Your Better Plan On It Podcast!

Having an effective plan in life-threatening situations can be critical to the lives of others. So, when it is said that, "what goes on in another man's home is not anyone else's business," well, I simply call this a truthful lie. In truth, your home is supposed to be your business and no one else's. However, it is also a lie because if there is ever a situation in which you know, hear about or suspect that your family member, neighbor or friend is being abused in their home then this is where your business is no longer just your business. The bottom line is that I believe most people are more than ok with what you do inside your home being only your business. However, when you cross a line inside the home that puts others in danger then it becomes other people's business. Case in point, a couple of weeks ago the former Lt. Governor of Virginia murdered his wife and then himself inside their home. Their 2 teenaged children were in the home at the time and called 911 but were not harmed. Those kids no longer have their parents as a result of the double suicide/homicide. Now, I believe in my heart that someone in that community, whether a family member, neighbor or friend knew that there were significant issues in the family. However, I cannot confirm whether anyone personally checked in on them or called for a wellness check at any point and time. I also cannot confirm if there are those within the family or community who are now saying they wish they would have done something sooner.In any case, knowing of a truth such as this particular topic (A Truthful Lie) is quite interesting because it can quickly default into a lie when one turns the confines of his or her home into a level of chaos that becomes other peoples' business.Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Here in America, we continue to experience racism because of being a particular race and one's skin color. It is truly amazing that our country still has this issue to date and it doesn't appear that we will ever see it entirely go away, at least not in this lifetime. I know how this works because I have lived and experienced racism many times as an African American male. From my early years as a young black kid, to my years as a United States Marine, and on to my later years now as an everyday American citizen living here in the United States, racism has followed me throughout my life. However, I have been blessed enough to recognize those situations time and time again and remove myself far away from many potential dangers. From me to you, I absolutely do not ever look at my race as the only one that experiences racism. I do, however, understand that my race does experience racism at a far greater clip than most, if not all other races based on past and current history. Nonetheless, please do yourselves a big favor...Always sit down and make an effective daily travel plan before you go anywhere, especially when it involves distant locations. Plan an exact route, to include locations for rest, food and fuel stops. Also, Google the environment and the type of people within that local area. I do not expect anyone to be overly paranoid, but rather remain vigilant at all times because you never know when you may wind up in an area or location that you are not welcomed. Trust me, you will know whether you are welcomed when you arrive at a location just by the body language of the locals, so be alert and as attentive as possible at all times!Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

I believe the "Weight of Death" is for real. The reason I believe this statement is because the loss of someone that you love and miss dearly can outweigh the loss of others that you love and miss dearly. For instance, I lost my  amazing Uncle Freddie Foster and my dear cousin Terry Carpenter within the last week who are actually blood relatives that I've known since childhood. On the other end, I just lost one of my greatest friends and Marine Corps Brothers, MGySgt William "Billy" Cotton. What's interesting is that his death weighs much more heavily on me than my uncle and my cousin's deaths. In any case, I am not exactly sure why such is the case and would appreciate anyone out there who can explain why I am having this experience. I mean, Billy and I go back 27 years of knowing each other and simply share an elite-level brotherhood that goes far beyond just a great friendship. For whatever the reason, I have yet to process his loss nor can I shake the weight of his loss. I know I will do so in due time, but it is so difficult at the moment and I need an answer. I know my prayers about why I feel this way will be answered from Above but I would also love anyone's feedback who may have been through this and understand how to explain it to me.Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode focuses on military deployments regarding young first and second term military service members. What I learned not only early in my career, but later in my career and today as a Retired Marine, young service members often depart for deployment with important tasks left incomplete on the homefront. They simply focus intensely on unit responsibilities and making sure they display standout performances toward leadership. However, because of such intense focus on unit responsibilities, important homefront tasks get placed on the backburner and then crammed and jammed together at the last minute to get them done. Trust me, my first deployment involved me having to go to my squad leader and ask for a day off because I failed to complete a couple of important tasks involving financial matters. I knew and expected to be chewed out but I was fortunate that I was given the time off to complete my affairs. Well, just recently, I listened to several Airmen at Nellis AFB speak about homefront tasks they needed to complete prior to departing for deployment. What was interesting is that they all talked more about unit priorities over family priorities and being a little behind on family matters. I can assure you that unit priorities are going to get done no matter what, so the need to focus on them so intensely is not as concerning because leadership will drive mission accomplishment period. Let's us as leaders, whether in-service or retired teach our young Warriors how to effect family priorities before deployment. We can do this by ensuring our young service members have a detailed daily homefront checklist put together and immediate execution of the checklist started within 24 hours of learning that the unit is going on deployment on this projected date. I understand that not every home operates the same, so the checklist should be dedicated to each respective household and completed in a step-by-step fashion.At the end of the day, ensuring our young service men and women and their families are prepared for deployment is critical and leave no doubt that their respective homefront is left safe and secure prior to deployment!    Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode discusses a unique conversation between two male best friends, a black kid and a white kid between the ages of 10-12. What makes the conversation so unique is that it involves race and ethnicity. The kids apparently have overheard multiple conversations by adults and older kids and thought that they should figure out how they should be perceived: for the black kid, Black or African American and for the white kid, White or Caucasian.  Imagine, kids this young trying to identify how they should be perceived by others. The black kid asks the white kid, hey, with all the talks we have heard from adults in our families and from older kids, "Should I refer to you as White or Caucasian?" As for me, "Should I be referred to as Black or African American?" The white kid, however, appeared to view being called Caucasian as a word that places him above his best friend and others not like him. On the other end, the black kid viewed the word African American as a word that sounds professional. The black kids further believes that he and his best friend are going one day be excellent professionals in whatever careers they choose. With such as the case, he strongly feels that they both should want to be called African American and Caucasian because those words represent being professional and will identify to others who they are now and in the future. I can only imagine as the conversation continued, the two agreed that African American and Caucasian is who they are from now on, and, I can only hope that their parents and other adults in their families have heard about their conversation and discussed it with them as individuals. At the end of the day, young kids feed off of the conversations they hear from adults and older kids, so always be cognizant of what you say around them. Case in point, you have these two bright young kids believing that they already need to figure out their identity in terms of their respective ethnicities and why being referred to as African American and Caucasian is important to their lives right now and once they become professionals in their respective careers.  Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode provides a lifeline and empowers you and me to ensure we employ an effective daily action plan to allow us to get from Point A to Point B and back home safely in a safe and efficient manner each and every day. We need to shake off the always set, never changing daily plan because such plans lead to negative outcomes when we run into an issue and have to make an immediate change of plan. Simply put, we are far too comfortable with our normal everyday daily routines which I believe have led to so many negative, unsafe outcomes that could have been prevented a long time ago.So, when you feel down and out, take a listen to the short, 30-second spiritual rendition of "I Believe in You & Me," an old song from the Late Great Whitney Houston that I sang especially for you when you have a failed plan that completely knocks you off your feet and you just need to be truly uplifted!  Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode focuses on suicide and the major challenge it presents to everyone when we know, know of or hear about someone who has attempted suicide or openly talked about it. We as individuals and as people need to take a closer look at our families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc., and immediately take action if we find ourselves in such a situation. First, develop a plan either individually or with others to mitigate the issue as quickly as possible. For example, you can do this by taking these 5 critical steps, more specifically with someone you know well:ASK: Tap into the thoughts of the individual by compassionately asking them if they are ok or if they need help with anything. Tell him/her that you noticed that the individual seems a bit off as of late and you want to help. As you pull more from the individual, then focus on asking, “Are you thinking about suicide?” It’s not an easy question to ask, but it can help start a conversation. I have learned that studies show that asking people if they are suicidal does not increase suicidal behavior or thoughts.BE THERE: Listening without judgment is key to learning what the person is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal thoughts.HELP KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing access to highly lethal items or places can help prevent suicide. Asking the person if they have a plan and making lethal means less available or less deadly can help the person stay safe when suicidal thoughts arise.HELP THEM CONNECT: Connecting the person with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) and other community resources can give them a safety net when they need it. You can also help them reach out to a trusted family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.FOLLOW UP: Staying in touch with the person after they have experienced a crisis or been discharged from care can make a difference. Studies show that supportive, ongoing contact can play an important role in suicide prevention.Listen people, suicide is never to be taken lightly, so get involved as much as you possible can and always ensure that the individual knows that you love him/her and you will always be there!Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode discusses the importance of giving from those of us who are blessed and have to give to those who are deeply in need. Whether young or old, so many people are out there are poor,  homeless and starving while many of us live very blessed, comfortable lives and never or very seldomly take the opportunity to help the ones in need, especially when we see or witness it in person!Well, for those of us who act out of selfishness, greed and simply refuse to help others in need, know that God is watching and when you least expect it, He will subtract from you and that's a promise!The Challenge (self-assessment): I challenge you to plan a private time and individually take a couple of minutes and look into a mirror. While the lights are on, ask yourself several questions...1. Am I blessed enough to help others in need?2. Am I a giver or a receiver?3. Am I a giver or a taker?Next, turn the lights off for approx. 30 seconds and think about the questions. Flip the switch back on, look at your facial expression and then answer the questions. Repeat the same process 1-2 more times and honestly assess who you are when it comes to the questions. If you depart the challenge with a negative response to any one of the questions, then please take a hard look at yourself, take the time to put the matter into prayer and do what is needed to correct the negative. Also, share this challenge with your families and others you know so that they might share their thoughts and feelings in return!     Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode took me to a church service called "A Night of Worship" in which my wife Belinda and I experienced a powerful evening of God's power in action when He is introduced into our souls. It further introduced the power of praise and worship to everyone there and why it is so important to live in Christ now more than ever! The world today is just far too dangerous, demanding, difficult and demonic (I call this the 4 "Ds") to simply believe that you can navigate life and remain clean without God being in the plan. While I do not know if this episode is meant for you, I promise you that if you sincerely try God just once then you will see just what He can do that no one else can!I challenge you to have a personal conversation with God as well as attend a church service and allow Him to take full control of you so that you can see for yourself that He is the only Answer you need! Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode targets a family's plan of action to defend against a trespasser who plans to rob the home. It initially tells the story of a trespasser attempting to enter the home of an elderly couple through an open window. As he attempts to climb through the window, he is unfortunately killed by the homeowner as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest. The episode also takes into account a movie about a well-established naive family of 4 that are home asleep when intruders enter the home, tie them up, rob the home but unfortunately terminate them to ensure they leave no witnesses.  Because of matters like the two aforementioned stories, I challenge you and your families to research, implement, share and rehearse a plan designed to specifically combat a trespasser situation to show exactly how you would respond to such a crisis. Also, please share the experience with us so that we are aware of how things went for you.Below is a brief list of key trespasser defense objectives to adhere to should you and your families encounter a trespasser situation in your respective homes...Trespasser Defense Challenge: I challenge you to ensure...1. All family members know entry & exit points of the home.2. Secure doors, windows, hatches to the home before departing and prior to bedding down.3.  Always set home alarms before departing and prior to bedding down.4. Answer doors in a careful manner, especially at night or when home alone.5. Avoid sharing to much information about your home, community and location.6. The use of firearms to protect the home should only be allowed by properly trained adults or kids of age. Recommend allowed family members to take a firearms safety course.7. Close curtains during the day when taking a nap and definitely before bedding down to limit possible trespasser visibility inside your homes.8. If an intruder is breaking into your home, ensure you and your family have a designated safe room or exit for the family too get to. Move as quickly and quietly as possible. Contact 911 as soon as you canonce you and your family are secure.9. If you cannot escape your home away from the intruder(s), keep 911 on the line and quietly give updates on intruder location within the home, but only do so if it is safe.10. Avoid confronting the intruder, especially since you may not know the number of intruders that are inside or outside of the home.11. Always follow dispatch and police instructions.Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

