The Marc Medley Show: Recent Episodes
The Marc Medley Show
Listen to The Marc Medley Show podcast and to me live on Saturdays at 6 a.m. ET as I host my book talk radio show The Reading Circle with Marc Medley on gobrave.org.
As an adolescent, and in his early years as an adult, True Khepra was on the wrong path in life. He performed poorly in school, stole cars, and sold drugs. After realizing that his future was doomed if he did not transform his life, he committed himself to furthering his education, becoming a community activist and better example to his children.
Now, True Khepra is a writer, author, speaker, and certified life coach with a mission to fight for social justice and share the power of personal development. He co-founded an organization called Extended Black Family Movement, wrote for NSPIRE magazine, and co-founded a youth program called “Liberation School”.
True Khepra has made a lasting impact through his inspiring speeches at various institutions, including the Essex County Youth Correctional Facility, Pride Academy in East Orange, NJ, Hunter's World Mentorship Program, and many more. He has also had the privilege of speaking to a single classroom of students at Howard University Middle School of Mathematics & Science, personally connecting with the next generation of leaders. Now, he is taking his message to the airwaves with his podcast, Raw Success, where he shares his insights and expertise on achieving success and living a fulfilling life. With a passion for uplifting and educating, True Khepra's words have resonated deeply.
True Khepra's message is rooted in his beliefs that by harnessing the power of the mind and learning to generate and create states of being aligned with our purpose, goals, and intentions, none of us are stuck.
As I See It February 17, 2024 is an episode concerning thoughts of the host, Marc A. Medley at the time of the recording. BEYOND THEIR YEARS; The Incredible Legacies of Herb Carnegie and Buck O'Neil is referenced. It is documentary about the two men and the challenges of racism in hockey and baseball. There was a panel discussion about the documentary that included, Jasmine Thomas, Bryant McBride, Cecil Harris, Dr. LaQuinta Frederick, Russell Patterson, led by faciliator Daryl Jacobs. There are other thoughts that are shared throughout this episode of THE MARC MEDLEY SHOW PODCAST. Take a listen and reflect.
In 2022, the U.S. spent 766 Billion dollars on defense and 746 Billion dollars in 2023. Can you imagine if that money was spent on loving, encouraging, and building people up instead of creating ways to kill people? Take a listen to this episode, think and reflect.
It is 2024 and we are still fighting for civil rights and social justice. We all are humans. We are all extricably linked. Birth and death are the two equalizers. Take a listen to this extended version of The Marc Medley show acknowledging January 15th, the birth of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who would have been ninety-five years old on January 15, 2024. Happy Birthday Martin Luther King, Jr.!
I'm waiting for Rod Serling to appear at any time now, for we are definitely in my opinion in the Twilight Zone. Take a listen to my latest episode of THE MARC MEDLEY SHOW. Listen to me live each Saturday from 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. ET on gobrave.org. Learn more about me by visiting my website marcamedley.com
The Golden Rule is a principle that is a common thread across belief systems. Take a listen to this episode of The Marc Medley Show to learn why I believe in it so deeply.
Have you ever taken a look at how our product packaging is getting smaller and smaller while the prices go higher and higher? Have you thought about how we are willing to have a known cheater as our leader? Have you thought about how there is no such thing as customer service anymore? Well, I have. Take a listen to this episode of The Marc Medley Show.
Jai-Leta Colvard is a proud board member of Loving Arms Cancer Outreach. She has been donating to this amazing non-profit organization for over 5 years. Now, Jai-Leta is able to make a major impact to cancer survivors. Ms. Colvard is honored and blessed to serve the community while supporting cancer survivors.
At Just Jai Wear™, the company Jai-Let leads, we believe in embracing positive energy, love, feeling comfortable in the skin you are in, and setting small health goals We hope our gear will magnify your desire to be your best fit and resonate across the globe.
We look forward to partnering with you on your health journey by providing comfortable and stylish fitness apparel that fits like a soft glove and loungewear for the holidays. Our clothes can be worn throughout the day whether you are exercising, relaxing, or running errands.
We are committed to encouraging, motivating, and inspiring the community to shape their life with fitness and good health in mind while spreading the word across the universe.
Our discussion topics included:
- Bouncing back from a mental health crisis
- The transformative impact of grief
- The importance of seeking and providing support during challenging times
- Discuss the mission and vision of Space of Grace, Inc., highlighting its role in empowering individuals on their mental health journeys.
Carolyn Hickman is a self-publishing author, Intuitive Energy Healer + Herbalist who loves helping others heal their past and transcend their pain into their purpose. Carolyn reveals her unimaginable journey of not only losing her mother but losing almost everyone she had ever known all at the very same time through a series of painful events that left her breathless, betrayed, and broken. However, even in the most challenging and darkest of days, she discovered how to let go of the pain and resentment gracefully and overcome the resistance to forgive the people not willing to make things right or say “sorry.”
In this episode of THE READING CIRCLE with Marc Medley, I interview Dr. Matthew Teutsch about his contribution to Illmatic Consequences: The Clapback to Opponents of 'Critical Race Theory' Dr. Teutsch wrote Chapter 15, Christian Nationalism and the Comic: Incognegro. During this interview we cover a lot of ground concerning the history of Christianity and it's role in systematic oppression. Be sure to take a listen. I found Dr. Teutsch to be very candid, vulnerable, insightful and informative. I also encourage you to get the book to read the compilation of essays concerning Critical Race Theory and why it must be taught to our young and not so young. We cannot act as if history did not happen.
