Essential Discourse Podcast (EDP): Recent Episodes
Bruce Smith, Jr.
What we are about?A critical examination of taboo topics immersed in black culture.Our Goals:(1) To promote both a multipoint perspective and prospective of holding onto or discarding many of the traditions that directly or indirectly dominate our thoughts and emotions which ultimately serves as the puppet master for our behavior. (2) To promote self accountability and responsibility not only for our behavior, but also our ignorance (willful or not), our own joy, our own peace, our own self worth, our own passions and our own prosperity.
Welcome to the Essential Discourse Podcast! I'm your host, Bruce Smith, and I'm thrilled to kick off our first episode of 2025 with you.
Have you ever heard, "It's not how you start; it's how you finish?" That may be true. However, I submit that how you start matters in the time it takes one to achieve his or her goals.
Today, we're setting the stage for a year of intentional living and meaningful goal-setting. In this episode, I dive deep into the difference between New Year's resolutions and goals and why resolutions often fall short.
I'll explore the significance of starting strong, maintaining the right mindset, the vital role of self-motivation, and more. Drawing analogies to assembling furniture without instructions, we'll discuss the importance of having a clear plan and understanding the true motivations behind your goals. You'll learn about the power of self-discipline, the necessity of making sacrifices, and the benefits of having a community and mentor for support and accountability.
I'll also talk about how focusing on self-improvement and authenticity in goal-setting can lead to real, lasting success.
Plus, I'll share my plans for more live sessions this year and the various platforms where you can connect with the Essential Discourse Podcast. So, get ready to start right and end well in 2025. Let's make this year your best one yet!
Remember that life, by design, is a perpetual progression. Many of us have areas where we settle into comfort zones, hindering our growth. In embracing discomfort, we can reignite our motivation, enhance our self-esteem, and seize new opportunities.
Stagnation always negatively impacts our mental well-being, leading to dissatisfaction. I hope we'll challenge ourselves to move beyond our comfort zones and strive to become our best selves.
For your convenience, the Essential Discourse Podcast is available on your favorite streaming apps including Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeart, and online at https://www.edpshow.com/.
You can follow The Essential Discourse Podcast on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Your comments about the podcast as a whole, individual episodes, and other content are not only welcomed but also encouraged.
Please consider subscribing to our community on the website and social media platforms.
Thank you for your support, reviews, and general comments.
Sincerely,
Bruce S.
bruce@edpshow.com
@BruceDaTruth2 [Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok]
@EssentialDiscoursePodcastMedia
Ever catch yourself spiraling into a black hole of 'what ifs' and endless doubt? Trust me, you're not alone. Today, we're diving headfirst into the all-too-common struggle of overthinking!
Hey everyone! Welcome back to The Essential Discourse Podcast. I am your host, Bruce Smith!
Overthinking causes many people to fail in various aspects of life. Relationships suffer or, worse, are destroyed because of it. Overthinking causes some to have severe battles with depression, self-confidence, and more.
In this short, relevant, powerful, and enlightening episode, I dive deep into the pervasive issue of overthinking, a mental habit that can cripple our minds and hinder our everyday lives. From personal anecdotes to societal influences, I explore the roots and repercussions of overthinking, discussing how it manifests in relationships and everyday scenarios.
I emphasize how overthinking can stem from fear and recount its detrimental effects—from missed opportunities to isolation and self-sabotage. I also highlight the importance of managing this condition, advocating for professional help when necessary, and offering practical advice for building self-confidence and fostering a healthy mindset.
We've all been there—lying awake at night, dissecting every little detail, and letting our minds run wild with anxiety. This sets the stage for our most significant critic to reign supreme without proper perspective or logic.
Are you ready to break free from the paralyzing clutches of overthinking? Tune in, and let’s tackle this mental monster together. Let's discover ways to break free from overthinking and transform your mental landscape.
