Best Ian Scanlon Podcasts (2025)

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Book Review From Rick’s Library: The Hippie Trail 9:10

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1d ago9:10

9:10

Find out what Rick Steve's learned in 1978, at the age of 23, when he embarked on the famed Hippie Trail, traversing countries like Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Nepal. supporting links 1. Travel Guru Rick Steves Say His Prostate Cancer Is a 'Thrilling' Journey [PEOPLE] 2. Rick Steves on the "Hippie Trail" Trip That Changed Him [C…

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A Prisoner, Limited Tools, A Violin of Hope 14:47

3d ago14:47

14:47

This is the story of a very old violin that stored a secret—one that lay hidden for 80 years. This instrument was crafted behind barbed wire in the Dachau prison camp, by a prisoner fighting to survive. Supporting links 1. Franciszek Kempa [Wikipedia] 2. Dachau concentration camp [Wikipedia] 3. Violin Crafted in the Infamous Dachau Death Camp [Yesh…

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Kyla Scanlon Explains Trumponomics 15:57

4d ago15:57

15:57

Learn how Trumponomics offers a powerful lesson about the difference between rhetoric and reality in economic policy — and the critical importance of strategic coherence in national industrial planning. Supporting links 1. Kyla Scanlon: “In This Economy? How Money and Markets Really Work” [The Daily Show] 2. Understanding Trump's Tariffs [Kyla Scan…

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Interview #24 Barb Demorest and Patti DeFreeuw - Knitted Knockers: A Stitch of Hope 1:08:10

10d ago1:08:10

1:08:10

Summary In this episode of 'That's Life, I Swear,' host Rick Barron speaks with Barb Demorest and Patti DeFreeuw, the founders of the Knitted Knockers Organization. They share their personal journeys with breast cancer and how it led to the creation of a nonprofit that provides free, hand-knit breast prosthetics to women who have undergone mastecto…

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Interview #23 Andy Unruh - Revolutionizing Music: The Story of the Amazonica 54:41

17d ago54:41

54:41

By Rick Barron

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Cancer Costs: A Financial Freefall 10:48

18d ago10:48

10:48

By Rick Barron

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The Vanishing Dream: Retirement in America 13:47

24d ago13:47

13:47

Many people today are confronting a stark reality: the looming retirement crisis in America. Picture this – a significant portion of our seniors, after a lifetime of hard work, find themselves barely scraping by in their ‘golden years’. supporting links 1. America Has a Retirement Crisis. We Need to Make It Easier to Save [PEW] 2. SECURE 2.0 [Princ…

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Interview #22 Cydian Kauffman - Day Zero & Navigating the Water Scarcity Challenge 50:05

30d ago50:05

50:05

Summary In this enlightening conversation, Rick Barron and Cydian Kauffman delve into the critical issue of water safety and the looming crisis of water scarcity, known as Day Zero. They explore the complex factors contributing to this crisis, including climate change, infrastructure challenges, and the importance of proactive measures such as wate…

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Interview #21 Ian Darley - Resilience on the Road: The 7,000 Mile Epic Journey 47:28

1M ago47:28

47:28

Summary In this discussion, Ian T Darley shares his experiences and challenges during his ambitious journey to walk 7,000 miles around the UK. He reflects on the physical and mental hurdles he faced, such as dealing with inadequate footwear, lack of water, and the emotional toll of being away from family. Ian emphasizes the importance of adaptabili…

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Interview #20 Pam Sandrock - Embracing Life's Challenges 57:57

1M ago57:57

57:57

Summary In this episode of 'That's Life, I Swear,' host Rick Barron speaks with Pam Sandrock, creator of the No Knockouts podcast. They discuss Pam's journey through a life-altering cancer diagnosis, her philosophy of resilience, and the importance of sharing personal stories. Pam emphasizes the significance of embracing life's challenges, the ther…

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Gaza Famine Declared: UN Warns of Starvation Amid War and Aid Blockade 15:29

1M ago15:29

15:29

Show notes Learn how UN experts confirm famine in Gaza City as war, Israeli aid restrictions, and collapsed infrastructure push millions into Starvation and acute malnutrition. Supporting links 1. Tom Fletcher [YouTube] 2. Integrated Food Security Phase Classification [Wikipedia] 3. UN experts warn that over [UN Organization] Contact That's Life, I…

