PODCAST · society
It's Not All Bad
by Stewart Devine
This podcast is created and hosted by Stewart Devine. He is an international traveler, former US Diplomat, imperfect, and an avid consumer of news and politicsStewart does solo and with guest episodes to discuss real issues of everyday life, including politics, humor, and human relations. Listeners will also gain insight into themselves, and latest issues in the US and internationally. He strays off the well-worn path of thoughtless banter. Some show topics are lighthearted while others are truly deep and thought provoking. Listen in wherever you download your podcasts.
Episodes
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Drum Major Instinct, and Life’s Blue Print – Our Better Selves
This is an old episode that's dear to my heart that has meaning, compassion, and thoughtfulness. Indeed, somewhat uniting and certainly not divisive. Considering everything, I thought it was a good idea to release it again. I hope you also find meaning in the words MLK spoke. Every now and then…
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Who Knows Why, But We Continue On.
As you know, it's good for us to reflect on life every now and then. Of course, all of us do this just a matter of having life on this planet. I discuss some aspects of reflection during this short episode. Nothing too deep, but deep enough to maybe cause some to pause and think "hmm." The goal…
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Self-Reflection - Don't Resist It!
This is one my shortest episodes. It's a simple conversation about the potential positive outcomes of self-reflection, including the positive boost a person may get when taking in the brightness of witnessing others sharing positive humor, laughter, and each other's company. It's actually easy to...
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What’s Important? You Decide.
I realize I frequently discuss liberal democracy, voting, encouraging voters to research the issues, and decide on which candidate and political party supports the ideal our democracy is important and actually is quite fragile in today's hyper polarized political environment. I discuss some…
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Aware - That's a Good Thing
Being aware of what we say and do are important. Of course, this word "aware" is now often associated with the new word, "Woke," and it's thoroughly weaponized to the point many people are offended at others who are "aware" or "woke" to slights and even injustices. This is especially true...
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Bigotry is Out In The Open and Appears Almost Fashionable Again - Disgusting!
Various social media outlets and some podcasts openly foment bigotry, racism, antisemitism, islamaphobia, and spew anti LGBTQ hatred. To be certain, this kind of thinking has been, is, and will always be. But there was a time when openly and brazenly spouting this hate-filled garbage would have...
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Let's Take It Slow This Time
We're going to slow the pace for this short episode. No discussions about war, discontent, poor political discourse, or other fractures in society and human nature. Let's take it easy for this episode and reflect. Take a listen. The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in…
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Demonization of the Other Works, But At the Peril of Representative Democracy If We Let It
In theory and often in practice, liberal democracy principles exist in various Republics, not just in the United States. The right to vote is what citizens expect and deserve as part of a kind of citizens' contract with the government in those countries. In fact, the right to vote is codified in...
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End Times? Whoa – Let’s Not Go there!
Even with all of the chaos and destructive human behavior in our world, there's still beauty when we stop, reflect, observe, and look for it. This isn't pie in the sky nonsense. Just as humans need ambition or at least are ambitious, we need goodness, kindness, and compassion to sustain the…
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Who, Me? Yes. You!
It's always a challenge to remain positive because of the constant drumbeat of hatred, world domination, disease, and mistrust of others. But it's important for all of us to avoid the trap of thinking that only someone else - not you - can make a positive difference. When you truly self-reflect…
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Flags - Symbols of Aspiration or Something Else?
A nation's flag is often a symbol of pride and can signify that it's citizens are one people under that flag and constitution. Indeed, the US flag is also such an important symbol of unity. Yes, there must be acknowledgment that some people will use the flag as a rallying point of supremacy over...
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Mass Shootings – As Frequent as Monthly Utility Bills or Weekly Visits to a Coffee Shop!
It's always saddening to hear or read the news of another mass shooting in America or any country for that matter. Unfortunately, gun related deaths and mass shootings are normal in America. No one can rightly proclaim that gun related deaths and mass shootings are shockingly infrequent or seldom...
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Imposter Who? Syndrome What?
Have you noticed there always seems to be a label for whatever condition we have, emotions we feel, kinds of thoughts we have, and even why some people laugh a lot while others are mostly sullen. But this two-word description called "Imposter Syndrome" caught my attention this week. This feeling...
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Emotions, Intelligence, and Leadership Can Be Mutually Inclusive
Emotional intelligence or EI has been around for quite some time, since 1990. Often people in leadership positions equate EI to "soft" skills, as if quality and thoughtfully positive emotions are something insignificant and shouldn't be equal to productivity. Fortunately, the are others who…
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What! You’re a Liberal or You’re a Conservative?
There's nothing inherently wrong with being a political liberal or political conservative. In liberal democracies, this is normal and expected. Indeed, these two deltas and the various points on this spectrum is what keeps society progressing although it does appear to regress at time which is...
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Roulette and Democracy – Don’t Gamble With the Future.
Our political discourse is still somewhat messy, frustrating, and needs repair, for sure. Part of the repair process includes you - the voter - not just politicians. It requires individual voter self-reflection on what's important for our country. Indeed, I do hope it remains the aspirational...