The 2025 story features two teenage boys, ages 14 and 13 years of age that already know each other and the families are friends as well. The two individuals end up in multiple fights over a female at school. The fights get a little more intense each time, with a particular fight stated to be very violent. The parents get involved and seemingly squash the issue the boys have and assumes all is well. One day the 14 year old brings his parent's firearm to school with the intent to terminate the 13 year old. Well, just before school ends, the 14 year old walks up to the 13 year old, pulls the gun from his backpack and shoots him point blank in the head, instantly killing him. The 14 year old drops the gun and runs for home while kids and faculty scramble for safety in fear of being shot or killed as the school goes into lockdown mode. In the end, the 13 year old is gone eternally while the 14 year old is charged as an adult with murder, leaving two families in total devastation. While I do not know for certain, nor will I ever ask anyone about it out of respect for the families, I can only imagine that the once solid relationship the two families had is most likely strained at this point and time.Firearms Safety Challenge: Challenge 1: I challenge all parents find out if your child currently has an issue with another child and see just how deep that issue runs. Get involved asap!Challenge 2: I challenge all parents, whether you own a firearm or not, to have an immediate conversation with your children about firearms safety, the damage firearms can inflict on another child or others and why firearms are not to be used by any means to settle disputes.Challenge 3: If your children are of a reasonable age, and if you as a parent are comfortable in doing so, perhaps show your children the damage firearms can do to others, but be sure not too be to graphic (this is only a suggestion because I know kids see it on TV, playing videos games, etc.)Challenge 4: I challenge all parents to ensure your firearms and ammo are secured daily and completely out of the reach of your children.     Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode touches on the importance and teaching point of having an effective daily plan. It further challenges you to use phones, notepads, recorders, etc., and for 3 consecutive days jot down every relevant task you need to do for that particular day. Next jot down every task you failed to complete for that day and finally jot down whatever interference caused the incomplete task(s). On Day 4, take a look at those specific failed tasks and determine why you were unable to avoid the interference(s). The point of emphasis here is to ensure you conduct the challenge for 3 consecutive days and then shoot to make it a commonplace event which can ultimately ensure that you sustain having an effective daily plan for life that produces more positive daily outcomes over negative ones!Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Mass Shootings Defense Challenge: Employers Challenge:1. Provide employees with Active Shooter/Mass Casualty protocol policy.  2. Security personnel, department heads, managers, supervisors attend  AS/MC briefings every 60 days. Standard employee AS/MC briefings occur quarterly.4. New employees receive AS/MC briefing within 10 days of employment.5. Assign 1 primary/1 alternate Lead to new employees during AS/MC drills until minimum of 2 drills are completed/documented.6. Implement 24-hour surveillance package indicating every outside angle, floor, hallway and elevator of the building.7. Establish specific alarm for AS/MC event. You need zero confusion with regards to the alarm and what it means. 8. Readdress keys, key cards and personnel access procedures. 9. Establish specific visitors protocol for AS/MC events and designate key personnel to manage them. 10. To mitigate firearms danger, consider adding a scanning system to workplace.11. Designate key personnel to lead AS/MC drills and live events. Give them radios and conduct 1-2 check-ins for accountability and safety. Employees Challenge: 1. Request copy of company’s Active Shooter/Mass Casualty Protocol and precisely learn it.2. Treat briefings and drills as gospel. Never assume an AS/MC event will never occur in your workplace.3. If your company does not conduct AS/MC briefings or drills, notify your supervisor and ask why not. 4. Immediately notify someone if you recognize a possible threat. Immediately Initiate workplace protocol to mitigate the possible threat. 5. Remain cognizant of people making deliveries to the building and to your respective departments. 7. Learn designated AS/MC personnel from other departments should you get caught in their areas if an event occurs. Contact your supervisor for accountability and safety purposes.8. Check your surroundings daily and often, whether entering or leaving the building, day or night.9. Don't let your phone be the face of your distraction or your demise.School Officials & Faculty Plan Challenge:1. Provide copy of school’s AS/MC Protocol to faculty members and parents. 2. Security personnel and faculty attend AS/MC briefings every 60 days.3. Faculty must know and document AS/MC protocol within 30 days of employment. 4. Security personnel and faculty receive and document AS/MC briefings every 60 days.5. New security personnel and faculty receive and document AS/MC briefing within 10 days of employment. Designate key personnel to monitor new folks during drills until minimum of 3 drills are completed.6. Conduct and document AS/MC drills minimum of every 60-90 days.7. Implement a specific alarm for AS/MC for zero confusion as to what it means.8. Readdress keys, key cards and personnel access procedures.9. Readdress or revisit visitor protocol, particularly if you have visitors on hand during drills or an actual AS/MC event. 10. Implement/upgrade 24-hour surveillance package showing every outside angle, floor, hallway and elevator of the buildings.11. Parents/Guardians participate in at least one AS/MC drill annually. Parents/Guardians Plan Challenge:1. Request copy of thSend us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Whether you believe it or not, our lives are centered around having daily plans that ultimately determine positive or negative outcomes. Unfortunately, we take our days for granted because we are so used to the same schedule day in and day out, so we do not put too much thought into operating from written a plan but rather doing so from a verbal plan. You see, it is very easy to tell or ask someone to do something whether simple or challenging because most of us truly believe that we want forget things those things when we ask about them. Just remember, however, if you ask or tell someone to complete a task or mission from a verbal perspective then you run the risk of an incomplete task outcome because the matter is flexible and immediate but lacks proof which can lead to misunderstandings, disputes or confusion. If you use the written perspective then you have a concrete, tangible plan which provides clarity and legal enforceability, ultimately mitigating disputes.   Verbal vs Written Plans Challenge:Verbal Plans Activity Summary:You as the Lead will come up with an unwritten plan that requires quick action (requires your brain power only). For the sake of time, try to do this activity at a convenient time. Now, you will verbally assign each participant a specific task to do that must be completed within 48 hours and only discussed at the end of the 48 hours. You obviously must remember what you assign each participant (your goal as the Lead is to avoid writing down the assigned task) and each participant in return must remember his/her respective task and get it done exactly as you wanted it done. At the end of 48 hours, you will meet with each respective participant, identify the assigned task and determine whether the task was completed exactly as expected. The Lead will score the completion of each task as follows (1 = Failed, 2 = Partially Completed, 3 = Completed). Please score the participants fairly and without bias. Also, be honest with yourself and your participants and discuss whether your verbal plan led to some of it being misinterpreted or parts of it even forgotten. Lastly, please send feedback regarding whether the training activity was worthwhile and please share it with others.   Written Plans Activity Summary:The same is applicable with regards to you as the Lead and the minimum number of participants required for the training activity. However, the activity will require a more concise thought process from the Lead and more complex tasks to be completed by the participants. The Lead must outline a specific plan for a 2-day trip. For instance, “Participant 1 is responsible for ensuring all fishing gear is inventoried and working properly while Participant 2 is responsible for ensuring all tent and sleeping gear is inventoried and ready for use. The Lead will meet with his/her respective participants and present a copy of the written plan to them. The Lead will brief the overall plan as well as individual tasks within the plan to the participants and ensure a checklist is provided for each participant as part of the written plan. Participants should be given at least 5-7 days to complete the checklist and return it to the Lead for scoring. Scoring shall remain as (1 = Failed, 2 = Partially Completed, 3 = Completed). It is imperative for the Lead to be fair and Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Happy 2026 Listeners!To give you my perspective on the plan I have in store for you as we work through the first half of 2026, over the coming weeks I plan to give you podcast episodes that challenge you as individuals, families, workplaces and school environments to effectively research, plan, implement, rehearse and execute different live-saving crises challenges. I will share with you challenges for both you and I to negotiate that require specific written plans regarding matters such as mass shootings in the workplace and schools, housefires, trespassing situations, daytime/nighttime abductions, severe inclement weather situations & evacuations, starvation situations and firearms safety. I want you to be as creative as you can be when you take on the different challenges. Keep in mind that I want you to conduct the necessary research first,  initiate a written plan, implement the plan it by sharing it with your families or others, conduct several timed rehearsals but ensure everyone involved knows his/her role in the challenge and grade the challenges upon completion so that everyone involved knows how things went. These are not challenges that I expect you to suddenly tackle and immediately complete them one after the other, but rather challenges that I want you to research, write and conduct in a convenient and timely manner so that you have documented life-saving resources in place for you, your families, your homes, your workplaces, your children's schools and to share with others!Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Guns kept in our homes or residences continue to wind up in the hands of children far too often, leading to unintentional, violet situations that result in our kids or someone else's kids losing their lives because we fail to ensure firearms are properly stored away children. Whether you hear about it, read about it, see it on television or witness it, the reality of the matter is that adults have the responsibility of protecting children from situations that can leave families changed forever! From personal research, take for instance the year 2015-2021- there were 713 child deaths in the U.S. from unintentional gun injuries, the majority (85%) of which occurred in a house or apartment. Of those in a home setting, 56% happened in the victim's own home, enough said! Additional Firearms Deaths and Key Safety Information:Specific Breakdown by Intent (Ages 0-17)Unintentional Deaths: From January 2015 to December 2021, the #NotAnAccident Index recorded 926 total deaths from unintentional shootings by children (which includes the child shooting themselves or someone else, who may be an adult). The majority of these incidents (71%) occur in or around the home. From 2015 to 2024, there were at least 1,382 people killed in total from unintentional shootings by children.Homicides: In-home firearm homicides of children and teenagers more than doubled between 2010 and 2021 in some studies. In data from 2020-2021, about 24% of all child/adolescent firearm homicides occurred at home, but for children aged 12 and younger, this figure rose to nearly two-thirds (63%).Suicides: Data on the exact location of all youth firearm suicides is not as specific as the location data for unintentional deaths. However, suicides by firearm among children and adolescents have increased over the past decade. In 2023, 29% of child and adolescent firearm deaths were suicides.  Firearm Storage and Security MeasuresStore firearms unloaded: Always ensure guns are completely unloaded, with any rounds in the chamber removed, before putting them into storage.Use a secure locking device: Store firearms in a high-quality gun safe, locked cabinet, or lockbox that uses a key, combination, or biometric lock. Hiding a gun is not sufficient.Store ammunition separately and securely: Ammunition should be kept in a separate locked location from the firearms.Keep keys/combinations inaccessible: Ensure keys or lock combinations for both firearms and ammunition storage are kept in a secure place that children, teens, and unauthorized individuals cannot access or guess.Utilize secondary locking mechanisms: Use a trigger lock or cable lock on the unloaded firearm as an additional safety precaution, even when it is inside a safe or lockbox.Avoid leaving guns unattended: A firearm should be on your person and under your immediate control at all times when not in secure storage.  Firearm Education and CommunicationEducate all household members: Discuss the risks of firearms and proper safety rules with all members of the household, especially children.Teach children safety rules: Instruct children that if they ever find a gun, they should StSend us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Whether here in the United States or around the World, people suffer or perish from starvation daily. It should be a subject that should be unapplicable to all of us but it is not the case and most likely never will be. However, so many of us are blessed to have never been in this position but we do not do enough to fight this issue. I, for one, have never been in the position of starvation but there have been many times that I have said to others, "man, I'm starving like crazy!" I obviously know that this is not the real truth for me and never has been. I only say it because I simply am used to always having food to eat. I'm certain that I am not the only person who says this. What is your take?To do our parts in the feeding plan to fight starvation challenge, I ask for you to please, this week, or as soon as you can, go into your pantries, cupboards, basements, storage sheds or grocery stores and pull out or purchase, at minimum, $50-$100 worth of non-perishable foods and donate it to your local food banks, shelters, directly to a family or to an individual in need! To make it even more spirited, get your families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc., involved and try to make it a yearly event, whether you do quarterly, semi-annual or annual. Just think about, and go for it because I assure you that you will be blessed in your giving!Additional Information: Types of Non-perishable FoodsCanned foods: Fruits, vegetables, beans, and protein like tuna or chicken.Dried goods: Rice, pasta, oats, dried beans, and lentils.Packaged foods: Granola, cereals, and crackers.Jarred goods: Nut and seed butters, honey, and jams.Shelf-stable liquids: Cooking oil, shelf-stable milk, and some juices.Other examples: Jerky, powdered eggs, and certain hard liquors. Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Good evening All!Every day, we see, read or learn about senseless deaths taking place at crosswalks in every state across America and around the world. You can especially see intense footage of such tragedies posted directly to social media. I mean, scenes that are hard to watch!Now, we all know that crosswalks were put in place to protect our pedestrians. However, we have lunatic drivers out there that are in such a hurry and far too often ignore the crosswalk right of way, ultimately leading to some of the most tragic and violent deaths imaginable, especially when it involves our children.As you listen to the story, you will learn about the unnecessary death of a young teenager caused by a driver in a hurry to beat the crosswalk right of way signal. The death is as tragic and brutal death as you can ever witness.At the end of the day, I just want us to be more cognizant of our surroundings before we make the decision to negotiate a crosswalk area, especially for those of us with children. So with that said, parents and for anyone listening who knows of others who can use this important, life-saving plan, I issue you a challenge to first talk with your children and then implement my following 8-step Crosswalk Plan:  1.  First and foremost, please have a conversation with your children about being extremely cautious before negotiating a crosswalk and even discussing fatality information with them, not to scare them but to inform them!2.  Stress to them that it is very important to remove headphones, earbuds and get off their phones and pay attention to traffic before crossing.3.  Talk to them about looking closely at whether there is a crosswalk signal to push. If so, push it, and then wait cautiously for at least a full 3-5 seconds before crossing to ensure that drivers know you have the right of way.4.  If it is a non-signal crosswalk, if you see vehicles coming just pause in place, let drivers see that you intend to cross, make sure the vehicles come to a complete stop and then you cross.5.  Drop the bad habit of running across the crosswalk just to beat the traffic because you are in a rush or you think it’s a fun game to outrun vehicles. 6.  Drop the bad habit of talking on your phone with your head down and not looking out for danger while you cross. 7.  Drop the bad habit of crossing over like you own the right of way and giving people mean-mug looks that can be taken the wrong way. 8.  If you see our Elderly, Special Needs or someone struggling to make it across, take the time to assist them so that they have safe passage as well!    Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Hello All!I want to take you into the world of Mentoring and the impact it can have on other people, especially our younger generation of people. I also offer a mentoring exercises for any adult who wishes to take in the challenge of mentoring someone between the ages of 13-25 years of age. I believe these are the ages that are the most difficult ages for a person to navigate life. It is that cross between finally becoming a teenager (13), learning to understand and negotiate more difficult obstacles and pressures along the way and on to moving into what should be a mature young adult life ahead (25).  So what is the definition of Mentoring? Well, the primary purpose of mentoring is to facilitate the personal and professional growth of a less experienced individual (the mentee) by leveraging the knowledge, experience, and guidance of a more experienced person (the mentor).In addition, there are 7 key roles involved in a Mentoring plan which include, providing guidance, giving constructive feedback, acting as a role model, helping set goals, facilitating networking, offering emotional support and holding the mentee accountable. Whether you are a parent, teacher or supervisor on the job, you are a mentor, at least to a degree, because there is always someone in your life that looks up to you because of who you are as a person, how you perform daily and how you navigate life as a leader. Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Good evening Listeners!Have you ever been told or ever realized that you look a lot like a particular person? Have you ever did the research on the person that you are said to look a lot alike to see what type of person he or she is? I mean, think about it, do you ever think that your look alike, especially someone you are unfamiliar with, is a bad person who has a lot of enemies? The reality of the matter is that a look alike bad person with an ugly reputation can cause you to be mistaken for him or her and put your life in danger. As you will see, this episode involves an incident because of mistaken identity that leaves the wrong person, a very good person, unalive while his look alike bad person lives on.I, myself have been told for years that I look so much like Lawrence Taylor, the New York Giants Hall of Fame football star. I have been mistaken for Emmitt Smith, the Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame football star. Now, I am aware of both of these gentlemen and I know a lot about them because I closely followed their careers, but I also took a look at their history outside of football and I have a lot of insight on their personal lives as well. So, if you have someone out there that you can easily pass for, at least do yourself a favor and find out about the history of the individual if you can because you never know when you can be mistaken for the wrong person and wind up injured or killed because of that person's bad reputation along with his or her enemies!     Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Good evening Listeners!This episode has great meaning to me because it centers around the loss of life of a child who was someone's son, brother, nephew, cousin, godson and best friend The individual intentionally planned an early exit from Earth because of a world in which he was constantly bullied, belittled and frowned upon almost daily because he was considered too nerdy and he was much shorter and smaller than normal kids his age! On another note, I also want everyone to understand that the life of a child taken way too soon happens far too often in this country and around the world daily. We, as parents, guardians and adults must place greater emphasis on our children, especially in today’s complicated and dangerous world, so let’s be sure that we all do our parts in protecting the most precious resource ever given to Man and Woman, and that resource is, God’s Children!If you know someone, or even know of someone who seems like they are in distress and might possibly hurt themselves, please have a conversation with them or someone who can help the matter. However, you must do so as soon as possible and not wait because you do not wish to rat the person out. We are too far into this world to leave situations that we are fully aware of unresolved, therefore waiting until the worst happens! I charge everyone to jump in feet first and help someone that you know is or even seems like they might be suicidal!Additional Information: Factors Contributing to Suicide RiskIndividual Risk FactorsPrevious suicide attempt.History of depression and other mental illnesses.Serious illnesses such as chronic pain.Criminal/legal problems.Job/financial problems or loss.Impulsive or aggressive tendencies.Substance use.Current or prior history of adverse childhood experiences.Sense of hopelessnessViolence victimization and/or perpetrationRelationship Risk FactorsThese harmful or hurtful experiences within relationships contribute to risk:BullyingFamily/loved one's history of suicideLoss of relationshipsHigh conflict or violent relationshipsSocial isolationCommunity Risk FactorsThese challenging issues within a person's community contribute to risk:Lack of access to healthcareSuicide cluster in the communityStress of acculturationCommunity violenceHistorical traumaDiscriminationSocietal Risk FactorsThese cultural and environmental factors within the larger society contribute to risk:Stigma associated with help-seeking and mental illnessEasy access to lethal means of suicide among people at riskUnsafe media portrayals of suicide Additional Information: Circumstances that Protect against Suicide RiskIndividual Protective FactorsThese personal factors protect against suicide risk:Effective coping and problem-solving skillsReasons for living (for example, family, friends, pets, etc.)Strong sense of cultural identityRelationship Protective FactorsThese healthy relationship experiences protect against suicide risk:SuSend us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Good evening Listeners!In this episode, I offer a challenge to you to plan an Adult Playdate for a Day with a friend that you know lives paycheck to paycheck or perhaps lives on a very tight budget, you know that person who could use a day away from the stresses like family, finances and medical matters. The goal here is to choose a friend that lives within a reasonable distance from you that you typically do not hang out with, and maybe you are not even that close, but you see them a lot and you chat with them enough that he or she is someone you would consider hanging out with.Now, there are seven key objectives to the challenge for you to follow:First, choose a friend who lives within a reasonable distance from you that you personally know doesn’t have a lot and could use a day away from worries, especially financial, medical or family stress. Second, reach out to that friend and tell him or her that you want to hang out for a day, but just the two of you (preferably male-to-male and female-to-female only hangouts).Third, choose a date and time to meet, but I want you to go to that friend’s residence and pick them up. Be sure to give them a reasonable but not too crazy dress code so that they are comfortable and not worried about how to dress.Fourth, before you meet, plan an inexpensive (or expensive if you prefer) but fun day in which you spoil that friend for the day. Because you know he or she needs it, make sure they pay for nothing and do not let them. Allow them to be free from obligation while you handle everything. Just make sure that they know that you got them covered. Five, make it a day, let’s say from 11am – 6pm. This should be reasonable enough time to have breakfast or brunch, do whatever you do in between, have an early dinner and then get the friend back home by 6pm. Six, once they are home, give that friend a big hug and tell them you hope they enjoyed their day and that you thought about them and just wanted to give them a break and some time to enjoy a day without stress!Seven (optional), tell them you’d like to do this again but as couples if they are married or as families if they have kids in the home. If it’s a couple’s thing then perhaps invite them on a nice outing. If it’s family’s thing then invite them over to your homes for perhaps an early dinner, with games to play for a couple of hours or so after dinner. Just so you know, I have no regrets for what I did for a friend that you learned about in the story. It was worth it, so please take on this challenge, enjoy it with that person, as couples or with your families if you choose to make a multi-person function. Trust me, you will find that you have a friend or friends for life that will always be a blessing to you! Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Evening Listeners!Always pay close attention to the news media when imminent, life-threatening crises arise such as severe weather is on the horizon as I’m sure you do as well. Unfortunately, we still have families and individuals out there who disregard evacuation mandates, so I ask myself, well, how can it be called a mandate to evacuate for a particular area, but people are still allowed to stay. I understand there are those who would rather ride it out to protect what they have and take care of themselves no matter the risk, but the bottom line is when the word evacuate is given then why is it not 100% enforced? Well, after conducting my very own research, I learned that, yes, the United States has evacuation mandates issued by state and local governments for imminent, life-threatening situations such as hurricanes, floods, or fires, and these mandates are a serious public safety measure that individuals are expected to follow. Failure to comply can result in fines, arrest, or other penalties, and it also means you will not receive assistance from first responders if you remain in the affected area.With that said, listen to the story about the well-compensated, arrogant, do as they please Tolsen Family and how disregarding a major evacuation mandate led to a critical authoritative decision made by Dad that cost the family a couple of cherished loved ones!    Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Good evening Listeners!As we go roll into the Winter Season, are we truly prepared for inclement weather that is so severe that it becomes life-threatening to you and your families? Is there a strong possibility the area in which you currently live is susceptible to a major weather crisis that could leave you and your family stranded for a period of time before Emergency Services aid can get to you? Have you taken the time to look at your area and devise a plan that gives you the best chance to survive a major weather crisis, or at least give you the time to get you and your families out of harm’s way in a timely manner? Do you have the necessary food, clothing, supplies and equipment to sustain you and your families in the event of a severe weather crisis that leaves you stranded for an unknown period of time?These questions are asked because severe weather crisis for many families continually happen this way every year, but for some reason, the majority of families still do not have an adequate plan to combat such crises. At the end of the day, and in the sincerest of ways, I stand on the side of you and your families living a life that is as safe and secure as possible. I need and want you to know that I have all of you in my very best interest when I talk about having a Plan for any inclement occasion that can have a dire impact on your lives. Believe me, you are and always will be worth it to me!Additional Information: Documented Inclement Weather Plans for Families and IndividualsPrepare an emergency kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a phone charger or battery pack, and a first-aid kit. Plan for travel: Pack extra supplies for your car or travel bag, such as a sweater, gloves, water, and high-energy food, to manage potential delays. Stay informed: Monitor weather alerts and watches, as these are a warning to start making preparations for potentially severe weather. Protect your home: Use dehumidifiers to control humidity levels, especially in basements, to prevent moisture-related damage. Follow safety guidelines: When thunderstorms are imminent, stop outdoor activities and seek shelter, resuming only after the thunder has stopped for at least 30 minutes. Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Good evening Listeners!This episode gives you a look into the Butler Family, which consists of 35-year-old Dad, 33-year-old Mom, 10-year-old Son #1, 8-year-old Son #2 and 6-year-old Daughter. They live in a small single-story, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home just outside the projects on the South Side of Chicago. The area is not the best one to live in, and the family lives with the reality of shots fired and sirens going off on a daily basis, but the Butlers make it work by following a strict daily plan Dad and Mom have put into action to keep the family as safe and secure as possible.Mom, who works at the hair salon just in the downtown area has a male friend who is also married with children and they have planned to leave their respective families and run off together. Although Dad has met him multiple times, he is unaware that Mom is having an affair with this particular gentleman who just happens to be the attorney they hired to implement a trust, will and power of attorney for the family. The turning point in the matter is Mom's friend learns that his wife has come into a substantial inheritance, so he meets with her to let her know that he has changed his mind about leaving his family so the relationship is over. On the flip side, Mom, who is supposedly unable to bare children anymore, tells him that they are pregnant and that she will expose him if he tries to leave her, which violently infuriates him. For Mom, suddenly everything goes dark, she goes missing, the police & family search frantically for her, finally locate her badly beaten, abused and unalive body. In the end, however, that sudden darkness that came over Mom is one in which she will never see the light of day again!   Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Good evening Listeners!I want you to think carefully about your families and how easy it is to go from a life filled with love and joy to a life filled with a loved one gone forever, especially a child! Parents, if you have a child or loved one that comes home from work, school or other events after dark, communicate with that individual to ensure you are notified as to what time they will be home! I know the person is most likely of age but know that an abduction when you least expect can occur at any given time!Listen to this episode titled, " The Hart Family Tragedy - Abducted in Darkness" as it takes you into the life of a good family that loses their child to an abduction by someone she has know for years. On the flip side, it also defines a daughter is supposedly a model student, but turns out that she is a bully and pays the ultimate price for the life of someone she helped significantly ruin! Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Good evening All!Let me ask you some important questions… 1. Are you the type of person who knows when you are being followed or watched? 2. Are you the type of person who does not even realize when you are being followed or watched? 3. Are you the type of person who believes that you are rarely, if ever being followed or watched?  Or 4. Are you the type of person who always feels like you are being followed or watched? I ask these questions I know you may not realize it, but we all really do fit into one of the 4 aforementioned categories. The question becomes, which characteristic are you honest enough to claim for yourself, and would you tell someone about it.With these questions in mind, please take the time and opportunity to participate in "The Adult Travel Group Exercise" that you will hear in the episode and choose not only which type of person category you fall into but also see if you are someone who is a person that is more vigilant than you thought, if you are that person who pays some attention to your surroundings or if you are that person who is as carefree as they come!  Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Hello Listeners!The Giveaway Challenge Plan is about us coming together as a society of good people and giving some of what we have to those who are in dire need. The challenge for you and I is to go into our closets and shoe chests and pull out quality clothing and shoe items that we are willing to part ways with. With Winter already upon us, I'd like to believe that we are people who will go out of our way to give to others to keep them from freezing to death and ending up in near-death experiences, especially our homeless! I am not asking you to give your very best but rather give those clothing and shoe items that you never wear and they sit in our closets for good looks. Listen, I'll be the first to admit that I have clothing and shoes in my closet and shoe chest that have been there for years, only to be worn a handful of times, so I'm recently loaded up a duffle bag of quality and shoes and I donated the items to several homeless people I have come to know. I am doing the same thing again within  the next couple of days.My challenge to you is to follow suit within the next 7-10 days and give to a family, individual or shelter of choice. We got to do it now because the weather has already turned and will get worse for so many moving forward. So please, let's give now and make this challenge a success and I guarantee you that you will be abundantly blessed in your giving!Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Hello All!Please do me a great favor and take a moment and think about your homes…Your families…You know those key things such as where you live and how you live daily. Are you in a private community or a community that is open to drive directly into and out of? Is the community safe? Are the people in your community good people? Do you have specific worries because of where the community that you live in is located?Take a listen to the story regarding the Harper Family Trespasser Tragedy. The Harpers meet a nice younger couple who states that they checked out a home for sale within the community and is interested possibly moving into it. The couple and the Harpers hit it off and hit it off so well that Dad Harper invites the couple in to meet the family and tour the home. He even tells them that the family is packing for a weekend camping trip but fails to tell them that it is only an overnight trip. The Harpers, like most of the community, believe their community is super safe, despite a recent break-in. They get too comfortable and fail to ensure the home is secured before going to bed on the evening they returned from the camping trip. Unfortunately, the failed plan to ensure the home was completely secure cost the family the most valuable thing ever, and that is life! Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

