The Afterword: A Conversation About the Future of Words

We are in another election year- and thought folks may enjoy listening to our most popular show from 2020! It is relevant and we hope you gain insight from our guests! #vote #elections #campaigns 

Some editors say sports stories are the hardest stories to write because we already know the endings. But readers and viewers love them anyway! Even folks who don't keep up with sports often find something to warm their hearts in an inspiring tale. Why are sports stories captivating even to people who aren't sports fans? And why do sports stories carry their enormous power to create social change? To talk about that, Amy and Holland invited Dr. Tom LeGrand, a former sports podcaster, and Brendan Scott, an English teacher and a coach, to the table.  Dr. Tom LeGrand serves as the Regional Director Carolinas for Impact America. Tom also has experience in radio broadcasting, podcasting, and writing. From 2010-2012, Tom co-hosted The Lettermen's Lounge, a sports podcast that covered local, national and international athletics. It is a subsidiary of Jungle Gem Sports, LLC. Brendan Scott earned a degree in English from the University of Colorado and then traveled to Guatemala where he taught writing, English, and physical education for three years at the Inter-American School of Xela. After returning to the U.S., Brendan earned a master's degree in English Education at Regis University and began teaching high school English. He also coaches the women's basketball and cross-country teams at Jefferson High School. Brendan recently married April, a librarian, after proposing to her on a trip to Harry Potter World. He blogs at Living Spiritually and Adventure With Brendan.

Moral outrage narratives fueled by social media continue to be a very real trend. Many people around the globe jump to wrong conclusions and develop what often leads to moral panic. How can we scale back the rhetoric? Is there a solution to this tribalism? What is the impact of developing ingroups and outgroups on our communities?   We are rereleasing this episode from 2020. Not surprisingly, much of the conversation with Dillon Smith and Rob Henderson is even more relevant today.

Mark Twain reportedly said, "Everybody Talks About the Weather, But Nobody Does Anything About It." The weather really has changed history, and we talk about it with Dr. Vladimir Jankovic of the University of Manchester and Dr. Elizabeth Smith of the University of Oklahoma. Weather affects culture, politics, economics, and architecture as well as our plans for the day. This was a popluar conversation when we dropped it last February. With all the current weather events- we want to keep our focus on the skies and learn from the experts!  

On season 3 of The Afterword Podcast, we had the priveldge of speaking with Dr. Andrew Budson from Boston University and Dr. Christy Tangney with Rush University. They discussed memory, dementia, cognitive decline, and neuroplasticity. These experts debunked several popular theories about how to keep our minds sharp while giving us insight into what really works for cognitive health.  With all the recent news about the MIND diet, we wanted to re-release this episode as a refresher and a renewal for those interested in brain health.

This past summer, we were given a preview of the true military story depicted in the new movie called Devotion.  Our guests J.P. Miller and Vanessa Molden shared their personal connections to the lives of heroes we may not have heard about in our episode on African American Military stories. JP Miller is a Desert Storm veteran and author of many books for young readers. JP's books are filled with African American characters and culture. We also had Vanessa Molden, museum operations and education manager at the African Military History Museum where the premiere of the movie Devotion occurred with us. This re-release is a timely and vital conversation!

Holland Webb and Amy Bowlin take a look back over the 2022 year on The Afterword Podcast. We reflect on essential elements and metaphors as well as the connections we have made. Our expert guests have been the essential element to our enlightening conversations. We are grateful to all our listeners and subscribers over these last 4 seasons. Please tell your friends about us and as always- You are welcome at our table!

 There are so many advancements in technology, yet it's hard to keep up with the latest cyber threats on our personal devices, businesses and governments. Each day it seems like there is something new we need that we need to know. Keeping safe in the metaverse is important and we had the opportunity to talk about cyber security with Andrew Bustamante, a former covert CIA intelligence officer and Fortune 10 corporate advisor. We are re-releasing this vital conversation as we end this season.