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The Possible Is Now Reality
There's absolutely nothing good about COVID-19. It's killed so many people and robbed millions of others of good health. In the wake of this health menace, commercial companies and governments developed and even embraced ways for certain employee positions to be productive even when away from the...
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Heat, Cooking, and Democracy!
What does heat have to do with democracy? Maybe a lot and maybe nothing. No. This isn't a play on words in any way. Just as atmospheric temperatures are rising across the globe, some would say the potentially dangerous implications of heated political rhetoric is reaching the boiling point in…
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Getting Away From It All
In today's short episode, I thought it would be good to chat about going on a trip. The kind of travel when you hop in your vehicle with bags and all, for a multi-day trip. Travel that may bring you a sense of renewal, wonder, appreciation, and time for self-reflection. If you think it's time for...
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What a History, Depending On One’s Perspective.
Immigrants to America, especially in the earlier centuries is interesting. Not just from the perspective of the thousands of success stories and events, but also from the perspective that's less than stellar and positive. During this episode, I talk about Irish, Japanese, and Chinese immigrants;...
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Freedom – Freedom From What or Freedom To Do What?
If you noticed something over the decades, it's the word "freedom." It's used to express a desire for less oversight, less regulations, less restrictions, and list goes on and on. Some use "freedom" as a way to express demonization of the other and a sense of strong nationalism, and even use it…
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Yes. Good Things Are Still Happening!
Even though we can't ignore the various negative issues that impact our world, nation, and our collective and individual lives, there are still positive things happening each and every day. Whether it's in the United States, Africa, Asia, South America, or Europe thoughtful and compassionate…
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Wow, Some Serious Shifts Across the Land!
To say that this week's Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade was newsworthy and impactful is an understatement. This cultural and women's reproductive rights issue is shaking many people (pro and con) to the core of their being. There are still concerns that there may be other federally...
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Frustration Can Be Catching, But So Are Acts of Kindness
Sometimes we forget there are people doing wonderfully positive things even in the midst of the world's problems. We give them credit for their efforts, for sure. But there's so many simple acts of kindness that many people do each day as routine and often without any significant thought because...
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Thoughts and Prayers Only, Do Not Seem To Work
Here we are again. As a nation we witness another horrific mass shooting on May 24, 2022, at an elementary school un Uvalde, Texas. Nineteen children and two teachers killed. I won't say too much in this description. If you have a moment, please give a listen to this episode. The goal of my…
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We're Back Here Again - Will It Ever Stop!
Yet here we are again. Another racist inspired mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, on March 14, 2022. It appears when there's a respite in racially and religious inspired mass shootings, we're jolted yet again with the horrors of the reality of what's happening in the United...
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Democracy - Complacency, Changing Winds, and What’s Important
During this episode, I mention a few challenges in American society, and especially challenges to our democracy if left unchecked. Much of what I'm saying is nothing new to most listeners. Still, it's important for all voting age citizens to consider voting in various elections. Whether a rural,...
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Repost: Femininity & Masculinity are Cool - Toxic Masculinity is Not
This is a reposting of a previous episode about "toxic masculinity" that I did in 2021. In the US there is a quite organized effort to de-humanize and demonize those people who are LGBTQ. There appears to be special emphasis on targeting and persecuting transgender women. Some of the most vocal…
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Something Simple & Maybe Even Surprising!
Sometimes simple acts of kindness, warmth, and empathy are incredible powerful. In this short solo episode, I discuss some thoughts about the human behaviors, and even about fish! Well, the fish situation is just to get our minds thinking outside of the usual box of human thought and emotions....
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Ouch! The Slap Heard Around the World – But What About Everything Else!
The 2022 worldwide televised Oscars event was, well, truly eventful! The night witnessed the first ever best actor nominee - Will Smith - sucker slap presenter and comedian Chris Rock on live television. It was a sad and disgusting event of toxic masculinity parading as male chivalry. But there's...
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The Conflict in Ukraine 24/7 – Take a Moment to Breath and Refresh
Just as COVID-19 pandemic consumed the airwaves and social media for almost two years, the war in Ukraine is now the main topic of each day and each hour of every day. The pandemic was truly a destructive worldwide pandemic that influenced our lives and livelihoods, increased income and often...
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Friendships Are Complicated and That’s Okay - With Guest Co-Host Micaela Baldivieso Gutierrez
Have you noticed that even in the best of times friendships can be complicated. The weather can be perfect, your mood can be perfect, your work-life balance may appear to be just right or close to it, but friendships may come and go. Unfortunately, often for reasons many of us don't quite...
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"World Happiness Report" - What We Can Learn From It
The The World Happiness Report is a publication of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network released annually in March. We've all seen or heard about Finland often ranking number one in happiness in this report yet again. After reviewing, I can understand why Finish people - collectively -...
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Three Words: “Why,” “What,” and “Who” – Mindboggling? Maybe Not!
As we all navigate our individual and collective paths through life, there are successes and challenges that ripple throughout our existence. That's totally fine because that's, well, life. But as people deal with frustrations, anger, joy, and happiness, these emotions can create bumps in the…
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“Thank You For Your Service” – Although Not Serving for Thanks
There are thousands of people from all walks of life, with varying educational backgrounds, and in different vocations doing meaningful things to make this world and our lives worth living. Workers include healthcare providers, military service women and men, teachers, refuse and recyclables...
