Democracy is Unquestionably the Objective for our Elections
Seeing the ongoing, unsubstantiated attacks on selective aspects of the 2020 election as a threat to the democratic process, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss how democratic systems can only function if the vast majority of a populace is willing to buy into democratic norms (02:00) and consider what responsibility elected leaders and news media have in the presence...
The Process is Messy, but Americans Have Made a Clear Statement
The 2020 U.S. Election included record levels of participation and a collective decision to make a change at the top, and James Keys, Tunde Ogunlana, and Rick Ellsley discuss what the election results reveal about the mindset of Americans, the messiness of democratic elections, and what circumstances or trends we need to keep our eyes on moving forward. Biden...
Let’s Fight the Virus and Not the Scientists
COVID-19 rates are spiking across the globe, and James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana consider whether our societies have misjudged how pervasive the pandemic would be (01:13) and discuss comments from a conservative party leader in the UK about Boris Johnson "giving in to scientific advisers" with his lockdown measures (09:14). The guys also take a look at the apparent...
Borat 2 and Our Uncomfortable Reflection
Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat Subsequent Moviefilm reveals a lot about our society’s values, or its lack thereof, and James Keys, Tunde Ogunlana, and Rob Richardson take a look at various causes and effects of what we see (01:10) and consider what would be needed to get things on track (28:40).Material discussed:Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (Amazon Prime)Republican and Democrat running against...
Plans are Good – but Politicians Will Play Politics
The story surrounding Ice Cube’s Contract with Black America was hijacked by politicians, so James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at the Cube’s approach to getting it on the table and the public fallout, reasons why this type of action continues to be necessary, and the extent to which Black Americans may be taken for granted by...
Voting – as a Collective Act – Provides Coherence
The lifeblood of our system of government is voting, so James Keys, Tunde Ogunlana, and friend of the program Rick Ellsley discuss why voting matters in our governmental system (01:35), what they make of the aversion many Americans have to everyone (including themselves) voting (11:23), the specific challenges being faced in 2020 (27:18), and what it would take for...
Culture Series: The Alchemist, a book by Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho's international bestselling book, "The Alchemist," is a timeless story about self discovery, destiny, travel and treasure, and James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss their impressions of and takeaways from some of the major themes in the story. Note that this podcast does contain spoilers.The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
Taxpayers are also Paying Price for Police Misconduct
The financial settlements paid by cities following police misconduct are undoubtedly a red flag, so James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss the implications of the $12 million settlement paid by Louisville to the family of Breonna Taylor (01:05). The guys also compare discuss the commonality between America’s original conspiracy theory and conspiracy theories floating around today (26:56) and the...
Streaming Between the Lines: Capital in the Twenty-First Century
The “Capital in the Twenty-First Century” documentary provided a fasted paced and fascinating look at the evolution of capital in recent history and how this has affected so much, and James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss what stood out the most (01:27), what can be made of growing inequality trends (17:05), the link between wealth inequality and social instability...
Throwing Stones Into Our Glass House
Our society’s recklessness and disregard seems to be making the Earth less hospitable to our society, so James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana take a look at the accelerating destruction of, and increasing threats to, our habitat (01:21) and discuss ways that societies can make preserving the planet we live on more of a priority (32:55). Referenced:Death toll rises in...
Our Economic Downturn is Being Felt in Expected and Unexpected Ways
With the coronavirus driven economic downturn still creating so much uncertainty, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss reports that are suggesting that the worst of the economic fallout is still to come (01:04). The guys also make sense of the fact that more young adults under 30 are living with their parents than on their own (28:49). Material Discussed:Here...
Expecting More, but not too Much, From Science
Recognizing the role scientific advancement can play in making our world a better place, James Keys and Tunde Ogunlana discuss Boris Johnson’s bold plan to outlaw gasoline vehicles in the U.K. by 2030 as part of a “green industrial revolution” (01:27) and take a look at some implications from recent advancements in producing lab created diamonds (20:22). The guys...