The Social Exchange

"The Social Exchange" is for you if: - - - You think deeply about social issues You long for diverse viewpoints You DARE accept the best possible version of opposing viewpoints You DARE to challenge your own - - - Subscribe to learn about human development, addiction, ethics, science, and more, from the world's LEADING INTELLECTUALS

How To Be A Stoic: Massimo Pigliucci | Ep. 67 01/11/2021

BONUS EP |Drugs, Addiction, Trauma, and Natural Recovery | Michael Galipeau 01/01/2021

BONUS EP |Drugs, Addiction, Trauma, and Natural Recovery | Michael Galipeau We wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! In the spirit of overcoming difficult times, I'm sharing an interview that I conducted with a man named Michael Galipeau (AKA Mikey G)-- the interview was a segment of the LPP Podcast (which you should check out on YouTube or audio podcast) Mikey was raised in a state-run institution which was traumatic in and of itself and led to years of homelessness and a lot of destructive-- even suicidal-- behavior. He also developed a relationship with legal and illegal drugs-- drugs he used as coping mechanisms. But Mikey doesn't tell a "the drugs hijacked my brain" story. In fact, he believes that drugs probably saved his life, and there were many times through the course of his life that he used illegal drugs responsibly. There were also times that he used drugs destructively. He says he is "recovered" by which he doesn't mean "no longer doing dugs" but that his life was once out-of-balance but is now more-or-less balanced and is one full of meaning, purpose and connection. Once homeless and down on his luck, Mikey is now: - Co-Producer New York Harvest Festival and Cannabis Freedom Rally Recovery Advocate Dutchess County Behavioral and Community Health Department - CEO, MG Consulting - MSW Intern, Urban Survivors Union - Executive Consultant, Tennessee Recovery Alliance - New York State Lead, Recovery Advocacy Project - Trainer and Co-author, Recovery Coaching A Harm Reduction Pathway - Co-Founder and CEO, Heady Krew Productions. Enjoy this story, and let your new years resolutions reflect Mikey's. My suggestion: rather than being a slave to a series of prohibitions. INSTEAD OF "I won't drink"; "I won't eat sugar"; "I won't be an angry person" (all of which have merit and probably have utility in many lives).... TRY "I will form a healthy relationship with alcohol"; "I will develop a healthful eating routine"; "I will find greater joy in life" Happy New Year! Enjoy this incredible story with my new friend Mikey G. /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/17388506

Episode 66 | William B. Irvine: A Guide to the Good Life (Stoicism and Stoic Exercises) 12/23/2020

Episode 66 | William B. Irvine: A Guide to the Good Life (Stoicism and Stoic Exercises) William B Irvine speaks with Zach Rhoads about his philosophy of life, stoicism, and he offers exercises for stoic practice (as per his popular books "A Guide to the Good Life", "The Stoic Challenge," and others). Some relevant discussion topics from todays' episode: - William's stumbling across (and landing on) Stoicism by way of Buddhism and a philosophy of life. - A history of stoicism - Tranquility and savoring life (the meaning of "a good life") - Evolution, psychology, and human nature--- and how stoicism accepts and transcends these things. ' - Applied Stoicism (a view from above; negative visualization; voluntary discomfort) - The caricature of the emotionless stoic - The limitations of stoicism - Cognitive behavioral therapies and addiction. And more topics . I hope you'll enjoy episode 66! (NOTE: Professor Irvine and I have disagreements about the fundamentals of drug addiction. We were short of time and it didn't feel worth our time (nor would it have been fruitful in the final minutes of our discussion) to debate these fundamentals, but perhaps this can be the topic of a future episode. You can learn more about my views on drugs and addiction here: ----------------------ABOUT TODAY'S GUEST-------------------------- Besides writing several books about stoicism and the philosophy of life, William Irvine is a philosophy professor at Wright State University. He has also written for the Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post, Salon, Time, and the BBC, and appeared on podcasts such as The David Pakman Show, Happiness Lab and Sam Harris' "Waking Up" podcast (and several others). You can find links to all of William Irvine's work at his web site: -------------------- Support The Social Exchange (TSE)--------------------------- SUBSCRIBE TO THE YOUTUBE CHANNEL S UBSCRIBE TO THE AUDIO PODCAST (and rate and review) PATREON PAGE: ------------------FOLLOW TSE ON SOCIAL MEDIA------------------- Zach's twitter The Social Exchange FB Page: The Social Exchange FB Group: --------------------- THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR PATRONS!!!! - Steven Rabinowitz - Jessie Dunleavy - Andrew Tatarsky - Dean LeMire - Christy McPherson - Nunzio De Martino (Courtesy of "Don Nunzio Limos" ) - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/17308685