Stevie Wonder wrote "Cash In Your Face" in the early 80's as it appears on his Hotter Than July album. The lyrics of Cash In Your Face are just as appropriate in 2023 as they were in the early 80's. Not much has changed. In fact, we are regressing. The clocks are being turned back with decisions such as those being made by our current Supreme Court and politicians around the country. Book bannings, Diversity courses being outlawed, etc. are just a few examples of what is going on today. In this episode we analyze Stevie's lyics and discover how they apply to us today. Take a listen.
Bijoun Eric Jordan is a high school English teacher just finishing his 19th year. His greatest professional pleasure is stoking enjoyment of words and ideas — and after school, making students world travelers. Bijoun studied education at New York University, followed by a gap year abroad, then a master's in English literature at Hunter College. His essay critiquing the right-wing's recent efforts to undermine racial justice initiatives through the "boogeyman" of critical race theory appears in the new collection Illmatic Consequences: The Clapback to Opponents of "Critical Race Theory," inspired by rapper Nas's debut album Illmatic. A self-professed nerd and staunch advocate of the Oxford comma, Jordan is also a consummate hip hop head and a recovering lyricism addict whose other passions include politics, culture, gaming, and creativity. He lives and loves in Brooklyn with his wife, daughter, and son.
Dr. LaTanya White is an inclusive scholar-practitioner working at the intersection of racial equity and entrepreneurship curriculum design. Over the course of her professional career, she has coached and consulted more than 600 Black urban entrepreneurs. A 2x author, TEDx Speaker, leader and strategist, Dr. White is the founder and principal consultant for Concept Creative Group, a technical assistance firm focused on business development, capacity building, and Dynastic Wealth™ transfer for Black entrepreneurs.
Dr. White developed her expertise in the intersection of the racial wealth gap and Black entrepreneurship through her graduate studies at Antioch University’s Graduate School of Leadership and Change. As a result of her doctoral research on intergenerational wealth transfer and Black business families, Dr. White has designed an evidence-based entrepreneurship training model that specifically addresses the ancestral narrative and lived experience of Black entrepreneurs using a lens of racial equity.Dynastic Wealth™ is a comprehensive approach to the entrepreneurial process that cultivates quantitative and qualitative forms of wealth through the lens of racial equity. The model has implications for entrepreneurship education research, scholarship, and practice that require entrepreneurship training curricula to be redesigned through a lens of racial equity.
She developed her own Foundation growing up in the Liberty City area of Miami, Florida and began to Evaluate her inner strength and resilience as a student at Florida A&M University’s School of Business and Industry. It wasn’t until she was completing an MBA-level internship in Buffalo, NY did Dr. White begin to Analyze the entrepreneurial skillset she had developed but it would take a 13,000-mile trek to Bali, Indonesia before she had been Retrained to accept her purpose as The Guide that so many minority entrepreneurs needed to get over their fear and launch their business.Through active service under the Economic Development Programmatic Thrust with DeltaSigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Dr. White hopes to Leverage her sorority’s global reach in an effort to recreate economic independence in communities of color.
Her membership with the Glazer Kennedy Insider’s Circle helps her teach her village about Efficient Systems like brand development, copywriting and direct marketing that helped catapult her own business. Formerly enrolled in the Graduate School of Leadership and Change at Antioch University, Dr. White’s doctoral research produced a comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum for Black entrepreneurs to build Dynastic Wealth™, the most Sustainable method for Black economic independence and Black mobility.Bringing her cumulative expertise and passion for Black entrepreneurship education together, Dr. White is launching the Entrepreneurship Center for Black Dynastic Wealth™. The Center will be a membership-based entrepreneurial learning accelerator for Black and African American entrepreneurs who want to go beyond generational wealth to create Dynastic Wealth™.
Dr. White has been featured in several media outlets including Ask.com, Essence Magazine, Florida A&M University magazine, Forbes.com and SiriusXM Radio. Click here to learn more about Dr. White’s past speaking engagements.
I would not trade my time of growing up in the 60's and 70's with a child growing up today in 2023 for all of the money in the world. I would not trade whatever issues I am facing with anyone else's issues for all of the money in the world. Take a listen to this episode and find out why.
At the end of the day, it really is about respect. Take a listen to my thoughts about Angel Reese and Yusef Salaam.
Unfortunately in 2023, good clean fun is a thing of the past in my view. Even for something as simple as April Fool's Day. Take a listen.
In order to get your desired results, you must put in the work. This episode was inspired by a speaker series presented by ESPN's Darryl Jacobs. The keynote speaker Dr. Marcus Bright, author of Brighter Ways Forward: Reflections on Sports, Tech, And Socialeconomic Mobility.
Chris Rock appeared in a live stand-up special that could be viewed as Jason Zinoman of the New York Times described it as "comedy revenge." Exerpts from Mr. Zinoman's review and exerpts from Bishop Desmond Tutu's book The Book of Forgiving are excerpted and commentary by this podcast host Marc Medley is given during this episode. Take a listen in its entirety.
"The process of life is ever unfolding, guiding you, pushing you, preparing you for the next part of the process. Life often takes a twist, or makes a turn that is frightening or confusing. Difficult challenges, bad days, upset feelings, moments of confusion are part of life's process. Perhaps if we stopped trying to figure out the process, the process would proceed exactly as it should." Iyanla Vanzant
This episode is based off of the readings from two books. #SpeakLife: Your Tongue Has The Power of Life & Death by Laticia Nicole and Until Today!: Daily Devotions for Spiritual Growth and Peace of Mind by Iyanla Vanzant. This is the first episode of The Marc Medley Show in 2023. Take a listen. Be sure to visit my website at marcamedley.com
Have you ever asked the question "why me?" I know I have. The truth of the matter is, I do not believe any of us will be exempt from a "Why Me?" event in life. Take a listen to this episode of The Marc Medley Show to learn more. Be sure to visit me at marcamedley.com
Kim Williams is an educator par excellence and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sister, who shares her moving story about her diagnosis and being a survivor of ovarian cancer. Ms. Williams and I planned to go skydiving for her 50th birthday in celebration of her surviving and living to see 50 when COVID-19 waylaid our plans. It was a moving, inspirational and fun interview.
