It's Brian's World Podcast

I am a believer in Tyrese Haliburton! The man's got ice in is veins! I was wrong!

Happy Monday! Hope you and your family are doing well. We had another busy weekend in our world. Big shoutout to CMI for another great performance in Washington, DC this weekend (also, congratulations to my lovely bride, Ashley!). Shout out to Stir Crazy RVA for the hospitality this weekend too. Very busy weekend on Earth. Thinking of the Biden family as we learned about his prostate cancer diagnosis. Busy weekend for Ukraine & Russia. Then, of course, the infamous Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark battle. Oh, man. This may ruffle your feathers.

Welcome to episode 187! Sorry I missed you last week. We were in Chicago celebrating the wedding and I got stuck doing station work when we got back. No excuses though. Hope you've been well! What a busy Monday in our little world. We cover the Newark Airport fiasco, China Trade War, and Trump's latest immigration tactics. Then, let's get ready for this Diddy trial. We've got some exclusive information about how his defense team is planning to approach this case. It's worth diving in. Thanks for joining us for another episode. Send me a DM on Instagram @brianjames.us and let me know that you were tapped in! God bless.

A busy weekend was anchored by the NFL draft storylines. Most of them were centered around Shedeur Sanders. Will he be a starter in the NFL? Was all the chatter about him (and his family) valid? I think so. Also, we've got a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine. Sounds like a new Pope will be selected soon, too. Let's chat!

We will look back on this SINNERS film release as one of the greatest in film history. Ryan Coogler proved his genius once again. Also, Deion retired those kids' jerseys too early, man.

It's election season and yes, it's "unprecedented". This is the first time we've had a candidate enter the race as late as Kamala Harris. We've also never had a candidate as polarizing as Donald Trump. This pivotal election is dowsed in commentary from media pundits and personalities. Their bias leads their conversation, even when they don't realize it. The idea of "traditional" non-partisan media has become a lost art. It feels as though these major news outlets give off the impression that they're delivering the non-partisan facts but they're actually just offering their commentary and opinion. It's dangerous. Researchers suggest that the hidden-partisan antics of today's American media traps viewers into a 'partisan echo chamber'. A place where left, or right-wing voters are radicalized to lean even more into their bias. This election season has already been filled with bias. Be on the look out as you step into the voting booth. Today on Brian's World, let's explore these 'partisan echo chambers' and how we can be the most ready for this upcoming election. P.S: Are you registered to vote? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

Last week, I replied to a post on X that ruffled some feathers. It was about sex appeal. Now I'm wondering if we've lost the art of sex appeal? Have we forgotten about the science of attraction? As Dr. Wendy L. Patrick wrote in Psychology Today, "many people are intrigued by the proverbial mysterious stranger." Even the headline is titled How Intrigue Sparks Attraction. After receiving backlash for my reply to that post, I'm not sure that society believes in sex appeal anymore. My response appreciated the mystery of sex appeal and how it awakens the imagination. Isn't that at the core of attraction? Imagination? Better Help's staff shared an article on the science of attraction and highlighted how the mind comes alive when we encounter a beautiful mystery. In a society of weirdos and defensiveness, have we forgotten that attraction is about science? Are we uncomfortable with sex appeal? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

It's true - about 26% of users on Twitter are black. That's a heavy portion of the popular social media app's user base. Research shows that it's one of the most diverse platforms available. "Black Twitter" has become a thing. It was bound to happen. With such a heavy concentration of black-culture activity on the app, surely a community was going to be formed. It's filled with all sorts of conversation and relative commentary to the 'black experience'. But, what happens when we don't allow this space to be open to new ideas? Is there more than one 'black experience'? Let's explore inside of Brian's World. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

CTZNS Culture-Chief, Jay Julien believes the key to developing impactful brands begins with attunement-based leadership and community development. His vision asks leaders and their teams to take a look inside themselves to discover what would really bring them together; asking the why and the who before the what. During an interview earlier this year, Julien shared, “Attunement is the process of being patient and present enough to know who someone is and where they are in their life so that you can produce more harmonious relationships.” He continued with CTZNS, “Attunement helps love last and empowers tribes to thrive. It allows us to ensure that we build win/win relationships.” Hear how he plans to build the CTZNS community and his tips on how other leaders can empower their vision with attunement. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

Sean "Diddy" Combs was arrested on federal charges, Monday, September 16. The shamed music-mogul is alleged to have orchestrated a sex trafficking operation, acts of non-consensual sexual violence, racketeering, and prostitution. Federal raids also uncovered drugs and weapons at his property. It's unclear as to when the Feds began investigating Diddy. From our perspective, it all began when his ex-girlfriend (and urban culture sweetheart) Cassie Ventura filed a bombshell lawsuit against him in 2023. Others began to emerge and it became clear that among all that Diddy had accomplished, his main talent was master manipulation. On today's episode, we'll explore the thinking of master manipulators and how to spot them in your life. We'll go over some research about how to deal with these psychopaths and why you deserve to be respected and treated better. Tools for today's episode: 18 Manipulation Techniques: Types, Tactics, and Signs How to Spot & Stop Manipulators --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

Happy fall, family. Excited to try some new things with Brian's World. It's been a journey! One that I've enjoyed. I want to serve. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

Hip hop legend Beanie Sigel stopped by the show on the way to AFRAM in Baltimore. The Philly-native is well-versed in what the culture needs at this pivotal time in society. He shared about what him and his team are cooking up to create impactful change in the community and how service is the true power of the music and entertainment industry. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

The WNBA is having a historic year. The Sports Business Journal reports that the league is experiencing a tremendous surge in viewership, up an average around 200% across ESPN broadcasted games. They've also seen a 146% rise in League Pass purchases. Clearly, the league has exploded in 2024. Many call it the 'Caitlin Clark Effect'. I don't think that's an incorrect assessment. This conversation has birthed tense debates about race as many personalities point to Clark's race (and appeal) as the reason she garners so much attention. I believe it's her talent. Let's talk race-war appetizers and women's basketball inside. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

The interview heard (and seen) all around the world: Hip-hop star and media personality, Cam'ron was a guest on CNN's News Night with Abby Phillip. He was invited to discuss the shocking footage of Diddy physically abusing his ex-girlfriend and singer, Cassie. Cam'ron's interview was pure chaos. It provided unforgettable soundbites and has sparked a convoluted debate about who was at fault for the catastrophe. We believe both parties made a bad decision. Hear why inside. Connect with us @beammeupbrian on IG/X. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