And hey, don’t forget to visit edpshow.com and join our growing community. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube so you never miss an update. Let’s turn those chaotic thoughts into constructive actions, right here on The Essential Discourse Podcast!
For your convenience, the Essential Discourse Podcast is available on your favorite streaming apps including Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeart, and online at https://www.edpshow.com/.
You can follow The Essential Discourse Podcast on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Your comments about the podcast as a whole, individual episodes, and other content are not only welcomed but also encouraged.
Please consider subscribing to our community on the website and social media platforms.
Thank you for your support, reviews, and general comments.
Sincerely,
Bruce S.
bruce@edpshow.com
@BruceDaTruth2 [Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok]
@EssentialDiscoursePodcastMedia
Welcome to another powerful episode of The Essential Discourse Podcast. I’m your host, Bruce Smith, and today, we're tackling a topic that's often overlooked but deeply impactful: the grief associated with grieving. In this episode, we're going beyond the conventional understanding of grief to explore the additional layers of frustration, annoyance, and even anger that can complicate the mourning process. This is a topic that is crucial for all of us to understand and manage.
Have you ever felt overwhelmed, not just by the sorrow of losing a loved one, but by the chaos left in their wake? This episode dives into what I call "annoyance grief" — the trouble and burden that arises from a loved one not having their affairs in order. We’ll discuss how the lack of preparation, such as not having life insurance, a will, or final instructions, can place an unbearable load on those left behind.
As someone who has personally grappled with this, I’ll share my experiences and insights. We'll look at how these irresponsible actions can transform grief into anger, resentment, and even physical stress, affecting both our mental and physical health. The episode will also emphasize the crucial steps you can take — like securing life insurance and drafting a will — to alleviate this additional grief and allow your loved ones to focus on the emotional aspect of your loss.
Join us as we confront these hard truths and inspire each other to take responsible action for the sake of our families and loved ones. It's a tough conversation but an essential one. So, grab a seat, get comfortable, and let's get into it. This is The Essential Discourse Podcast, and today's episode is about navigating the additional layers of grief. Stay tuned for a conversation that can elevate your perspective and maybe even change your life.
For your convenience, the Essential Discourse Podcast is available on your favorite streaming apps including Apple Podcast, Spotify, iHeart, and online at https://www.edpshow.com/.
You can follow The Essential Discourse Podcast on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Your comments about the podcast as a whole, individual episodes, and other content are not only welcomed but also encouraged.
Please consider subscribing to our community on the website and social media platforms.
Thank you for your support, reviews, and general comments.
Sincerely,
Bruce S.
bruce@edpshow.com
@BruceDaTruth2 [Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok]
@EssentialDiscoursePodcastMedia
Welcome to the Essential Discourse Podcast! In today's episode, we're diving deep into a topic that hits home for many of us: the struggle with frustration and anger. Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by stress, unable to control the things around you, and feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders? We're going to unpack these powerful emotions and explore how emotional intelligence can be a game-changer in managing them. We'll discuss self-care's critical role, empathy's importance, and how building trust and confidence through human connections can transform your life. Stay tuned as I share my personal journey and the hard-earned lessons that can help you navigate through life's toughest challenges. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to find balance and strength in the face of adversity.
This podcast episode is my reflection on dealing with anger and frustration caused by uncontrollable situations, partly due to the irresponsibility of others and myself. I share my own experiences of stress and emotional turmoil, highlighting how these feelings can lead to negative actions and the importance of recognizing and addressing one's mental and emotional health. I discuss the concept of emotional intelligence and the need for a supportive network to help navigate these challenging emotions.
I emphasize the consequences of neglecting self-care, recounting a recent incident where my pent-up frustration led to a regrettable outburst. I underscore the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and the necessity of holistic self-care—mental, emotional, and spiritual. The podcast episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to share their experiences and engage in a dialogue to support one another in managing life's stresses and maintaining emotional well-being.
https://www.edpshow.com/
Thanks for listening to the podcast. You can follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Your comments about the podcast are welcome.