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Interview #19 From Immigrant to Entrepreneur: Ashok Rajan's Story 53:27

1M ago53:27

53:27

In this enlightening conversation, Ashok Rajan shares his remarkable journey from India to the United States, highlighting the challenges he faced while pursuing his education and building a successful career. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, resilience, and the dignity of every job, reflecting on how these experiences shaped his values a…

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A Border-Crossing: Canadian Library's Fate 16:19

2M ago16:19

16:19

Show notes Learn how a library was deliberately built on the borders of Canada and U.S.A, as a symbol of shared community, showing how physical lines on a map can foster unity rather than division. Supporting links 1. Haskell Free Library and Opera House [YouTube] 2. Haskell Free Library and Opera House [Website] 3. Haskell Free Library and Opera H…

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Interview #18 Bryanna Mehling - Navigating Life's Peaks 1:02:46

2M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Summary In this enlightening conversation, Rick Barron speaks with Bryanna Mehling, founder and CEO of Bright Peak Consulting. Bryanna shares her journey from personal challenges to becoming a life and leadership coach, emphasizing the importance of communication, self-awareness, and relationship building in both personal and professional settings.…

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A.I. Defeats Go Legend Lee Saedol: Implications for AI and Society 15:42

2M ago15:42

15:42

Lee Saedol, one of the greatest Go players of all time, is defeated by AI. His shocking defeat wasn't just a game-changer—it was a glimpse into a future that may not have a happy ending. Supporting links 1. Go game [Wikipedia] 2. AlphaGo [Wikipedia] 3. Google DeepMind [Wikipedia] 4. The Story of AlphaGo [Google Arts & Culture] 5. 8 years later: A w…

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Interview #17 Lauren Van Duyn - The Mom-demic Diaries: Stories of Resilience 53:42

2M ago53:42

53:42

Summary In this episode, Rick Barron interviews Lauren Van Dyne, a recruitment manager and podcaster, about her experiences as a mother during the COVID pandemic. Lauren discusses her podcast, 'The Mom-demic Diaries,' which aims to provide a space for mothers to share their raw and unfiltered stories of parenting during such a challenging time. The…

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2084: The Year of Earth’s Peak Population 15:09

2M ago15:09

15:09

The world’s population is expected to grow by more than 2 billion people in the next decades and peak in the 2080s at around 10.3 billion, a major shift from a decade ago, a new report by the United Nations said Thursday. The report—released on World Population Day—says the global population is then expected to decline to around 10.2 billion by the…

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Cass Elliot and the Ham Sandwich Myth 13:55

2M ago13:55

13:55

Cass Elliot's life was a testament to the power of talent, perseverance, and authenticity. From her early days in the folk scene to her meteoric rise with The Mamas & The Papas and her solo career, she left an indelible mark on the music industry. 1. Cass Elliot [Wikipedia] 2. The Mamas & The Papas [Official site] 3. The Mamas and the Papas - Top H…

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Typing a Note to Say Good-bye 10:42

2M ago10:42

10:42

Learn how one man sought to keep typewriters alive. Not as museum pieces, but as living, breathing conduits of human creativity. Supporting links 1. Typewriter [Wikipedia] 2. Who Invented the Typewriter? [History Cooperative] 3. Ultimate Typewriter Repair Guide: Restore Your Vintage Machine [Classic Typewriter] Contact That's Life, I Swear Visit my…

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Mindset Matters in Aging and Longevity 14:12

3M ago14:12

14:12

A growing body of evidence suggests our mental outlook on aging plays a far more significant role in our longevity than previously recognized. 1. Becca Levy, PhD [Yale School of Medicine] 2. How positive age beliefs can support positive health [AMA] 3. Why do the Japanese have the highest life expectancy in the world? [Observatoire Prevention] 4. L…

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Life After Apple: Jony Ive’s Vision – Part 2 13:59

3M ago13:59

13:59

Jony Ive left Apple for a new journey beyond consumer electronics. That journey was to revitalize the historic Jackson Square district in San Francisco. 1. Apple's Jony Ive on the Lessons He Learned From Steve Jobs [Vanity Fair] 2. Jony Ive & Anna Wintour in Conversation - RE:WIRED 2021 [YouTube] 3. Why Jony Ive Is Apple's Design Genius [Smithsonia…

