Send us a text A conservative activist was shot dead by someone even further to the right than himself, highlighting America's terrifying rightward shift toward extremism. The incident reveals how far-right ideology has become so normalized that prominent figures like Charlie Kirk are considered "sellouts" by even more radical elements. • Charlie Kirk, 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was killed by a 22-year-old extremist who considered him not conservative enough • The shooter, son...
Send us a text We explore the crucial difference between conflict avoidance and avoidant attachment, examining how avoiding small issues creates bigger problems in long-term relationships. The person who avoids conflict actually controls the relationship dynamic, creating a pressure cooker where ten skipped conversations eventually lead to one explosive confrontation. • Conflict avoidance is different from avoidant attachment, though they're often confused • Avoiding issues in long-term rela...
Send us a text We need to recognize ourselves as the human animals we are, understanding that our meat suit houses all our psychological components and significantly impacts what we consider "self." The way stress shapes our bodies and behaviors can explain everything from lacking motivation to experiencing unexplained pain. • Our biology is the most incredible machine ever created, far superior to any human invention • Modern society conditions us to ignore physical discomfort through top-d...
Send us a text The difference between commerce and capitalism might seem like a semantic distinction, but understanding this gap illuminates how our entire economic system functions today. Commerce—the simple exchange of goods based on mutual needs—has existed in all human societies since time immemorial. It's relational, built on trust and reciprocity. But capitalism? That's something else entirely. In this deep dive, we trace capitalism's evolution from feudal Europe through the first mult...
Send us a text The golden era of capitalism from the 1950s to 1970s wasn't brought to you by capitalism but by communism and government regulation. During post-WWII America, the government implemented socialist policies that created unprecedented prosperity while simultaneously demonizing communism abroad. • Government contracts forced corporations like Boeing, General Dynamics, and Lockheed to build specific products with extensive oversight • Social services including the GI Bill, Federal ...
Send us a text America has been functioning as a fascist country for years, but we're only now seeing the Nazi salutes and hearing direct Nazi quotes in Congress. The real issue isn't just the obvious villains, but the entire political system controlled by trillion-dollar investment firms that fund both parties while the public fights over social issues. • Texas Representative Keith Self quoted Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels during a congressional session • Politicians from both parties s...
Send us a text Provocative victims are people who trigger others and then claim to be bullied when faced with pushback, representing a pattern rooted in privilege and trauma responses. This behavioral pattern extends from personal interactions to public figures, requiring clear recognition to effectively navigate without becoming emotionally entangled. • Provocative victims display aggressive behavior then immediately claim victimhood when others respond • White privilege often enables this ...
Send us a text Let me introduce you to a fantastic and powerful short hand way to evaluate the heartwarming good news presented to us in the media as Americans. The Orphan crushing machine! Nearly every heartwarming positive piece of news in this country ignores the terrible circumstances that created the need for the heartwarming story. 1 in 3 Go fund me accounts is for someones medical expenses. That is an orphan crushing machine. Every day people have raised over 650 Million dollars ...
Send us a text What does it take for a Navy SEAL to transform into a licensed clinical social worker? Join us as we uncover the extraordinary life of Tom LeGrave, who shares his compelling journey from military service to helping others navigate the complexities of young adulthood. At the heart of our conversation, we focus on the age group of 18 to 24, a time when self-regulation and resilience are crucial. Tom’s personal struggles provide a powerful backdrop as we discuss the profou...
Send us a text Step into a transformative conversation with Dr. David Clark, president of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms, as he presents a revolutionary perspective on health and healing. During our dialogue, Dr. Clark uncovers the powerful concept of neuroplastic symptoms—conditions generated by the brain in response to stress and trauma, without any physical changes in the body. With compelling examples like phantom limb pain, Dr. Clark shares his journey from a ...
Send us a text This episode explores the concept of radical flanking and how extremism influences social movements. We discuss the roles of radical and moderate groups, the dynamics of the Overton window, and the implications of violence in the pursuit of social change. • Examination of radical flanking in social movements • Historical context: MLK vs. Malcolm X, Black Panthers • The Overton window and its relevance to discourse • Positive vs. negative flank effects a...
Send us a text A challenging exploration of boundary-setting and personal conflict unfolds through gripping stories that reveal the complexities of human interaction. The episode highlights the escalation of confrontations and emphasizes the importance of repairing relationships after boundaries are crossed. • Discusses the need for boundaries in social interactions • Shares personal stories of boundary violations • Explores the emotional triggers associated with crossing b...
Send us a text What if confidently confronting your partner's avoidance could lead to a more secure and transparent relationship? Join me on the Speak Plainly podcast as I break down the innovative concept of "aggressive attachment," a theory born out of personal experiences that redefines how we interact with avoidant partners. Through vivid stories from my own life, including interactions with my partner Michael and a new lover, I reveal how this approach differs from the traditional anxiou...
Send us a text What if the true face of ADHD isn't the hyperactive boy disrupting the classroom, but the quiet girl lost in her own thoughts? Uncover why girls are often overlooked in ADHD diagnoses during childhood, leading to a later-life reckoning where rates between genders even out. We peel back the layers of societal expectations and biological nuances, revealing how inattentiveness in girls leads to underdiagnosis—and the significant impact this oversight has on their lives, from self...
Send us a text This episode sheds light on my own struggles and the devastating loss of my brother who lost his battle with it after serving as a marine as well as my own suicidal attempts when young. By distinguishing between the desire to escape pain and the wish to end one's life, we explore the subtle shifts in these emotions and the role of self-awareness in recognizing and addressing them. We draw an important distinction between the desire to not be alive anymore and the desire...
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how billionaires like Elon Musk leverage debt to magnify their wealth, while the average person struggles with inflation? Join us as we unravel the mysteries of economics with my good friend Jess Doenges. We start with the foundational concept of transactions and then explore the distinctions between the fiscal and real economies. Our discussion ranges from the historical evolution of money and the impact of inflation to the undervalued dome...
Send us a text What if you could experience the majestic Annapurna Circuit without spending a fortune? Let us take you on a captivating journey through Nepal's Himalayan treasures, where we reveal essential tips on group planning, navigating Nepal's trekking legalities, and choosing the best time to embark on this adventure.we delve into high-altitude trials and the heartwarming rest days that punctuate the journey. Join us as we navigate limited food options, cope with jet lag, and ta...
Send us a text Is empathy truly scarce, or are we simply running low on energy to act on it? In this eye-opening episode of Speak Plainly, I'll challenge the prevailing belief that empathy is limited in our world. Instead, I argue that empathy is abundant but often goes untapped due to the finite nature of our human energy. Drawing inspiration from Darwin’s insights and children's natural empathy, we examine how societal norms and energy constraints shape our ability to express empathy...
Send us a text Ever flown to the other side of the world to spend time with someone and then get ghosted? I now have. Or ever found yourself up late at night, belting out Celine Dion songs with a new lover who feels like a mirror to your past? Join me, Owl Medicine, as I kick off Season Three of the Speak Plainly podcast by sharing my heartfelt reflections from a recent international trip, with a special focus on an emotional and intense week in Taiwan. Together, we’ll unravel the tap...
Send us a text Through personal stories and reflections, this episode illuminates the often unseen battle between our need for attachment and the quest for our truest selves. We'll explore the 'doer', 'hostile', 'darkness', 'ghost' and 'are we good?' personalities, understanding how each one acts as a suit of armor, originally crafted in childhood to protect us, yet influencing our adult lives and relationships in ways we might not expect. We cover how these personality ty...