In this episode of Essential Discourse Podcast, host Bruce Smith takes a personal and engaging approach to exploring the question of what defines a man from the aspect of the origin of man. He highlights the dangers of modeling ourselves after celebrities and other popular people's public personas, warning against the destructive behaviors and consequences they can lead to. Bruce emphasizes that each individual has the potential to achieve God's standard of excellence through their adherence to the original and still relevant standard set by the creator.
Drawing from Jeremiah 29:11, he encourages listeners to trust in God and His plans for their lives. He addresses the importance of being agreeable, responsible, and accountable to God, as well as to other men, emphasizing its reflection on one's relationship with God. The episode concludes with Bruce highlighting the choice individuals must make concerning the teachings of Jesus and the verified examples of the truth that can lead to an abundant and holistic life. Listeners are urged to embrace their unique path and seek guidance from a willing guide rather than imitating false personas and lifestyles."
https://www.edpshow.com/
Thanks for listening to the podcast. Follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Your comments about the podcast our welcomed.
In this episode, attention is given to a question many have never been asked or thought about. That question is "What is a Man?".
I'd be willing to bet that no one has ever asked you that question. I'd also be willing to bet that you, yourself, have never taken the time to consider the question. Right now, many of you may be thinking everyone knows what a man is.
Many people prescribe to the notion that a man is a man that's a man. In layman's terms, all men are the same. These are dangerous concepts.
If that were so, I submit that the condition of the family, community, and nation would not be as it is today if everyone had a definite answer to the question.
I encourage you to take this journey of discovery with me. Open your mind, heart, and soul to truth. There's a distinct difference between a Man and an Adult Male. There's a BIG problem if a person doesn't know, can not, or will not recognize those differences.
https://www.edpshow.com/
Thanks for listening to the podcast. Follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Your comments about the podcast our welcomed.
As professionals and collective people, we all are taught conflict resolution. You can conduct a Google Search for conflict resolution and find a plethora of articles, self-education courses, etcetera concerning the subject matter by world-renowned experts.
Hardly anyone receives a thorough education in reference to Internal Conflict. Why is that? When you consider that all people will at some point have to contend with a war within one's self.
It occurred to me that we learn how to manage and come to positive resolutions regarding external conflicts (things we cannot control) but are left to fend for ourselves in reference to Internal Conflicts.
In this episode, I put forth an effort to (1) identify what Internal Conflict is & what causes Internal Conflict, (2) How Internal Conflict can negatively affect us, (3) Steps we can deploy to lessen the effects of Internal Conflict, and (4) how to make the best decisions possible despite being conflicted.
Works Cited:
n.d. Author Learning Center. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/creating-conflict/2912/conflict-101-internal-conflict---article.
Center, Author Learning. n.d. Author Learning Center. Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/creating-conflict/2912/conflict-101-internal-conflict---article.
Harry, Jaime. 2022. UT Sothwestern Medical Center. August 10. Accessed March 6, 2023. https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/about-us/faculty-wellness/archives/thrive/inner-conflict.html#:~:text=You%20must%20first%20identify%20who,issue%20and%20find%20a%20resolution.
Luna, Aletheia. 2021. Loner Wolf. August 3. Accessed March 2, 2023. https://lonerwolf.com/internal-conflict-types/.
https://www.edpshow.com/
Thanks for listening to the podcast. Follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Your comments about the podcast our welcomed.
It never ceases to amaze me how older people, particularly "church folk" with vast experiential knowledge act as if they've always been as mature as they are currently. As if they've always been PERFECT.
Obviously, better stated, hopefully, the 24-year-old version of you wouldn't behave, dress, speak, think, etc. like the 14-year-old version of you. However, the 30, 40, and so on versions of ourselves tend to develop convenient amnesia regarding our past. Specifically, our poor choices, decision-making, and the lesson learned from the series of consequences resulting from our choices.