Bonus episode |Q & A, cognitive dissonance, COVID-19, South Dakota| "Direct Message" 12/01/2020

Bonus episode |Q & A, cognitive dissonance, COVID-19, South Dakota| "Direct Message" This is my answer to a question that popped up in The Social Exchange Facebook group (The ) It was a good question that got me thinking about to make headway on important issues that many of us are so incredibly divided on. I've been talking about recording my responses to FB questions in podcast form for a long time now, and so that starts now! Note: It's not important whether you agree or disagree with my own beliefs / conclusions-- what's important is that you get to listen to the way I form beliefs (which are always subject to change given appropriate evidence). I'm going out on a limb to think through an important issue, out loud, and in good faith... even though it feels like it could be a little risky to do so. And I encourage all of you to do the same whenever you can! I also encourage you to try to notice, as much as you can, when others are making themselves vulnerable for the sake of reasoned dialogue, and to respond accordingly. So I hope you enjoy the one-off episode... I'll create more in the future. Below is the question that I'm responding to, followed by a list of time-stamps by topic. - - - - - - - - - - -----------Here's the question that I'm responding to--------------- "I know Zach has talked about cognitive dissonance in this space previously. It’s worth another discussion as I cannot comprehend that thousands upon thousands people, especially now in South Dakota, still believe the Pandemic is a concoction of the fake news. They deny they are suffering from the virus and tell hospitals there is another reason they are sick because Covid-19 is not real. Even the governor, Kristi Noem, continues to say, “My people are happy because they are free” in response to mandating masks and other restrictions. All the while the test positivity rate in SD is an astonishing 58%. I know SD is not the only state with this dissonance. What will it take, what can it take for these people to accept the science and the reality of this insidious virus?" ---------------Time Stamps----------------- 0:00 - 2:00 Discussion about The Social Exchange Facebook group and my basis for creating today's episode 2:00 - 2:55 Reading today's question from TSE Facebook group. 3:00 - 5:25 Disclaimer about this episode's format 5:25 - 11:15 What is cognitive dissonance (with examples)? 11:25 - 14:05 Turning the question inward (before trying to change others' beliefs, , it's wise to inspect one's own beliefs for blind-spots and errors) 14:05 - 15:48 Zach's personal beliefs about COVID 19 (epidemiology + implications) 15:48 - 16:54 Zach states his level of confidence that his beliefs re: COVID are true 16:54 - 22:33 Zach's personal beliefs about our country's response to COVID (how we ought to respond) 22:33 - 22:55 Zach states his level of confidence that his beliefs re: appropriate COVID response are true. 22:55 - 28:09 What might people in South Dakota believe about COVID 19 and appropriate COVID 19 responses? And why might they believe these things are true? 28:09 - 29:13 Should we (or someone) try to convince citizens of South Dakota to change their beliefs re: COVID 19 and appropriate COVID 19 response? (If so what should we suggest that they change their minds about?) 29:13 - 32:02 How can we convince COVID-19 deniers, more generally, to acknowledge the reality of the situation? 32:02 - End "In Summary" /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/17017883