The world just witnessed the global action steps at the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt. It raised continual awareness that weather impacts every aspect of our lives. On our podcast this year, this episode was the most downloaded of all our conversations. We are re-releasing this powerful conversation with Chris Hennon  professor at UNC Asheville and  Bill Martin who is with the National Weather Service (NOAA). Listen to our expert guests share insight about the changes in weather prediction and what we need to think about for the future.  

As we head into the World Cup this week, we are re-releasing this  enlightening episode! We want to consider how soccer intersects with global politics. If you need a refresher on how the World Cup is organized, listen to our expert guests! The World Cup only occurs every four years and it is a benchmark that reflects how countries view themselves and their communities. Bob Jones University men's head coach Greg Fulton and semi-professional soccer player Javier Mombiela share the significance of this sport. The future of soccer has many up-and-coming players, yet some current athletes may be retiring and playing their last games. We will learn how these changes will continue to impact equity in pay, media coverage, and professional level play for all footballers.

How can we shift personal mindsets so that our communities grow deeper? When we lead with compassion rather than judgment, the outcome is positive for our relationships. Our humanity is dependent upon the human beings in our circles. As we share stories, we connect with others, says Melanie Gordon,  the creator of Do Love Walk Collective, coach, speaker and Ubuntu circle director.  Dr. Ann Blair Kennedy, assistant professor of Biomedical sciences and Family medicine at the University of South Carolina explains that empathy, communication skills and engagement as a healthcare provider helps bring health and wholeness. Learning how to dialogue through meaningful conversations establishes skills we need for human connection. Listen as we wrap up this vital conversation.

Even though there are 8 BILLION people in the world, it seems that loneliness and isolation are at an all time high. To help us learn how to connect with a few more of our fellow human beings, we are bringing in the experts! We welcome Dr. Ann Blair Kennedy who is an assistant professor of Biomedical sciences and Family medicine at the University of South Carolina. In addition, we are thrilled to have Melanie Gordon, creator of the Do Love Walk Collective, coach, speaker and Ubuntu circle director at our table. We'll learn about social determinants of health and how social connections impact every aspect of our lives.

 If you are ready to tidy your world, do NOT try to attack the issue all at once. Think categories or rooms that need to be addressed- then it may not feel so overwhelming when trying to put your spaces in order. Jenni Mauran, a KonMari consultant, says that when we are just re-organizing clutter, we need to think logically, not emotionally. Moving towards a tidier lifestyle takes one step at a time.

How does creativity and ingenuity thrive in a tidy environment? Do our lifestyle habits impact our mental workflow when we have chaotic surroundings? Clutter is cumulative. When the snowball of stuff becomes overwhelming, we may need to take steps that guide us toward support in being more minimalistic. Our expert guest, Jenni Mauran, a KonMari consultant, shares tips to help us become intentional about the spaces we live in. Whether it is attachment to trends, connection to sentimental items, or holding onto impulse purchasing, we need to take a constructive view about the items we own. Living with less and finding joy in our life is possible!

While there are no crystal balls when it comes to financial markets, we can look at historical data. In 2008- the real estate market went into a tailspin. How can we be responsible with investments in real estate and learn from some of the lessons in the past? Patti Murphy  award winning realtor with Long and Foster and  Matt Carter, a top commercial and industrial real estate broker with C. Dan Joyner in South Carolina, share that learning from the past benefits all who want to step into the real estate market. Maximizing our investments responsibly is vital when stepping into the real estate world. Making sure to access the insight and wisdom of an experienced, professional realtor is a vital step our guests say give us a collaborative edge.

What is the best growth investment for your financial portfolio? How can you gain economic stability? The Answer is: Real Estate! So say our guests,  Matt Carter, a top commercial and industrial real estate broker with C. Dan Joyner in South Carolina and Patti Murphy, an award winning realtor with Long and Foster and the 2020 Good Neighbor Award, 2022 top realtor from the Fredericksburg, VA Area Realtors Association. They both have years of experience and stories that help us understand the differences between an agent, escrow and a mortgage. We gain essential information that help us take steps toward home ownership or commercial real estate investing.

