Episode 16 - My Politics Over Time

05/20/24 • 40 min

The metamorphosis of our political identities is a journey that can surprise even ourselves. I never expected to trade in my Democrat badge for an Independent's uncertainty, only to later align with the Republicans. With Leander Kelsey Jr by my side, we unfold the story of this evolution, revealing why primaries played a pivotal role in this switch and how our aging selves see conservatism in a complex light, especially when it comes to our financial decisions as business owners. Are we being frugal, or are we scrutinizing capitalism and its effects on our societal progress? We grapple with these questions, digging into the tension between innovation and the lure of the status quo.
History isn't just for textbooks; it's etched in our national consciousness, stirring debates and awakening our senses to the ironies that surround us, like Confederate Heritage Month. This episode isn't one to shy away from the uncomfortable - we wrestle with the significance of confronting our painful history versus the allure of safe spaces, questioning whether the selective remembrance is skewing our understanding of the true American experience. Through my reflections and our dialogue, we underscore the importance of preserving these narratives to prevent history from repeating its darkest chapters.
As we navigate the shifting political waters, our chat turns to the transformative moments that magnified our political lens—from my time at an HBCU through the Trump presidency—to the awakening of our social consciousness. We dissect the stark realities of inequity and the government's role in healthcare and economic disparity, sharing how these insights propelled us toward a deeper commitment to civic engagement. Politics isn't just a spectator sport; it's our communal responsibility to get involved and shape the outcomes in our communities. Without our voice, we're simply bystanders in the whirlwind of change.

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Episode 15: The Social Media Evolution - Molding Digital Identities

Remember the days when updating your MySpace page with the perfect song felt like the most crucial decision of the week? As we ride the wave of nostalgia, Ben Ford and I, Leander Kelsey Jr., throw it back to those early digital days and chart the rise of social media from its innocent roots to the complex giant it's become. Our candid tales and personal evolutions underscore how these platforms have shaped our lives, careers, and the way we present ourselves to the world.
Join us as we pull back the curtain on the strategies and stumbles we've experienced in molding our online personas – from my journey as a fitness trainer turned gym owner to Ben's careful orchestration of his music career. We tackle the thorny issues of privacy, the generation gap, and question why we choose to share certain slices of life while keeping others under wraps. Plus, we'll share a laugh as we discuss the quirks of aging with social media, from dodging TikTok trends to curiously eyeing the Facebook Marketplace.
To cap off this digital odyssey, we reflect on the content creation hustle, the struggles of monetization, and the ethical quagmires of targeted advertising to younger audiences. As parents and creators, we're not just talking shop; we're questioning the fabric of this social media tapestry and its implications for future generations. So, whether you're a fellow digital denizen or just curious about the social landscape, there's a place for you in our conversation, as we ponder the future of our interconnected, digital lives.