Many of us unmercifully bash the younger generations and our peers as if we are perfect, without faults or sins. For this, we ought to be ashamed of ourselves. We oftentimes miss opportunities to draw people in with loving-kindness. Instead, we push people out and away with #Hypocritical #Condemnation rhetoric.
We often fail to extend to others the measure of grace, compassion, empathy, and encouragement we received. We tend to act as if we've always had it together. You and I know that is not true.
Understanding this truth, why do we continue to participate in and or perpetuate the Hypocritical Condemnation of those who have yet to arrive at a higher level of growth and maturity? Why do we not seize these opportunities to share our testimonies to strengthen, encourage and provide hope? Why do "so-called Christians" not find value in paying it forward? It is the Love of the Christ.
Oftentimes, "So-Called Christians" who self-identify as Evangelicals, Baptists, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Pentecostals, Catholics, etc., can not be distinguished from non-Believers. One could contend that there's no love, life, or power within these particular people. And because of this, they stand and present as poor representatives of Christ, Christianity, and the Church.
It's past time for True Believers to take a stand. It's time for True Believers to model Christ and be the best Ambassadors we can be. Live the Christian Life and put an end to Hypocritical Condemnation.
John 3:16-17 | Romans 8:1-2 | Matthew 22:36-40
https://www.edpshow.com/
Thanks for listening to the podcast. Follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Your comments about the podcast our welcomed.
**This one thing is certain, he, her, them, they, you, and I will eventually die. There's no escaping this fact. Have you prepared for this appointment? Have you prepared to ensure that your spouse/partner and immediate family will be financially taken care of?
With the passing of each day, you become more difficult to ensure. Do you know the different types of Life Insurance? If you have Life Insurance, are you under or over-insured? Is your insurance have high standards and integrity? Do you even need Life Insurance?
These are but a few questions I asked of my guest, Marcus Kennedy, as we explored this first Essential Topic of Discourse of 2023 "*Life Insurance: What We Should Know & Understand***".
Join us as we shed light on the topic.**
https://www.edpshow.com/
Thanks for listening to the podcast. Follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Your comments about the podcast our welcomed.
The Mid-Term Election is nearly over.
Excluding Georgia's Senate runoff, the control of the Legislative Branch of the Federal Government has been decided. Many states' leadership positions, governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and others have been decided.
What role did you play? Were you an active participant? Were you one of the millions of citizens who choose to sit this one out? These are all reflective questions. Regardless of how you answer the question, Political Maturity or the lack thereof was on full display.
Many people exercise their power to identify problems, talk about these problems, and verbally rail against the systems and elected officials. Beyond the talk, beyond the insults, beyond repeating what you've been programmed to believe on FOX, CNN and etc., what actions have any of us taken to bring about the change we say we want?
Political Maturity 2 revisits the episode I published in Feb 2022. This episode got a resounding 17 downloads (LOL). Many of the things seen during this cycle were discussed in detail in the episode. I encourage you all the actually listen to it. This, Political Maturity 2 isn't that. This episode highlights the consequential effects on the majority ( the working poor) that continues to reign supreme as a result of the majority's ignorance (intentional or unintentional), callousness, divisive nature, distracted mindsets, and disregard for the process. Without Political Maturity, there can be no community ownership, group economics, or community power because there is no unity among the majority..."The Working Poor".
This podcast cast episode is 47 minutes long. 47 minutes of truth you may not want. However, this truth is what we desperately need.
One of the biggest hindrances to establishing and maintaining healthy relationships is "Misconceptions". A misconception is defined as a view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding.
If "Misconceptions" hinder ordinary relationships, what are their effects on marriages, parent-child, and other intimate relationships?
Many people who enter these relationships have misconceptions about what love is, how love is or should be displayed, and have faulty expectations that love is all about "Happiness" and "Happy Feelings".
