   She had a very tough, abusive childhood, struggled with her f No Seattle Adventurer Erden Eruç and his wife Nancy Board reflect on love, depression and a Viking expedition 22 22 Seattle Adventurer Erden Eruç and his wife Nancy Board reflect on love, depression and a Viking expedition full backinamerica.podbean.com/ep-7-seattle-adventurer-erden-eruc-and-his-wife-nancy-board-reflect-on-love-depression-and-a-viking-expedition-e960772615746294f67e2ba9709a75cb https://share.transistor.fm/s/7b274df8

Erden Eruç, a Turkish-American adventurer, is the 1st man to do a solo a circumnavigation by human power. He has done it on a 24-foot ocean rowing boat. He & his wife Nancy Board joined Back in America to discussed the challenges and the mental health issues experienced by Erden upon return.
Now Erden embarks on a new adventure, the #Themidgardexpedition to explore sustainable ways to live.

 

Website and crowdfunding site:

http://www.erdeneruc.com/

https://midgardexpedition.com/

https://midgard-expedition.causevox.com/

 

---

Music from Kabbalistic Village

https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

From the conversation:

"I lost focus. I got into a severe depression and Nancy was there to stand by during that time." -- Seattle Adventurer Erden Eruç and his wife Nancy Board reflect on love, depression and a Viking expe

"When I set my mind to a challenge of this sort, I will do everything in my power to make it happen. I will apply all my resources. I will pull no stops and I will carry on toward the destination." -- Seattle Adventurer Erden Eruç and his wife Nancy Board reflect on love, depression and a Viking expe

You might also like:

• Derrick Cobb - From New York Homeless Teen to Hollywood Music Star

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

• John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer a Gay Vietnamese-American ...

]]>

Erden Eruç, a Turkish-American adventurer, is the 1st man to do a solo a circumnavigation by human power. He has done it on a 24-foot ocean rowing boat. He & his wife Nancy Board joined Back in America to discussed the challenges and the mental health issues experienced by Erden upon return.
Now Erden embarks on a new adventure, the #Themidgardexpedition to explore sustainable ways to live.

 

Website and crowdfunding site:

http://www.erdeneruc.com/

https://midgardexpedition.com/

https://midgard-expedition.causevox.com/

 

---

Music from Kabbalistic Village

https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

From the conversation:

"I lost focus. I got into a severe depression and Nancy was there to stand by during that time." -- Seattle Adventurer Erden Eruç and his wife Nancy Board reflect on love, depression and a Viking expe

"When I set my mind to a challenge of this sort, I will do everything in my power to make it happen. I will apply all my resources. I will pull no stops and I will carry on toward the destination." -- Seattle Adventurer Erden Eruç and his wife Nancy Board reflect on love, depression and a Viking expe

You might also like:

• Derrick Cobb - From New York Homeless Teen to Hollywood Music Star

• Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged...

• John Lam: Boston Ballet Principal Dancer a Gay Vietnamese-American ...

]]> Fri, 13 Dec 2019 07:30:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2152 Erden Eruç, a Turkish-American adventurer, is the 1st man to do a solo a circumnavigation by human power. He has done it on a 24-foot ocean rowing boat. He & his wife Nancy Board joined Back in America to discussed the challenges and the mental health issues experienced by Erden upon return.Now Erden embarks on a new adventure, the #Themidgardexpedition to explore sustainable ways to live.   Website and crowdfunding site: http://www.erdeneruc.com/ https://midgardexpedition.com/ https://midgard-expedition.causevox.com/   --- Music from Kabbalistic Village https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage Erden Eruç, a Turkish-American adventurer, is the 1st man to do a solo a circumnavigation by human power. He has done it on a 24-foot ocean rowing boat. He & his wife Nancy Board joined Back in America to discussed the challenges and the mental health No Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged citizen, a climate activist 21 21 Denis Devine - Fishtown, Philly - a non-traditional dad, an engaged citizen, a climate activist full backinamerica.podbean.com/ep-6-denis-devine-fishtown-philly-a-non-traditional-dad-an-engaged-citizen-a-climate-activiste-ac613f80de5d34164776f91c47d5c2dc https://share.transistor.fm/s/de0bdb4b In this episode of Back in America, I meet with Denis Devine a 46 years old man from Fishtown, Philadelphia. Denis, an ex-journalist, is the organizer of Dad's night a monthly meeting of men.