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Optimism & Persistence Meet - A Chat With Guests Zhanna Imel (Optimism) and Ardian Maloku (Persistence)
There are many reasons for concern in the world, including issues with global warming, violent conflicts, pandemics, natural and manmade disasters, and so much more. However, there are many reasons for optimism and persistence including to make things better for our planet, improve the health of...
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Are You Hungry? Maybe Not, But Others Are!
Images of people, especially children, in hunger is disturbing sad, and appears perpetual. Although there are millions of hungry and often times starving populations the world over, there are hundreds of thousands of concerned and active people working diligently to alleviate this plague of…
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Another Discussion About Race? Yes. Another Discussion.
I'm grateful to listeners of my podcast. A couple of you have asked why I and my guests have not discussed the hot button issue of race. Indeed, I wanted to have discussions about people, successes, organizational excellence, leadership, and empowerment. When race becomes the topic we all know…
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Some Interesting International Commerce Issues – Veracity Worldwide CEO Dan Crocker Breaks It Down For Us
International commerce is complicated, especially when considering environmental concerns, societal impact, sourcing, international trade pacts, intellectual property rights, differing business ethics, local political systems of government, and complex legal issues. So, who or what entities help...
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Generation Z and Generations - A Chat With Summer Shaffer, Co-Founder of Moxis LLC
It appears that so much of human relations are based on generational perceptions. To this point, there are letters assigned to each generation grouping to further define everyone. Yes. Much of the findings about generational specific behaviors are confirmed by rigorous research, analysis, and via...
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Who's Minding the Children - A Stay At Home Dad!
I'm still amazed at the complications, endless love, and often some work/professional sacrifices women put forth as stay at home moms. Indeed, many husbands and partners who are also stay at home dads also face similar joy and challenges. I decided to invite a guest to chat about this very issue....
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Sometimes We Do Think & Say “Hmm” About This and That: A Humorous Chat With Guest Co-Host Dylan Mansa
In this episode, we will take a break from the more serious topics discussed in most of my podcast episodes. As with many of us, it's good to step back and enjoy a conversation, even when it's about nothing special in particular, interlaced with humor. This is just such a time, right! Although…
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A Young Person’s Mix of Politics and Community Involvement – A Chat with Wael Khalifa About His Path Forward
I find discussions with young adults interesting and often enlightening in many ways. It's clear they view their future in ways filled with fun, laughter, career progression, and, yes, even making money along the way at some point. If you're similar to me, your conversations with young adults are...
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Leadership - What's That All About!
Thank you for listening to this episode about leadership. I’m solo with this episode chatting about my thoughts and quotes of others about leadership. No. Leadership isn’t about how to lead by the numbers, by the alphabet, or by reading the latest leadership guides. Indeed, it’s a combination of...
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A Woman Executive In Virtual Reality” – A Chat with Corporate Executive Megan Cornish
Corporate America is undergoing a positive trend in the number of women in the workforce over the past decades of course. Yes. There's even an increase in women in corporate executive positions. A recent study by Silicon Valley Bank found just 56 percent of startups have at least one woman in an...
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"A Young Woman Who Went East” – A Chat with Serina Hull
Isn't it interesting to hear stories or even telling your own stories about various travels. You know, the kinds of travels that take you across town, ro another, across the country, or even to a different country. Well, my special guest today is Serina Hull. She is a twenty something young woman...
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Made It Out - Not Making Out!
If you're similar to me and many others, we marvel at the success of those who have escaped difficult circumstances. In fact, we celebrate them and their success. You know me, I'm always considering other issues that may make this concept somewhat more complicated when scratching the service.…
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Your Real Estate, But Not In Your State: A Chat With Brian Kressin
For many people, the idea of buying a house appears daunting and complicated. Guess what? It is daunting in many respects and complicated with all of the rules and regulations associated with real estate. Will this be a live-in home for the buyer, will it be a second or vacation home, or will it…
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The Future Is Possible for this Young Person: A Short Chat With Guest Michael White
Many listeners probably know of young people who come from humble economic backgrounds, and other who may have had privileged social environments since birth. There's always one common factor in this social construct, young people wish to succeed. It's true that not all things are possible, but…
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The Middle East: It's Not All Sand
The Middle East is a region of the world with untold centuries of history. As most geographical regions, Middle East history has dealt with migration, empires, enlightenment, philosophers, commerce, and violent conflicts. In recent history, much of the focus has been on the aspects of conflict…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
This podcast is created and hosted by Stewart Devine. He is an international traveler, former US Diplomat, imperfect, and an avid consumer of news and politicsStewart does solo and with guest episodes to discuss real issues of everyday life, including politics, humor, and human relations. Listeners will also gain insight into themselves, and latest issues in the US and internationally. He strays off the well-worn path of thoughtless banter. Some show topics are lighthearted while others are truly deep and thought provoking. Listen in wherever you download your podcasts.
HOSTED BY
Stewart Devine
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