Episode 65-- Jessie Dunleavy: "Cover My Dreams In Ink" 11/23/2020

Episode 65-- Jessie Dunleavy: "Cover My Dreams In Ink" Jessie Dunleavy is an author and drug policy reform advocate whose son Paul died of an accidental drug overdose. She went on to write a memoir about Paul's life from her perspective called, “Cover My Dreams In Ink”. Today, Jessie and I talked about the memoir and the myriad topics included in its pages: - Parenting - The public school system - Special education - Neurodiversity - Mental health - Trauma - Addiction - Drug policy / the war on drugs - The addiction treatment system - Hope for the future... and other topics. Jessie shared her perspective about these topics that are always on my mind as well. Hers is the perspective of a loving mother, of an educator, of an author, and of a concerned citizen who aims to make a positive impact on society. I don’t usually have two-hour-long conversations with my guests because— well, they don’t have time for it. I think that the conversation will be much more enjoyable and enlightening after having done so. I’m so grateful that Jessie was willing to spend this much time working out some of these interesting questions in real-time. And I’m grateful that you’re interested. Please enjoy episode 65 with Jessie Dunleavy! - - - - - - - - - - FOLLOW JESSIE’S WORK: Her web site: BUY HER BOOK! Follow Jessie on twitter: Visit her Facebook Page: - - - - - - - - - - Make a donation to The Social Exchange Podcast: Rate/Review us on your podcast app: Sign up for a free trial of Audible and get a free audio book (cancel any time--- you get to keep the book ;) - - - - - - - - - - THANK YOU TO OUR NEW PATRONS! - Jessie Dunleavy - Andrew Tatarsky - Dean LeMire - Christy McPherson - Nunzio De Martino (Courtesy of "Don Nunzio Limos" ) - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/16928669

Episode 64: Dr. Jeffrey Singer, CATO Institute, Drug Policy, COVID Response, 2020 Election and More! 11/09/2020

Episode 63: Brian Keating 11/06/2020

Episode 62: Brock Coderre 11/02/2020

Episode 62: Brock Coderre The Social Exchange is brought to you by the online Life Process Program-- an online addiction program that can be self-help or coach-led (your choice)... both versions cost less than a monthly co-pay for a therapist or outpatient program. To learn more, visit - - - - - - - - - - In this episode, Zach speaks with Brock Coderre, a Republican candidate for Vermont House of Representatives. Zach and Coderre disagree on many issues, but they fully agree on the style of conversation that will foster collaboration and change among the electorate as well as elected officials. To be sure, Brock Coderre has some specific policy ideas but, for the most part, he is running on the basis of creating richer and more constructive dialogue and problem-solving in politics. He has been speaking with (and listening to) Vermont residents for years, and often documenting the conversations he has with strangers. From these conversations (with people of various belief systems and political persuasions), he's developed a good read on the wants and needs of the Vermont electorate. Which, of course, is why he believes he will make a worthy representative. You can decide whether you agree with him or not. No matter what your take, you might quickly appreciate his casual and personable (i.e. forthright and not phony) nature. - - - - - - - - - - Make a donation to The Social Exchange Podcast: Rate/Review us on your podcast app: Sign up for a free trial of Audible and get a free audio book (cancel any time--- you get to keep the book ;) - - - - - - - - - - THANK YOU TO OUR NEW PATRONS! - Andrew Tatarsky - Dean LeMire - Christy McPherson - Nunzio De Martino (Courtesy of "Don Nunzio Limos" ) - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/16649474

Anthony Magnabosco Round II (Bonus Episode) 10/16/2020

Episode 61: Street Epistemology with Anthony Magnabosco 10/02/2020

WELCOME TO SEASON FIVE! 10/02/2020

Brightmind: Is This FINALLY The Mindfulness and Meditation App For YOU? 09/10/2020