For the last 6 years, Denis' Dads Night has brought together dads from his neighborhoods at different bars.
The idea of dad's group, which count 350 members, came to him one day at a play-ground when he was watching over his kids.
This safe space allows men to address topics related to dad-hood, dads-related cause, and non-traditional understandings of masculinity.

In Back in America Denis talks about how he came to realize what toxic masculinity behaviors are after being beat-up one day, after school. He had the chance to be mentored by one of his school provisor who told him to embrace empathy and to express his emotions.

In the interview, we also talk about the links between the traditional behavior associated with masculinity and the marketing promotion of the fossil fuel industry.

Denis raises his children to behave in an environmentally conscious way and he wants to help them to understand how their lives will be affected by climate change.

Denis and his wife gave-up their car last year, ride on a cargo-bike for his current job and to take his kids to school. He turns the heat down in winter and the AC off in summer.

 

Music from Kabbalistic Village

https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

From the conversation:

"If you present as someone who is open to understanding the pandemic effects of toxic masculinity and childhood sexual abuse in this country, you will hear more stories." -- Denis Devine

"I created a space for dads to get together through unthreatening beer nights, and they'll get into really important conversations about parenthood and supporting each other without ever calling it that." -- Denis Devine

You might also like:

• Gil Lopez: Guerrilla Gardening in Queen, Resilient Communities and ...

• Only Roundup Remains: The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

• Who Steps In When America Walks Away?

]]> In this episode of Back in America, I meet with Denis Devine a 46 years old man from Fishtown, Philadelphia. Denis, an ex-journalist, is the organizer of Dad's night a monthly meeting of men.

For the last 6 years, Denis' Dads Night has brought together dads from his neighborhoods at different bars.
The idea of dad's group, which count 350 members, came to him one day at a play-ground when he was watching over his kids.
This safe space allows men to address topics related to dad-hood, dads-related cause, and non-traditional understandings of masculinity.

In Back in America Denis talks about how he came to realize what toxic masculinity behaviors are after being beat-up one day, after school. He had the chance to be mentored by one of his school provisor who told him to embrace empathy and to express his emotions.

In the interview, we also talk about the links between the traditional behavior associated with masculinity and the marketing promotion of the fossil fuel industry.

Denis raises his children to behave in an environmentally conscious way and he wants to help them to understand how their lives will be affected by climate change.

Denis and his wife gave-up their car last year, ride on a cargo-bike for his current job and to take his kids to school. He turns the heat down in winter and the AC off in summer.

 

Music from Kabbalistic Village

https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage

From the conversation:

"If you present as someone who is open to understanding the pandemic effects of toxic masculinity and childhood sexual abuse in this country, you will hear more stories." -- Denis Devine

"I created a space for dads to get together through unthreatening beer nights, and they'll get into really important conversations about parenthood and supporting each other without ever calling it that." -- Denis Devine

You might also like:

• Gil Lopez: Guerrilla Gardening in Queen, Resilient Communities and ...

• Only Roundup Remains: The Last Cowboys of Montana’s Highwood Mountains

• Who Steps In When America Walks Away?