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Life After Apple: Jony Ive’s Vision – Part 1 12:57

3M ago12:57

12:57

Six years ago, Jony Ive stepped away from Apple, leaving behind the iconic products that reshaped our world. But did he leave his design dreams behind? Not even close. 1. Apple's Jony Ive on the Lessons He Learned From Steve Jobs [Vanity Fair] 2. Jony Ive & Anna Wintour in Conversation - RE:WIRED 2021 [YouTube] 3. Why Jony Ive Is Apple’s Design Gen…

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Book Review From Rick’s Library: Alexei Navalny, Patriot, A Memoir 10:48

3M ago10:48

10:48

Alexei Navalny's Patriot: A Memoir chronicles his evolution from an ordinary Russian citizen to a global symbol of resistance against Vladimir Putin's regime. supporting links 1. Alexei Navalny [Wikipedia] 2. Yulia Navalnaya [Wikipedia] 3. The faith that sustained Russian dissident Alexei Navalny [America] 4. Putin's Opulence: A Deep Dive into the …

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Interview #16 Abi King - Breaking free from the chains of Alcohol Addiction 50:52

3M ago50:52

50:52

Summary In this episode, Rick Barron speaks with Abby King, a sobriety coach and host of the Sober Connection podcast. Abby shares her personal journey through alcohol addiction, the struggles of quitting, and the emotional toll it takes on individuals and their relationships. They discuss the stigma surrounding addiction, the importance of communi…

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America’s Economic Storm: Are We Ready? 12:54

3M ago12:54

12:54

The U.S. economy may be sleepwalking into a disaster—and the warning signs are being ignored. Are we prepared for what’s coming next? 1. Workers want AI training from their companies [World Economic Forum] 2. AI Automation And The Future Of The Workforce [YouTube] 3. The growth of the older workforce [Pew Research Center] 4. Understanding America’s…

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The Season of Hurricanes: Unprepared and Blindfolded! 13:56

4M ago13:56

13:56

Learn how weather forecasting, via NOAA, isn’t just about satellites or radars; it’s about the dedicated staff, research, and infrastructure behind the scenes. Private apps and companies rely on this federal backbone. Supporting links 1. Hurricane Season [Wikipedia] 2. NOAA [Website] 3. DOGE [Website] 4. National Weather Service [Website] 5. Office…

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The Nerve-Wracking Art of Brain Surgery 13:15

4M ago13:15

13:15

As a neurosurgeon, their expertise rests on precise skills and advancing neurological insights, but true mastery goes beyond technique to shape their impact and empathy. 1. The Making of a Neurosurgeon [American University of Antigua] 2. So, You Want to Be a Surgeon [American College of Surgeons] 3. Neurosurgeon [Cleveland Clinic] 4. History of Neu…

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Women Who Shattered Wall Street's Glass Ceiling 16:40

4M ago16:40

16:40

The propulsive story of the women who sought, and gained, a piece of the action on Wall Street. 1. The Paulina Bren [Blog site] 2. Bernadette Bartels Murphy, Pioneering Wall Street Trader, Dies at 86 [New York Times] 3. Tracing the Roots of the Women on Wall Street [National Women’s History Museum] 4. How the macho NYSE trader became an endangered …

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Robots Redefine Affordable Grocery Delivery 12:25

4M ago12:25

12:25

By taking advantage of robotics as the new digital clerk, grocery brands can solve the most pressing issues they face today: tight margins, labor shortages and shifting customer expectations. 1. How robots are taking over warehouse work [BBC] 2. Thrive Market [website] 3. How Robotics is Transforming Grocery Operations [Food Logistics] 4. 7 Online …

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Melting North: Arctic Climate Emergency Countdown 16:37

4M ago16:37

16:37

Arctic ice is melting even more rapidly than scientists previously believed. supporting links 1. Felicity Aston: Explorer-Author-Speaker [website] 2. What It's Like to Cross Antarctica Alone [Conde Nast Traveler] 3. Pole Of Cold: Felicity Aston - Extreme Challenge [YouTube] 4. Chasing Winter, A Journey to the Pole of Cold [Book] 5. B.I.G. North Pol…

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Greenpeace: A Movement at a Crossroads 13:59