The next time you go to pay for anything, be observant of your experience. I'll bet you will find like I do that it is not best experience, especially when you are spending your hard earned money. Take a listen to this episode for some interesting insights by Marc on this topic.
Parents and educators ought to use the sad display at the Oscars by Will Smith as a teachable moment for our young people. Violence is not the way.
The behavior by Will Smith at the Oscar Awards was deplorable. Find out my thoughts in this episode of The Marc Medley Show.
A photograph taken by New York Times photographer Sarabeth Maney at the Supreme Court Nomination Hearings goes viral. Take a listen to this episode and find out why.
During this episode Marc takes a look at our customer service experiences whether in the store or on the telephone. Take a listen and think about your own experiences in 2022.
Am I the only one who feels we are in a season of loss? Take a listen to this episode of THE MARC MEDLEY SHOW to learn why I feel this way and ultimately what we can do about it.
These are some turbulent times especially in terms of race relations and navigating through all of the negativity that is nothing short of demonic and satanic. Covid-19 has so many of us emotionally worn out. Find out more by listening to this episode of The Marc Medley Show.
Can we be thankful regardless of what is going on in our lives? Listen to this episode of THE MARC MEDLEY SHOW and find out.
We often use the phrase "Back in the Day" with great affection and fondness as we reflect on a period of time that is usally 10, 20 or 30 or more years ago. Usually the phrase is used to refer to what was considered a good time to be alive or to be doing whatever the speaker of that phrase was doing. My question is, what type of "Back In The Day" will our children today have to refer back to?
This weekend we will set our clocks back an hour just as we set them an hour ahead in the Spring. As a country we do this in lock step and without any hesitation or resistance. I have yet to hear anyone say that the changing of our clocks as a country (government mandated by the way) is infringing upon our freedom. Yet, the wearing of a mask or getting a vaccine is. Learn more about it in this episode of The Marc Medley Show.
There is no quick fix for anything, yet, there are so many both young and old alike who want whatever results they are looking for fast and now. This episode is based on conversations that I have had with students concerning them doing their school work.
Marc Medley Appears on The Psychic and The Doc with Mark Anthony and Dr. Pat Baccili. His topic of discussion was "If I Can Help Somebody, Then My Living Will Not Be In Vain." Marc shares his thoughts about learning from mistakes, those he would surround himself with and leaving a legacy.
I've literally observed people spend hundreds of dollars per day on the lottery and have often wondered what would happen if they took that same money and invested it daily just like they do spending it at the lottery machine? I raise that question in this episode of THE MARC MEDLEY SHOW.
More and more stores are moving to self-checkout and cutting down on the number of cashiers. I'd love to know your thoughts as I share my thoughts in this episode of The Marc Medley Show.
Covid-19 is a health issue and not a political issue. Because we have politicized it, we have lost time and so many lives. We must see it for what it is, a health issue and not a politcal issue. Learn more in this episode of The Marc Medley Show.
Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana on the same date Katrina did 16 years earlier. The same calendar date, Aug. 29, as Category 3 Katrina did in 2005. While there were contrasts in the storms, significant damage was levied by both. Houses and other property was gone in an instant. What had taken years to build was gone in a matter of minutes. There are some lessons that we all need to learn from these storms in terms of our perspectives about what really matters in life. Material things can be lost so quickly and yet there are so many who place all of their focus and energy on material things and their egos. This episode of THE MARC MEDLEY SHOW addresses these issues.
This is a special Father's Day episode of The Marc Medley Show. The title is "From Cornflakes to College"
Every time one of these abusive policing issues arise, we always hear the clarion call by the Chiefs and Commissioners for more training or cameras. Neither is what is needed. What is needed is a change of mindset and the change of hearts of too many of our men and women who wear a uniform, badge and carry a gun. It's the individual who is committing these crimes in uniform and not the entire police force and these individuals are giving the entire profession a black eye. The police receive more than enough training. To learn more of my thoughts take a listen to this episode.
In the Declaration of Independence are the words "We hold these truths" and yet in 2021 we keep hearing the words "The Big Lie." Take a listen to my thoughts on how far we've [America] fallen.
This episode is a recap of the events of this week (4-18 to 4-24) and commentary on our society in general. Take a listen and learn why one man dead and one man going to jail is nothing to celebrate.
If we read Exodus 32:9 in the Bible, we see where God tells Moses "I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiff-necked people." I would argue and I do in this episode that we here in the U.S. are a stiff-necked people given everything with COVID-19, these police shootings and mass shootings. From where I sit, we are just not getting it......stiff-necked.
Life lessons from current events. Most recently the passing of Midwin Charles, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and Earl "DMX" Simmons. Also, more thoughts on the Derek Chauvin Trial.
This is episode is a commentary on a compilation of events going on in the world. It starts with the Derek Chauvin Trial and just continues to flow from one topic to another.
Six of the eight people killed in the shootings at Atlanta-area spas on Tuesday were women of Asian descent. Are Caucasian perpetrators treated differently from Black perpetrators? Take a listen to this episode of The Marc Medley Show and you decide.
What a week! Take a listen to the week in review (January 17, 2021 - January 23, 2021 in this episode of The Marc Medley Show.