]]> Sat, 07 Dec 2019 10:15:58 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1929 In this episode of Back in America, I meet with Denis Devine a 46 years old man from Fishtown, Philadelphia. Denis, an ex-journalist, is the organizer of Dad's night a monthly meeting of men. For the last 6 years, Denis' Dads Night has brought together dads from his neighborhoods at different bars.The idea of dad's group, which count 350 members, came to him one day at a play-ground when he was watching over his kids.This safe space allows men to address topics related to dad-hood, dads-related cause, and non-traditional understandings of masculinity. In Back in America Denis talks about how he came to realize what toxic masculinity behaviors are after being beat-up one day, after school. He had the chance to be mentored by one of his school provisor who told him to embrace empathy and to express his emotions. In the interview, we also talk about the links between the traditional behavior associated with masculinity and the marketing promotion of the fossil fuel industry. Denis raises his children to behave in an environmentally conscious way and he wants to help them to understand how their lives will be affected by climate change. Denis and his wife gave-up their car last year, ride on a cargo-bike for his current job and to take his kids to school. He turns the heat down in winter and the AC off in summer.   Music from Kabbalistic Village https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage In this episode of Back in America, I meet with Denis Devine a 46 years old man from Fishtown, Philadelphia. Denis, an ex-journalist, is the organizer of Dad's night a monthly meeting of men. For the last 6 years, Denis' Dads Night has brought together da No Liliana Morenilla - A life dedicated to immigrants in Princeton, NJ 20 20 Liliana Morenilla - A life dedicated to immigrants in Princeton, NJ full backinamerica.podbean.com/back-in-america-ep-5-liliana-morenilla-a-life-dedicated-to-immigrants-in-princeton-nj-0b8f536b87ef55a525332f604caaf3b7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2623e5e2 Hello Liliana,

I meet you a few weeks ago and I immediately realized that you are a pillar of the Latino community here in Princeton.

You work for Princeton public schools and for the Princeton township human services department.

You are highly educated: you have a law degree from the University of Madrid and a Minor in international law from Harvard.

You've moved to Princeton in 2007 and a year later you were already deeply involved as a volunteer helping the immigrant community.

In 2010 you joined the board of the Koko Fund which subsidizes after school activities for children whose family can't afford it.

And in 2015, you were officially working as a community outreach liaison for the Princeton Public Schools. At the same time, you started distributing food for the needy in a program that was officially recognized as the Henry Pannell Mobile Food Pantry in 2018

Today you are part of Solidaridad that assists the immigrant community and the Princeton Children fund and other food sharing association which we will cover on another podcast.

Recently you became the Princeton coordinator for the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) a program that assists first-generation immigrants in going to college.

Last May, the Princeton Council recognized you for your work for the community, the students and their families.


It seems that you’ve always lived to give and to help others. Is that so? If I could have asked your mother: ‘How old was Lily when you first realized that she cared so much for other people, what do you think she would she have told me?

 

 

Music from Kabbalistic Village

https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage  

From the conversation:

"I see good people. I see hardworking people. I see good parents who brought their children in backpacks because they wanted something different." -- Liliana Morenilla

"These kids have two jobs. They go to high school, work one job to support themselves, and another job to support their family back home plus coyote debt." -- Liliana Morenilla

You might also like:

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• Housing Assistance Series 1/2: Louise Kekulah - From Liberia to Pri...

• Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty: The Impact of A lien on Immigrat...

]]> Hello Liliana,

I meet you a few weeks ago and I immediately realized that you are a pillar of the Latino community here in Princeton.

You work for Princeton public schools and for the Princeton township human services department.

You are highly educated: you have a law degree from the University of Madrid and a Minor in international law from Harvard.

You've moved to Princeton in 2007 and a year later you were already deeply involved as a volunteer helping the immigrant community.

In 2010 you joined the board of the Koko Fund which subsidizes after school activities for children whose family can't afford it.

And in 2015, you were officially working as a community outreach liaison for the Princeton Public Schools. At the same time, you started distributing food for the needy in a program that was officially recognized as the Henry Pannell Mobile Food Pantry in 2018

Today you are part of Solidaridad that assists the immigrant community and the Princeton Children fund and other food sharing association which we will cover on another podcast.

Recently you became the Princeton coordinator for the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) a program that assists first-generation immigrants in going to college.

Last May, the Princeton Council recognized you for your work for the community, the students and their families.


It seems that you’ve always lived to give and to help others. Is that so? If I could have asked your mother: ‘How old was Lily when you first realized that she cared so much for other people, what do you think she would she have told me?

