Our World From My World with Jeffrey Wagner

In this episode, Jeffrey takes you on a journey through the build-up to a leg injury and then the subsequent process of trying to recover from the sudden physical trauma. Along the way, there is a conversation around how the world changes when one is less than physically perfect and how that impacts everything from shopping to riding an elevator. The conversation dives into the risks of over-relying on physical abilities to define one's life and the fears that rise when those abilities are challenged.

In this episode, Jeffrey returns from hiatus to discuss the continuing pressures of inflation and ways to get more value out of your hard earned money. Particular focus is given to stretching out of your dollars in the winter months and the best way to survive turning the thermostat down. The episode includes a discussion on the overall best money saving tip regardless of the economic conditions and ends with an important inflation primer on how to evaluate your day to day expenses. Be sure to give the show a like & share it with a friend who would also benefit from the information!

In this episode, Jeffrey dives into the topic that is all their rage these days. Aliens, ET, flying saucers and all the other common tropes about beings from other planets visiting our little blue planet! Jeffrey discusses the Fermi Paradox and the statistical likelihood that alien lifeforms exist and specifically the likelihood that intelligent alien lifeforms exist. The second half of the episode dives into the reasons why the Fermi Paradox is not that paradoxical at this point and the reason why assuming we would have seen alien life forms or received messages from other beings across the universe is rather arrogant for humanity at this stage in our existence. Have a thought about alien life forms? Reach out at ourworldfrommyworld@gmail.com or leave a review on your podcast platform of choice.

In this episode, Jeffrey starts out assertive with the belief that anyone, yes anyone, can become a dictator. He then walks through examples of how owning a dog, having kids, attending work meetings and more illustrate the inner dictator within all of us. In the second half of the episode, Jeffrey outlines the slow pathway from common man to the out-of-touch leader and how easy it is to fall prey to the trappings of power. Think you could never become a dictator? Dive on in to find out just how often we already illustrate the traits necessary to rule today. And we'd get away with it, if it wasn't for those meddling things like laws and order.

In this episode, Jeffrey takes a seat as an armchair military strategist to discuss potential off-ramps for both sides in this ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. No one wins when bullets start flying but all wars eventually have to end and lives need to return to normal. We evaluate the most likely outcomes for victory from both the Ukrainian and Russian sides of this conflict while also establishing that Russia has already lost the strategic initiative in this conflict. Outlining 6 different off-ramps (2 for Ukraine and 4 for Russia), it is clear that the violence will unfortunately continue for the foreseeable future and that the pathway of the strong-man authoritarian leader are not always easy to navigate. To support the people of Ukraine, whether they are within the countries borders being shelled or have moved beyond them to new homes as refugees, I recommend following the links here. Support Ukraine If you like this show, please consider sharing it or leaving a review on your platform of choice. I read them all and it truly makes a difference. If you want to reach out to the show directly, you can email the show at ourworldfrommyworld@gmail.com.

Jeffrey dives into the topic that will soon consume all American & European daily conversations. Inflation. If coronavirus defined 2020 and 2021, the war in Ukraine and inflation around the world will define 2022. In this episode, we explore where inflation comes from, especially in this particular period of time and take a look at how every person can better handle the rising prices at the pump, grocery store, and beyond. Rest assured, while inflation will dominate the headlines, you can pull back and save some of your sanity - not to mention dollars or Euros - with some of the simple steps being outlined here. Don't let runaway prices get you down - the solution to inflation starts and ends with you. Like forest fires, only YOU can prevent inflation from occurring.

In this episode Jeffrey breaks down an issue that befalls people, companies, and countries since time immemorial. The issue of talented leaders going awry and pulling other people down the wrong path in their efforts. A condition dubbed 'The Hitler Leadership Problem', Jeffrey breaks this down using a real world example and explains why sometimes it is better to hire the less impassioned employee, even when conventional wisdom might say otherwise. To be abundantly clear, Hitler was a terrible person, but there are lessons to learn about how one man who came from nothing managed to convince an entire nation to start a war that killed tens of millions and fundamentally re-shaped the world as we know it today.