We are down to the final four teams of the 2023-24 NBA season. The postseason competition has been electric as we get clearer views of tomorrow's stars and their superpowers. There's also a lot of chatter in the bleachers concerning quite a few NBA story-lines that are unfolding. One of the heaviest: LeBron's legacy, his retirement, and his near-future.  We're joined today by Amber Wright-Burnett, NBA Analyst and Founder of ‘Not One of the Guys'. Our conversation explores “LeBron's NBA” and analyzes his contributions to the game. Is the NBA better today because of his leadership? Is he still a top 5 talent in the league? How much longer will he play and what more can we expect from him? This off-season is slated to be one of the most active in seasons as teams and stars realign for success. Where will that leave “The King?” Hear Amber's analysis and more inside. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

Last Tuesday, Baltimore witnessed an unthinkable tragedy as the Key Bridge collapsed following a collision with a cargo ship. Built in 1977, the landmark was considered to be in 'fair' condition at the time of its collapse. Many experts argue that no bridge could withstand the force of such a massive ship collision, while others contend that the lack of key preventative measures, like 'concrete dolphins,' contributed to the disaster. The bridge was 47 years old, nearing its typical lifespan of 50 years. This prompts the question: was it time to upgrade this bridge? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

Now loading, Season X. The view from over 250 miles above Earth. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/briansworld/support

Thank you for your support over the last 7 years. May you carry on the legacy of relentless service to our community through insightful information and engaging conversation. There's a world out there that's counting on you continue to be an explorer. Live bright and live well. Please connect with the show on Instagram (@livexbw). My personal socials are (@bjameslive) on Instagram and Twitter. My email address is brian@brianjameslive.com. God bless! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/livebw/support

We are what we eat! It's one of those cliché' statements that are both overused and true. That's why a recent study by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences caught so much attention across American media. It's a study that explored the correlation between fried foods and common mental health illnesses, like anxiety and depression. The study found that people who consume high amounts of fried foods are at a 7% higher risk of depression, and a 12% higher risk of anxiety. It was a population-based study of 140, 728 participants over 11.3 years. "After excluding participants diagnosed with depression within the first two years, a total of 8,294 cases of anxiety and 12,735 cases of depression were found in those that consumed fried food, while specifically fried potatoes were found to have a 2% increase in risk of depression over fried white meat," writes Taylor Nicioli of CNN. "The study had also found that the participants consuming more than one serving of fried food regularly were more likely to be younger men." Researchers pinpointed a known contaminant, Acrylamide, as the culprit. In fact, the World Health Organization has recognized Acrylamide as a human health concern. The Food and Drug Administration details the contaminant as, "a chemical that can form in some foods during high-temperature cooking processes, such as frying, roasting, and baking. Acrylamide in food forms from sugars and an amino acid that are naturally present in food; it does not come from food packaging or the environment." It's one big (or tiny) explosion of chemicals in our foods, including some of our favorites like French Fries. "When high carbohydrate foods such as potatoes are cooked at these temperatures, their natural sugars and the amino acid asparagine, undergo a chemical change that producing the compound acrylamide," writes Devon Mendez of The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Walter Willett of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health shared, "potatoes are a concern for possible effects of mood because they can cause large surges in blood sugar and then hormonal responses to these surges. However, these surges are partly blunted by fat, which would be provided by the fat from frying.” It's also found in other favorites like coffee (ouch), potato chips, bread, cereal, and more. Experts suggest that a heavily green diet will help combat the dangers of acrylamide. The FDA suggests a diet that, "emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products; includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and limits saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars." That a lot more realistic than trying to avoid the contaminant all together. But, is the depression/anxiety the result of the diet? Or, is the diet the result of the mental illnesses? It's common practice for real-world coping to real-world (outside the realms of the study) problems to involve infamous 'comfort foods'. “Unhealthy foods are detrimental to the microbiome and can exacerbate depressive symptoms, but at the same time those experiencing low mood tend to be more inclined to reach for ‘comfort' foods such as fried foods and desserts,” says Dr. Uma Naidoo, Harvard University-trained nutritional psychiatrist and author of “This is Your Brain on Food.” Dr. David Katz had similar thoughts, "however, the causal pathway could just as readily go the other way: people with anxiety/depression turn to ‘comfort food' with increasing frequency for some semblance of relief.” Katz is the founder of the nonprofit True Health Initiative, a global coalition of experts dedicated to evidence-based lifestyle medicine. Let's go deeper than the headlines were offering and devise a healthier and brighter life. This is episode 180. Leave notes and comments on the show's Instagram. Feel free to reach out to me directly on my Instagram and Twitter. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/livebw/support

We're a long way from the sandbox. Smiling takes a little effort from this distance. We were born into innocence without the slightest clue of race or class. We probably stared at ourselves in a mirror (as babies - maybe we were carried into the bathroom and mum was washing her hands with us in her arms) and didn't even recognize ourselves. Those days are long gone. Now, not only are we critical of our own reflections, but we've got opinions about those around us too. We've grown into full blown adults, completely aware of our fears, concerns, inhibitions, complaints, and everything else that comes with the daily life of adulthood. For some of us, the journey from childhood to adulthood curls us up into pessimistic, skeptical, fearful, and isolated adults whose growth buds like an ingrown hair. According to World Counts, 385,000 babies are born across the world each day. There's poetry there - 385,000 new stories begin across the world each day. Stories that are complete with failure, triumph, pain, loss, and other emotional climaxes. You can guarantee that each of those newborns will experience some of that in their life. Some could be born right in the middle of poverty or war and wouldn't know a thing. The National Institutes of Health says that the newborn infant is only conscious at a minimal level. Phillip David Zelazo of the University of Toronto says that children's growth of consciousness happens in 4 stages, leading to a "complex processing of higher-order and subordination". He also says that adults go through similar phases as they continue in life. The days pass on, some cloudy and others bright, and we continue to learn how to process it all. It's all part of the process of shedding the innocence of childhood. We get some bumps and bruises along the way and according to Medicine Today, some people become cynical, emotional, and behavioral crippling as they shed their innocence. Some develop gradual, or sudden, dangerous skepticism. The "gauntlet" of life is the painful bombardment of responsibility. In fact, I've found that "The Gauntlet Theory" reveals a fork in the road (or, many of them) to the grave that points to adverse reactions to some of life's tough choices. The heartbreak that turned a romantic's heart cold, the thief who stole the soul of the generous, etc. The Psalmist Hayley Williams of Paramore sings about how tough this period can be in their song, Ain't It Fun. Losing that childhood (and even adolescent) innocence is a hard process. Life begins to happen and there's no one else to carry our burdens. We begin to experience social, spiritual, romantic, financial, health, and career pain along with an unspoken illusion of expectation of dealing with it all - perfectly. Today's episode explores this journey to understand how skeptic adults are made. The dark cloud of adulthood is watching people who used to love to smile forget its power. We'll explore how The Gauntlet Theory takes a toll on our souls and creates two emotional responses based on research from Better Help. Then we'll analyze the science of defensiveness and discover the cure to it all, based on research from Science Daily. Our goal is to improve our connections with each other and seek other solutions to coping with adulthood instead of diving into a pool of skepticism, isolation, and fear. Those traits are not conducive to empowerment. Connect with me on Twitter and stay connected with the show on Instagram. Visit our website for more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/livebw/support