Episode 60: Alexander Gould -- Unity 2020 08/15/2020

Episode 60: Alexander Gould -- Unity 2020 Welcome to episode 60! Today's guest is Alexander Gould. Gould is an actor who began his career at two years old! He played the voice of Nemo in Disney's Finding Nemo in 2003, and later played Shane Botwin in the Showtime series Weeds. Now, at age 26, Gould is one of the lead volunteers for a political movement called Unity2020-- a presidential campaign like no other! In the podcast, Gould explains the Unity 2020 movement and how he became involved. Gould tells me how he's managed to balance his acting career with both his academic pursuits as well as his management of an unprecedented political campaign-- and why he's become so boosterish about the movement. Enjoy your early access to episode 60! (video clips to come) (PS---- My apologies about the sound quality. Alexander had to spend the first 20 minutes of the podcast watching me troubleshoot a broken mic, and it's evident. Luckily, you can hear everything just fine... but it's not my best quality, and I solemnly swear to do better!) - - - - - - - - - - ALL THINGS UNITY 2020 Web Site: Facebook Group: Facebook Page: Twitter: YouTube Channel ("Unity Now!" Podcast) - - - - - - - - - - SUPPORT THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE Subscribe to the LPP Podcast on your preferred podcast app: Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Contribute through PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) - - - - - - - - - - THANK YOU TO OUR NEW PATRONS! - Andrew Tatarsky - Dean LeMire - Christy McPherson - Nunzio De Martino (Courtesy of "Don Nunzio Limos" ) - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads - - - - - - - - - - /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/15621377

Episode 59: Bridgett Mack (A.K.A. "BMackWrites") 07/31/2020

Episode 59: Bridgett Mack (A.K.A. "BMackWrites") 0:00 - 6:12 News about a new season of the podcast / housekeeping 6:12 - 12:55 Introduction and background about today's show / guest. 12:56 Show starts here! - - - - - - - - - - Welcome to episode 59! Today's episode is a discussion about race with my new friend Bridgett Mack. I learned about Bridgett after watching her viral Facebook video called, "You'll Never Guess What My White Neighbor Just Came And Said To ME!!!" "The title," she says, "was satirical--- picking on "click-baity" headlines" to which we've all become accustomed. Bridgett (a black woman) really does have a white neighbor who really did approach her on that day (days after George Floyd had been killed). But what the white neighbor told her was wonderful and kind as opposed to rude and ruthless, as the title may have led us to believe. In the video, she offered a perspective about racism in America. It was nuanced and thoughtful. Her words, tone, and passion were all very honest, and I felt compelled to ask her if she would be on the podcast to discuss the topic in more detail. Happily, she agreed. I hope you'll enjoy! - - - - - - - - - - Follow Bridgett on social media: See Bridgett's web site here: - - - - - - - - - - SUPPORT THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE Subscribe to the LPP Podcast on your preferred podcast app: Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Contribute through PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) - - - - - - - - - - THANK YOU TO OUR NEW PATRONS! - Dean LeMire - Christy McPherson - Nunzio De Martino (Courtesy of "Don Nunzio Limos" ) - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/15429368

Episode 58: Tamler Sommers "Why Honor Matters" 06/10/2020

Episode 58: Tamler Sommers "Why Honor Matters" Welcome to episode 58! In today's episode, I spoke with Tamler Sommers about his book, "Why Honor Matters." Tamler is the co-host of the Very Bad Wizards Podcast (check it out-- it's actually one of my favorite shows). He is also a philosophy professor at the Univeristy of Houston and he is, of course, the author of the aforementioned (and excellent) book about honor culture, "Why Honor Matters". "Honor" is one of those concepts with a kind of fluid definition (like the concept of addiction that I talk so much about). But once you wrap your mind around the overall influence that the honor concept has -- both on individuals and in culture-- then it can be clearly understood and can be a useful tool for making sense of complex social issues. The most interesting part of the book is Tamler's take on restorative justice (and how taking a page from honor culture actually helps us wrap our minds around the concept), and that's the concept around which today's talk is centered. I hope this interview will bring you value. Enjoy episode 58! - - - - - - - - - - FOLLOW TAMLER SOMMERS! Very Bad Wizards Podcast His Web Site Buy The Book - - - - - - - - - - SUPPORT THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Contribute through PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) - - - - - - - - - - THANK YOU TO OUR NEW PATRONS! - Dean LeMire - Christy McPherson - Nunzio De Martino (Courtesy of "Don Nunzio Limos" ) - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/14777777

