Sorta Sophisticated

Real time satellite monitoring shows that so far in 2024, more than 10, 000 wildfires have ripped across over 20, 000 square kilometers of the Amazon across multiple countries. Never has this many fires burned so much of the forest this early in the year, and scientists are worried that the region is getting closer and closer to the tipping point, where widespread degradation, did I say that right?

Degradation and repeated burning of the forest will be essentially unstoppable.

And just last week, Brazil's. Yanomami shaman leader asked the Pope, the freaking Pope, to support President Lula in reversing damage to the Amazon left by previous governments transgressions. Literally last week. Look it up. Google it. So what does the Amazon have to do with becoming more cultured and curious?

Because everything is connected, people. Although we don't have a rainforest here at home, understanding what's going on in our world will help us expand our understanding of our diverse planet and help us become more culturally aware and environmentally conscious citizens. Right now, right now in the heart of the Brazilian Amazon thousands of people are unlawfully invading protected lands because they are struggling to make ends meet for their families and see no other way than cutting down century old forests for resources and profits. An indigenous forest guardian, Marcel Gaisazzara, and indigenous leader, Puir Tembi, are literally standing on the front line of this fight, risking their lives to protect their ancestral lands from these invasions and deforestation..

This is the narrative that is playing out right now, in our lifetime.

Listen, this is the story of We Are Guardians, an award winning documentary about hope amidst an unfolding crisis. Thanks to executive producer Leonardo DiCaprio. We have the ability to explore the human spirit and our collective responsibility to protect the fragile balance of our world, where hope and unity can guide us toward a brighter future for the Amazon and our planet.

In a series of surveys we Googled to make sure we were credible, we found that 95 percent of people think they possess an appropriate amount of perspective and self awareness, but only 10 to 15 percent truly do. Other than the fact that that math doesn't make any sense at all, that's a startling statistic.

We have a massive disconnect here, people. No wonder our world is so polarized. We're just wired to operate on autopilot, unaware of how we're behaving and why. And combine that with how much more self absorbed we are since social media has exploded in popularity, and we got dynamite. We think all this has really messed with our ability to connect and relate with one another.

The bad news is, 95 percent of us are screwed, so give up now. The good news is, 10 percent of us can be saved.

In a series of surveys we Googled to make sure we were credible, we found that 95 percent of people think they possess an appropriate amount of perspective and self awareness, but only 10 to 15 percent truly do. Other than the fact that that math doesn't make any sense at all, that's a startling statistic.

We have a massive disconnect here, people. No wonder our world is so polarized. We're just wired to operate on autopilot, unaware of how we're behaving and why. And combine that with how much more self absorbed we are since social media has exploded in popularity, and we got dynamite. We think all this has really messed with our ability to connect and relate with one another.

The bad news is, 95 percent of us are screwed, so give up now. The good news is, 10 percent of us can be saved.

The year was 2019. The horse was maximum security, and the race was the famous Kentucky Derby as the thunderous hooves pounded against the track at Churchill Downs, the crowd erupted in a deafening roar. As the horses rounded the final turn, the magnificent thoroughbred surged towards the finish line.

Maximum security pulled ahead with one massive last effort and heaved himself and his jockey across the finish line. But just as the cheers reached a crescendo, the unthinkable happened. The video replay revealed a controversial interference that left the outcome hanging in the balance. With tension soaring and the fate of the race in question, who was crowned the victor of 2019's Kentucky Derby?

So get ready to saddle up for an exhilarating ride through the thrilling world of horse racing. Join us as we dive deep today into the legendary Triple Crown series, exploring the history, drama, and triumphs behind this prestigious championship from the iconic races at Churchill Downs to the heart pounding finishes at Belmont Park.

Our goal is to make you just smart enough to hold your own out on the racetrack.

Highlights of this episode include an inspiring conversation with my dear friend, Alex Cripchuck, an immigrant whose story bridges continents and cultures. Born in Argentina to Russian parents who fled their homeland before his birth, he grew up in the politically charged atmosphere of 1960’s Argentina. At 18, he made the bold decision to move to the United States to pursue college and build a new life. Together, we’ll explore his unique journey - how his family’s resilience shaped his outlook, what it was like coming of age during Argentina’s political turmoil, and the challenges and triumphs of adapting to life in a new country. Join us for this heartfelt and captivating episode as we dive into a story of migration, identity, and the universal search for belonging.