Podcasts about pro act

Vi träffar Jonas Hasselberg, som under de senaste åren varit VD för det börsnoterade bolaget Proact. I december 2024 annonserade Jonas sin avgång och han kommer att under 2025 tillträda som VD för cybersäkerhetsföretaget OmegaPoint som ägs av norska PE-firman FSN. Vi diskuterar detta men även Jonas tidigare arbeten på Microsoft, Nokia och Telia. Det bjuds på många lärdomar.

While participating at the National Federation of the Blind National convention this year with my colleague and friend, Sheldon Lewis who also is a former guest here on Unstoppable Mindset, we had the opportunity to meet Amy SP Wilson. Amy is the founder and leader of the Safety Positive Foundation. Amy began losing her eyesight at the age of ten years old due to a condition known as Stargardt's. this disease can best be described as macular Degeneration in juveniles. If you want to know more about Stargardt's just listen into my conversation with Amy. Amy has always been quite interested in personal safety. She also has been quite a physical person starting with wrestling with her cousins to later becoming the first female wrestler at the Missouri School for the Blind to later becoming part of the inaugural women's Judo team of the United States Association of Blind Athletes. Amy went on to college where she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. After a time and some life challenges Amy will tell us about she decided to go back to college to obtain a second Bachelor's degree in Social Work. She decided to get this second degree because she wanted to help persons with disabilities in the United States. In 2023 Amy founded Safety Positive Foundation to teach blind persons about self defense. Her approach is by no means all about being physical. She will talk with us about self awareness and self advocacy, two aspects she feels must be part of the psyche of everyone who wishes to take charge of their own life. About the Guest: ael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. Well, hi everyone. I am your host, Mike hingson, and welcome to another episode of unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. And the reason it's worded that way people still ask me why I say that. The reason it's worded that way is that when we talk to diversity people, they'll talk about race, gender, sexual orientation and so on, and they never talk about disabilities. So unfortunately, the ship has mostly sailed when it comes to including disabilities in diversity, no matter what they say. So we won't let them do that with inclusion, which means it's inclusion diversity and the unexpected. And today we get to deal with a lot of all of that. The unexpected is anything that doesn't have anything to do with inclusion or diversity. But today, we do get to talk about inclusion a lot in some esoteric and maybe not so esoteric ways. Our guest today is Amy SP Wilson, and I just discovered, as Amy showed me, if you were to ask your smart speaker, like my Amazon Echo, who is Amy SP Wilson, it will tell you that she is the CEO of the positive safety positive foundation. We're going to talk more about that, so we'll get there anyway. Amy, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're glad you're here. Wonderful.   Amy SP Wilson ** 02:45 Thank you for having me. It's an honor and a privilege, and   Michael Hingson ** 02:49 it's nice to know that the echo knows your name.   Amy SP Wilson ** 02:53 Yeah, I'm still kind of flabbergasted that that's a thing, but definitely gives you some street cred, I guess.   Michael Hingson ** 03:02 Yeah, it probably means that there, there aren't, well, there certainly aren't very many. Amy SP Wilson, so that works, yes, well, why don't we start the way I kind of really love to. Why don't you tell us, sort of about the early Amy growing up and some of that sort of stuff.   Amy SP Wilson ** 03:21 So in my younger years, I was born and raised in the state of Missouri, and have what I consider a biker family. We did a lot of traveling on motorcycles. I was riding my own dirt bike at the age of four, and so really tomboy at at heart, but loved, you know, wrestling and fighting with the cousins. And at the age of 10 is when I was diagnosed with star guards, and that put me on a different path, because at the age of 10, my dream was to be a motorcycle mechanic and join the Navy. And at the time, I did not have any expectations that a blind person could do either. So it really put me on a different trajectory of what I thought my life was going to going to be like, and I, of course, went on with school and and that sort of business, but I loved wrestling so much that I became the Missouri School for the blinds First Lady wrestler. And that led me into being part of the United States Association of Blind Athletes, where I was on the first women's judo team that they had, and so just got real passionate about personal safety and different ways. But due to my eye condition, I couldn't take hits to the head, and so there went my martial arts career this. I'll just say, or so I thought, and led me into going to college and get my my first bachelor's degree in psychology and and so on. But I I have people tell me that apparently I have been pioneering new things my whole life. And when I have to talk about myself and talk about I was the first to do this and first to do that, yeah, it's a very sobering reminder of those steps that I've make it in my life. Right?   Michael Hingson ** 05:35 Reading your bio, it says that because of star guard, you weren't at some at one point, able to continue kind of dealing with martial arts. What did star guard specifically have to do with that?   Amy SP Wilson ** 05:47 So it it affects my retina, and I noticed the more hits that I was taking to the head and, you know, being thrown I was having more cloudy spots in my vision, and when I stopped doing those things, it, it, you know, significantly reduced the amount of things I wasn't able to to see. And so that's, that's how that played into that well,   Michael Hingson ** 06:19 tell me a little bit about what star guards is. I'm not sure that everyone listening or watching will be familiar with   Amy SP Wilson ** 06:26 it, correct? Yes. So star guards is a juvenile form of macular degeneration. So you hear of, you know, your grandparents, or you know, maybe you're a person of experience, as I like to say, in your in your later years. And you know, hear about people getting macular degeneration. I essentially just got macular degeneration at the the age of 10. So little bit of a flip. And of course, again, being a first, I was the first person in my family to have any kind of blindness, low vision, and so it was. It really shook everything   Michael Hingson ** 07:06 is star guards, a genetic kind of situation.   