Episode 57: Kevin Franciotti: Psychedelics and 12-Steps 06/04/2020

Episode 57: Kevin Franciotti: Psychedelics and 12-Steps Welcome to The Social Exchange Podcast Today’s guest is Kevin Franciotti. Kevin is a board member of The Psychedelics in Recovery: Outreach and Services -- PROS-- which is a research initiative of Project New Day Foundation, a non-profit that helps people overcome addiction through the responsible and legal use of psychedelics. A large part of Kevin's efforts are allocated toward bridging the gap between 12-step programs (like AA) and that of psychedelic assisted recovery. Many people express resistance to linking those two efforts, and may even see them as wholly incompatible, but Kevin makes a good case to the contrary. For his part, Keivn personally struggled for years with addiction to alcohol and opioids, as well as depression. He dropped out of college, was arrested and went to rehab where he was introduced "the 12-step approach" which he wanted nothing to do with. And it was after finding benefit in the use of psychedelics to alter his perspective about drugs-- and their involvement in his life-- that he's become involved in a PROS, where he aims to help people currently involved in 12-step programs incorporate psychedelics (in a measured way) into their recovery experience. Today we talk about his background, his experience with addiction (and his move away from it) and we discuss his involvement with Project New Day and psychedelic research in general. Enjoy episode 57 with Kevin Franciotti. - - - - - - - - - - Learn More About Kevin's Work: Project New Day Article in Filter Magazine Psychedelic Liberties Summit info - - - - - - - - - - SUPPORT THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Contribute through PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) - - - - - - - - - - THANK YOU TO OUR NEW PATRONS! - Dean LeMire - Christy McPherson - Nunzio De Martino (Courtesy of "Don Nunzio Limos" ) - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/14700674

Episode 56: Daniel Garrett-- Shining A Light On Rural Tennessee 05/15/2020

Episode 56: Daniel Garrett-- Shining A Light On Rural Tennessee Welcome to episode 56! Today's guest is Daniel Garrett. Daniel belongs to a demographic that has not been widely represented on this podcast. Hailing from rural Northwest Tennessee, Daniel is in his mid-20s, he is bisexual, he is below the poverty line, he’s experienced traumatic events and difficult family circumstances growing up, he has done sex work, and he currently uses illicit drugs (even though he's actively trying to pursue alternative, more healthy involvements and cut down on (or stop) his drug use. Fortunately, for the first time in his life, Daniel has found something meaningful and purposeful to pursue-- namely, educating the public about harm-reduction. UNfortunately, he is often misunderstood by people who mistake his eccentric personality (and blunt way of putting things) as meaning he ignorant and/or acting in bad faith. In my experience, the former is true; the latter is absolutely not. I hope you'll find Daniel's ideas interesting and that you'll enjoy episode 56! - - - - - - - - - - Follow Daniel's work. . . Web Site - His Blog - - - - - - - - - - - SUPPORT THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Contribute through PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) - - - - - - - - - - THANK YOU TO OUR NEW PATRONS! - Nunzio De Martino (Courtesy of "Don Nunzio Limos" ) - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/14428403

Episode 55: Dr. Michael Shermer "Giving The Devil His Due" 05/05/2020

Episode 55: Dr. Michael Shermer "Giving The Devil His Due" Welcome to episode 55! Today's guest is the founding publisher of Skeptic Magazine and NYT best-selling author, Dr. Michael Shermer. Dr. Shermer and I discussed his new book, Giving The Devil HIs Due. Some salient talking points: - Free Speech-- why it is the most precious right and why it must be upheld always. - supreme court case (famous for the "shouting fire in a crowded theater" analogy for limiting speech) - Rappaport's rules for engagement and it behooves us to follow them (i.e. the entire essence of "The Social Exchange") - The appropriate relationship between religion and science - Michael's devils of the past (people he's debated) including: *Jordan Peterson (and his rise to fame) - - - *David Irving (Holocaust Denier)- - - *Graham Hancock (writer, journalist, and self-proclaimed "alternative archaeologist) - My debate with Peter Hitchens and how it -- despite being painful-- changed my way of thinking about conversations in general And much more! Please enjoy episode 55 with Dr. Michael Shermer. - - - - - - - - - - Buy Michael Shermer's New Book: Check out Skeptic Magazine: Listen to Michael's "Science Salon" Podcast: - - - - - - - - - - SUPPORT THE SOCIAL EXCHANGE Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Contribute through PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) - - - - - - - - - - THANK YOU TO OUR NEW PATRONS! - Nunzio De Martino (Courtesy of "Don Nunzio Limos" ) - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/14286602