Risky business can be taxing on the mind. The science confirms how much pressure we feel when forced to make sacrifices and tough decisions on the road to achievement. It reminds me of a story that I re-tell myself weekly. The story of the first $87 that started my radio career. I believe it's a story that can help you as well. Our conversation today is based on the decision-making areas of our brains which Carnegie-Mellon says is 80% excitatory cells and 20% inhibitory cells (in earlier stages). Neurobiologist Sandra Kuhlman highlights how our brains change over time and how that affects risk-taking. “The inhibitory cells—the traffic cop cells—they don't fully come online until after adolescence,” she shares, highlighting how young minds tend to be riskier. That's because the excitatory cells are dominant in younger ages. "Once the traffic cops do come online, they can dampen excitatory activity and even impede learning, but they also allow the brain to more effectively filter information and control behavior," writes Cara Masset for CMU. Although we become more skeptical and closed off to new information as we age, experts suggests that we can adjust to deep learning despite inhibitory dominance. We simply have to focus on changing. The anxiety of risk-taking is natural as we age. I believe that there may be better awaiting you on the other side of that risk. I look back on that night where I gave up $87 to make my dream of being on the radio come true. I harken to a question that Kiersten Schmidtke asks, "if money wasn't a factor, what would you do?" Looking back, that $87 felt like a million because I was just a kid, a few months out of school. We only know so much about tomorrow and we never know when we'll get the opportunity we have been praying for. No matter how big or how small the investment is, you've got to be ready for the opportunity. Daniel McGinn speaks on how important preparation is in his book Psyched Up: How the Science of Mental Preparation Can Help You Succeed. He found that many successful people spent time developing routines to help them prepare for big moments. "We often feel the most powerless just before we're expected to act powerful. As you'll learn in this life-changing book, practice might make perfect, but perfection is useless if you can't summon it when it counts," shares the book. Being prepared is part of making the risk worth it; it's part of cashing in on the necessary sacrifices along the journey of success. Then when we make those sacrifices, we must never forget them. According to Psychology Today, reminiscing is healthy. "Reminiscing is an important yet often underutilized method to help us manifest a state of pleasantness," writes Dr. Mike Rucker. "Activating positive memories can help suppress depression and build enduring intellectual, social, and psychological resources." I believe there's power in looking back on what you've accomplished and getting inspired to accomplish more. That's the power in re-living this unforgettable night in July 2012 and how it was the first domino to fall on my 14-year radio career. Let's take this walk and see if it can inspire you as well. Connect with me on Twitter and Facebook @BjamesLive. The show on Instagram @LiveXBw. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

Buffalo Bills S Damar Hamlin's collapse from cardiac arrest is a sports moment that we'll never forget. The National Institute of Health says, "cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly and unexpectedly stops pumping. If this happens, blood stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. Cardiac arrests are caused by certain types of arrhythmias that prevent the heart from pumping blood." Less than 12% of patients survive the ordeal, according to heart.org. I would argue that Hamlin's survival rate was higher given the speed and quality of care he was given on the field. According to CNN, medical staff from both sidelines was on the field and administering CPR to Hamlin within 10 seconds. The ambulance was on the field within 5 minutes. We couldn't see what was happening but the looks on other players's faces told the story. It left us asking questions and trying to process the initial shock of what we had just witnessed. Victimsupport.org says that the rollercoaster of emotions we all were feeling is typical responses from anyone who would witness such a tragedy. We definitely didn't want to watch the rest of the game and apparently league officials felt the same way. The NFL's VP of Football Operations Troy Vincent was very vocal in his response to the tragedy, highlighting how the league had no intention of continuing play. He maintains that the only concern was Hamlin's health. It was a rough night in Cincinnati but it only took a few days for the sun to shine. Hamlin woke up from a medically induced coma on Jan. 5th and was able to breathe on his own again, just 24 hours later. He was then transferred to Buffalo General Hospital to be released on Jan. 11th. That's a less than two week recovery! Remarkable. Recent reports indicate that he's still got a fairly convoluted road to recovery ahead but Buffalo Bills Head Coach Sean McDermott says that Hamlin has been looking (and feeling) great. "It's limited, just overall, but he comes in, and I know he just started today or yesterday, just trying to get back to a little bit of a routine and just get himself acclimated again," McDermott said. "And taking it one step, one baby step, at a time." He says that Hamlin has been in the practice facility almost daily. Things are looking up! But what's the light at the end of the tunnel? Could Damar Hamlin be on track to return to playing the game he loves? Let's explore what life looks like for cardiac arrest survivors and compare it to Damar Hamlin's case. We believe that we could discover a roadmap to his return to football. We'll also explore Brian's proposed solution to lowering cardiac arrest fatality numbers, high prices for AEDs and more. Connect with the show on Instagram, Brian on Twitter, and BrianJamesLive.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