 

 

Music from Kabbalistic Village

https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage  

From the conversation:

"I see good people. I see hardworking people. I see good parents who brought their children in backpacks because they wanted something different." -- Liliana Morenilla

"These kids have two jobs. They go to high school, work one job to support themselves, and another job to support their family back home plus coyote debt." -- Liliana Morenilla

You might also like:

• Councilwoman Leticia Fraga - From Mexico to Princeton, NJ - A story...

• Housing Assistance Series 1/2: Louise Kekulah - From Liberia to Pri...

• Green Cards, ICE, and Uncertainty: The Impact of A lien on Immigrat...

]]> Tue, 03 Dec 2019 18:42:39 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1298 Hello Liliana, I meet you a few weeks ago and I immediately realized that you are a pillar of the Latino community here in Princeton. You work for Princeton public schools and for the Princeton township human services department. You are highly educated: you have a law degree from the University of Madrid and a Minor in international law from Harvard. You've moved to Princeton in 2007 and a year later you were already deeply involved as a volunteer helping the immigrant community. In 2010 you joined the board of the Koko Fund which subsidizes after school activities for children whose family can't afford it. And in 2015, you were officially working as a community outreach liaison for the Princeton Public Schools. At the same time, you started distributing food for the needy in a program that was officially recognized as the Henry Pannell Mobile Food Pantry in 2018 Today you are part of Solidaridad that assists the immigrant community and the Princeton Children fund and other food sharing association which we will cover on another podcast. Recently you became the Princeton coordinator for the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF) a program that assists first-generation immigrants in going to college. Last May, the Princeton Council recognized you for your work for the community, the students and their families. It seems that you’ve always lived to give and to help others. Is that so? If I could have asked your mother: ‘How old was Lily when you first realized that she cared so much for other people, what do you think she would she have told me?     Music from Kabbalistic Village https://soundcloud.com/kabbalisticvillage   Hello Liliana, I meet you a few weeks ago and I immediately realized that you are a pillar of the Latino community here in Princeton. You work for Princeton public schools and for the Princeton township human services department. You are highly educated: No Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of abuse that started when she was a toddler 19 19 Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of abuse that started when she was a toddler full backinamerica.podbean.com/back-in-america-ep-4-the-abuse-survivor-series-sheri-kurdakul-ceo-of-victimvoice-tells-her-story-of-abuse-that-started-w-66ff907d81656a095bac94d74168fd9e https://share.transistor.fm/s/2725beb8  

For the first installment of a series on amazing survivors of domestic violence, I speak with Sheri Kurdakul from Princeton, NJ. Sheri is the CEO and founder of VictimsVoice an app that provides a legally admissible way for victims to document abuse incidents.

Sheri speaks with Back in America about her father’s abuse that started when she was a toddler, her recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD and how she reclaimed her life to become who she is today.

In the United States, an average of 20 people experiences intimate partner physical violence every minute.

This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact, sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, posttraumatic stress disorder, use of victim services

 

Photo (C) Kapu Patel 

You might also like:

• Listen Again: Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of ...

• Cassandra Shuck - A survivor of abuse now leads a women-only market...

• Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of ...

]]>  

For the first installment of a series on amazing survivors of domestic violence, I speak with Sheri Kurdakul from Princeton, NJ. Sheri is the CEO and founder of VictimsVoice an app that provides a legally admissible way for victims to document abuse incidents.

Sheri speaks with Back in America about her father’s abuse that started when she was a toddler, her recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD and how she reclaimed her life to become who she is today.

In the United States, an average of 20 people experiences intimate partner physical violence every minute.

This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually.

1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact, sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, posttraumatic stress disorder, use of victim services

 

Photo (C) Kapu Patel 

You might also like:

• Listen Again: Sheri Kurdakul CEO of VictimVoice tells her story of ...

• Cassandra Shuck - A survivor of abuse now leads a women-only market...

• Hilary Porta - "I had to be broken so I could be used": a story of ...