4M ago13:59

13:59

Greenpeace, the legendary environmental group that fought to save the whales, now finds itself fighting for survival. Supporting links 1. Greenpeace [Wikipedia] 2. Greenpeace [USA website] 3. Greenpeace International [YouTube] 4. The bombing of the Rainbow Warrior [Greenpeace website] Contact That's Life, I Swear Visit my website: https://www.thats…

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Losing the Race, Winning the Lesson 14:48

5M ago14:48

14:48

Show notes What if crossing that finish line, no matter how far behind, wasn’t about winning at all? 1. Newcomb ball [Wikipedia] 2. New to Triathlon? Here’s Your Beginner Training Plan [Triathlete] 3. Triathlon [Wikipedia] Contact That's Life, I Swear Visit my website: https://www.thatslifeiswear.com Twitter at @RedPhantom Bluesky at @rickbarron.bs…

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Book Review From Rick’s Library: The White Darkness 7:35

5M ago7:35

7:35

Frozen Obsession: Henry Worsley’s Last Expedition, chasing Ernest Shackleton’s polar dream. supporting links 1. Henry Worsley (explorer) [Wikipedia] 2. Ernest Shackleton [Wikipedia] 3. The White Darkness [Amazon Books] 4. David Grann [Facebook] Contact That's Life, I Swear Visit my website: https://www.thatslifeiswear.com Twitter at @RedPhantom Blu…

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Interview #15 Kendall Breitman- From Newsroom to Podcast Studio: Her Journey 55:51

5M ago55:51

55:51

Summary In this engaging conversation, host Rick Barron speaks with Kendall Breitman, a master storyteller and community manager at Riverside. They explore Kendall's journey from her early life in Pennsylvania to her impressive career in journalism, covering politics and presidential elections. Kendall shares insights into her experiences in high s…

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Interview #14 David Simmons-The Call of the Ocean: A Journey of Reinvention 55:40

5M ago55:40

55:40

Summary: In this episode, Rick Barron interviews David Simmons, a former tech executive who transitioned to a sailing business in the Caribbean. David shares his journey from a tumultuous childhood in Mississippi to a fulfilling life on the ocean. He discusses his love for the water, the challenges of starting a charter business, and the realities …

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AI Tutors: Can Chatbots Revolutionize Education? 12:53

5M ago12:53

12:53

Sal Khan, the founder and CEO of Khan Academy, thinks artificial intelligence could spark the greatest positive transformation education has ever seen 1. How AI could save (not destroy) education [TED] 2. The A.I. Chatbots Have Arrived. Time to Talk to Your Kids. [New York Times] 3. Most Americans haven’t used ChatGPT; few think it will impact thei…

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Book Review From Rick’s Library: Raising Hare, a Memoir 7:33

5M ago7:33

7:33

Locked down in the English countryside during the pandemic, writer Chloe Dalton found herself in an unlikely companionship—with a wild hare. supporting links 1. Raising Hare: A Memoir [Amazon] 2. Chloe Dalton [Blog site] 3. Hare [Wikipedia] Contact That's Life, I Swear Visit my website: https://www.thatslifeiswear.com Twitter at @RedPhantom Bluesky…

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Revolutionizing Medicine: A.I. in Drug Development 17:48

5M ago17:48

17:48

The effects of AI in drug development are expected to dramatically reshape the entire healthcare industry. supporting links 1. Terray [company website] 2. Recursion Pharmaceuticals [company website] 3. Schrödinger [company website] 4. Isomorphic Labs[company website] 5. Revolutionizing Drug Discovery with Generative AI [YouTube] 6. What AI-Designed…

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Interview #13 Suzanne Junered – The Art of Storytelling 1:03:20

6M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Summary: In this engaging conversation, Rick Barron interviews novelist Suzanne Junered, exploring her journey from a career in nutrition to becoming a writer. Suzanne shares her passion for storytelling, the challenges she faced, and the importance of community in the writing process. The discussion delves into her creative awakening, the themes s…

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Interview #12 Shazmeen Bank – Healing Through Connection 1:06:06

6M ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Summary: In this episode, host Rick Barron speaks with Shazmeen Bank, a relationship coach and host of the podcast 'Love Better.' They discuss Shazmeen's journey from becoming a young mother to her evolution into a relationship coach, emphasizing the importance of self-worth, healing, and creating safe spaces for personal growth. Shazmeen shares he…