The statistics below are from the CDC's National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020. Given these numbers, how are the food and restaurant industries accommodating this segment of the population?
Diabetes Total: 34.2 million people have diabetes (10.5% of the US population) Diagnosed: 26.9 million people, including 26.8 million adults Undiagnosed: 7.3 million people (21.4% are undiagnosed)
Prediabetes Total: 88 million people aged 18 years or older have prediabetes (34.5% of the adult US population) 65 years or older: 24.2 million people aged 65 years or older have prediabetes
There was an "ism" on display on Wednesday, January 6, 2021, and it was not Patriotism.
On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, we witnessed one of our saddest days in the history of the United States. This is my commentary on the events of that day. Those were not PATRIOTS.
This moving story is taken from the book THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI by Robin Sharma. Listen to this episode and think about it.
Find out the connection between our current leader, the law of attraction, and COVID-19 (Corona Virus) by listening to this episode of THE MARC MEDLEY SHOW.
If you are like me, you hate getting interrupted when you are speaking with someone, particularly when you have given him/her the opportunity to express his/her entire thought. This episode was inspired by vice presidential candidate Senator Kamala Harris when she politely reminded Vice President Pence that she was "speaking."
While I am an African American, a "Black Life," I do not support the removal of the various statues around the country, i.e. Robert E. Lee, Christopher Columbus, Thomas Jefferson, etc. etc. Learn why in this episode of THE MARC MEDLEY SHOW.
We keep missing the point when it comes to our always having to shout and write "Black Lives Matter!" NFL Quarterback Colin Kaepernick shed light on the issue of police brutality towards Black people a few years ago and was lambasted by everyone from the President of the United States on down. The message was ignored because we cared more about a piece of cloth than a human life. Learn more about this as youl listen to this episode of THE MARC MEDLEY SHOW.
This is an episode you won't want to miss. We've read headlines such as "White House Economic Advisor Stephen Moore Calls Pro Trump Coronavirus Protesters Modern Day Rosa Parks," "Fox News' Tomi Lahren Compares Social Distancing To Slavery," and "Trump Supporter Claims Prolonged Lockdown Is Slavery at California Anti-Lockdown Protest." This episode looks into how the comparisons show a lack of understanding, knowledge or concern for history and the experiences of African American people.
I believe this pandemic experience ought to heighten our awareness and love for people, activities, experiences and things. Take a listen to my thoughts here in this episode of THE MARC MEDLEY SHOW and I invite you to visit marcamedley.com
This episode questions what our lives will be like when this pandemic (COVID-19) is deemed "over." What will be considered normal post COVID-19? Take a listen and I would love to hear your thoughts.
Racism and prejudice is a waste of energy because the very people you are hating on in life could be who you are buried next to for eternity. Something to think about.
This episode is based on a quote from former President Barack H.Obama as he was one of the eulogists for at the funeral of the Honorable Elijah Cummings, congressman from Baltimore, Maryland.
Welcome to the episode of The Marc Medley show as this episode is a hodgepodge or a potpourri of topics ranging from the passing of the Honorable Elijah E. Cummings to the impatience of motorists in 2019. Take a listen
Today is my birthday, August 17th and I turned 57 years old. There is no shame in my game concerning my age, yet for many, they feel that their age is something to be ashamed of.
I was raised to treat the janitor with the same respect as the CEO. I'm sure you've come across this meme at some point or another and if not you get the idea. In my view, there is no such thing as a "menial" job. There is no such thing as a big job or a small job as ALL jobs are important. Learn more about it by listening to this episode of The Marc Medley Show.
How we treat people and how precious life is. We really must be grateful for what we have and the people who are in our lives.
How many times have you heard someone speaking about their children or a child they know of as "spoiled" or "bad?" Have you ever given any thought to what was being said? Being spoiled or bad is not cute. Look up the definition of spoiled. (1) diminish or the destroy the value or quality of (2) harm the character of (someone, especially a child) by being too lenient or indulgent. Think about that.
Speak about your words. Power of life and death is in your words. Your words create your reality. Learn more by listening to this episode of The Marc Medley Show.
Am I the only one who notices that it seems like "anything goes" these days? Find out more by listening to this episode.
My reflective thoughts on my experience with this year's TD Bank 5 Boro Bike Tour held on May 5th.
We are in sad and dangerous times when one can think "it's not illegal unless you get caught." We are living unfortunately in an anything goes society and world. In the long run this will not bode well for any of us.
Have you ever thought about how our habits have impacted our past, impact our present and will play a part in our future? If you haven't, listen to this episode and then reflect. Feel free to change habits if necessary.
As a child, there was a grade indicator on the report card to let parents know how their children were behaving in school; the indicator was called self-control. Over time this indicator was removed from the report card and my question is, did we do ourselves a disservice by doing so?
Have you ever questioned why someone needs to be rewarded to do what he/she was supposed to do in the first place? Why do employees have to receive an incentive to go to work? Why do children need to receive a reward for good behavior when they are supposed to behave correctly? This episode of The Marc Medley Show deals with these questions.
This episode of The Marc Medley Show deals with the dangers and foolishness of idolizing actors/actresses, musicians/singers, athletes and other entertainers.
Tuesday, November 6, 2018, could be one of the most important Midterm Elections in our lifetime. Be sure to get out and vote. No excuses!
No one has the right to look down his/her nose upon someone because of his/her job title or the type of work that he/she does. Every job is critical. There is no such thing as an unimportant job. Something to think about.......Sanitation workers do not strike in the winter.
Sometimes no matter how bad a situation may seem, we just need to be able to laugh at it and keep moving. We need to be able to laugh at ourselves and our situations to sometimes keep from actually crying. Laughter is indeed good medicine.
There has never been a better time in our history to learn about anything that might interest you. No other time in our history has it been better to be a lifelong learner; to learn for the love of learning.
In addition to the Marc Medley Show, I host a weekly radio talk show where I interview authors from around the world. The name of the show is THE READING CIRCLE WITH MARC MEDLEY. It is heard live each Saturday beginning at 6 a.m. ET on gobrave.org and FM radio WP88.7 FM. So since I host a show about reading, I thought I would offer some book or reading recommendations.
Is there something you absolutely loved to do as a child? Are there things since you became an adult that you stopped doing that you loved to do as a child? If so, this is the episode for you. Take a listen to learn why you need to pick back up some of the things you loved as a child and start doing them again.
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. A man who is to me what Gandhi was to him. As Dr. King studied Gandhi, I've studied Dr. King. Given my love for what Martin Luther King, Jr. stood for there is no way that I am going to allow today, April 4, 2018 to pass without saying something on The Marc Medley Show.
I thought the efforts of our youth during the March For Our Lives demonstrations were awesome! Sadly, while some things may change as a result of the awakening, a lot will not because too much money is being made on the sale and manufacture of guns. The gun industry is no different from the pharmaceutical, food, insurance, and oil industries when it comes to money and profit. One could argue that the same could even be said of education. The very industries and systems that one would think are designed to preserve life really are designed to make a profit and human lives are secondary. Take a listen to this episode of The Marc Medley Show and you decide for yourself.
Metaphor -(1) a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. (2) a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, especially something abstract.
In this episode, I give two metaphors for life; one being our need to have the proper tools to get a job done effectively and the other being our view of things during and after a struggle.
In this episode, I provide examples for you the listener as to why arming teachers with guns is an extremely bad idea.
We can put an end to all of this gun violence if we really wanted to. The fact of the matter is, there is too much money being made for it to end. We cannot have it both ways. We cannot want gun violence to end while at the same time supporting and purchasing guns of any kind including toy guns.
Every day I experience defiant children (and adults for that matter), and in this episode, I share some of my theories as to why we are where we are.
This episode of The Marc Medley Show is about how Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday is actually a "Day On" and not a day off, a continuation from my last episode about being grateful and the latest commentary from the president.
This episode is another one to remind us to be grateful for what we have because it could always be worst. Check out this YouTube video. https://youtu.be/Eyfa1yR8tx0
In this episode of the Marc Medley Show, I give my commentary on the challenge that I gave for us not to complain for the first seven-days of 2018; my experience in the latest snowstorm; and read some excerpts from the newly released book Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! Wow! We've crossed over into another new year. It seems that we were just saying this when 2017 was coming in and now we are saying it for the entrance of 2018. Today's episode throws out a challenge to each of us to start the year [the first 7 days] without complaining or being negative. Let's see who is willing to take me up on my challenge.
"Learn Something New Every Day" is a phrase that I tell people quite frequently. When I say that, I don't mean it has to be something monumental or something profound as it could be an extremely small fact or concept that you did not know. We all ought to strive to learn something new every day regardless of how big or small the idea may be. We ought not ever stop learning. We never become too old to learn and none of us know it all or are experts at everything.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! This is my Christmas episode of The Marc Medley Show and quite frankly I actually became somewhat emotional recording it. As I reflected on the day and past Christmases I got choked up. You may even be able to detect it in my voice. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday for a host of reasons. I hope this episode brings back memories for you and causes you to reflect and to enjoy your family and friends. From my family to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS.
Have you ever noticed how in December during the holiday season, the disposition of most folks change? People are nicer to each other. They smile more. They greet each other and do small gestures like holding the door for each other more than throughout the rest of the year. Why can't we do that all year 'round? I'm convinced the world would be a nicer place if we did.
While I can be very critical of the actions of our current president, in this instance I happen to side with him. Not that I am condoning his childish responses on Twitter concerning the matter; however, I can understand where he is coming from. Truth be told, I would hope that Mr. Trump did not make the effort to free the young men from the Chinese prison just for praise, but out of truly being concerned for their well being as U.S.Citizens.
I have traveled outside of the U.S. on multiple occasions throughout the years and I am always mindful to do a little bit of research about the customs and cultures of where I'm about to travel. I do this because the last thing that I would want to happen on my trip is to do something that is considered offensive or against that country's laws. The last I checked, stealing is wrong regardless of where you travel and shoplifting is a form of stealing. I don't care how valuable or valueless the article(s) may be, stealing is wrong and illegal no matter what country you are in. At the end of the day, those boys had absolutely no business whatsoever of even attempting to take anything without paying for it whether they were in the U.S. or abroad. Ironically, I was just in China in July.
One would think history would have deterred those young men from even attempting to do anything out of line in a foreign country. Clearly, the names Michael Fay or Otto Warmbier meant nothing to LiAngelo Ball, Jalen Hill and Cody Riley because if they did, I doubt very seriously if they would have committed their act. The fact that we do not know our history, pay attention to, or learn from it is a topic for another blog post so let me not digress. Back to Elder Ball saying "Thank You." In Luke 17:11-19 we read the story of how Jesus heals ten lepers and only one of them came back after he was healed to give thanks. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Now unlike Trump, Jesus did not go on a rant or throw a Twitter fit; however, he did ask about the other nine. If you were to read the story, you would see that all ten asked to be healed in loud voices and yet only one said thank you when their request was answered in their favor.
This is the problem I have with Mr. Ball not saying thank you to the president for whatever role he played in getting the boys out of that Chinese prison and back home. Whether it was a phone call, a text, a tweet or just the relationship that Trump has with the president of China if it played a part in getting those boys home than a thank you was indeed in order. The bottom line is, those boys could have still been sitting in that Chinese prison. In the Michael Fay case then-president, Bill Clinton was able to get the Singaporean government to lower Fay's penalty to four lashes from six; the caning was administered on May 5, 1994. Otto Warmbier passed away shrouded in mystery shortly after his return to the U.S. from North Korea.
Think about it, is vandalizing property in Singapore, attempted theft of a poster from a hotel in North Korea, and taking items from three stores in China without paying for them worth the price these individuals had to pay? They all acted abroad as if they were on U.S. soil and did not expect the swift and harsh consequences. Presidents had to step in to get them back, so yes Mr. Ball a thank you was in order and no it ought not to be predicated on flying on Air Force One. Your son, as well as those other two boys, could still be sitting in that prison in China. There’s a Chinese expression, “Kill the chicken to scare the monkey.” Other countries do not tolerate or take the posture that we take in the U.S. of being innocent until proven guilty. So the fact that the boys were able to come home is certainly worthy of a thank you. How big of a deal is it to say "Thank You?"
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. It's one of my favorites because of what the day stands for and that is giving thanks and being grateful for what we have. There are so many who do not have even what we have and if some could trade places with us, they would do so in a heartbeat. So let's focus on what we do have instead of always focusing on what we don't have. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Have you ever been talking to someone and said the words "Those were the good old days?" This episode of the Marc Medley show helps us to understand that the days we are in right now will be seen as "the good old days" years from now. It is incumbent upon us to be grateful for every day and not take anything or anyone for granted.
This episode of the Marc Medley Show is one about experiences, observations, and reflections. It is about doing things we are passionate about and being grateful for life, health, and strength.
In this episode of The Marc Medley Show, I explain my thoughts and opinions concerning Halloween. The views and opinions are my own and I am not necessarily looking for agreement.
It's amazing to me how quick some people are to seek punishment for someone whom he/she feels has done something to them, yet when the tables are turned or they have now offended someone, they seek forgiveness, compassion, and mercy. There is a biblical story in Matthew 18 that illustrates what I this episode is about extremely well. Take a listen.
If you don't love yourself, what makes you think anyone else will? If you don't love and value you, why would others? A healthy self-esteem is a must and ought to be encouraged. This episode does just that; encourages you to love yourself, not in a cocky or arrogant way but in a manner that will help you to help yourself in order for you to help others.
It seems we are living in a time where the appearance of sorriness, slackness, slothfulness, laziness, and a downright I don't care attitude is in fashion. It seems we are truly anti-establishment. We see this in our clothing choices, the manner in which we wear our clothes (sagging), our attitudes, our behaviors our conversations and words choices and our ultimate decisions. Many of these in my view are anything but respectful to ourselves, others or authority. Tune in and find out what respect means to me.
As an American, do you feel our government is serving us or ruling over us? Our government is supposed to serve the people and not rule the people according to the Constitution.
We need to live and let live. We cannot control someone else yet we are always trying to do so. Learn how this episode connects with the Take A Knee protest and the removal of statues in states and cities.
Have you ever dealt with anyone who thinks that he/she can treat you any old kind of way and you are supposed to just do whatever it is that he/she wants you to do for them? In their minds, they do not have to be nice to you but they expect you to be nice to them. And finally, when you call them on it or are not nice to them, they think you are the mean one. We will talk about that in this episode of The Marc Medley Show.
During these two catastrophes, we witnessed people of every faith, belief, color, creed, gender, ethnic background, and race come together to pray. It is my belief that we need to do this more often before disaster strikes. That's what this episode of The Marc Medley Show discusses. See the following links. Prayer for America" service at New York's Yankee Stadium http://edition.cnn.com/2001/US/09/23/vic.yankee.service.report/index.html Dozens gather at Jacksonville Beach to pray Hurricane Irma away Many turn to their faith to help weather the storm https://www.news4jax.com/weather/hurricane-irma/as-some-evacuate-ahead-of-hurricane-irma-others-stay-and-pray
This episode is a medley (no pun intended) of topics which include current events such as Hurricane Harvey and the upcoming opening of a new school year.
Many looks at those who are in leadership or are the leaders and say to themselves, "I can do that." They also say, "If I were him/her, I would do...." and then others say, "If he/she can get that position, then I know, I could." Interestingly enough President Trump said these words just as I was putting this podcast together, "All of my life I heard that decisions are much different when you sit behind the desk in the Oval Office." Yes, they are and that is what this episode of The Marc Medley Show is about.
This episode of the Marc Medley Show encourages all of us to speak up and speak out against hatred. Each one of us who are not a part of a hate group must let our voices be heard. We must contact our legislators, counter protest and anything else that we need to do for good to win over evil and love to win over hate.
Good customer service ought to be the norm and not the exception, yet that is not always the case. We all know good customer service when we receive it. Tune into this episode to hear some of my customer service experiences.
This episode deals with just plain old everyday manners, i.e. "please," "thank-you," "you're welcome," "excuse me," and "I'm sorry." We've seem to have lost that.
Please listen and share as a discussion starter. The same can be found in my blog The Critical Thinker http://thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com/2017/05/why-african-americans-ought-not-ever.html#.WSHLquvyuUk
In this episode, Marc Medley takes a look at depression and mental illness based on recent events.