I'm not quite sure who is remotely interested in purchasing one, but the reports of a deadly VR headset being made are true. It's a (genius) piece of technology designed by the founder of Oculus, Palmer Luckey. He sold the company to Facebook for $2 Billion in 2014 and they now use his designs and virtual reality research as the base of its 'Metaverse'. His announcement of his latest work -- the deadly VR headset -- dominated headlines as many were in disbelief. “The idea of tying your real life to your virtual avatar has always fascinated me – you instantly raise the stakes to the maximum level and force people to fundamentally rethink how they interact with the virtual world and the players inside it,” Luckey wrote in his now-viral blog post. “Only the threat of serious consequences can make a game feel real to you and every other person in the game”. It certainly does raise the stakes. There's no denying that. But, the question is, does it raise them 'too high'? Even he has concerns. “There are a huge variety of failures that could occur and kill the user at the wrong time,” he wrote. “This is why I have not worked up the balls to actually use it myself”. An article from ARS Technica points to similar ideas in gaming-tech but nothing like this - nothing deadly, you know? This thing basically triggers an explosive charge once you die in a game. Luckey shares that it's got a ways to go before it's ready. It currently just sits on his desk. “The bad news is that so far, I have only figured out the half that kills you,” he wrote. “The perfect-VR half of the equation is still many years out”. He shares that it uses “three explosive charge modules” which are tied to a “narrow-band photosensor that can detect when the screen flashes red at a specific frequency”. “When an appropriate game-over screen is displayed, the charges fire, instantly destroying the brain of the user,” he said. Is it legal? Will it be available? We've done some digging to get some answers on episode 176. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

I'm reluctant to say that I had a "bad" summer but it certainly was quite the load. One that I'll never forget. Even the bad moments are key lessons, though. Scientists call that approach the "growth mindset". The opposite is called the "fixed mindset". It's hinged on the idea that experiences in our life, good or bad, always present opportunities for self-improvement. According to Mindset Health, Dr. Carol Dweck was the first to describe the 'growth-mindset' and its benefits to human nature. Dweck writes, "the passion for stretching yourself and sticking to it, even (or especially) when it's not going well, is the hallmark of the growth mindset. This is the mindset that allows people to thrive during some of the most challenging times in their lives." It certainly helped me get through my hellish-summer. Another thing that helped me was simply relying on the muscle-memory of simply being me; nothing more, nothing less. I find myself panicking in tough situations because I lose sight of who I am. We all have been there and some of us are better with it than others. Either way, the key is tap into muscle memory and handle adversity as our characters and personalities see fit. Nothing more, nothing less. Oxford writes," even the simplest everyday actions involve a complex sequence of tensing and relaxing many different muscles. For most of these actions we have had repeated practice over our lifetime, meaning that these actions can be performed faster, more smoothly and more accurately. Over time, with continual practice, actions as complicated as riding a bike, knitting, or even playing a tune on a musical instrument, can be performed almost automatically and without thought." I saved a lot of time during this summer's emergency moments by tapping into the automated tasks (and muscle-memory) of my being. The better we get at being ourselves, the better we get at life. A whole diet also helped me. I usually would snack all day but I went into this summer with the idea that I would be sure to anchor my days with full meals. I'm glad I did because it powered me up for all the stress I would face. You see, food is energy (in fact, they call "calories" energy in Jamaica - God, I love that place). Just like "nickel and diming" our cars at pump keeps us on "E", so does not eating full meals. Kaiser Permanente writes, "the stomach and small intestines absorb the glucose [from food consumption] and then release it into the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, glucose can be used immediately for energy or stored in our bodies, to be used later." Making sure that we're well-fed plays a great role in making sure that we're our best selves. Also, food is love. See? It wasn't a completely terrible summer because there were some lessons in it. There's always a silver lining, you know? Let's close Season VII with this introspective episode on my tough summer and the lessons that it provided. See you in Season VIII! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

Who would ever think that 'rumors' would have such a well-documented history? Well, I guess that actually does makes sense. The spreading of these weightless truths seem to be a natural extension of communication itself. There's a science behind everything and today we'll dive into the science of rumors. Merriam-Webster defines rumor as "talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernible source," or, "a statement or report current without known authority for its truth." Research revealed historic practice of rumor-spreading, dating all the way to the ancient romans and their goddess of rumors, Fame. "This goddess was represented as a woman always in motion, constantly shouting and spreading good and bad news," writes Crescimbene et al (2012). "This winged monster allegorically represented rumors that arise, spread, gain credibility, do not distinguish between truth and falsity, and amplify and distort the facts at will." Centuries later, we find ourselves still tongue-tied with half truths. We used to play a game in school named 'Telephone', which practically prepared us for the swarm of rumor-spreading that awaited us in adulthood. It was an innocent game of whispering down the line but rumormongering as an adult and professional can be dangerous. They can cause mass-hysteria and in fact, rumors have fueled wars. In 1942, the American government saw the risks of these rumors and spearheaded rumor research under the "Rumor Project". Crescimbene et al continues, "To fight rumors that were deemed dangerous to civil morality and national security, the U.S. government decided to set up institutional committees; at the same time, social scientists began to study the phenomenon of rumors." Rumors are the fabric of various public relations tactics, also. I often re-visit one of my favorite campaigns, The Torches of Freedom. It's the brainchild of PR-Guru and legend, Edward L. Bernays. He used the power of rumor to change the narrative surrounding women who smoke and turned the habit into a sign of equality for women (to men). It spread like wildfire and powered the tobacco industry. Recent research separates the different types of rumors in an effort to focus on what's most important: the dangerous and deadly ones. Sure, we may spend a Friday night at the local pub, sharing a sports rumor, or two. That's nothing compared to sharing a rumor that causes public health emergencies, terrorist behavior, or war. "We should distinguish between rumor and gossip, as each appears to function differently in its pure state," writes Rosnow and Foster for the American Psychological Association. Gordon Allport and Leo Postman are hailed as two prominent rumor researchers and they took an early attempt at distinguishing the importance of rumors. They created the 'basic law of rumor', an equation that sounds promising (pretty sturdy title, you know?) but proved to be ineffective as researchers in the common-era discovered that the law ignored the emotional context of rumor. Today, researchers spend their time understanding the different types of rumors by the person sharing it and the world around them. There are all sorts of clues in why they spread. Let's get to the bottom of it on Episode 174 and pledge to fight the deadly and dangerous ones. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

