Acts Of Pod

This week finds us deep in our isolation pods here at Acts of Pod. While it is true that we cover the term Astroturfing, we also dive into the psychological depths of the quarantine, examine both positive and negative coping mechanisms, and share some of our personal triumphs and horrors in hopes we connect with the greater struggle. So join us on this journey if only to escape the confines of your own quarantine prison for a few minutes. Good luck out there.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reporting from our self isolation chambers, we've been reading the news so you don't have to and can continue with those projects you've been meaning to finish. During these trying times some have risen to the occasion while others have tried to take advantage of our vulnerabilities. We here at Acts of Pod try to keep you updated on the state of our healthcare system, what's happening with our government and what to avoid on amazon and eBay so you can act accordingly. Stay strong in your isolation chambers and we'll speak to you soon!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, we give a brief primer on how quarantines have worked since the Plague of Justinian, through all manner of fevers, viruses, flues you name it. We'll walk you through the information being disseminated now, what we know about the psychological impact of social distancing and what you can expect. We'll even tell you how you can report price gouging on Lysol products you find on eBay. There is no reason to Panic! but we would like you to stay indoors and wash your hands.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You may have heard this present administration described as a banana republic, maybe by us. Well, you may not know what that means exactly. Does it involve a sham democracy? Does it involve corporate interests taking over a country and slowly eroding at the rights of working people? Could you just about put any dummy in charge because the ones pulling the strings are faceless plutocrats … you know what, yes. We're being pretty heavy handed here with the comparisons but, yes. Stay tuned for unexpected personal adventures from banana boats and much more on this week's episode of Acts of Pod.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is there ever a purer love than that between a Mad King and his devoted followers? History is littered with examples of these unions from Ivan the Terrible to George III. We are certainly not the type of people to mock anyone for their neurodiversity, but when is it appropriate to intervene when someone in a position of authority may no longer be fit to lead? Does history offer us any guides, does this end badly? How can a love that feels so right, go so wrong? These and other questions will be answered on this week's pod.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we talk about how projection when used consciously in politics can be used to vilify or scapegoat vulnerable groups of people, manipulate the fears of a population and distract from larger problems and shift responsibility. But projection can be unconscious as well, and when someone is feeling the heat, it is amazing what their subconscious can project about what they are actually feeling. Given how important it is to stay grounded, give this a listen so you can recognize these patterns of behavior as they occur.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Well it's the holidays and what a rare treat for a troubled, stressful nation. If you feel like you're living in a world gone mad, don't fret, it wouldn't be the first time. This week on Acts of Pod we go through Mass Hysteria events that took place during tense growth stages in world history. Whether it be nuns roaming around like feral cats, or school girls paralyzed with fits of laughter, these events always seem to hint at a greater source of distress lying just below the surface. So join us as we happily jump into the mouth of madness, or as you may call it, The Spirit of Christmas, and take a deeper look at some historical, hysterical events.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the pod we cover the term Gaslighting. It is used in psychological terms to describe how narcissists or abusers keep you in their control but more recently, it has been shown to be a particular handy technique in political psychological warfare. We help you recognize the signs so you can be more cognizant of its appearance in media and around the Thanksgiving table and hope you and yours have a great time trying not to talk about politics.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we cover the term Minority Rule and how it has manifested itself from the original intentions of the founders, to the gerrymandered districts we find ourselves in today. In order for a powerful minority to retain power, they use tools that we have covered in past episodes like voter suppression, gerrymandering and misinformation campaigns. Watch all your favorites make a reappearance to help explain minority rule and what we can to do help keep our democracy strong and more reflective of the needs of the people that it represents.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we visit haunted historical stories that highlight the never ending stories we find ourselves in. Like hawks flying through dimensions, we take a look at our own haunted histories to see how they have impacted our present. So join us on our dark night of the soul as we work our way back into the light, if you dare!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it mean to be politically correct? Well it depends on who you ask. In this episode we trace the journey of the word from the interior of the Communist Party, to workshops in Conservative thinktanks. Like so many terms, it's meaning is really determined by who uses it and who is its intended audience. So give us a listen before you too get cancelled.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, some of the world's most famous CEOs released a statement sharing their intent to change their focus from their shareholders to their stakeholders and lucky you, you're one! If you happened to notice wage stagnation and growing income inequality trending for the past 40 years, you're not alone. Why in fact, a similar statement was released around 40 years ago, by a group of similarly powerful men that went on to shape the course of the future. In this week's episode we examine the original hopes of the first Business Roundtable and the impact this powerful group has had in shaping legislation and public opinion since that meeting.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode we have our first interview with Scott Solomon who presents his idea on how to initiate and incentivize a global wealth tax. Considering the kind of capital that will be needed to combat climate change, workable solutions for raising that kind of capital could not come at a better time.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There was nuclear disaster worse than 3 Mile Island and if you haven't heard of it, no one would blame you. It happened it New Mexico on Navajo lands and 40 years on the clean up is still in process. How could a disaster of this scale go so unnoticed? Why would any community be kept in the dark of the continuing dangers a disaster of this scale would pose? We go about answering some of these questions and more as this administration is in the process of taking up uranium mining again on previously protected federal lands.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine if you will, a nation in crisis. A map of every major American city spread across the desk, committees assembled to ascertain the desirability of every neighborhood in every, major, American city. What could possibly go right? Today's episode is a primer on "redlining" or the practice of designating the value of major American neighborhoods so banks and leading financial institutions would have some idea of the risk going into lending to small businesses and homeowners starting back in the 1930s. The ripple effect of this race based practice is still felt today which is why it is vitally important to know how it was begun.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Acts of Pod, Anne and I discuss the term "The War on Women." During campaign season, a lot of terms get bandied about and here at Acts of Pod we hope to provide a bit more context to help understand not only what they are meant to signify, but the real impact they have when it comes to policy. So, if you would like to join us to get a better understanding of what is meant when that phrase is used and some of the policy that is coming out of campaigns to help redress imbalances, give us a listen. Also, if you have a passing interest in predatory birds, you will want to check this episode out because they are also included in the discussion.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the small town of Bath, Michigan, an unthinkable tragedy challenged the beliefs of an entire nation, for two days until Lindbergh successfully completed his first transatlantic flight and the story began to disappear from the news. Sadly, it would not be the last time in American History where someone would unleash a deadly attack against our most vulnerable victims, in this case a schoolhouse on the last day of school; but, it did help to establish a pattern of behavior among similarly-minded malcontents, helping us to develop warning signs over the years and hopefully now we can use that data to help prevent these acts of violence before they reach fruition in the future.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your flower garlands and pass out the ribbons because it's May Day and you know what that means? Labor coalesces into a powerful union and demands the dignity they deserve from a cannibalistic and faceless unknown, like the growth of Spring blossoming from the decay of winter. If you've stuck around through that self-indulgent metaphor, you will love today's episode.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Recently, the Violence Against Women Act has been in the news because it has not received bilateral support. While one would be tempted to think this would be a no brainer, there has been a long, troubled history concerning how to codify domestic violence, how should law enforcement be involved, and what resources can be put in place to support those who are in danger.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the face of impossible odds, a group of women helped to organize a boycott that would launch one of the most successful civil rights campaigns in American history. From printing pamphlets, organizing transportation, feeding fellow protestors or keeping hope alive, it was the vital efforts of women and their sacrifice that would introduce Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to a national audience.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices