Collective Perspective Podcast: Recent Episodes

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The Collective Perspective Podcast is on a mission to bring together diversity in thoughts to create real and meaningful progress. As veterans, we believe every American should feel heard, valued, and respected regardless of their political ideologies or backgrounds. We serve as a platform to bridge divides and unite communities in search of common ground. We strive for truth and understanding in controversial topics and believe that fact-based research and respectful dialogue will inspire others to come together as one collective voice working towards compromise and solutions rather than division and conflict. So join us in the middle and together, we can make progress for a brighter future!

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In this interview, Mr. James Burse, a 10-year Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, embodies sacrifice and resilience. As Director of Operations for Operation Barnabas, he’s dedicated his post-military life to supporting fellow veterans. In this episode, James shares his struggles with the VA, highlighting the challenges veterans face in accessing care. His leadership at Operation Barnabas ensures veterans' sacrifices are honored, and their needs are met. James's unwavering dedication makes him a true advocate and hero for those who have served.

Veteran's Resilience: James Burse on Overcoming Adversity and Community SupportIn this compelling episode of the Collective Perspective Podcast, hosts Jeff and Jawad are joined by James Burse, a Purple Heart recipient and 10-year Army veteran. Burse shares his gripping journey from being misled into becoming a combat engineer, enduring tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, to facing post-military struggles like mental health issues and substance abuse. His story is a testament to the power of resilience and community support, finding new purpose through Operation Barnabas and pursuing a doctorate in military resilience.The episode also highlights the urgent need for veteran mentorship, comprehensive support systems like veteran pods in jails and legislative efforts to provide essential services. Emphasizing faith and perseverance, the discussion underscores the crucial mission to lower veteran suicides and the importance of sustained support. 00:00 Introduction to Season 300:40 Meet James Burse: A Real-Life Hero02:03 Military Journey and Purple Heart Story07:42 Challenges and Recovery14:24 Struggles with the VA System24:28 Operation Barnabas: A New Beginning29:06 Combat Stories and VA Challenges30:54 Navigating the VA System34:02 The Impact of Knowledge and Support39:28 Veterans' Struggles with Employment45:14 Encouraging Veterans and Community Support01:00:37 The Importance of Faith and Resilience

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In this episode, we have a conversation with John Green, the CEO of Operation Barnabas, exploring the organization's mission and vision dedicated to supporting veterans. John sheds light on the relentless efforts of Operation Barnabas in providing comprehensive assistance to veterans, emphasizing their grassroots movement that drives impactful change. We discuss the various programs and services they offer, aiming to improve the lives of veterans and their families, and highlight the community-driven approach that underpins their success.

Empowering Veterans: Operation Barnabas and MentorshipIn this episode of The Collective Perspective Podcast, Jeff, Travis, and Jawad are joined by John Green, co-founder of Operation Barnabas, an organization focused on mentoring and supporting veterans. John shares insights into the application and training process for becoming a mentor and highlights the importance of their Tuesday night meetings for building community. He discusses the personal journey that led to the creation of Operation Barnabas, emphasizing the power of a one-to-one mentorship model.The hosts and their guest explore the challenges veterans face in transitioning to civilian life, issues with the VA, and the impact of isolation. The episode also covers success stories from the program and future goals, including expanding their reach to more cities. Listeners are encouraged to support the organization and the vital work it's doing to help veterans.00:00 How to Become a Mentor at Operation Barnabas01:38 Introduction to the Collective Perspective Podcast Season 302:23 Meet John Green: Co-Founder of Operation Barnabas02:46 The Story Behind Operation Barnabas10:09 Challenges Veterans Face After Military Service14:36 Success Stories and Impact of Operation Barnabas19:42 Inclusivity and Faith at Operation Barnabas20:32 AV Solutions with Jeff Aldrich21:32 Building Partnerships and Overcoming Challenges22:23 The Impact of Isolation on Veterans24:54 COVID-19 and the Surge in Demand26:58 Success Stories and Future Goals29:15 The Origin of Operation Barnabas34:30 Veteran Issues in Elections37:43 Navigating the VA and Community Support42:15 How to Get Involved and Support

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In this interview with Pastor Ben Wales, we delve into the separation of church and state and its common misconceptions. Many twist the concept to fit their own narratives, but this discussion aims to set the record straight. While some argue religion has no place in politics, it's undeniable that many people's morals are shaped by their faith. Is religion being imposed or being censured in the United States? We're fed up with whoever's trying to pit Americans against each other, aren't you?