I enjoy moments like these. They remind me of finding a gem buried in the sand. Or, reaching into your pocket and being surprised with 20 bucks. It's an exciting time when you get the call that a superstar is on the way for an interview. Even better when they're as open and warm as Ne-Yo.  His talent is just the beginning of what makes him great. His glowing spirit introduced himself before he even sat down and it reminded me of what it takes to authentically smile. Peace covered him and it was contagious. I felt the need to let go of the past. He was in town for Baltimore's AFRAM celebration and in promotion for his 8th studio album, Self Explanatory. He shared that this project was the longest he's ever spent creating and he speaks of the self-reflection he had to endure to make it.  "I had to kinda find myself again," Ne-Yo began, "when I first got into the game, it didn't look the way it looks now. It didn't sound the way it sounds now. Things have changed and I was really trying to figure out where I fit in this primarily hip-hop, secondarily R&B type of situation that we in right now. What I had to realize is that, man, at the end of the day, my job is to make music. My job is to make art; and that's the only real obligation that I have to this whole thing, is to be genuine and honest with my art. And, make it come from the heart." I appreciated his transparency. It was especially refreshing to hear that from someone who has been the places he's been and seen the things he's seen. The multi-platinum, Grammy award winning singer/songwriter spoke on the power of re-invention and what it's done for his career. It's why he's been able to work with such a wide range of artists, spanning multiple generations.  We think these people don't face any issues but he introduced us to some of his demons and shared what he learned from them. This conversation was a refreshing reminder that your best work is on the other side of the best you. I hope you get the same vibe. Stick around for some commentary at the end and connect with me on Instagram and Twitter. Would love to hear your thoughts.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

Our timelines were rocked by the news of the richest man in the world, Elon Musk, striking a deal to purchase Twitter for $54.20 a share — valuing the firm at roughly $44 billion, according to CNBC. In a statement to announce the deal, Musk called Twitter “the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated” and shared that he looks forward to unwrapping the company's “tremendous potential.” I'd call the reactions somewhat of a panic. Some seem fearful of what it could spell for the future of the social media network. Musk has vowed to fight for the idea of true free speech and suggests that Twitter (currently) engages in "censorship". “I hope that even my worst critics remain on Twitter,” he tweeted Monday. “Because that is what free speech means.” People are worried that in a fight to open the door for free speech, Twitter will welcome back users who some feel were rightfully banned for hateful tweets and misinformation. "It's a bit concerning when you think about what Musk's ideas mean in practice," said Eric Jensen, a sociologist from the University of Warwick. "If you try to pull the existing efforts to try to reduce the amount of abusive speech on Twitter, the amount of disinformation around COVID 19 [...] that doesn't mean there is better free speech," Jensen told DW. "If the people with the loudest voices can abuse others into not participating, that's not really free speech." His purchase almost guarantees that the company will also become private, opening the door for changes to be made without the hoops of shareholders. Musk believes "the changes that need to be made to the platform can only be done if it's a private company," writes CNBC's Nicolas Vega. It's an idea that former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey supports, too. "I don't believe anyone should own or run Twitter. It wants to be a public good at a protocol level, not a company," he tweeted. "Solving for the problem of it being a company however, Elon is the singular solution I trust. I trust his mission to extend the light of consciousness."  This is my favorite part from Dorsey: "Twitter as a company has always been my sole issue and my biggest regret. It has been owned by Wall Street and the ad model. Taking it back from Wall Street is the correct first step."  It's no doubt that the social media platform is on the verge of undergoing a heavy shipment of changes. Question is, will you be a part of them? --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

We've been swamped with all sorts of shocking and historical headlines in recent years. There was one that wasn't necessarily puzzling, more like intriguing. Society really lended it's attention to it, you know? That headline was titled, "The Great Resignation". It sounds like a movie and it may very well become one. It highlights an unprecedented time in American history where a record number of workers walked out of their jobs. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 47 million Americans quit their jobs in 2021. This wave of resignations was spurred by the strains of the pandemic but studies show that it was a ticking time bomb all along. A 2022 Pew Research survey exposed the truths about the American labor force and the harsh, sometimes exhausting, environments that our industries have created. Recently resigned workers point to 'quality of work' fallacies like unfair pay, stagnation, disrespect (towards the employee), and limited flexibility as reasons they left their jobs. Some were pointing to the more obvious concerns that the pandemic brought about like needing to be home with their children during virtual learning. A very small percentage of people were concerned about the COVID-19 vaccine requirements that was implemented during the height of the pandemic. As highlighted by Joseph Fuller and William Kerr in the Harvard Business Review, "what we are living through is not just short-term turbulence provoked by the pandemic but rather the continuation of a long-term trend." You see, I believe that we are entering a new state of workforce here in the states. A moment in history that I believe will be healthy for us all as it serves as a reminder to employers to value the employees and curate healthy environments for them to work in. Greg Iacurci from CNBC feels the same way. In fact, in his article from last week (Apr. 11), he wrote, "These workers will likely account for a good deal of churn in the labor market as the so-called Great Resignation continues, and this suggests employers may need to reconsider pay, benefits and other workplace issues." “The power is going to the employee right now,” said Tim Glowa, who leads Grant Thornton's employee listening and human capital services team. “They are in the driver's seat.” The driver's seat, the vehicle, and the journey; I believe the labor market has set its sights for brighter days. The power has returned to the talent and employers are being held accountable for greed. Let's investigate what's behind the "Great Resignation" and see where we stand in all of this. No policy, just facts. Let's get into all on Episode 171. Connect on Instagram, Twitter, or by email at BriansWorldShow@gmail.com. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

On March 13th 2022, we were robbed of an hour of sleep. It's called the "spring forward" and it's the kickoff of Daylight Savings time (DST) here in the United States of America. According to National Geographic, about 70 countries practice DST. It was initially implemented in Port Arthur, Ontario in 1908 but it's biggest implementation came in Germany during World War I, 1916. We've come a long way since then and recent research has put a strain on our century-old habit of playing with the clocks. There's new legislation coming out of Capitol Hill that could make Daylight Savings Time the permanent measure of time in the United States of America beginning in 2023. They call it the Sunshine Protection Act of 2022. It passed with unanimous votes in the Senate and must now pass in the House. Then, President Biden can sign it into law. It's brought up some heavy discussion about the cause & effect of making such a change. There's been conversation about what it can do to our bodies and the benefits (& negatives) of both standard and daylight savings time changes. If you ask me, the problem is in the changes, in general. You see, many researchers are critical of Daylight Savings because of what it does to the circadian rhythm. “Daylight saving time feels kind of like jetlag from traveling across time zones," Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell told ABC News last month. She's a pediatrician and certified clinical sleep specialist. “Your body needs time to readjust to a new light/dark cycle, so it can be hard on the body and hard on sleep," Holliday-Bell continued. That 'cycle' she refers to is the Circadian Rhythm. “It dictates all the processes that occur in your body -- including sleep, wake and digestion,” said Holliday-Bell. Even the immune system is controlled by your circadian rhythm, meaning "when you lose an hour, you're losing some immune function as well," she explains. DST is considered a 'deadly weekend' by many experts because of the strain that losing an hour of sleep puts on us. Many point to the uptick in deadly car wrecks as evidence of how abrasive the change can be. Others focus on the risks of heart attack, stroke, and other complications during the weekend of spring forward. "According to the American Heart Association, in addition to the fatigue, the transition can also affect your heart and brain. Hospital admissions for an irregular heartbeat pattern known as atrial fibrillation, as well as heart attacks and strokes, increase in the first few days of daylight saving time," writes Dr. Acholonu for ABC News. It's worth noting that this charade with our circadian rhythm could be the actual issue - not DST itself. Let's explore what a permanent Daylight Savings Time could spell for us and then decide if it's something we need, let alone want. Episode 170! Enjoy. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