Episode 54: Tessie Castillo and George Wilkerson-- "Crimson Letters" 04/08/2020

Episode 54: Tessie Castillo and George Wilkerson-- "Crimson Letters" Welcome to episode 54! There are two guests on today’s show. My first guest is Tessie Castillo. Tessie is a journalist and an author from Raleigh North Carolina. Her new book is called "Crimson Letters, Voices From Death Row." In 2014, Tessie volunteered to teach a writing class to death row inmates at North Carolina’s Central Prison. She treasured the experience, as she learned to respect and understand these inmates-- her students-- as human beings. As people, with a story to tell, and people with the capacity to grow, and to make positive contributions to society. But she found the prison system to be oppressive— unable and unwilling to give some of these men the chance to live to their full potential. She wrote an op-ed to this effect to her local paper, and when it was published, she was swiftly banned from doing volunteer work at any North Carolina Prisons. Eventually, Tessie— along with a group of four death-row inmates with whom she’d developed a working relationship— collaborated on this new book. - - - Also joining me today is one of Tessie’s co-authors, George Wilkerson. George called in from the prison and offered me a window into the story of his past as well as his ideas about writing, growth, friendship, and life. Despite being on the inside of the prison, George is an accomplished writer and an award-winning artist (see below). Enjoy episode 54! - - - - - - - - - - - - Learn more about Tessie Castillo and the new book: Check out George Wilkerson's art: - - - - - - - - - - CHECK OUT PRODUCER AARON FERGUSON'S ORIGINAL MUSIC http://soundcloud.com/knowmad1 Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Contribute through PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) - - - - - - - - - - Follow Patrick His Website - His Podcast - On Twitter - - - - - - - - - - - Thanks to our new patrons - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/13900427

Episode 53: Kate Nicholson's Suggestions for Dealing With Isolation 03/28/2020

Episode 53: Kate Nicholson's Suggestions for Dealing With Isolation Kate Nicholson is a civil rights attorney. In the mid-90's-- due to complications from surgery-- she became unable to walk, stand, or even sit. She was in excruciating pain each day and couldn't leave her home; she remained isolated in bed for 15 years. In this interview, Kate explains how, despite being isolated, she was able to create a purposeful, meaningful, and engaging (and OPTIMISTIC) life. And she offers tips about how to do the same, for those of us who are still only getting used to our new, temporary, way-of-life sans social-engagement. By the way, did I mention Kate is a VERY smart cookie? She is a civil rights attorney and an advocate for pain patients who have been affected by limitations on prescribing (she has done a Ted Talk on this issue) She is a nationally-recognized expert on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She also runs non-profits related to pain patients and the arts, respectively. She frequently writes op-eds for major publications like the LA Times and The Hill. Learn more about Kate here: Her article is here: - - - - - - - - - - Thanks to Nunzio De Martino! Visit Nunzio's Italian tour business here: - - - - - - - - - - CHECK OUT PRODUCER AARON FERGUSON'S ORIGINAL MUSIC http://soundcloud.com/knowmad1 Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Contribute through PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) - - - - - - - - - - Follow Patrick His Website - His Podcast - On Twitter - - - - - - - - - - - Thanks to our new patrons - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/13739834