Dr Robert Hartwig, professor of finance and the director of the USC Risk Management Center explains that this current season of inflation is NOT the worst in the history of the US economy. Financial historians remind us that one of the worst periods of inflation was during the 1970s and 1980s when there was high inflation and high unemployment. Inflation impacts us individually in a psychological as well as economical manner, so we need to stay balanced. As individuals, we can find balance as we review our income and adjust it with our outflow. Creating a budget, prioritizing spending, and planning for a longer period of inflation than anticipated are key elements. We have more control over our financial destiny than we think. Every disaster gives us an opportunity for a creative solution.

At this point, everyone has felt the impact of inflation. But what is it? How can we find stability in the midst of fluctuating financial circumstances? Dr Robert Hartwig professor of finance and the director of the USC Risk Management Center helps us learn the nuances of inflation, the difficulty of recession and shares stories of similar financial impacts from history. He gives us the essential reminder that we all have lived through inflation before. We need to adjust, make a budget and with some changes,  we will make it!

Dr Robert Hartwig, professor of finance and the director of the USC Risk Management Center explains that this current season of inflation is NOT the worst in the history of the US economy. Financial historians remind us that one of the worst periods of inflation was during the 1970s and 1980s when there was high inflation and high unemployment. Inflation impacts us individually in a psychological as well as economical manner, so we need to stay balanced. As individuals, we can find balance as we review our income and adjust it with our outflow. Creating a budget, prioritizing spending, and planning for a longer period of inflation than anticipated are key elements. We have more control over our financial destiny than we think. Every disaster gives us an opportunity for a creative solution.

How are economic justice and fair lending connected? There is NO such thing as “easy money” so when we hear lenders advertising this message, we need to put up our guards! Keri Smith the SC President of Self-Help Credit Union  and Susan Stall, Program Director at Village Engage explain the dangerous marketing aspects of predatory lending. We learn the stories surrounding how to protect consumers from these predatory practices and how to be an advocate for fair lending!

At some point in everyone's life, we will need to ask for money- whether it is from a parent, friend, or a bank. Most of us can't take on big purchases and at times need to have a bit of extra money to start up a business or begin a project. How do we navigate the process of loans and lending without being sent to the poor house? Our guests explain that we should never panic when we need a loan and should never borrow ourselves out of debt. Susan Stall, Program Director at Village Engage along with Kerri Smith the SC President of Self-Help Credit Union help us uncover key principles in our conversation about loans and lending.

 Mike Scanlan, Dean of Administration at St Benedict's Preparatory School in New Jersey and founder of the Gray Bee Investors Club shares that within the walls of our schools, there are often patterns of generational poverty. How does that influence financial literacy and will learning basic investing strategies support agency and change in these cycles? Learning that we are interconnected  to the world around us is a vital lesson within investing. Ivan Anz, is the founder of CAPITANZ Family office; and the creator of the PhilanthroInvestors Phenomena. Ivan explains that if there is value and humanity in investing, then there is a greater return. He shares that where we direct our finances, must address issues on our own planet.

What does one's personal knowledge of investing and finances have to do with life's essentials? How is time a friend and an enemy when it comes to money management? Wherever you may fall on the financial literacy scale, this conversation is going to be beneficial! Join us as we talk with Ivan Anz, the founder of CAPITANZ Family office; and the creator of the PhilanthroInvestors Phenomena. In addition, we are grateful for the insights of Mike Scanlan, the Dean of Administration at St Benedict's Preparatory School in New Jersey and founder of the Gray Bee Investors Club  * we are sorry about the sound quality on this episode*

 Tony Bradshaw, speaker and author of The Millionaire Choice explains some of the rules for multiplying our money and becoming financially secure. As we learn in part 2 of our conversation, using our time wisely, building character and having integrity are vital when it comes to managing our money. Choosing to hold onto old financial patterns rather than rewriting our personal stories about money may keep us from sustainably reaching our goals. Tony shares that having a plan is critical for all of us.