It started as just a night out with the homies -- it became a rabbit hole about America's history with marijuana. The green plant has bent some legislation halls and is a topic of conversation among many of us. It's mostly about the legalization of cannabis and the never-ending war about whether it's harmful to consume. We're drowning in a cesspool of misinformation (as a society) on many subjects, including marijuana. It's easy to get lost trying to disseminate facts from myths. "Marijuana has been illegal at the federal level since 1937," writes Michigan Attorney Bruce Allen Block. Individual states approach the conversation differently but federal guidance has been shaky, at best. It's classified as a, "Schedule 1 controlled substance, alongside hallucinogens​, LSD, peyote, heroin, most opiates, methaqualone, and ecstasy." It's interesting that it's been illegal for longer than it's been understood. Recent research, including this article by Healthline, investigates the negatives and positives of using marijuana. It's clear that it has some power as the medical field has embraced it's health benefits for centuries. A sad view of the conversation is when I stop to think about the 40,000(+) inmates who are currently still serving time for marijuana possession (even though -- it's practically everywhere now). That's a wee-bit more political than I think we'll get on this journey but it's mentioned. I definitely came out of this one with a greater understanding of Marijuana's broken relationship with the American government. Let's explore on Episode 169. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

After a 7 month hiatus, the Brian's World Live podcast returns for Season 7 as LiveBW. The first episode of our new journey ventures into Brian's world and meets up with the social anxiety that turned a 2 week break into a long a** time. You'll hear from experts in the mental health field who share their opinions and research on social anxiety disorder. Hear the in-depth story of crippling moments in time that millions face yearly. According to Mental Health America, fifteen million Americans are battling social anxiety disorder. Some estimates are far greater. "Social Anxiety Disorder, sometimes called social phobia, is an anxiety disorder characterized by extreme fear or anxiety in one or more social settings," writes MHA. "Going to a party or even having a one-on-one conversation with a new person can result in increased heart rate, sweating, and racing thoughts for someone with social anxiety. When social anxiety gets significant, it's common for individuals to isolate and feel very alone, making recovery harder." They continue, "ultimately, it can make it difficult for a person to live the life they want: the excessive fear of humiliation and rejection can limit them in work, school, and relationships. While most people have concerns about acceptance and embarrassment, the extreme anxiety and dread that accompany social anxiety disorder are so overwhelming that a person may find it hard to function in daily life and may avoid the anxiety-inducing situations altogether." This episode is a story of how all of that relates to Brian and the 7 month 'see-ya-later'. If you, or someone you know, is dealing with mental health concerns and are in need of help, visit the NIH website for tips and outreach contacts. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

It's been... Much longer than a one week break. But my mind has been working and I know yours has, too. In Season 7, everything changes. It's about us growing together, peeling back the layers of life and finding our paths - together. Season 7 begins March 7th.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

What better way to end Season 6 than on top of the world? The last two weeks have been historic for mankind. We've seen two billionaires take advantage of the recently privatized industry of space exploration, publicly reaching for the stars. On July 11th, Virgin Group CEO Richard Branson took his Virgin Galactic team into space, making them the first civilians to do so. Then, Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos soared to the stars yesterday (July 20th), making his Blue Origin team the second to do so. Elon Musk's SpaceX is expected to launch an all-civilian crew into the cosmos later this year. For a kid who has always looked up at the stars with wonder, this civilian space race has been a joy to watch. As someone who looks for the deeper story in the moment, it's been inspirational. It's easy to ignore the inspiration because they are filthy rich. You know how people treat the filthy rich. But if we look past the money, we see three guys who are achieving the impossible. We learn a valuable lesson of how determination can take you to the stars. We also learn that getting to the moon is actually bigger than ourselves. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

The blue light is on! Welcome to another 2AM episode inside Brian's World. Today, we'll travel to Cincinnati to link up with Sincerely VO. He's fresh off of a big release with Hitman Holla and Tee Grizzley entitled "Control Da Room". I appreciate him and his humility as he wasn't shy about his story. He left his hometown in 2018 for Atlanta in pursuit of his dream. On today's episode, he talked about the fears he felt while making that tough decision and the challenges he faced while living in Atlanta. His story is one of perseverance and determination, things that we could all benefit from hearing. "I really just had to let it fuel the fire," VO said about struggling in Atlanta. "Well, we here now. I'm not going home empty handed." Hear more of VO's story on Episode 166. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

It was a great weekend for my family. My brother and my mother both celebrated their birthdays and we did so with miles and miles of love. Right in the middle of the weekend was a heavy-contemplative, early Sunday morning. I laid in the bed and read an article about an adult missing the freedom and comfort of childhood. More so, the freedom of understanding who they were as a child as opposed to becoming an adult with a foggy sense of being. The rollercoaster of self-discovery never ends. It kind of feels like the tracks just keep going and some turns still make my stomach weak. Sifting through that article helped me in dealing with those emotions because it focused on something that I don't pay enough attention to: grace for myself. We have a tendency to be tough on ourselves and attach to alternative-pasts, decisions we would make differently if we could go back in time to right our wrongs. In doing so, we don't make room to appreciate everything that the present has to offer. Let's talk about it on episode 165. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