Tune in to the episode and decide for yourself.

Show Notes:

Faith and Politics: Navigating Christianity in the Public Sphere

In this episode of 'The Collective Perspective' podcast hosts, along with Pastor Ben Wales, address the complex relationship between faith and politics. The discussion ranges from personal anecdotes about faith's impact on life, to the historical context of the separation of church and state, and modern-day challenges of expressing religious beliefs within the political landscape. The episode emphasizes that a Christian's actions, including voting, should align with biblical principles, while also recognizing the diversity of perspectives within the faith community.

00:00 Opening Prayer and Introduction

00:20 Season Overview and Election Focus

01:01 Meet Pastor Ben Wales

01:39 Personal Faith Journeys

04:52 Public Expressions of Faith

07:21 Biblical Perspective on Church and State

13:08 Separation of Church and State in History

26:12 Modern Political Divisions and Media Influence

34:44 Christian Values in Voting

42:28 Closing Thoughts and Prayer

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Join us for 'Revolution Revisited: A Deep Dive with Dr. David Jamison,' where we explore the pivotal events of July 4, 1776, the strategies that led to American independence, and the enduring relevance of these historical moments. Dr. Jamison offers expert insights into the resilience of the colonists, the possibility of modern tyranny, and the evolving significance of Independence Day. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that connects past struggles to present-day challenges. Happy 248th Birthday, USA!

Understanding History's Echo: African Diaspora, American Revolution, and Modern Social DynamicsIn this episode of The Collective Perspective Podcast, hosts engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. David Michael Jamison, an assistant professor of history at Edward Waters College. The conversation spans historical and contemporary issues, starting with the American Revolution and its implications for African American slavery, and moving to modern-day political and social movements.The discussion covers the intersections of African Diaspora history, the evolution of social protests from past to present, and the role of media in shaping public perception. Through a deep dive into historical narratives and their modern parallels, the episode seeks to equip listeners with a deeper understanding of how history influences current events.00:00 Introduction to the New Season00:41 Meet Dr. David Michael Jamison01:21 Dr. Jamison's Background and Journey04:01 The Evolution of Slavery06:48 The American Revolution and Slavery12:53 Youth Movements and Social Media17:23 Political and Military Organization of Early Settlers19:52 Role of Media in the Revolution23:15 African Diaspora and the Revolutionary War29:59 Political Manipulation and Propaganda31:45 The Role of Truth in Society33:33 Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking36:24 Historical Parallels and Culture Wars39:49 Tyranny and Government Trust45:35 Preventing Tyranny Through Education48:55 Corporate Influence on Democracy50:22 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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In this engaging continuation of our interview with John Paine, author of "The Second Amendment Manifesto: What Every American Should Know," we dive deeper into the practical applications of gun rights in America. Paine shares his insights on how the dialogue around this contentious topic can be improved, exploring diverse perspectives. Is there a future where understanding and respect are at the forefront of the conversation? Join us as we navigate the complexities of the Amendment with thoughtfulness and foresight. This episode is part 2 of 2.

Exploring the Second Amendment: Perspectives and ControversiesTopics in this episode covered include the emotional nature of political issues, the effects of lead paint, surveillance concerns, and the portrayal of gun owners in media. The discussion touches on misinformation in politics, the importance of being well-educated on American history and fundamental principles, and addresses various stereotypes.Additionally, the episode touches on larger themes such as the upcoming crucial election, the need for responsible and well-informed voting, and the collective effort to bridge divides in American society. This episode also includes practical advice for gun ownership and insights into how political agendas shape public perception.00:00 Introduction to Season Three00:31 Diving into the Second Amendment01:02 Lead Paint and Government Control03:29 Educating on the Second Amendment05:34 Stereotypes and Media Influence11:18 Monetary Policy and Government Dependence15:07 The Importance of Voting and Political Awareness22:34 Concluding Thoughts and Final Advice

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Join the hosts of the Collective Perspective Podcast for an interview with John Paine, the author of "The Second Amendment Manifest: What Every American Should Know." From the dawn of time, opposing views and debates have shaped important topics. Do you know how to intelligently debate the Second Amendment? Let us guide you through this crucial discussion in our interview with John, as we explore what the Second Amendment means and explain both sides of the argument. This is part one of a two-part interview. Follow along and educate yourself.

Show Notes:

The Collective Perspective Podcast: Season 3 Premiere on the Second Amendment

In the premiere episode of Season 3 of The Collective Perspective podcast, the hosts dive into the significance of the Second Amendment. Joined by John Payne, author of 'The Second Amendment Manifesto,' the discussion covers the historical and contemporary contexts of gun ownership in America. Payne shares his personal journey that led him to write the book and elaborates on the core principles embedded in the Second Amendment, including responsibility and deterrence.

The episode also addresses common misconceptions about the amendment and explores how to balance Second Amendment rights with concerns about gun violence. Through a mix of personal anecdotes, historical analysis, and legal insights, this episode sets the stage for an engaging season focused on understanding pivotal issues affecting American society.

00:00 Introduction to the New Season
00:37 Discussing the Second Amendment
00:53 Interview with John Payne
01:13 John Payne's Background and Motivation
03:25 The Importance of the Second Amendment
05:26 Understanding Different Perspectives
11:46 Core Principles of the Second Amendment
17:30 Historical Context and Personal Stories
19:06 The American Experience and Responsibility
19:40 Misconceptions About the Second Amendment
20:32 The True Purpose of the Second Amendment
21:27 Legal Arguments and Supreme Court Rulings
23:10 Historical Context of Weapons Ownership
24:26 Founders' Vision and Modern Weapons
27:29 Addressing Gun Violence and Crime Rates
29:46 Mass Shootings and Data Interpretation
33:37 Conspiracy Theories and Government Involvement
37:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode, we recap season 2 which started with the most important reason why we, as Americans, are free - freedom of speech. We discussed how propaganda is protected as free speech right along side of the misinformation and disinformation being feed to the public. We even went as far as to tell you how the media and government are lying to us all. We, as Americans, must learn how to be diverse in order to preserve the great freedoms this country currently provides. Please catch us with Season 3 starting in April 2024 as we discuss the most important election of our lives!

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An identity crisis happens at a time when some change makes you reevaluate who you are. The United States is at this pivotal point in its nearly 250 years of existence. Are we the people of a constitutional republic or a democracy? Do you even know the difference? We, as Americans, are walking contradictions as we benefit from imperialism but pretend to care what we are as a country. We all play into Corporatocracy and fail to realize society is being controlled by corporations or corporate interests. Thank you to our special guest, President Ronald Reagan, as we recognize how his speech is even more relevant 43 years later. This episode features a clip of the First Inaugural Presidential Address made by President Reagan at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 20, 1981.

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We continue the conversation on consumerism and how it reflects our values, emotions and identities. This is a topic that will strike at your central nerves from creating new desires to family traditions. What controls the masses, keeps people docile and listening to their masters? Take a listen as we explore a topic that affects everyone's lives everyday. This is Part 2 of the conversation on consumerism.

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In U.S. history, the 1950’s and 1960’s was the Golden Age of consumerism. Today, most of us are all dopamine addicts and we don’t even realize it. Anything that triggers endorphins to be released is at everyone’s disposal. Access is a cell phone app away. There is a distinct difference between needs and desires. In this episode, we start the topic of consumption and being consumed by what you are consuming. We are a nonprofit podcast. Please reach out to donate. Thank you for listening.

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As this conversation continues, it is proof within itself that context matters. This episode is our first example of a healthy debate. There was no mud slung in the making of this podcast. We didn’t resort to name calling or demeaning each other. The most important take away from this episode is we don’t hate each other.  We left the conversation the same way we walked into it, friends. Is there a winner? Is this debate a draw? Did we find common ground? You, the listener should decide. This episode is part 2 of 2.

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We declare that nobody’s feelings or friendships were damaged in the making of this podcast. Warning; This podcast was performed by experienced podcasters and long time friends. The owners of this production company do recommend you try this concept at home, as it can be dangerous to some. We challenge anyone to have a civil debate with someone that has an opposing perspective. We dare you. We would like to thank our forefathers for the bill of rights! Amen. This episode is part 1 of 2.

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In the world of disinformation and propaganda, certain people with personality traits lead to many degrees of manipulation. Once you realize the difference between manipulation and persuasion, you understand that your kids at a young age are just trying to persuade you with boundaries. Manipulation carries such a bigger weight of intent as leaders in society use it to get their way or convince you to vote for them or buy their products. This episode explores the topic deeper. Thank you Sage for your perspective.

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United We… ‘stand’? Correct? Believe it or not this episode is the beginning to the change we need to see in this country. As Americans, we all have our needs to live life to its fullest. We all have our own version of the “American dream” and what freedom means to us. As individuals, we are not all that different. We thank Patyonna, Dr.King and even Ayn for their perspectives. Follow us in the journey of change!

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What do you think? Where do we draw the line when it comes to propaganda and media in America? Join us and keep the conversation going on the second part of our discussion where we talk about the five of areas propaganda and start to uncover the corporations behind the media in the United States. Which of them should be allowed? Should the government protect us from propaganda? We can all agree that we don’t like being lied to, but where do we draw the line?

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Can you imagine a day when everything you hear on a news report is unbiased, without a personal, political or business agenda? The good news is there are still good people in the world. There are still people that are born to be American heroes. It’s time to wake up from the American dream and live it! This episode explores what is propaganda and how it’s ingrained into society throughout US history and the several forms of media. We thank Jamey for his perspective. This episode is part 1 of 2.

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We welcome Jawad Mills into this conversation about the “Misinformation Age“ we are currently living in. As we seek the truth, mis- and dis-information is in several ways enabled by freedom of speech. It’s important to understand how certain groups, like news organizations and politicians, use it. Cover ups are really difficult to swipe under the rug with the information highway of social media. What is the tipping point, and how do we measure when enough is enough? We thank Aaron and Jamey for your perspectives.

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Have you ever stopped to think about how you are being tracked and monitored through your online activity? From likes, comments, purchases…everything is being recorded and companies are profiting from your data. Instead of goods and services, consumers (and their data) have now become the highly coveted product in the marketplace. This episode explores the concept of surveillance capitalism and how it is evolving freedom of speech. Thank you to Heidi, Brandye, and Jeremy for sharing their perspectives on this topic.

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Many of us take for granted the freedom of speech that was handed down to us by the Founding Fathers, but do we really understand what it means? The foundation of the United States' constitutional framework and Bill of Rights established certain freedoms for our citizens.  Listen closely, as this episode dives into how freedom of speech is evolving.  Explore today's media landscape and  we are slowly being silenced and if “Cancel Culture” is infringing on our rights.  You decide. A special thank you to Aaron and Steve for sharing their perspectives on this episode.

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The Collective Perspective Podcast celebrated the bicentennial of Jacksonville and Juneteenth on June 15, 2022 with a special discussion, featuring guests: Jeremy Mincey, former NFL player and producer of the upcoming film "13th and Pine", and Tatiana Yoguez, book author of "Life Outside the Game: A Sex Trafficking Testimony." The cohosts and their guests share stories and different perspectives from their personal experiences and childhoods. They discussed the following seven Race Card prompts: "How did your family and community influence your understanding of race?"; "How do you respond to people who do not speak English?"; "How does fear affect racial understanding in America?"; "What do these hashtags mean to you: #blacklivesmatter, #bluelivesmatter, #alllivesmatter?"; "Do you think racism is a learned behavior? If so, can it be unlearned?"; "Do the majority of Americans see the Confederate flag as a symbol of racism or a symbol of Southern pride?"' and "When you witness someone being discriminated against or persecuted because of their race, do you intervene?" Sponsored by the 904WARD.org, this finale episode of Season 1 was recorded in front of a live audience at the Underbelly in Jacksonville, Florida. The video version can be found on MTSJAX YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/kCpAUl7xNl8.

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Language is important. Language is powerful. The co-hosts and their guest, Jamal Oakes, dive full force into the hot button words we use to discuss racism in America. This discussion grapples with alternative views of equality, privilege, and fairness using the following Race Card prompts: "What parallels do you see between racial, ethnic and religious minority experiences?;" "When someone says something about race that offends you, do you let him or her know?;" and "What types of privileges are allowed by people based on their race?." This is the fourth conversation on racial equity, sponsored by the 904WARD.org.

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Standards and stereotypes influence hate, racism, and bigotry in our world. In this episode, the cohosts and their guest tackle three Race Card prompts: "What are some specific things affecting race relations in our community?"; "What is the model minority myth and how does it impact the Asian community?"; and "How do you talk about race issues with your children or family?" As a Filipino immigrant, Jhun Bacani shares how his culture shaped his initial perspective on race when he moved to the United States and how religion helped transform his beliefs. The conversation covers multiple topics from whitening lotion to parenting and education.

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Learning comes in many forms, and Race Card discussions promote learning through open dialogue and active listening. Our cohosts and their guests, Alejandra Amegin and Samantha Mora, share their personal journeys in response to these Race Card prompts: "When did you first become aware of your racial identity?" and "Do immigrants help or hurt our economy?" Their diverse backgrounds add to this multi-dimensional conversation about racial triggering events and the pathways to citizenship. This episode is the second of five discussions, sponsored by 904WARD.org. 

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The Collective Perspective Podcast is hosting Race Card discussions, sponsored by 904WARD.org, during June 2022. Race Cards are designed to facilitate difficult conversations about racial equity. On this episode, the co-hosts and Brandye Mackey discuss two Race Card prompts: "Why do you believe racial slurs were created to refer to minority populations?" and "What types of privileges are allowed by people based on their race?" This emotionally-charged discussion covers these questions from a variety of angles from comedic skits and cancel culture to the history of the Greenwood neighborhood (aka Black Wall Street) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This episode is the first of five episodes on racial equity.

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Police officers battle stress and anxiety on a daily basis, and mental health plays a huge factor in how cops perform their civic duties. Rick Lanoue is an instructor for NASA Protective Services Academy at the Kennedy Space Center. He shared his experience as a retired police officer and current instructor dealing with mental health on the police force. This informative episode covers a host of topics from on-the-job dangers, political pressures, community scrutiny, police training, counseling and more. This is the final episode related to Mental Health Awareness month.

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According to Ann Marie Shrader, mental health issues can cycle like viruses through families. On this episode, our co-hosts talk with their guest on early childhood development and the roles that nature and nurture take in childrearing. Unfortunately, many adults are ill-equipped to parent children in a healthy manner. Situations like financial hardship, electronic device use, and the COVID pandemic have had a negative trickle-down effect on our youth's mental affairs. This episode is Part two of Mental Health Awareness.

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On this episode, Jeff and Travis introduce their next topic: Mental Health. May is Mental Health Awareness month. In today's society, mental health is front of mind. How does diagnosis, symptoms and causes correlate to different types of mental disorders and their treatment? The co-hosts touch on multiple aspects of mental disorders and question how concepts such as intellectual humility, corporal punishment for children, and the government's response to COVID affect our mental health.

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The interview with Tatiana Yoguez, a survivor of Human Trafficking, continues. On this episode, Tatiana discusses the types of traffickers and the techniques they use to control their victims, particularly young girls and boys. She discusses social media's role and how she partners with organizations such as police departments and healthcare to train professionals on the proper ways to spot and deal empathetically with victims. This episode is Part 4 of Human Trafficking.

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Tatiana Yoguez is the Coauthor of "Life Outside The Game: A Sex Trafficking Testimony." Kidnapped at age 12, she shares the story of her and her sisters' experience as victims over a one-month span, how they escaped and the emotional trauma they wrestled with since. This episode is first half of their story, leading up to the death of Jessica.

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Sex is not a commodity, but there is a huge underground industry that generates $99 billion of revenue worldwide. In this episode, the co-hosts continue their conversation with Noelle Marx about human and sex trafficking. Listen to this episode to hear more stories of victims and what events drum up this murky business. The conversation informs us about her organization, the Human Collective Foundation, and other organizations that are creating awareness, providing jobs, housing and supporting victims and survivors. This episode is Part 2 on human and sex trafficking.