What does it take to be financially stable when considering one's income, investments and retirement? How do we need to start talking differently about retirement and personal savings? Our guest Tony Bradshaw, is a speaker and author of The Millionaire Choice. He shares insight into creating a vision for a better financial future. Wherever one starts on the road to financial freedom, Tony has tips for us all.

  Brett Rawl, administrator with the SC Upstate Continuum of Care,  Lorain Crowl, Chief Executive Officer with United Housing Connections and Susan McLarty , coordinator for the Greenville Homeless Alliance continue a vital conversation about the impact of homelessness in our communities. One of the largest populations of people experiencing homelessness is school age children. As many are getting back to school, now is the time to advocate for affordable housing and housing subsidy options. As our guests share, we are all one situation away from being in a place where we need shelter.

Our last conversation focusing on the theme of safety has to do with homelessness and poverty. The panel of guests for these episodes share insight that breaks through stereotypes and myths surrounding those who find themselves unhomed. From affordable housing to emergency shelters, we learn the continuum of care for anyone seeking support. Susan McLarty , the coordinator for the Greenville Homeless Alliance and brings years of experience to this subject. Lorain Crowl, Chief Executive Officer with United Housing Connections has a wealth of understanding to help navigate housing concerns and challenges. Brett Rawl administrator with the SC Upstate Continuum of Care offering technical support and point to point care for those in need.

How can we recruit the next generation to serve in the military, protecting the country, freedom, and  life — if you aren't sure about the value of those things? One way is to share the stories of the past and present. Vanessa Molden, is the African American Military History Museum operations and educational manager, and she ensures that the legacies of service men and women are remembered and shared. J.P Miller, author and Desert Storm Veteran, writes the stories that break barriers and stereotypes in order to celebrate the lives of the soldiers who have and are serving in the armed forces. 

When we recount the stories of military heroes, it is vital that we share about the humanity of each person- not just a timeline of events in their history. There are many untold stories of African American Soldiers that need to be told!  J.P Miller author and Desert Storm Veteran, uses her writing to inspire readers to consider a variety of careers within the military. Promoting information in an accurate and timely manner is essential so these stories can be known. Vanessa Molden, is the African American Military History Museum operations and educational manager. She helps bring the stories of the past into the present with recognition, honor and celebration. 

When we engage in a lifelong mindset of play and activity, we have healthier mental and physical outcomes. How can we ensure that we are participating safely? What are the risks that we need to consider? Giovani Garbutt, the president and program director for American First Responder and Dr. Jill Sturts , Associate Professor and Chair of Sport and Recreation Professions as well as the Assistant Dean of Batten Honors College at Virginia Wesleyan University continue our conversation about safety in sports and leisure activities. Join us at The Afterword Podcast table!

What does the weekend warrior need to do in order to be better prepared for the challenges awaiting them? How can we apply safe strategies to our leisure activities and play? Dr. Jill Sturts is Associate Professor and Chair of Sport and Recreation Professions as well as the Assistant Dean of Batten Honors college at Virginia Wesleyan University, she shares that education is key in participation in recreational activities. Giovani Garbutt is the president and program director for American First Responder, he explains how we need to be aware of our surroundings and that first aid is the first care that is offered when there is an injury. These expert guests help us understand the steps we need to take to stay safe when playing sports, having fun on the playground or participating in leisure activities.

We continue our conversation with  Andrew Bustamante, founder of Everyday Spy and author of Everyday Espionage, as he shares relevant strategies to help us protect our online privacy. How does data collection from companies rely on human behavior to collect cyber information? What are some of the ways we can control our digital anonymity so that we're not revealing private personal information? Andrew explains that cyber security is an ongoing battle that is worth the fight.