"A body of research has shown that signs are effective in changing behavior in a variety of domains (e.g., road traffic, health behaviors , and environmental protection)," writes Julia Meis in a 2017 study by NIH. Back when Brick & Mortar establishments were more common, a little sign on the front door controlled the entire operation. It simply read, "We're Open" and it would light up if the restaurant, store, or whatever was in fact, open. If the light is off then we wouldn't go in. Unless you were there for criminal activity. Then of course, well that's a different case. (You shouldn't do that -- stop that). Anyways, we've found ourselves in a new frontier of business where most transactions are done online. According to WP Forms, it's estimated that 95% of all purchases will be made online by 2040. We may not sell our merchandise or products behind the beautiful glass storefronts anymore. But, we should make sure that we keep part of that tradition alive: the "We're Open" sign. Just because we've moved business online, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't regulate our hours of business. That way we can work our ways up to being able to handle 24/7 business with proper staffing and products. It's important that we take every step of that process to protect our mental health and the "we're open" sign is a great way to do that. Find out what drove this conversation on Episode 164. Send your comments and responses to me on Instagram. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

It's 2AM baby! The blue light is on. Today's discussion made me a better man. On episode 163, we welcome Atlanta-based and Grammy nominated artist, June Summers. He shares with us his outlook on life and ambition and how his humble beginnings in Rochester, New York, brought him across the country and even onto the Grammy stage. Also, Summers had the privilege of be-friending a hero of the show, Nipsey Hussle. "I love Nipsey, G. It was so much bigger than music," shared Summers. "Ain't nobody give it to me. Like my bro Nipsey used to say, you got to take the steps." On Episode 163, we get a personal view of that friendship with Hussle. Summers' recently released single "GPA" has such a unique story that you'll lean in as he explains it here. Also, you'll be excited to know that it's just the beginning as the artist shares some of the major plans that include Griselda's, Benny the Butcher. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

Dr. Orna Gulranik is a talented counselor who understands the art of connection. As we discussed on Episode 160, I enjoy watching her speak with her clients; painting her picture of a better reality for these shaken couples. The Showtime series 'Couples Therapy' launched its second season showcasing the growth of three couples; Matthew and Gianni, Michael and Michal, and Tashira and Dru. "During their conversations, and especially across the weeks and months reflected in the episodes, Michael and Michal, Gianni and Matthew, and Tashira and Dru all go deep: into anxiety, sexual intimacy, parenting, and other issues that surface in their relationships, and also into more disquieting territory, too, such as physical violence, alcoholism, attempted suicide," shares Andy Denhart. Though I didn't finish the second season in time, here are 5 more things the series taught me about marriage. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

Father's Day weekend is one of the brightest in my world. Though I'm not a father, it brings me joy to see so many of friends growing into phenomenal dad's and men of integrity. We have two of those men joining the show today for a detailed look into the world of fatherhood and the decisions that it begs you to make. Today, we welcome back Jay Julien and Miguel Sierra for our conversation. These two men have been doing phenomenal work with their men's healing group, My Brother's Keeper, and they're no strangers to tough topics. The view of fatherhood has long been clouded by all sorts of unfair commentary of emotionally unavailable fathers but very few have a true idea of what it's like to be a dad. The goal here isn't to address those thoughtless conclusions; the goal of episode 161 is to hear from two fathers about how they assume the responsibilities of fatherhood daily. What are the ups? What are the downs? How does it feel to be a father? All questions that we will answer today. Please welcome Jay Julien and Miguel Sierra. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

There's no ring on my finger. I have yet to jump the broom but my mind is constantly in motion about the gesture. It's been like that for me since I was a child and it began watching my parents be the bright and loving couple that they are. The older I got, the more interested I became in the inner-workings of marriage. It could look simple on the surface but I'm really starting to understand that it's way bigger than love. Or, maybe I should say it's more than detailed than just loving someone. My curiosity took me to the "Couples Therapy" series on Amazon Prime Video (actually on Showtime but airing for a limited time on Amazon). I clicked the first episode and ended up watching them all. I came out on the other side with a new understanding and appreciation for marriage. Also, it made me appreciate the therapy industry even more. Hosted by Dr. Orna Guralnik, the show follows multiple couples through their therapy sessions as they fight for their love. Their chaotic and sometimes toxic love provided many lessons for me and I hope that it can do the same for you. Hit me on Instagram and let me know if you pick up some of these ideals. Here are 6 things that 'Couples Therapy' taught me about marriage. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

He joined us for Episode 137 and now he's back with that same light and spirit. His name is Finesse1111 and our discussion today kind of took a life of its own. It was one that I enjoyed, especially because it highlights one of my favorite parts of the job: building relationships. It was a pleasure to have him back on the show. We begin with a discussion about how artists struggle with appreciating DJs and how the narrative should change. Then around the 08:00 mark, our discussion shifts to how he feels that it's important to harness spirituality. He says that's at the core of his idea of humility and the light that he carries throughout his life. "Let go of the ego and get you a bag," said the Atlanta artist during a discussion on humility. It's just one of my favorite parts of this episode. Listen in and then hit me on Instagram to tell me how you're digesting it. Also, connect with Finesse1111 on his Instagram as well and stream his upcoming single 'PrayRoll' which drops on Friday. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

Good conversation, right here. Best way possible to end our week of episodes. Let's travel back to Atlanta to link up with Ziggie FR just before the release of his self-titled album on June 7th. He introduced an entirely new perspective to the conversation of music's power. As bad as I want to share it all right here, I think it's better if you just hear it for yourself. It was also great to hear how he leads his family and enjoys having a wife and kids. His goal is to take them into a future of generational wealth and satisfy his passion for music in the process. "I went upstairs to my wife. Told her I had been planning on it for two months," Ziggie recalled during the interview while speaking about the importance of communication in his household, and how he asked his wife about beginning a music career. Also, catch an interesting story about the early stages of the Migos and how it relates to Ziggie FR. It's the weekend so this episode is without edits. Straight talk, no chaser. Pre-order Ziggie FR. Hear 'No Ops' --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

Let's travel to the east side of Indianapolis to link up with a traveling star on the rise. During my two years in Indy, he was someone who was quite the friend. I've learned a lot from spending time with him and I'm truly proud of his journey, which recently brought him to an expanded creative universe. The guy who was easily one of the best basketball players I've ever seen play, has answered the call of the creative world and continues to tell his story through his art. I found it intriguing to hear the parallels between his sports background and life outside of the arena. He even shares with me about how he's learned to face adversity through sports. "Anytime I face adversity in life, I always think back to basketball," he shared during the interview. Those ideals have helped propel him into becoming St. James Jr. The musician, artist, model, writer, and more. On this 2AM episode, you'll hear about facing vulnerability in art and the idea of harnessing your own world, creating your own success. Then, tap into his latest single, 'Old Man Marco' and catch a vibe with St. James Jr. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