]]> Mon, 25 Nov 2019 22:55:46 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 2486   For the first installment of a series on amazing survivors of domestic violence, I speak with Sheri Kurdakul from Princeton, NJ. Sheri is the CEO and founder of VictimsVoice an app that provides a legally admissible way for victims to document abuse incidents. Sheri speaks with Back in America about her father’s abuse that started when she was a toddler, her recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD and how she reclaimed her life to become who she is today. In the United States, an average of 20 people experiences intimate partner physical violence every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually. 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact, sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, posttraumatic stress disorder, use of victim services   Photo (C) Kapu Patel    For the first installment of a series on amazing survivors of domestic violence, I speak with Sheri Kurdakul from Princeton, NJ. Sheri is the CEO and founder of VictimsVoice an app that provides a legally admissible way for victims to document abuse inc No Author Robert Kandell talks about the American Man and Toxic Masculinity 4 4 Author Robert Kandell talks about the American Man and Toxic Masculinity full backinamerica.podbean.com/back-in-america-ep-3-the-masculinity-series-author-robert-kindell-talks-about-the-american-man-and-toxic-masculinity-4f593800d960936d855f9a982c016541 https://share.transistor.fm/s/09a7ff88

 

This is the third installment of Back in America
In this podcast,​ I explore unique and amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective.


This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America. Here I speak to Robert Kandell an author and coach. I met Robert in New York as he was promoting his book, unHIDDEN - 'A book for Men and Those Confused by Them'.

I speak with Robert about how his own personal challenges prompted him to work on masculinity.

You might also like:

• Toby Fraser - Men Explore Their Masculinity in Philadelphia

• Chris Tyler - Part 3 of 3 - On white men's privileges and reparatio...

• Chris Tyler - Part 2 of 3 - Helping men break free from trauma and ...

]]>

 

This is the third installment of Back in America
In this podcast,​ I explore unique and amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective.


This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America. Here I speak to Robert Kandell an author and coach. I met Robert in New York as he was promoting his book, unHIDDEN - 'A book for Men and Those Confused by Them'.

I speak with Robert about how his own personal challenges prompted him to work on masculinity.

You might also like:

• Toby Fraser - Men Explore Their Masculinity in Philadelphia

• Chris Tyler - Part 3 of 3 - On white men's privileges and reparatio...

• Chris Tyler - Part 2 of 3 - Helping men break free from trauma and ...

]]> Mon, 18 Nov 2019 22:53:28 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 944   This is the third installment of Back in AmericaIn this podcast,​ I explore unique and amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective. This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America. Here I speak to Robert Kandell an author and coach. I met Robert in New York as he was promoting his book, unHIDDEN - 'A book for Men and Those Confused by Them'. I speak with Robert about how his own personal challenges prompted him to work on masculinity.   This is the third installment of Back in AmericaIn this podcast,​ I explore unique and amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective. This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America. Here I speak to Robert Kandell an author and c No Toby Fraser - Men Explore Their Masculinity in Philadelphia 3 3 Toby Fraser - Men Explore Their Masculinity in Philadelphia full backinamerica.podbean.com/back-in-america-ep-2-the-masculinity-series-toby-fraser-a-social-worker-and-manager-at-the-lutheran-settlement-house-in--5f593bdc9f8ce15ddeb606ab9491552d https://share.transistor.fm/s/2cfb4e70

This is the second installment of Back in America


In this podcast,​ I explore unique and amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective.


This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America. Here I speak to Toby Fraser a social worker and manager at the Lutheran Settlement House in Philadelphia.

I met Toby at a workshop on toxic masculinity that he has been running for some time now. During our conversation, we speak about his own experience working with domestic violence, gender roles, the impact of Trump on American men, and many other topics around what it means to be a man in America.

From the conversation:

"The system of gender roles that we have just does not work for us. The things that I was taught about what it means to be a man, some of them fit, but plenty of them don't." -- Toby Fraser

"Masculinity and confronting or even talking to let alone challenging other men always feels like 10 words away from a fist fight. So there's a lot of fear underneath stepping forward." -- Toby Fraser

You might also like:

• Author Robert Kandell talks about the American Man and Toxic Mascul...