The CDF Freedom Schools® program seeks to build strong, literate, and empowered children prepared to make a difference in themselves, their families, communities, nation and world today. By providing summer and after-school reading enrichment for children who might otherwise not have access to books, the CDF Freedom Schools program plays a much needed role in helping to curb summer learning loss and close achievement gaps — and is a key part of CDF’s work to ensure a level playing field for all children. In partnership with local congregations, schools, colleges and universities, community organizations, and secure juvenile justice facilities the CDF Freedom Schools program boosts student motivation to read, generates more positive attitudes toward learning, increases self-esteem and connects the needs of children and families to the resources of their communities. Since 1995, more than 137,000 preK-12 children have had a CDF Freedom Schools experience and more than 16,000 college students and young adult staff have been trained by CDF to deliver this empowering model. The CDF Freedom Schools model incorporates the totality of the Children's Defense Fund's mission by fostering environments that support children and young adults to excel and believe in their ability to make a difference Site coordinators and project directors are also trained by CDF to provide supervision and administrative oversight. The program provides an exciting Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC) including carefully chosen developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant books. The model curriculum supports children and families around five essential components.
The Givelify mobile giving app is available for iPhone and Android devices. https://www.givelify.com/
The Marc Medley show is a show about anything and everything. In this episode Marc talks about his not ever wanting to trade his childhood with the children of today among other topics.
Education starts in the home, yet too many parents abdicate their responsibilities at conception or at birth. The expectation is that the responsibility of raising these children is on the school, the government, the church, the daycare center, etc. etc. In reality, the child's parents are his/her first teacher. This epidsode speaks for a few minutes about this topic.
This is my welcome show. Just a small introductory letting the listening audience know what to expect in coming episodes. The views and opinions heard on the Marc Medley Show are solely mine and my guests and are not affiliated with or representative of any other organization that I am a part of.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you Critical Thinker readers out there! If you recall in my last post (www.thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com), I began it by sharing with you how I was at that time waiting for the plumber to come and repair or replace my hot water heater that had suddenly sprung a leak. Well indeed the plumber did come and $750 later, the hot water heater was replaced and I had hot water once again.
This week was Thanksgiving and I thought back to last weekend and about how everyone in the house was thrown off a bit by not being able to just turn on the faucet and receive hot water. We had to boil water in several pots in order to bathe, wash dishes, etc. etc. We had become so accustomed to just being able to turn the faucet to the right or to the left and the water would just flow either hot or cold depending on our need. What seemed to us to be disastrous was in reality a mere inconvenience for a couple of nights. I shared with my family how there are countries who do not have running water at all let alone hot water. I also shared with them how when I was a child and would visit my grandmother's house in South Boston, Virginia (Halifax County), that she did not have running water in her house and we had to boil water and take a bath in a metal tub. We boiled cold water from the pump/well that was located outside of the house and that the bathroom was an out house located several yards down the hill away from the house.
As I looked upon our hot water heater dilemma, I then thought about how many other things we just take for granted until they do not work as expected or are gone. There is that old cliche that "You don't miss your water until your well runs dry,"(no pun intended) and in some respects that is very true in terms of us taking things for granted. As you are reading this, think of some of the things we take for granted such as our car starting when we turn the key; our computers booting up when we press the power button; our heating systems kicking in when the thermostat reaches a certain low temperature; the lights illuminating just by the flicking of a switch; the refrigerator keeping our food and beverages cold; our online connections buffering at the speed of light or faster; and the list goes on and on. Some may say we even take God for granted. I was speaking with someone this morning and when I asked her about her Thanksgiving, she responded that it was quiet, but she also shared with me that when she was talking to her brother he said to her that he had nothing to be thankful for......nothing. My response to her was, he is breathing isn't he? He awakened on Thanksgiving morning, didn't he? She agreed and went on to share that after her conversation with him that she did not go to his house on Thanksgiving. She said she did not want to be around that negativity particularly on Thanksgiving. Speaking of breathing, we even take that for granted. We take for granted that we are going to wake up each morning when we lay down to sleep at night. My point of this post is to bring to our consciousness just how much we have to be thankful for and if you don't believe me, let the proverbial "well run dry" and see just how much you miss what you were taking for granted. Something to critically think about and I invite you to join the conversation by placing your commentary in the comment section of the blog and follow The Critical Thinker on Twitter @thinkcritical01 and on Tumblr at thecriticalthinker01.tumblr.com.
This podcast deals with illiteracy and why we must learn how to read and read well. You can read this podcast in Blog format at my blog site of the same name as the podcast The Critical Thinker at www.thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com . The blog post has the same title WHY WE MUST READ. There is a difference between decoding words, fluency and comprehension.
We must read with our children and have our children read to us. We must turn off the TV and other electronic devices and take some time to just read an old fashioned book. You are welcome to tune into The Reading Circle with Marc Medley on Saturdays at 6 a.m. ET on gobrave.org and WP88.7 FM. You are also invited to follow me on Twitter @thinkcritical01 - Tumblr @thecriticalthinker01.tumblr.com and Instagram @readingcircle01.
For the written blog version of The Critical Thinker visit http://www.thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/q-what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow.html#.UU5xIBdJP4s
"After having invested most of his life in basketball and having no educational degree or professional skill, Ray Williams struggled financially and filed for bankruptcy in 1994."
Take a listen to my experience at a relatively upscale restaurant on Valentine's evening while at dinner with my wife.