I've been the old man in the room whenever the discussion about the "new" NBA arises. After spending the last few weeks with my eyes glued to the TV screen, I've decided that I want to learn how to embrace the new rules of the association. Also, I can't help but wonder what the new understanding will bring in terms of learning how to embrace changes that we face in life. As the Japanese author Kakuzo Okakaura shares, "the art of life is a constant readjustment to our surroundings." In that same breath, I wonder if not embracing change handicaps growth in our lives. Undoubtedly, there are parallels between the sports world and the real world. We're going to explore the parallels of embracing evolution because it certainly is inevitable. We're joined by two NBA analysts and hosts of the "Baseline Extended" podcast, Thurston Alexander and Jinesh Patel. Let's get their take on how the NBA has evolved and then talk about how it can teach us how to embrace evolution within our own lives. As always, shoot me a DM on Instagram and let me know what you think about today's episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

It happened. My freshly-pressed passport received its first stamp after spending a beautiful weekend in Jamaica. The trip was for a best friend's wedding. Congratulations to Rick & Kelsey for their union. If you're a regular around here then I'm sure you've heard me mention Rick's name quite often. While it's always a treat to celebrate love, it was also great celebrating God's architecture, which Jamaica showed off. The beautiful mountain-side sung to me every morning as I started my day. The waves crashed against the shore, a passionate kiss from mother nature. It was literally breathtaking to experience what the Jamaican environment had to offer and I learned a lot during my time on the island. Here are 5 things that I learned on my trip to Jamaica on Episode 155. Article Links: If you're looking for the articles mentioned on the show, see below. Healthline's discussion on work addictions: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more. Island Spot's discussion on Jamaica's healthy cuisine. Stalk me on Instagram. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

He's somewhat of a Nomad. Though he's from Virginia, he has traveled the country to connect the dots of his budding career. His name is AstroMikey and we had the pleasure of speaking about his journey in music and the risks he's taken along the way. Like so many of us, he's had to take a step back and realize how important it is to lay out a plan for success. "Maybe you need to plan s*** out," he shared during our interview while recanting a conversation with himself. As a "Showman of the Hustle", you can expect his work-ethic to precede him. It was a pleasure to hear how his story unfolded. The risks that he has taken continue to pay off for the young father who maintains that we cannot be scared to leap. "Take a risk and see where it goes," says Astro. "You've got a lot of life to live so it's ok to make a few mistakes." Dive into Episode 154 and meet the Nomad, AstroMikey. Get a preview of his upcoming 7-track EP and get timelines for new releases from his AstroCollective. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

The blue light is on. It's time for another 2AM episode. This time, let's catch a flight down to Arcadia, Louisiana to link up with A1 Da Dawg. He's preparing for the release of his Mid-June EP Dreams 2 Reality and he stops by to bring us into his world. Not many make it from his hometown, but he's primed for the journey to success. "You've got to be willing to go all in. If you ain't willing to go all in, it's not gonna happen," says A1 while describing his drive. To create generational wealth is his goal and he believes wholeheartedly that it'll happen this year. Tap into the latest story of the climb of the artist. You may find some words of encouragement that'll inspire you. Or, maybe his grit will be contagious. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

Today, we'll uncover the cons of multi-tasking and explore added organization to our days to promote uni-tasking. According to researcher David Meyers, we only achieve about 40% of possible success when we multi-task. Let's take a look at the 'executive functions' of the brain and learn how they can become strained by consistent multi-tasking. To help curb my habit of multi-tasking, I've been using the idea of these 5 Islands of Time Management: Island 1 - Love (Familial, Romantic, Platonic). Island 2 - The 4-Hour Primetime. Island 3 - The Guilty Pleasure. Island 4 - The Money. Island 5 - The Cast Away. BW News Hip Hop superstar, J Cole announces his next album. The Dreamville CEO and artist will release The Fall Off on May 14th 2021. NFL Superstar D.K. Metcalf will audition for the Olympics this weekend. He will participate in the USATF Golden Games and Olympic Trials' 100-meter dash. CVS, Walgreens, and other pharmacies to begin walk-in appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations. This comes after it was reported that they have wasted over 128,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

Our world is filled with misguided approaches to unwarranted emotions. I think that conspiracy theories are simply that. Some are the reflection of America's dark history or the poor reputation of a particular organization. Others are white lies painted by an internet troll. No matter the outward appearance, conspiracy theories are the domino effect of fear at its core. A fear of some sort. Today, let's explore these thoughts on episode 151. If we don't get a grip on the conspiracy theories, all can be lost. Brian's World News Joe Biden announces removal of U.S Troops from Afghanistan. DMX's dark secret. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

On today's episode, we welcome back Jay Julien, co-Founder of the men's group My Brother's Keeper. We explore a different side of manhood. One that strengthens the axis between manhood and emotion. The world around us is painted with many colors but traditionally, manhood has been limited to black & white. For centuries, it has created men who are out of touch with what they are feeling, often times searching for themselves in the mirror. As men, we have a tendency to lose ourselves in the stoic expectations of manhood. Jay offers the idea that "real men" are authentically them and true to their journey. Whatever that looks like for them. "My understanding of manliness is a man who is courageous enough to follow his path; his purpose," Julien shared during the interview. Let's dive into the conversation and discuss the need to heal our brothers of their trauma. We'll also discover the domino effect of how it can change our culture. For the better, might I add. Along with his friend and brother, Miguel, he co-founded My Brother's Keeper to strengthen this conversation. We'll learn how the group plans to face today's issues surrounding manhood and their vision for the future. News & Notes: "Wisdom, Loneliness, & Intestinal Fortitude" - A recent study reveals a tie between the gut and the mind. "Biden's Ambitious Vaccine Plan" - President Biden announces April 19th deadline for vaccine availability. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support

On today's episode, let's take a dive into the world of mental health. It's a discussion that is beginning to enter more circles, a trend that must continue to save lives. Part of that discussion involves the exploration of mental health medications and how they play a role in healing for some. "What are the side effects? What do they mean? How do I know?" These are all questions that we explore with someone who has played a key role in my mental health journey. His name is Dr. Theodore Osuala. "Dr. Osuala graduated from the University of Port Harcourt College of Health Sciences in 1989. He works in Lanham, MD and 4 other locations and specializes in Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry. Dr. Osuala is affiliated with Washington Adventist Hospital and Prince George's Hospital Center," says Web MD. He joins us today for a discussion on psychiatric medications and various mental health topics. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/livebw/support