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Europe’s Nuclear Future: Rely on U.S. or Not? 12:49

6M ago12:49

12:49

The discussion of European nuclear autonomy represents a troubling inflection point in the post-Cold War order. It signals the potential unraveling of established security arrangements that, despite their imperfections, have prevented significant power conflict in Europe for decades. Supporting links 1. Can Europe defend itself against a nuclear-ar…

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Social Security’s Future: The Tax Change No One Wants to Discuss 13:57

6M ago13:57

13:57

There’s a critical two-word issue that impacts millions of Americans. Social Security. The retirement program we all rely on is running out of time, and there’s a fix no one seems to want to talk about. Supporting links 1. Is the Retirement Picture for Millennials Looking Better? [Center for Retirement Research] 2. How to fix Social Security? It’s …

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Lessons on Life from a Dying Doctor 21:14

6M ago21:14

21:14

Learn how a doctor, facing the end of his life, chose to teach the most important subject of all: That the heart of medicine is about people, connection, and honoring every patient's humanity. Supporting links 1. Dr. Bryant Lin [Stanford Medicine] 2. A doctor, his cancer journey and a uniquely teachable moment [Stanford Medicine] 3. Stage 4 lung ca…

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Dementia Prevention Starts Now: Midlife Matters 11:33

6M ago11:33

11:33

To help prevent elderly Dementia, adopting healthy habits, regardless of age, could yield significant dividends as individuals grow older. supporting links 1. Healthy habits help preserve brain health, despite genetics [University of Mississippi Medical Center] 2. What is Dementia? [World Health Organization] 3. Types of Dementia [Alzheimer's Assoc…

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Jamestown: DNA Solves Mystery of First English Settlement in America 11:21

7M ago11:21

11:21

DNA analysis of human remains found at the site of a church built in 1608 in the colonial settlement of Jamestown, Virginia, suggest the men are kinsmen of the colony’s first governor, Thomas West. supporting links 1. Jamestown, Virgina [Wikipedia] 2. aDNA [Wikipedia] 3. DNA [Wikipedia] 4. Thomas West, 3rd Baron De La Warr [Wikipedia] 5. Jamestown …

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Interview #11 Julieta Duvall – Time Advocacy: No Commitments, Just Experiments 1:05:29

7M ago1:05:29

1:05:29

Summary: In this episode, Rick Barron interviews Julieta Duvall, a time advocate who shares her journey of redefining time as a resource rather than a commodity. Julieta discusses her transition from traditional homeschooling to unschooling, emphasizing the importance of letting go of societal expectations and commitments that do not align with per…

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Kyla Scanlon: Gen Z’s Economic Guru Adviser 14:47

7M ago14:47

14:47

Kyla Scanlon is demystifying the most complicated things about economics, one TikTok video at a time. 1. Kyla Scanlon on Gen Z's Money Worries and Approach to Investing [YouTube] 2. Kyla Scanlon — State of the Economy Really that Bad? With Scott Galloway [YoutTube] 3. Are We Still In A 'Vibecession'? with Kyla Scanlon [YouTube] 4. Mary C. Daly, Pre…

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Book Review From Rick’s Library: GENERATIONS 8:32

7M ago8:32

8:32

Generations by Dr. Jean Twenge explores how the six generations living in the United States today, connect, conflict, and compete. supporting links 1. Gen Z Refuses to Grow Up | With Dr. Jean Twenge [YouTube] 2. Jean Twenge, "Generations" [YouTube] 3. iGen: The Smartphone Generation | Jean Twenge [YouTube] 4. Jean Twenge on Rising Anxiety, Depressi…

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Interview #10 Michael Ashford – The Art of Communication 1:04:41

7M ago1:04:41

1:04:41

Summary: In this engaging conversation, Rick Barron and Michael Ashford explore the intricacies of communication, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and deeper questioning in fostering meaningful connections. They discuss the shortcomings of traditional education in teaching effective communication skills and propose a redesign that encourages…

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Needle Fear or Misinformation? The Vaccine Divide 20:24

7M ago20:24

20:24

Vaccine debates are as much about ideology as they are about science. The challenge moving forward is finding ways to balance public health imperatives with respect for personal freedom. This negotiation has shaped—and will continue to shape—American public health policy. Supporting links 1. Measles Makes a Comeback: What Parents Need to Know [Ceda…