CoronaCast #4: Lockdown in Rural France 03/26/2020

CoronaCast #3-- Lockdown in France 03/22/2020

CoronaCast #2-- Lockdown in Italy 03/21/2020

CoronaCast #1-- Lockdown in Israel 03/20/2020

Episode 52: Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy with Dr. Rick Barnett 03/16/2020

Episode 52: Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy with Dr. Rick Barnett Welcome to episode 52! Today’s guest is Dr. Rick Barnett. Rick and I discussed psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy -- and the hopeful future of this practice in the United States and— specific to today’s episode— the state of Vermont. Rick has been accepted to the Class of 2020 at the California Institute for Integral Studies in their Certificate in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies and Research.Psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms) are on a fast track for FDA approval for a potential variety of mental health and addictive disorders. MDMA (ecstasy) is also being actively considered for approval for PTSD, and Ketamine has recently been approved for chronic depression. Rick hopes that, soon enough, he will be able to use his knowledge and credentials to help Vermont patients through this mode of therapy. Chip in to help Dr. Barnett cover the cost of his certification: (Every contributor of $100.00 or more will receive a free signed copy of Zach's book, "Outgrowing Addiction") - - - - - - - - - - CHECK OUT PRODUCER AARON FERGUSON'S ORIGINAL MUSIC http://soundcloud.com/knowmad1 Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Contribute through PayPal https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/my/profile Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) - - - - - - - - - - Follow Patrick His Website - His Podcast - On Twitter - - - - - - - - - - - Thanks to our new patrons - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/13561430

Episode 51 - Patrick Doyle: Family Addiction Coach 03/06/2020

Episode 51 - Patrick Doyle: Family Addiction Coach In this episode, Zach speaks with Patrick Doyle. Patrick has been working with both Families and Individuals suffering from substance use disorders, depression, and other behavioral health issues for thirty years. He earned a Masters of Social Work degree in 1986 from Boston College, and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in Massachusetts. Patrick follows the Now, he is offering help to families whose loved ones are struggling with addiction-related problems. The practical and down-to-earth principles Patrick has acquired as a social worker make him uniquely qualified to offer help to entire families, including people who, themselves, are struggling with addiction. Today, he and Zach discuss what those skills are and exactly how he helps people beat addiction by activating motivation, finding healthy rewards, a sense of purpose, and by living generally more balanced lives. They also discuss effective ways of helping family members of those struggling with addiction. And Patrick shares his own life story as a way in to all of this. Enjoy Episode 51! - - - - - - - - - - CHECK OUT PRODUCER AARON FERGUSON'S ORIGINAL MUSIC http://soundcloud.com/knowmad1 Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) - - - - - - - - - - Follow Patrick His Website - His Podcast - On Twitter - - - - - - - - - - - Thanks to our new patrons - Susan Lennon - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/13435160

Episode 50: Meaning, Purpose, and the Appalachian Trail with Molly Rhoads 02/16/2020

Episode 50: Meaning, Purpose, and the Appalachian Trail with Molly Rhoads Today’s guest is my sister Molly Rhoads, AKA "Sharktooth"— we’ll explain that later. Molly is passionate about hiking; hiking in this context doesn’t mean taking a walk. . . . Hiking is her life. In 2019 she hiked the Appalachian Trail— something she’d been longing to do for quite some time. The Appalachian trail is 2200 miles long, and crosses 14 states. It took her over 5 months of living outdoors to complete this journey, and If she were wearing a fit bit, she would have clocked in at approximately 5 million steps. In today’s episode, she talks about her expedition and the effect it has made on her life. Molly was generous enough to talk about her experience with anxiety and depression. For her, hiking, nature, and the whole process of living, exploring and working outdoors has paid her back many times over. Hiking gives her a sense of purpose; meaning; maturity; and expertise — The things that make life worth living. Perhaps there is still a sense, in Molly's mind, that hiking-life and real-life exist in two independent realms. But she hopes to bridge that gap. I’ll let her tell you about it for herself. Enjoy episode 50 of The Social Exchange. - - - - - - - - - - CHECK OUT PRODUCER AARON FERGUSON'S ORIGINAL MUSIC http://soundcloud.com/knowmad1 Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) * * * * * * Thanks to our new patrons - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/13168910