In this episode, my guest, Yulonda Washington, and I discuss 8 common "Love Misconceptions in a Relevant, Restorative, Reasonable, and Responsible manner. The listener, by the end of this episode, will be better equipped to not identify issues and employ solutions to remedy the issues including Family / Marriage Counseling, Effective Communication Techniques, and more.
So often, we tend to overlook acts of kindness. Acts that meet a specific need in our lives. A kind word, a smile, the sharing of information, and etcetera are a few examples of this.
The danger in this is, if we continue to discount the seemingly small things, we may come to have a decreased appreciation for the not-so-small things that our brothers and sister do to meet our needs. We refer to this as "Entitlement".
I don't know anyone who enjoys the company and or behaviors of "Entitled" people.
Common sense says, when someone does something for you, you ought to say "Thank You".
Better yet, the recipient of the kindness and compassion should put on display Genuine Gratitude.
In this short episode, I point out the related connection to Genuine Gratitude and the effect it should have on all persons evolved.
Disappointment is an unavoidable adversary to every human being. Disappointment, unchecked, clouds one’s judgment, attitude, and perspective of not only his/her life but also limits his/her ability to fellowship with other humans.
Few people immediately look for the opportunities that disappointment offers. What if I told you that disappointment is an agent of growth and maturity? No, being disappointed isn’t pleasurable or desirable. Disappointment cuts, scars, and bruises. However, when you resolve to dominate over and against disappointment, the effect becomes less excruciating. The fact that disappointment’s effect becomes less excruciating is proof of your development.
This development doesn’t cause you to seek “an eye for an eye” or throw yourself a pity party. This development causes you to be more resilient, wiser, and more knowledgeable in ways that you would not have obtained if it were not for the lesson wrapped in the pain of disappointment.
The episode includes “The Fight With Frustration", TD Jakes 2014
Sources:
"How to Get Over Disappointment", Blog, BerkeleyWellbeing.com
"The psychology of Disappointment", Blog, BestPsychologyDegrees.org, 2013
Buzzsprout
PodcastMovement
TexasIndyPodcasters
LetsWorkTogether
The cost of education has increased by as much as 19% over the last ten years. A Bachelor's Degree is as helpful as a High School Diploma. Everyone knows at least three people who attended and graduated college who aren't working in their field of study. It seems the only thing attending college assures you of is debit.
So, remind me of why I should attend college again....
As a parent, you want the absolute best for your child | children. I think we'd all agree that not having to work an entry-level position after obtaining his Master's Degree, additional debit to his already ballooned payments, isn't ideal.
In this episode, we'll survey a reasonable approach to determining if attending college, not just for a child but also for anyone else thinking about it, is indeed worth it.
Buzzsprout
EDPSHOW.COM
EssentialDiscourseWithBruceSmith
Words have meanings. Unfortunately, many of us give no thought to the words that fall off our lips. Specifically, the titles we place upon people. Titles given and not earned.
One such word is #Friend.
What do you actually know about your "friend"? Do you really know your "friend"? What qualifies this person as a "friend"? Has this "friend" proven that he or she is in the "friendship" with you?
I'm will the wager that many of us are involved in nonreciprocal relationships right now with so-call friends. "Friends" who unreliable, never check on your well being, always have an excuse as to why the can't do what you ask, never speak encouragement into your life, lie to your face and scandalize your name when you're not around. However, these same "friends"can count on you to bail the out of a jam, provide support, money and other needs.
You don't have a friend. You have a #frenemy. Someone who only comes around when they're in need or when you have the means to grant them access to something they want. Again, words have meanings. You should be extremely cautious with whom you label as your "friend".
As you listen to this episode, I'll explain why and how to avoid making the mistake of unwisely giving users, abusers, and those with alternative motives the title of FRIEND.