• Chris Tyler - Part 1 of 3 - A carpenter becomes a Zen monk for a year

• Chris Tyler - Part 2 of 3 - Helping men break free from trauma and ...

]]>

This is the second installment of Back in America


In this podcast,​ I explore unique and amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective.


This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America. Here I speak to Toby Fraser a social worker and manager at the Lutheran Settlement House in Philadelphia.

I met Toby at a workshop on toxic masculinity that he has been running for some time now. During our conversation, we speak about his own experience working with domestic violence, gender roles, the impact of Trump on American men, and many other topics around what it means to be a man in America.

From the conversation:

"The system of gender roles that we have just does not work for us. The things that I was taught about what it means to be a man, some of them fit, but plenty of them don't." -- Toby Fraser

"Masculinity and confronting or even talking to let alone challenging other men always feels like 10 words away from a fist fight. So there's a lot of fear underneath stepping forward." -- Toby Fraser

You might also like:

• Author Robert Kandell talks about the American Man and Toxic Mascul...

• Chris Tyler - Part 1 of 3 - A carpenter becomes a Zen monk for a year

• Chris Tyler - Part 2 of 3 - Helping men break free from trauma and ...

]]> Mon, 18 Nov 2019 15:49:00 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1267 This is the second installment of Back in America In this podcast,​ I explore unique and amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective. This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America. Here I speak to Toby Fraser a social worker and manager at the Lutheran Settlement House in Philadelphia. I met Toby at a workshop on toxic masculinity that he has been running for some time now. During our conversation, we speak about his own experience working with domestic violence, gender roles, the impact of Trump on American men, and many other topics around what it means to be a man in America. This is the second installment of Back in America In this podcast,​ I explore unique and amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective. This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America. Here I speak to Toby Fraser a social worker an No Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America 2 2 Eric Marsh - Being a black man today in America full backinamerica.podbean.com/back-in-america-the-masculinity-series-eric-marsh-a-black-activist-and-social-worker-in-philadelphia-66b537951afee2363db1205eecb30848 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1135dd06

This is the first installment of Back in America.

In this podcast, I explore unique amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective.

This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America.

Here I speak to Eric Marsh a black activist and social worker in Philadelphia.

We speak about being a black man in America; the impact of slavery. The impact of Trump election; consumerism.

We discuss an art piece by Hank Willis Thomas, Branded Head, a photo of black man’s head with the shape of the Nike swoosh and what Thomas called commodifiable blackness.

 

You might also like:

• Listen again: Eric Marsh - Being a Black man today in America

• James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

]]>

This is the first installment of Back in America.

In this podcast, I explore unique amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective.

This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America.

Here I speak to Eric Marsh a black activist and social worker in Philadelphia.

We speak about being a black man in America; the impact of slavery. The impact of Trump election; consumerism.

We discuss an art piece by Hank Willis Thomas, Branded Head, a photo of black man’s head with the shape of the Nike swoosh and what Thomas called commodifiable blackness.

 

You might also like:

• Listen again: Eric Marsh - Being a Black man today in America

• James Baldwin, Black Vernacular, and Why America Can’t ‘Just Move On

• 19 Year-Old Princeton Student: Being Black in the US is Like Suffoc...

]]> Mon, 18 Nov 2019 11:25:16 -0500 Stan Berteloot Stan Berteloot 1270 This is the first installment of Back in America. In this podcast, I explore unique amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective. This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America. Here I speak to Eric Marsh a black activist and social worker in Philadelphia. We speak about being a black man in America; the impact of slavery. The impact of Trump election; consumerism. We discuss an art piece by Hank Willis Thomas, Branded Head, a photo of black man’s head with the shape of the Nike swoosh and what Thomas called commodifiable blackness.   This is the first installment of Back in America. In this podcast, I explore unique amazing American stories from my multicultural perspective. This episode is part of a series on masculinity in America. Here I speak to Eric Marsh a black activist and soc No