EP 837 The New Tourist Explores the World in a Deeper Way

EP 837 The New Tourist Explores the World in a Deeper Way

 The Louvre.  The Tower of London. The Parthenon.  St. Peter’s Basilica.  An all- inclusive resort in Bermuda.  What do all of these places have in common?  Well, they are fine to visit, but they are predictable and have been given the designation of ‘tourist traps.’  Often times we are fearful of going off-road and exploring …

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EP 836 Obesity Inhibitors: A Breakthrough in Medicine

EP 836 Obesity Inhibitors: A Breakthrough in Medicine

 For the first time in a decade, adult obesity in the United States dropped last year, according to a new study and researchers are continuing to determine the role that the dramatic rise in popularity of weight loss drugs, like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound, has to do with that trend.  Before 2023, between 2013-2022, obesity …

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EP 835 It’s Still the Federal Bureau of Investigation but What Will It Be Able to Investigate in Trump’s America?

EP 835 It’s Still the Federal Bureau of Investigation but What Will It Be Able to Investigate in Trump’s America?

 To say that there is a chill in the air at FBI HQ, and its field offices, is an understatement.  Perhaps I should call HQ the future “Museum of the Deep State” on day one if Kash Patel is confirmed as its director, as he’s said publicly.  Between firings, exposure of agents, analysts and others …

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EP 834 What Caused the 2008 Great Recession and Could It Happen Again?

EP 834 What Caused the 2008 Great Recession and Could It Happen Again?

 Our memories may be a bit foggy about what brought on the Great Recession of 2008, the worst American economic crisis since the Great Depression.  Even George W. Bush, then president, asked his Treasury Secretary, Hank Paulson, to explain to him what went on and how it occurred.  In his book, “2008: What Really Happened: …

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EP 833 Globalization Gives Way to Country First Policies Around the Globe and in the U.S.

EP 833 Globalization Gives Way to Country First Policies Around the Globe and in the U.S.

Our guest today suggests that globalization as we know it may be over, closing the books on a significant chapter in modern economic history and an interconnected world order.  Industrial policies dismissed as obsolete for decades are being embraced once again by governments worldwide.  Could that be the reason that geopolitical tensions are rising?  Jamie …

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EP 832 Rural Health Care Needs Present Unique Challenges

EP 832 Rural Health Care Needs Present Unique Challenges

As if our healthcare delivery system doesn’t have enough problems, wherever it is located, but often those concerns pale in comparison to the needs of folks who live a distance from metropolitan centers. Hospitals are closing at an unhealthy clip in rural areas and the types of care within others is limited by the availability …

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EP 831 Fentanyl is the Most Potent Drug Ever Yet Crisis Gets Little Attention

EP 831 Fentanyl is the Most Potent Drug Ever Yet Crisis Gets Little Attention

 Americans consume a disproportionate amount of the illegal, and deadly, drugs in the world.  Our guest on this podcast is well equipped to provide a nuanced response to why that is.  The story of the fentanyl crisis is heartbreaking and should disturb each of us. The toll of death and destruction left in its wake …

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EP 830 Stadiums Are America’s Public Squares

EP 830 Stadiums Are America’s Public Squares

While we may attend games at stadiums, the way in which these cavernous facilities are erected, located, financed and owned is serious business.  They represent the epicenter of many cities and have over the years reflected the cultural changes going on in our society.  They have also hosted a range of activities beyond the sporting …

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EP 829 The New Customer Experience: Please Hold and an Automated Attendant Will Be Right with You

EP 829 The New Customer Experience: Please Hold and an Automated Attendant Will Be Right with You

   Bad customer experiences are costing businesses more than ever, according to new research by experience management company Qualtrics.  Its work projects global losses of $3.7 trillion annually–a staggering 19 percent increase from last year’s $3.1 trillion projection.  You don’t need to see the macro picture when daily you suffer the frustrating indignities of calls …

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EP 828 Aside From Hand Wringing, What’s the Road Ahead for Democrats?

EP 828 Aside From Hand Wringing, What’s the Road Ahead for Democrats?

While on many issues–reproductive rights, gay marriage, increasing the minimum wage, pushing back on price gouging, more support for day care–polls show overwhelming support for more progressive leaning, or Democratic, positions, the party lost the 2024 presidential election.  And while the final popular vote tally was about a point and a half difference and Democrats …

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