Almost everyone is connected to the internet. How do we stay safe and keep our information private? Whether it is corporate data or personal use, we all have to be aware of our digital environment. How are cybercriminals accessing and collecting our information? What are the biggest threats to online security? Our expert guest, Andrew Bustamante, founder of Everyday Spy and author of Everyday Espionage explains that in most cases of personal cyber security threats, we are our own worst enemies. Many of us are giving up personal information that is harvested by cybercriminals. Andrew shares practical tips that will help us reduce our digital vulnerabilities.

When it comes to food safety, nothing beats hand washing, reading labels, correct cooking and proper storage when preparing food. Angie Culler Mathews, food safety director at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and Dr. Kimberly Baker from Clemson University explain that everyday we have a safe meal, that is a success! These experts share that we must educate rather than regulate so that everyone along our food supply chains stays safe.

If we are what we eat, then how safe are we? How has food safety changed over time? Everyone plays a role in keeping the food we eat safe. Join our guests Dr. Kimberly Baker from Clemson University and Angie Culler Mathews food safety director at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture as we learn the history of food safety. They explain the difference between a food recall and an outbreak and tell us that in the U.S, we have the safest food supply.

Laurel Handfield, the owner and creator of Happy Island Press, explains that we must remain diligent when sharing positive messages on all social media platforms. Adding affirmations, creating patient self care practices and remembering that we are all individuals is vital as we understand the journey of healing. In addition, Greg Howard, author of YA and middle grade novels, describes what it means to be accepted and included. Being seen, knowing that your story matters and that you are not alone helps promote hope and empathy.

On The Afterword, we are beginning a new theme focused around safety. Our expert guests help kick off this theme with a conversation about personal and social identity. How do we develop ideas of who we are and what are the barriers to that journey? Who are our allies and how can we learn from the stories of others? Laurel Handfield, the owner and creator of Happy Island Press, which publishes coloring books that highlight children of color, shares her message of positivity that all young girls have inner and outer beauty. In addition, award-winning author of young adult and middle grade novels, Greg Howard offers insight about barriers and lessons we learn along the way as we discover our identity.

Losing is hard and the life lessons learned through participating in sports is vital as we develop character, mental resilience, and strategies that support us in every aspect of our lives. Many reluctant athletes understand the power of positive coaching, and Director of gymnastics at Camp Asia,  Coach Joy Koh explains that sometimes we need to take a break from the game, then examine the root of the problem and feelings. Sports psychologist Dr. Bhrett McCabe shares that there has to be a human connection when we are translating sports lessons into social emotional development. These expert guests help us all gain tools whether we are weekend warriors or professional athletes.

How can we balance athletic performance with personal growth? How do you keep sports fun? What are the advantages or disadvantages of being “pushed” versus “coached? What are the key elements that sports participation provide in developing social and emotional skills for every level of competition? Coach Joy Koh, Director of gymnastics at Camp Asia and shares that positive outcomes of engaging in sports, are developing curiosity and being resilient.  Dr. Bhrett McCabe uses his background as a clinical training as a sports psychologist, to encourage athletes to gain perspective and apply successful lessons to life.

 Skeeter Powell, founder of David's Table and Carly Mellor, the Greenville, SC area Director of Special Olympics share that awareness is a key factor in creating access to sports for anyone who wants to get in the game! We must treat individuals as individuals so that there can be a balanced approach between need versus agency in sport participation for everyone. Becoming a sports fan, cheering attempts, being willing and valuing inclusion are just a few ways we can ensure that all athletes are represented!

In the United States alone, 1 in 4 people have some type of physical disability. Creating space and providing access for everyone who wishes to play a game or participate in a sport is vital to our global well being. Skeeter Powell, founder of David's Table explains that true inclusion tells all athletes that they “get to play” Carly Mellor, the area Director of Special Olympics shares that everyone deserves to be included in games. When everyone plays, we all benefit!

How do history and sports intersect? What do athletic events have to do with politics, religion, and human rights issues? Clemson professor Bryan Denham and sports reporter Matt Vereen share that sports journalism has transformed the stories we hear as a global community.