This podcast deals with the disrespect that our children and teens have become so accustomed to that they feel they can disrespect anyone regardless of title, age, or gender without suffering any consequences. It is clearly seen in this YouTube video of a teenager who disrespects a sitting judge in Florida http://youtu.be/3BxJa_G9XQk. I also address the issue in The Critical Thinker Blog at www.thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com. I invite and welcome you to follow The Critical Thinker on Twitter @thinkcritical01 and to read The Critical Thinker Blog at www.thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com
As I write this post I write not only to you the reader but also to myself. Since the new year arrived, I have been posting on Twitter and Facebook for us not to carry our luggage from 2012 and before into 2013 to remind us how luggage can and does slow us down. Of course like many things, it is easier said than done; however, we must find a way to check our luggage at the counter, curbside or at a kiosk of 2013. The metaphor of luggage is truly appropriate in terms of the things that we carry from one year to the next that constantly weigh us down. When you think about it, even at the airport you are only allowed to check a certain amount of luggage with each bag only allowed to weigh but so much. Ironically, dependent upon the airline you are travelling with you are now even charged a fee to check your luggage; so luggage costs. The luggage of life also costs. So let us go into 2013 determined to be able to run like Jerry Seinfeld is running and not be bogged down by luggage like Elaine (see YouTube link below). I wish all of us a blessed, luggage free and prosperous new year.
http://youtu.be/3Mlc4-luWU8 (Seinfeld The Airport - Running)
www.thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com
May you have a blessed and prosperous 2013. Take a listen to the first Critical Thinker Podcast of 2013. It is my New Year's greeting to you.
Merry Christmas everyone!! Please take a listen to my Christmas Day podcast. I think you will find it thought provoking providing you with some things to reflect upon about Christmas. Enjoy your day with your family and friends and remember what Christmas really is all about. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @thinkcritical01 and the blog at thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com I am on facebook under the name Reading Circle and Inistrumental Jazz. I look forward to sharing with you for the remainder of 2012 into 2013. Be blessed.
"It's alarming, especially in Newtown, Connecticut, which we always thought was the safest place in America." Every time one of these incidences occur, reporters always find someone who says, "We didn't think that could happen here." My question when I hear that is , where is it supposed to happen? Why could it not happen "there." This whole notion of anywhere being the safest place in America is absurd. We must come out of denial and face the brutal truth that anything can happen anywhere at anytime. Read between the lines or decode what the statement really says. It says it could happen somewhere else, but not here. Why? Because it is quiet and has tree lined streets? I truly wish the reporters would remove that line from the scripts. This also holds true for the phrase "Quiet tree lined streets" said in a hushed tone. Does the fact that the community is quiet and have tree lined streets make them exempt from tragedy? Take a listen to today's podcast. It is The Reading Circle with Marc Medley in its entirety for December 15, 2012. The show is heard live on Saturday mornings at 6 a.m. ET on WP88.7 FM and is web streamed around the world on www.gobrave.org. My prayers are with the people of Newtown, Connecticut and everywhere else these tragedies keep occurring. Something has got to give because enough is enough. Follow The Critical Thinker on Twitter @thinkcritical01 and follow the blog at thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com
Read both What's Wrong With These Pictures Parts 1 & 2 by visiting the links below:
Part 1 - http://thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/whats-wrong-with-these-pictures.html
Part 2 - http://thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/subliminal-racism-or-whats-wrong-with.html
Click the link below and take The Critical Thinker Challenge. Can you determine what is going on these ads? Be sure to critically think.
http://thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/whats-wrong-with-these-pictures.html
Happy Thanksgiving 2012 and be sure to always and in all things give thanks.
http://thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com/2012/05/is-it-that-hard-to-say-thank-you.html#.UK5KUuQ734s
Marc A. Medley
Host
What are your thoughts concerning many retail stores opening for "Black Friday" beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving night.? To learn my thoughts, visit The Critical Thinker at www.thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com Feel free to also follow The Critical Thinker on Twitter @thinkcritical01.
Blog post Gee.....What Went Wrong? Let's See.... was posted to The Critical Thinker on Sunday 11/11/12. It is a thought provoking and satirical look at possible reasons why voters voted the way in which they did in the recent Presidential Election. To read the written version, please visit www.thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com. You are invited to follow The Critical Thinker on Twitter @thinkcritical01
Welcome to my first Critical Thinker podcast. I am thrilled to be able to expand The Critical Thinker into yet another medium. There is the critical thinker blog, the critical thinker video blog, and now the critical thinker podcast. The Critical Thinker is a spin-off of The Reading Circle a book talk radio show heard live every Saturday beginning at 6 a.m. ET on WP88.7 FM and is web streamed around the world at www.gobrave.org. My objective when posting to The Critical Thinker is to challenge you to critically think about the issues appearing in the blog. During each Critical Thinker podcast I will bring issues to you for you to ponder; thought provoking and in many instances controversial issues to jumpstart your thinking. The topics are usually things that you would not give any thought to unless it was brought to your attention. That’s what the critical thinker does; it raises your antennae and causes you to stop and pause…… to think. Many of the issues are taken from the sound bites you hear on the news and the question is asked, “Does that make sense to you?” The critical thinker really is for those who choose to move beyond the sound bites that are heard on the news each evening and the topics range from serious to silly to satire. For those of you who are old enough to remember Andy Rooney on Sixty Minutes and the sitcom Seinfeld, you will see that the Critical Thinker is a cross between the two. Here on the Critical Thinker, I ask you to give some thought to the issue at hand, triangulate information and come up with an informed decision or opinion for yourself.
In this podcast you will have the opportunity to hear the audio version of the Critical Thinker while the written version can be found at thereadingcircleblog.blogspot.com, so tune in frequently to see what the topic of discussion is for each broadcast. The tagline for the critical thinker is a quote from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr. and the quote says "Nothing pains some people more than having to think." I challenge you to read the critical thinker blog, follow the critical thinker podcast and follow the critical thinker on twitter at thinkcritical01. Thank you and I look forward to sharing many thoughts in this podcast for you to critically think about. Again, I say welcome to The Critical Thinker.