Get Informed!

In this episode, I am joined with fellow Green Knight Alumni Taylor Popielarz, a Spectrum News DC Reporter, as we discuss the integral role that broadcast journalism plays in our society.  In recent years, the trustworthiness of our news has been called into question with the overwhelming amount of information and sources available to us as consumers.  We have seen politicians coin the term "fake news" in an attempt to denounce any scrutiny they may face as a result of poor policy making.  Social media apps host dozens of "news reporters" who are responsible for tailoring their stories to maximize shareability at the cost of accuracy and integrity.  Who can we trust?  Together, Taylor and I dissect this dilemma and bring to light the key issues facing the field of journalism and what we can do to better filter out fact from fiction.  

Give Taylor a follow at the following social media outlets: Twitter and Instagram @TaylorPopielarz and Facebook @TaylorPopielarzTV

In this episode of the Get Informed! Podcast I get the chance to talk to both Mia (@the_real_mi_cosplay) and Tesia, two close friends of mine, about their experiences as women in gaming culture.  Throughout our discussion, we explore the controversies, stigmas and stereotypes that have plagued women who take an interest in both technology and gaming.  This episode stems from my graduate thesis called "The Road to Gamergate", where I address the developments of gender discrimination in the field of technology and its influence within the subculture of gaming as it springs to popularity towards the end of the 20th century.  These issues are still persistent in our current technological and gaming communities and must be made aware of and addressed.  

On this episode I am joined by Jasmine and Paige, two PhD graduate students who study bio-chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis.  These two women have been working tirelessly in the lab in an attempt to learn more about COVID and how we can fight back with science.  Thankfully, we are currently rolling out some of the first vaccines, yet many people remain skeptical of the whole COVID situation.  Why is that?  Do people not trust science?   In this episode we talk about the structural biology of the COVID virus, why it is so deadly, what research has been telling us and the truth behind the vaccines.  Also, in light of March being Women's History Month, it is fitting to highlight the achievements and dedication of women in the sciences.  

On this episode, I am joined with Anderson Silver as we discuss his work and the teachings of Stoicism.  Stoicism is a philosophy of ethics in which we are to seek happiness through understanding our world and using our rational minds in the present moment, not to be overtaken by fear, grief, pleasure and desire.  In this conversation, we talk about Stoicism and its application to the modern world in hopes of us living more happier and just lives.  In an era of social unrest, a global pandemic and corrupted political agendas, is this even possible?  How does Stoicism teach us to understand the rapidly changing world around us?  For all things Stoic, visit Anderson's website www.stoicismforabetterlife.com and stay connected and informed!

On this week's episode, we are joined by historian Christopher Primiano as we discuss the complicated and complex relationship between the US and China.  By doing this, we tackle the ideological differences between both countries in an attempt to understand their social, economic, cultural and political processes and how it shapes the developments within each country.  Chris has a PhD in Global Affairs with a focus on Chinese international politics.  You can find his research and articles online by simply searching his name into Google or by purchasing his book through Amazon at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/China-Human-Rights-Implications-International/dp/0367134136.  

In this episode we take a closer look into the most basic principle of American Democracy...voting, with my guest Mitch.  Together we cover the history of voting in the US and how it has evolved over nearly 244 years.  We further discuss how voting and the democratic system play a role in the 2020 Presidential Election and the implications of such a monumental electoral cycle.  Does your vote count?  Listen and Get Informed!

In the wake of 9/11, my guest Leighton and I explore the controversial topic of American patriotism and what it entails.  We analyze how American patriotism is unlike that of any other country around the world and even how it can be conflated with ideas of nationalism.  Why is 9/11 more more remembered then other national tragedies such as Pearl Harbor?  What role does capitalism play in the memory and kitsch of historic events and the commercialism surrounding them?  Come listen along and get informed! 

We live in a world where our ideological views can severely hold us back from communicating with and understanding others.  Whether we like it or not, consciously  or unheedingly, we are subjected to a variety of ideologies that shape our worldviews; of which can be political, philosophical, religious, legal, economic, cultural or social.  This podcast addresses ideology and brings it to the forefront of the conversation so that we can better learn how to identify these worldviews and how they affect our lives.  Are the dominant ideologies of our time contributing positively to our society, and if not, can they be changed?  Join us for a deep dive into the ideological world where we attempt to combat these views as well as the ignorance that follows closely behind.  

In celebration of pride month, join your host Tom as he is accompanied by his beautiful guest Ivy as they navigate the experience of the LGBTQ+ community as well as unveil the struggles they face every day.  In this episode, we get to know more about Ivy and her personal experiences along her journey as well as her thoughts and views on major issues that plague the LBGTQ+ community.  We learn that gender and sex are not interchangeable terms as well as taking a deeper dive into our modern understandings of sexuality as we analyze how past civilizations understood it.  Also, we talk about sexuality and gender and how the understandings of these terms are not as linear as you might think!  Lastly, please note that this episode is marked as explicit for some of the language used toward the later half of the episode when we cover sexuality, it starts at the 1 hour mark.  It may not be appropriate for those under the age of 18.

In a world plagued with different point of views and opinions during the COVID -19 pandemic, yet there is but one voice that we need to hear more from, and that is from the medical professionals.  Join me, your host, Tom along with my good friend and guest Christopher Matter R.N. as we discuss what its like being an essential, front-line healthcare worker in one of the most heavily COVID-19 afflicted areas in America.  We will learn more about his views, experiences and thoughts on the "matter" at hand, and if you stick around until the end, we dig deep into Chris' off the clock passions such as music and playing guitar.  

Join me with guest Leighton Peart as we navigate the complex problems of the COVID-19 pandemic.  We explore global leadership, political language, and the behaviors of citizens across the globe.  Are we moving towards a new normal or are we causing our own self-destruction.