In this episode, Jeffrey discusses the wildly popular board game, Settlers of Catan. The episode starts out giving a brief overview of the game for those that haven't played it and then transitions into a discussion of the best strategies to use for consistent success while playing. After going through the strategies of how to win the game, the discussion pivots to fun variants to try and keep the game fresh and challenge yourself to play under new conditions. Strategy conversation starts at 6:45 New play variants start at 32:15. For feedback or questions, reach out to OurWorldFromMyWorld@gmail.com

In the conclusion of this three part series, Jeffrey discusses briefly the background behind men retreating from higher education along with why this should matter to us. This leads to a summary discussion of what we can do to try and reverse this 4+ decade trend of decreasing male enrollment within the higher education system. Links: WSJ

Jeffrey dives into the second part of his three part series discussing the shocking disparity between male and female college enrollment and graduation rates. In the second part of the series, Jeffrey starts by explaining why this decline should matter to all of society - men and women alike. Diving into the cultural polarization that extends into our voting patterns, friendships, relationships and beyond, the implications of this divide reach far beyond test scores and diplomas. During the second half of the conversation, Jeffrey breaks down why the numbers have been changing over the past 40 years and will continue to change into the near future. Links for this episode: NPR Article 2022 Main WSJ Article Oct 2021 If you like this show, please consider sharing with a friend or leaving a review on the podcast player of your choice. As always, thank you so much for listening.

In this episode, Jeffrey discusses the numbers behind a popular 2021 Wall Street Journal article outlining the declines in male enrollment in US universities over the last quarter century. Focusing specifically on the 'what' behind the decline in enrollment, this episode dives into the specific changes that are being seen throughout the country and how the structural changes may not align with your initial projections. Setting up a discussion around why this is important, this introduction to men pulling out of higher education is sure to leave you curious about what the future of higher education looks like in the 2020s and beyond. Thoughts on this episode? Feel free to share them at OurWorldFromMyWorld@gmail.com Links mentioned in the episode: WSJ Article Zippia for the Trades NPR 2022 Update

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Jeffrey decides to rant about what he is least grateful for in America, the concrete jungles we call cities. A 30 minute diatribe about how absurd it is that we can't safely walk two miles, how companies decided our current city design and why bicycles are the pinnacle of efficient design. Also noteworthy, the Kinetic energy equation is actually 1/2mv^2. Sometimes we all make mistakes, but hey, at least this one is only half massed.

Jeffrey discusses the flow of time and what that might mean for the purpose of life. Buckle up for a mind wrapping discussion about reality, time, and the energy of the universe.

Jeffrey experiences puberty for the second time with a voice that cracks more often than a dried up river bed in California. A small detour through volunteering at a Marathon Water Stop highlights how flakiness has become the norm in society.

Jeffrey explains his frustrations with the obesity epidemic and how it impacted his family. Jeffrey then discusses how obesity relates to COVID outcomes and the unique way that society approaches obesity and health in general.

Jeffrey dives deep into the world of investing and outlines the largely hidden benefits of Health Savings Accounts and their triple tax advantage. You will learn how to leverage an HSA to amass six figures of tax-free money in retirement and how an HSA is the best emergency fund of all time.

Jeffrey returns to the podcast after moving across the country - again - with some discussion of focusing on the vital few, how to organize a company and eliminate waste. If you ever wanted to know how to be a good manager or get your life into focus, this is the episode for you!

Jeffrey starts off ranting about his neighbor who tried to ruin an otherwise great evening and then progresses into a detailed dialogue about what value really is. Examples can include dogs, sports, and the always relevant engagement rings. If you valued this episode or the show, please leave a review or share your feedback at ourworldfrommyworld@gmail.com.

Jeffrey reviews an ancient text from a time before many people were even born. But fear not, the lessons learned have value even 25 years after the words struck the page. If you have feedback, I'd love to hear it at ourworldfrommyworld@gmail.com.

In this episode, Jeffrey dives deep, very deep, into the ocean to discuss the vagaries of Deep Sea Mining. What it is, why we should pause to consider the consequences, and what you can do to have an impact on it. If you learned something from this episode, please consider sharing it with a friend or leaving a review.