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Slavery is not a topic just for history text books. This episode bridges homelessness into new territory, human and sex trafficking ~ or otherwise known as modern day slavery. According to some sources, this multi-billion dollar industry ranks third worldwide in the largest criminal industries behind drugs and arms dealing. The co-hosts of the Collective Perspective Podcast interview Noelle Marx, founder of The Human Collective Foundation. She shares stories of real people who are caught in the webs of human trafficking in our local community. The conversation with Noelle is broken into two parts.

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Justin Walker's story challenges the conceptions of what causes homelessness. One wrong move landed him in jail for 47 minutes and changed the trajectory of his life. Welcome to Part 4 of Homelessness where Justin shares how pride influenced his decisions. If his story is not an anomaly, is it possible that homelessness is a larger issue than the government is reporting? Join the conversation at Podinbox.com/collectiveperspectivepodcast.

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Addiction is one of the many challenges that displaced people face in our society. Tommy Ferretti, a personal fitness instructor,  shares his personal struggles with alcohol and drug addiction and what inevitably led him to found Foundations of Freedom, Inc. His organization provides solid ground for those in need of support and life-changing intervention. Sober houses are one type of resource available to any looking for long-term recovery, not just those on the streets. This episode is Part 3 of Homelessness.

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Homeless children have no say or responsibility in their situation. And yet, there are more homeless children in America than we realize. Now place yourself as a parent in that situation? Where do you turn for help? Regardless of your faith, we can agree that generosity comes from the heart. Pastor Jake Jaudes shares with the Collective Perspective Podcast that small sparks can bring grassroots initiatives. From school food programs to holiday shopping events, churches and their congregation provide local support for homeless children and their families during times of need.  This episode is Part 2 of Homelessness.

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What problems drive people to lose the safety of their homes? Homelessness is a societal problem that is hard to solve because of its complexity. Our co-hosts start off with an open dialogue on the topic. They offer their initial thoughts on some of the causes of displacement from addiction to domestic violence. They discuss the perceptions society has about homelessness and some organizations that provide those in need with support. This episode is Part 1 of a four-part series on Homelessness and includes guest speaker, Khaleel Kellogg. Editor's Note: This episode contains statistics about homelessness that were misidentified as pertaining solely to Jacksonville. However, the quoted statistics represent the entire state of Florida.

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On this bonus episode of the Collective Perspective Podcast, our co-hosts dive back into Tribalism to discuss the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. They share their thoughts on how media and social media platforms are influencing sentiments to pick sides. One question they ask is, "Are we seeing the full truth?" What is your perspective? Ultimately, one thing that they agree on is that no one should want war.

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You are what you nourish your mind, body, and soul. Two new perspectives join in on the discussion on tribalism. Guests of the Collective Perspective Podcast, Brandye Mackey and Khaleel Kellogg, share their views on everything from self-identified labels to how exposing yourself to certain influences can shape your mindset. The conversation dives into diversity considerations and the prospective opportunities that we have to shape a better future for younger generations.

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Collective Perspective Podcast brings a healthy dose of skepticism about whether the media by design influences minds and divides communities. This episode discusses current events and how news outlets spin different stories. From troll farms and Facebook jail to being labeled as terrorists, the crew questions social media and news coverage as mechanisms to silence dissent.

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How do you define your tribe? Some have positive influences on you. Some are competitive. Others can be detrimental to society. In episode 2, the co-hosts of the Collective Perspective Podcast talk about tribalism and the differences between communities, networks, and teams - both sports and politics. They question whether the ideology of some tribes are at war with their views of what it means to be American.

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Do you identify with existing political labels of Democrat and Republican? Listen to the first episode sharing perspectives around tribalism.

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Join the Collective Perspective Podcast In this episode, the co-hosts of the Collective Perspective Podcast introduce themselves and talk briefly about their mission to find cognitive solutions to today’s most challenging topics. DJ Malone Jeff Aldrich Travis Eadens Episode Transcription: [00:00:00] Jeff Aldrich: You can label yourself a multiple different things. For example, I’m a […]

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Listen to the Trailer for the Collective Perspective Podcast, launching in February 2022.