In the day and age we currently live in, some would have you believe TRUTH can be altered. Almost no one has an issue with their personalized versions of the truth. However, nearly everyone takes exception to the complete and in-context truth.
Many, from the white house to the outhouse, have subscribed to the notion of alternative facts and partial truth. The truth about absolute truth is that it is uncompromising, immutable, and unbiased. This is evident by the debate on what is actual history and if it can be taught in public high schools. Some would attempt to make you believe that the Native Americans volunteered to be placed on the reservation and that slavery wasn't as bad as some make it out to be. Additionally, 2 years removed from the last presidential election, there are still people who believe that the election was rigged and stolen. This, after and despite being presented an overwhelming amount of evidence that would assure a logical person that this narrative is incorrect.
As individuals and as a group of people, we cannot afford to deceive ourselves into believing that some contrived version of the truth will promote our growth, maturity, or our personal and or spiritual relationships. It's one thing to be ignorant because one just doesn't know. It's a completely different thing when one knows but chooses to not apply knowledge obtained. That is the worst kind of ignorance...Willful Ignorance.
No, this isn't a political podcast in nature. However, these examples serve to illustrate how dangerous a mindset of "MY TRUTH" is. We are focusing on the individual responsibility or lack thereof of people to and for The Complete Truth.
We have outlined serval confrontational questions for consideration. And, we also outline correct measures that can be implemented in one's daily life to walk in and under the guidance of Complete Truth.
In this episode of the Essential Discourse Podcast Show, we complete Part 2 of our two-part series. As you can see by the Episode Title, our Discourse is about money. Specifically, how each of us can better steward this resource.
We define two key definitions and provide 5 steps to practically develop great habits that will not only enhance your appropriation and appreciation of this resource and others but will also put you on the pathway from simply surviving to living and thriving.
iB8gMcxh5Pe7B9ONeGiI
This is part 1 of a 2-part series, we want to address two resources that seem to be in short supply for many of us. For the purposes of today’s episode, Time is the resource we are focusing on.
Time as a resource is of a limited quantity and is in high demand. Yet, most people waste a significant portation of this commodity. Let's examine the how, why, and practical solutions.
The 2022 election cycle is upon us. Are you ready? Do you know what the candidates' platforms are? There is too much on the line for you not to know. We have to be and do better from a position of political maturity to ensure that our needs are being met. Our progression relies on our ability to make intelligent nonpartisan decisions that will impact our communities the way we desire. United against seeking solutions for our common issues is how we overthrow our common enemy by accessing to the full weight of the ballot.
This episode features commentary from the DL Hughley Radio Show and George Carlin’s 2005 interview.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Monroe Louisiana radio personality Damian "Grave Digga" Harris. Grave Digga shared some of the highs and lows of his 25-year career with us. Grave Digga gave us insight into the music industry, pitfalls, relationships, and future plans.
This was in many aspects a trip down memory lane. We hope you enjoy Episode 4. Please provide your feedback on that platform of your choice.
An insightful and reflective review of the content presented last week from my Adult Children's Perspective. I'm a better person and father as a result of this conversation.
As parents we make mistakes. One of those mistakes should never be not being able to admit that we've made mistakes. Therefore, we all have room to grow.
We've repaired some bridges and built new ones over the course of these two weeks. And, we going to keep moving forward in strengthening our relationships.
Take a listen. And then, share your thoughts in the comment sections.
Visit WWW.EDPSHOW.COM
Just as no one provided you with an instruction manual specific to your baby, toddler, tween, and or teen, no one taught us how to parent our individual adult children. This has been a daunting task for many of us. A task we really do not discuss with our peers or family in an enlightening way.
And, for those reasons listed above, I believe the subject matter is an outstanding topic for Essential Discourse.
Happy Birthday to The Essential Podcast Show. This is our 1st Podcast Show...Ever.
Allow us to introduce ourselves. Leave your feedback at www.essentialdiscourse@gmail.com
Thanks for your support in advance.