Episode 49: Ben Westhoff: "Fentanyl Inc." 01/22/2020

Episode 49: Ben Westhoff: "Fentanyl Inc." 0:00 - 1:55: Intro 1:55 - 3:40 : Thank you to Patreon Subscribers! 3:40 - 42:13: Regular Interview Bonus Content -- To hear a conversation about Ben's book, "Original Gangsters" go to Patreon.com/thesocialexchange and become a sustaining member for $2.00 or more) - - - - - - - - - - Today's guest Ben Westhoff. Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist who writes about culture, drugs, and poverty. His books are taught around the country and have been translated into languages all over the world. His new book is . It has received glowing reviews and was included on many year-end best lists. Westhoff was interviewed about the book for and , and published an excerpt in . Since the book’s publication, Westhoff has advised top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, including from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and the U.S. State Department. His previous book is one of the best-selling hip-hop books of all time. It received raves from Rolling Stone and People, and a starred review in . S. Leigh Savidge, Academy Award nominee and co-writer of Straight Outta Compton said it "may be the best book ever written about the hip hop world." Westhoff's work has appeared in the Library of Congress, The Atlantic, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, Forbes, Playboy, Vice, Oxford American, Pitchfork, and others. He's been honored by the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Entertainment Journalism Awards, Religion Newswriters Association, Best Music Writing, Best of Southern Food Writing, L.A. Press Club, and the Missouri Press Association. Today, Ben and I discussed the themes of his new book, but we spent much more time discussing his journalistic process along the way. This process proved, to me, to be just as interesting as the book itself. I hope you'll agree. Enjoy episode 49! - - - - - - - - - CHECK OUT PRODUCER AARON FERGUSON'S ORIGINAL MUSIC http://soundcloud.com/knowmad1 Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) * * * * * * Thanks to our new patrons - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/12845393

Life Process Program Minisode--- Stanton Peele and Student Talk Love Addiction 01/02/2020

Episode 48: Peter Singer-- "The Life You Can Save" 12/29/2019

Episode 48: Peter Singer-- "The Life You Can Save" 10 years ago, Professor Peter Singer published the book, The Life You Can Save: Acting Now To End World Poverty. In this book, Singer argues that people in affluent countries have an ethical obligation to (at least make an effort to) save some of the poorest people in the world who are dying from totally preventable causes each day-- many of them under 5 years-old. Today, Singer tells Zach Rhoads about the 10th anniversary edition of The Life You Can Save-- an upgrade that reflects the most relevant and current data. This interview is a short one, but the two manage to reach a number of topics, including moral philosophy; giving to charity; practical and psychological obstacles to giving; and ways to assess various charitable organizations. Enjoy episode #48 with the brilliant Professor Peter Singer. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Download a FREE VERSION of The Life You Can Save ebook or audiobook here (1 download = US $1 donated to The Life You Can Save through Dec. 21st): ***** Check out The Life You Can Save main page: ***** Look at reviews of various charities (and the cost-effectiveness of giving to each one of them): ***** Look at reviews and cost-effectiveness of animal charities: ***** CHECK OUT PRODUCER AARON FERGUSON'S ORIGINAL MUSIC http://soundcloud.com/knowmad1 Become a Patron Visit our audible link--- download a free audio book and support the show! Listen on iTunes (and leave us a review!) * * * * * * Thanks to our new patrons - James Stacks - Chris L - W Leon Naufahu - Sherry Chandler - Dee-Dee Stout - Christopher Hanlon - André Pampel - CARTER Vermont - Rick Barnett - Anne M. Earle - Inigo - Jon Holt - Laila Ferguson - Mary Kay Villaverde - Michelle - NANCY - Sean Holt - Regina Ferguson - Timmy Tucker - Christian - Thomas Rhoads - Kathleen Cochran - Marjorie Israel - Diane T - Trevor - Sue Mathieu - Linda Rhoads /episode/index/show/thesocialexchange/id/12552119

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