Jeffrey starts out ranting about car maintenance experiences and then dives into the differences between self-control and self-discipline. Which one is more important for long-term success and what does it take to be the highest level achiever? If you have thoughts you want to share, please share them at OurWorldFromMyWorld@gmail.com.

Jeffrey shares some of his frustrations with working and asks the big question we all deal with daily to go along with a random tangent about marketing. What is the point of working? If you like the show or can answer the existential question, please leave a review or share your insights at ourworldfrommyworld@gmail.com.

Jeffrey reacts to a Vox article written by Anne Helen Peterson outlining the hollowing out of the American Middle Class. Prepare for an outpouring of emotions that are somewhere between empathy and non-existent sympathy as Jeffrey breaks down what has gone wrong with finances in America. By the end, you'll be protecting your pocketbooks for years forevermore. If you appreciate the podcast, please share with a friend or leave a rating for the show or share your thoughts at OurWorldFromMyWorld@gmail.com.

Jeffrey returns to discuss moving across the country for a new job and learning what it is like to move a large number of possessions multiple times in the process. A breakdown of America's stuffiness ensues. If you like the show, please share with a friend and if you have your own stories about stuff, please share them at ourworldfrommyworld@gmail.com.

With a major election coming up in less than two short months, Jeffrey reflects on the fact that so many people always wish America was more like the Scandinavian Social Democracies. Jeffrey dives into some of the key differences between the United States and Scandinavia based upon the size of the countries, the diversity of their population, and the differences in how they spend their money. Have a listen to hear unique viewpoints not commonly discussed in mainstream conversations. Have a particular thought about this episode you wish to share? You can share it at OurWorldFromMyWorld@gmail.com. If you enjoy what you are hearing, please share the show or consider leaving a rating to help provide feedback and bring more people into the audience. Stay safe and thanks for listening!

Have you been struggling to make quality friendships as you get older and further removed from college? Don't worry, you are not alone. Jeffrey breaks down a topic request that is especially pertinent in his life as he contemplates having to relocate for new employment opportunities. The conversation starts with a discussion about grills, moves into what friendship is and how to be a good friend before ultimately moving into tips into how to build friendships as we get older. Have a thought you want to share? Email it to OurWorldFromMyWorld@gmail.com. If you like the show, please leave a rating and review and consider sharing it with your friends. It helps drive the show forward and helps me improve to provide better content for you.

Have you ever wondered why our national discourse has gotten so heated and polarized? Or have you ever wanted to follow up with a newscaster or weather man and ask why they can't seem to finish the story or address their inaccuracies? Well, Jeffrey agrees with you that these are major issues worthy of discussion. Jeffrey outlines his thoughts on the mainstream news media and how we got to the point we are at now. Have a thought you want to share? Email it at OurWorldFromMyWorld@gmail.com. If you like the show, please leave a rating and review and consider sharing it with your friends. It helps drive the show forward and helps me improve to provide better content for you.

Have you ever stopped to consider how to have a rational climate change discussion with family or friends? Well if you haven't, Jeffrey outlines one possible approach for you to take that centers on the risk-reward for moving humanity forward with our ever changing climate. And if you have never heard of Blaise Pascal, welcome to the new nerdy. Have a thought on this episode? Feel free to share it at OurWorldFromMyWorld@gmail.com or the facebook page of the same name. And if you like this episode, please share it and leave a review for the show.

Jeffrey breaks down our obsession with travel and how we use it in everything from social media to dating apps. He further goes into the enjoyable experiences of the TSA and flying on planes and ends with a discussion on why we are traveling and hoping to get out of it. Feel free to share your travel experiences at OurWorldFromMyWorld@gmail.com.

Jeffrey breaks down why we continue to get lackluster candidates running for the office of President of the United States. Dive into a list of all the awful things a presidential candidate has to go through before hearing about the few minor, but noteworthy, perks of the job.

Jeffrey introduces himself and the theme of the podcast before taking you into the room where he was laid off. He talks about the feelings surrounding being suddenly unemployed and how he is coping with the sudden loss of structure.

Jeffrey discusses finances in preparation for a pandemic induced recession. Be prepared to be blown away by the nerdiness that is savings accounts and investing while appreciating 32" 720p tvs. Note there is one curse word.