Hello All!Have you ever encountered the likes of a major Blackout in your city because of a violent storm…I’m talking about the entire city? I’m talking about a Blackout in which you learned that it would be a lengthy period before Emergency Services personnel could respond to your area of the city. Did you have the necessary communications setup, equipment, supplies, first aid, food and water to easily sustain you and your family through the blackout? Were you and your family prepared to function as a complete unit or were you caught in a panic and trying to figure things out on the fly?Listen to the story regarding the Kennedy Family and how they handled a major city-wide blackout crisis. To shed some light on the matter, the family lived in well-built, elevated location so worrying about major crises was not in the DNA of the community. Sure, the Kennedy's encountered bad weather from time to time but had never encountered a crisis involving a major city-wide blackout that resulted in a significant injury to a family member, leaving them with a possible life and death situation and without an adequate plan!  Additional Information from the National Safety CouncilNote 1: A blackout supplies list should include a three-day supply of water and non-perishable food, plus essentials like flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio, and a first-aid kit. Don't forget items for hygiene, sanitation, and specific needs like medications, baby supplies, or pet food. Having a manual can opener, cash, and important documents is also recommended. Food and WaterOne gallon of water per person per dayAt least a three-day supply of non-perishable foodManual can openerPet food and supplies, if needed Light and PowerFlashlights and extra batteriesBattery-powered or hand-crank radio (with NOAA weather alerts if possible)Portable power bank or charger for cell phones Health and SafetyFirst-aid kit, Any necessary medications, Whistle to signal for help, Matches in a waterproof container, and Dust mask or cotton t-shirt to filter the air. Sanitation and HygieneMoist towelettes, wet wipes, and hand sanitizerGarbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitationSoap and disinfectantsPaper plates and plastic utensils Documents and CommunicationCopies of important documents like ID and insurance papers, Emergency contact list, and Cash. Other EssentialsWarm clothing and blankets, Paper map of your area, and Small portable generator (optional).     Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

The podcast topic, "African American Men & The Cycle of Hate," stems from me personally taking the time to watch the movie, "South Central," a crime-based film written and directed by Stephen Milburn Anderson, released on September 18, 1992.The movie sheds light on African American men and our "Cycle of Hate" towards the world because so many of us grew/grow up in the projects, the hood or very impoverished areas. Our communities are much more prone to violence because it is a daily fight for survival because of where we live/lived and how we grew/grow up. It is that out of control anger and hatred inside of us that leads too many African American men to prison, on drugs or selling drugs, gang life or dead, thus leaving far too many moms and especially children without fathers. The movie tells us that so many African American men are either in prison or dodging prison while our kids suffer at home. When kids see a life in the gang world that shows them that school is a waste of time but making money by dealing drugs as well as robbing and stealing is the way to go, then our kids without their fathers are more destined to go the gang route or seek other negative ways of life. The bottom line is that every African American man, and for that matter, any non-African American man who grew up in or still live in a less than adequate communities, please take the time to see if you still possess that same anger and hatred today. In fact, watch 2 specific scenes from the movie that are identified in the episode so that you understand what is meant by the "Cycle of Hate," and then ask yourselves am I still that man today and how do I break the Cycle of Hate I continue to harbor! Additional Information:  How the Cycle PerpetuatesInitial provocation: This can be an act of violence, discrimination, or a perceived injustice that one group commits against another. Retaliation: The victimized group responds with its own act of hate or vengeance, believing it is justified as a form of justice. Escalation: This retaliatory action provokes a further response from the first group, creating a continuous, escalating spiral of conflict. Root causes: The cycle is often rooted in deeper issues like power imbalances, historical grievances, and a sense of fear or threat from an "other" group. Reinforcement: This cycle is further strengthened through echo chambers, the spread of propaganda, and the normalization of hate within certain communities.   How to Break the CycleCultivate empathy and compassion: Choosing warmheartedness, kindness, and understanding can help de-escalate conflict. Choose forgiveness: Recognizing that vengeance perpetuates a cycle can lead to a choice for forgiveness, which can stop the pattern of retaliation. Address root causes: Addressing the underlying issues of power, control, and historical trauma can help prevent the cycle from starting in the first place. Promote critical thinking: Challenging narratives that demonize certain groups and being critical of media that fuels hatred is crucial. Encourage dialogue: Open and honest communication between groups can foster understanding and break down the "us vs. them" mentality that fuelSend us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode provides a recap to my previous episode, The House is on Fire Part II, and the ultimate outcome to Dad's dire plan to save his two young sons from a deadly house fire and Mom's ultimate plan to ensure, not only her and the children, but also the community and her other family and friends learned the knowledge, importance and understanding of implementing and properly executing a House Fire & Equipment Safety Prevention Plan to combat the possibility of a deadly house fire. The episode also has a two-part challenge, with Part I being you, the Listener, tasked to watch Season 11, Episode 1, of Chicago Med and specifically note the scene involving a dad, son and babysitter thought to be the son's mom and closely witness the damage a deadly house fire can do to the human body and psyche of a family moving forward, especially when it concerns a child or children. Part II of the challenge tasks you with taking inventory of your home (square footage, # of bedrooms, # levels) while imagining you and your family being trapped in your bedrooms and in need of a plan to get the entire family to safety. You have no actual Fire Safety & Equipment Prevention Plan, so you are first tasked with looking within the bedrooms to see if you have anything that can assist you with combating the house fire. Second, you are to jot down in detail, what you believe you would do to get to safety with you and your family trapped in your bedrooms, with a fire that has breached the hallway(s) and all main entry and exit points. Finally, you are asked to provide feedback to the show and share that information because you may have information that is viable to other Listeners and they may want to share it with others as well!    Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode is fiction but tells the story of the well-known Bennett family, a dad, mom and 3 young children, who encounter an unsuspecting house fire in the wee hours of the morning while sound asleep. A small electrical fire starts in the kid's upstairs bathroom and intensely grows steadily from there. In the case of dad, he gets mom and daughter to safety first, but is now left with the dire decision regarding how too get to his 2 young sons with the fire blazing between him and them. He calculates an insane plan, and without regard for his own life, he executes getting through the fire and into the room on the other side of the upstairs hallway where his sons are located. The plan is reckless and dangerous but he has no other alternative and refuses to lose his boys. He then has to create another immediate plan to get them to safety because the fire has consumed the hallway and stairs so there is no way out, except from the 2d floor bedroom window. With Police, Fire & Rescue finally on the scene, but no time to wait for them to get completely into position, and with the fire pushing into the room and filling up with smoke, dad realizes that It is too far to jump and too far to lower them down using his arms, so he remembers a movie from 1975 and executes the only plan that can save him and his sons. Wow, the fire is now inside the room and starting to consume everything in it's path, so dad executes the plan. However, the plan works to get everyone to safety, but does it comes with a major cost?      Note 1: Contact your local Fire Department for detailed information regarding Fire Safety Prevention and Equipment Plans for homes and other types of residences. Ask them if they would be willing to come out to your home or resident, look at your blueprint and help you in putting together the best possible plan for you and our families. Note 2: Google Fire Safety Prevention Plans for outlines that can help you and your families put together a detailed plan to aid you in combating house fires. Note 3: Google Fire Safety Equipment to learn about different types of protective equipment you and your families can use to aid you in combating house fires. Ensure you have an equipment expert to walk you through using the equipment properly as well as the best place to keep the equipment.Note 4: Top-rated fire safety equipment suppliers in the U.S. that you can contact for details as well include, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Carrier, Siemens and Amerex Corporation. These companies are the best of the best and can give you the level of advice you need to best protect you and your families from the dangers and destruction of house fires.   Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode is fiction but tells the story of the well-known Bennett family, a dad, mom and 3 young children, who encounter an unsuspecting house fire in the wee hours of the morning while sound asleep and how not having an actual Fire Safety Prevention "Plan" possibly puts them in grave danger. Dad and Mom's bedroom is on the first floor of their two-story home whereas the kids' bedrooms are located on the second floor of the home. A small electrical fire starts in the kid's upstairs bathroom. Once the family is aware of the fire, they can only be reactive versus being proactive because there is no plan in place that tells them what to do in this situation. The family has never held a fire drill in their home or took the time to discuss, "This is what will be done in the event of a house fire crisis!" The only plan the Bennett family has to go by is the plan from whatever dad tells them to do, which is a plan that could have deadly consequences.Note 1: Contact your local Fire Department for detailed information regarding Fire Safety Prevention and Equipment Plans for homes and other types of residences. Ask them if they would be willing to come out to your home or resident, look at your blueprint and help you in putting together the best possible plan for you and our families. Note 2: Google Fire Safety Prevention Plans for outlines that can help you and your families put together a detailed plan to aid you in combating house fires. Note 3: Google Fire Safety Equipment to learn about different types of protective equipment you and your families can use to aid you in combating house fires. Ensure you have an equipment expert to walk you through using the equipment properly as well as the best place to keep the equipment.Note 4: Top-rated fire safety equipment suppliers in the U.S. that you can contact for details as well include, Johnson Controls, Honeywell, Carrier, Siemens and Amerex Corporation. These companies are the best of the best and can give you the level of advice you need to best protect you and your families from the dangers and destruction of house fires.   Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode takes us into the family home and opens the door to parents taking the opportunity to teach children from the ages of 10-17 years old how to write an actual plan. This is what I have nicknamed, "Parent-Teach." In this case, it is a perspective in which the child will be fully briefed by the parent on a particular upcoming family event and be required to implement a plan via a checklist exercise. The exercise will have a completion deadline and will also be reviewed and graded by the parent. Upon grade completion, the parent will conduct a one-on-one brief with the child to let him or her know the outcome of the exercise.  Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode takes the plan into the homes of our families and gives everyone real-time perspective on why my belief is that we are far too comfortable and why we continually take so much for granted today. Simply put, when something does not have a direct impact on us or our surroundings then we tend to go about our day without the least bit of panic or worry. We just know that because things look good, then it must be all good and that is what scares me America! So, what is your plan from a home and family perspective? Is it one that you the parent typically deliver in a verbal and authoritative manner, expecting 100% execution or does the plan have an identity that the entire family can understand and follow to success?    Additional information:  7 key components of a good plan include, 1. Goals should be defined using the SMART framework—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 2. Break down your overarching goal into a series of smaller, concrete tasks. Identify who is responsible for each task and ensure they are aligned with the overall objective. 3. Create a realistic schedule with deadlines for each task. Also, identify and allocate the necessary resources, such as budget, tools, and personnel, to execute the plan successfully. 4. Anticipate potential problems and roadblocks and include contingency plans for how to address them. 5. A good plan is not rigid; it should be flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances and allow for adjustments as needed. 6. Ensure the plan is easy for everyone involved to understand. Effective communication is essential for keeping the team organized and focused. 7. Prioritize tasks based on their importance and impact on the goal. This helps in allocating time and resources more efficiently. Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode leans into Mass Shootings in America that specifically target our school children. It depicts the latest shooting at a Catholic School in Minneapolis, MN on the morning of 27 August 2025. A destructive 23-year-old barricaded the doors to where kids were in prayer at the Annunciation Church and opened fire, killing an 8-year-old and 10-year-old while also injuring 14 other children and 3 adults. I did not include any names in this episode out of respect for the victims and their families. The Shooter apparently died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. I did, however, provide specific input for POTUS, all levels of Government and for Parents towards a plan with actions that I believe will strongly aid in mitigating Mass Shootings in our schools!  Important Fact:Signs of mental illness in children include significant and persistent changes in mood (prolonged sadness or irritability), extreme behavioral issues (aggression, disobedience, social withdrawal), difficulty with school or daily functioning, intense fears or worries, frequent nightmares, eating or sleeping problems, and physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches. If you notice behaviors that are unusual for your child, last for weeks, or interfere with their ability to function, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX

This episode focuses on the people in America today and our inability to implement and execute the daily "plan" in a fully competent manner. In far too many cases, the plan now consists of a verbal and authoritative manner vice one that is written and disseminated accordingly because it takes much less time to distribute. This perspective too often leads to a negative vice positive outcome. Sure a plan that is verbal and authoritative can work well. However, it easily can be looked as divisive, thus forcing others to be rebellious which can impact the outcome in a negative manner. At the end of the day, the "plan" must be clear and concise, leaving others feeling confident and safe with regard to the outcome.     Send us Fan MailSupport the showThanks for watching and listening to the following social media platforms every Tuesday at 12pm PST:YouTube Channel: @GregMact5vApple Podcasts (including Overcast, Castro, Cast Box, Goodpods, True Fans)SpotifyPodcast IndexiHeartRadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerPlayer FMFacebookLinkedInX