Sports stories are often larger than life, and they make a massive impact on our world. The people who report on sports create tales that involve much more than just who sunk the ball through the hoop or who landed the perfect 10. In this episode, we learn the craft behind the tales from Clemson professor Bryan Denham and sports reporter Matt Vereen as we talk to them about sports journalism.

How does soccer intersect with global politics? What might we expect to see on the field at the World Cup? The World Cup only occurs every four years and it is a benchmark that reflects how countries view themselves and their communities. Bob Jones University men's head coach Greg Fulton and semi-professional soccer player Javier Mombiela share the significance of this sport. The future of soccer has many up-and-coming players, yet some current athletes may be retiring and playing their last games. We will learn how these changes will continue to impact equity in pay, media coverage, and professional level play for all footballers.

We are starting a new theme at The Afterword -- how playing sports brings the world together through play. In this episode, we discover how soccer -- or football, as many call it -- gives us a glimpse into the ways global communities interact. Joining us to talk about the World Cup is Bob Jones University men's head coach Greg Fulton and semi-professional soccer player Javier Mombiela. They share how soccer, the world's most popular sport, is breaking down barriers and offering opportunities for everyone to play.

Why are geography and environment so important to how weather impacts architecture? What kind of building products determine strong, sustainable architectural design? to prevent damage and restore structures after extreme natural hazards, communities have to collaborate with architectural principles.  Dr. Pravin Bhiwapurkar, professor at the University of Cincinnati, shares how we can learn from nature and adapt building construction to be more resilient.

One of the main purposes of architecture is to protect and shelter lives from the impacts of nature. How has architecture adapted to the changing climate? Are there ways to create architectural structures that collaborate with natural environments rather than compete with them? Dr. Pravin Bhiwapurkar, professor at the University of Cincinnati explains design concepts that consider flow, urban heat islands, biomimicry and more. This fascinating conversation is essential as we move forward in this next season of changing weather.

If you have ever felt “under the weather" or experienced a “breath of fresh air,” then you know the personal impact of meteorological science in everyday life.   Dr. Elizabeth Smith, research meteorologist at NOAA and board member for the National Weather Museum, along with  Dr. Vladimir Jankovic, professor at University of Manchester, shares how weather and health overlap. We learn from these experts that the industrial revolution was the beginning of how human pollution integrated with weather events. Drs. Smith and Jankovic explain that climate impacts every aspect of every area of our lives, past, present and future.  National Weather Museum Reading the Skies Every Little Thing Why does the wind make me angry?

What are the historical events that have been impacted by weather? How does the study of meteorology affect industry, military and the private sector? What could have been done differently to save lives in the 1900 Galveston Hurricane or the 1953 storm of the century?  Dr. Elizabeth Smith, a research meteorologist at NOAA and board member for the National Weather Museum, shares that there is so much we can learn by studying the fluid aspects of our atmosphere. Dr. Vladimir Jankovic, professor at the University of Manchester, explains that a significant advancement in history has been how we use instruments rather than only observation to predict weather events.

How are mitigation and adaptation related to changes in climate, extreme weather events and population migration? What are the ways we can implement global system changes and policies that will support all communities? In many cases, human migration is normal, and many have experienced this in some way or another. Dr. Robert Oakes from the United Nations Institute for Environment and Human Security shares that we must vote with our feet in order to shift processes and find solutions so that everyone has opportunities to thrive . Dr. Elizabeth Fussell professor at Brown University explains that the speed of collaboration and cooperation regarding energy use policies must be increased as we are observing more complex environmental episodes.

How does the weather and changing climate impact population displacement? While migration is a normal aspect in society, there has been an increase in this movement based on recent data. We learn this week from our guests Dr. Elizabeth Fussell, professor at Brown University and Dr. Robert Oakes, senior researcher at the United Nations Institute for Environment and Human Security, that the decision to relocate in one's own country or to a new one is complicated.  Just a note that the podcast quality was slightly diminished as we were calling internationally. International Displacement Management Center