Amy SP Wilson ** 07:12 So I learned that the only way that a person can get star guards is essentially by your parents getting together. It's not a medication defect, which is what they originally told my mother. So she carried a lot of guilt with that. And when I went to get seek a different doctor, he had me do some I guess genetic counseling is what they called it, because I had concerns of my son having it. And they were like, no, no, it doesn't work. And they explained it. I was like, well, that had been helpful in my younger   Michael Hingson ** 07:50 just sort of the right combination of things getting together that brings it on. Exactly. Yeah. Now, where do you live today? I live in the great Show Me State. Ah, so you're still in Missouri? Yes, I've   Amy SP Wilson ** 08:05 moved to a couple other states. I spent a year in Alaska, where my son was born. I lived in Indiana for a little bit. I pass on that, and fortunately, I was able to come back to to Missouri.   Michael Hingson ** 08:20 So we're in Missouri. Are you, uh, close   Amy SP Wilson ** 08:23 to Kansas City area? Okay, about about in that area, but I like to, I like it because I can take the train back and forth between Kansas City and St Louis. So, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 08:34 well, trains are very useful things to have around. I when I lived on the East Coast, would use the train a lot. And of course, going from New Jersey into New York, we had New Jersey Transit and other things that we had a lot of train stuff. But out here, where I live now, there is a train that stops here once, at 430 in the morning. If I want to go to San Francisco, I'm not going to do that on the train, I don't think, because you actually have to go to Los Angeles and then get another train to go to San Francisco, because the train that comes from Los Angeles stops here, and then, I guess, goes east. So, oh, well, one of these days, maybe there'll be more trains and more mass transit, and that'll be a good thing. Exactly.   Amy SP Wilson ** 09:19 I know in Europe, trains are used very heavily, and people that come over here are constantly surprised that we don't have more sufficient trains. And so hopefully, like you said, with time we'll we'll get some more transportation going. There's   Michael Hingson ** 09:36 a big argument and a brouhaha going on out here right now because Los Angeles wants to create a gondola system to go from downtown LA the train station to Dodger Stadium and stop along the way. And there are people who are saying, no, no. Because you're not going to get that many people on it, it's just not going to be worth the cost. So it'll be interesting to see how that all shakes out. I do agree that if you're going to do that, you have to have a lot of people using it, and you have to be able to transport a lot of people. So it will be interesting to see how that works out.   Amy SP Wilson ** 10:22 I can very much agree with that.   Michael Hingson ** 10:25 Oh, life goes on, right? That it does. So you went to, yeah, go ahead. I   Amy SP Wilson ** 10:32 said. We've heard the same debate here in Missouri about different, you know, options for trains. So, yeah, it's always an ongoing conversation.   Michael Hingson ** 10:39 When we first moved to New Jersey, we learned that with the Americans with Disabilities Act, they were finally catching up, if you will, to doing something. And the something where we lived in Westfield was to make the train station accessible and access to the train to be accessible. And what that meant was that they actually had to build a platform and ramps up to the platform so that a person in a chair, for example, like my wife, could transfer straight across and roll onto the train. Because before the platform was raised, the trains have these big, huge, high steps built into them. Each step is like 18 inches tall and you've got three steps to go into the train. Well, you're not going to really do that in a wheelchair. And there was major opposition from people in Westfield to putting in the ramps, putting in the platforms, because they said, well, but this is going to slow us down if we have to go up the ramps and can't just run to the train and jump on the train. Why don't you just have somebody at every station who will lift people in wheelchairs onto trains? Yeah, that's gonna really work, right?   Amy SP Wilson ** 11:50 Yeah, that's not, not feasible,   Michael Hingson ** 11:54 no. And it didn't, and the argument didn't hold, fortunately, and the the platforms were built and, and, and the reality is it didn't jeopardize anybody, other than maybe make them arrive 30 seconds earlier, rather than being so lazy. But, ah, the arguments that people have. But it'll be interesting to see how the train thing works out, because they do need to have more mass transit out   Amy SP Wilson ** 12:18 here. Absolutely, 100%   Michael Hingson ** 12:21 so you went off to college, and what did you do in college,   Amy SP Wilson ** 12:27 college stuff, but because I was unfamiliar with how to really maximize your college experience. I didn't really, you know, have a plan. Once I got done with college, all I knew was I needed to go to college. Go to college, yeah, and, you know, because that's, that's what's going to make your life better. Okay, I can, I can follow that plan. But what's the plan after, like, nobody, nobody had that. They just knew, you know, go to college. Oh, okay. And so I tried to get some, some different jobs, unsuccessfully. And then I ended up getting married and moving to Alaska, and so did some some different jobs up there. And through my experience of being married during that time, I also shared with people that I'm a domestic violence survivor, and it's one of the things that I really wish the disabled community was having more conversations about this, because there I know that I'm I'm not alone, and when I share it, I always have people come forward and Me too, me too. And I'm like, Yes, like, we, can we, you know, support one another. And fortunately, I was only in that marriage for for three years and and got out of it. Spent a couple more years in Indiana, but then when I moved back to Missouri, I learned about some blindness consumer organizations and and started getting involved with those. I also, at the same time, heard, heard about a self defense program for the blind. And I'm like, wait a minute, there's something you know that that works for us. So I jumped on it, became an instructor, became very involved in the that particular organization. And due to some some different circumstances, realized that that was not a healthy environment, and spent probably a year not doing that. But then had some people contact me to get another self defense program going, and I'm like, All right, let's do it. So yeah, that's a. Um, but I've, I've taken in that time of me teaching self defense, I also worked with my local dojo and would help with my son's classes. So I've definitely got the personal safety self defense experience down at this point, I feel like   Michael Hingson ** 15:24 so. So in other words, maybe if there were violent situation today, you could turn the tables and and be the one to beat up the other guy.   Amy SP Wilson ** 15:33 So that's you know, because I will share that, that that is you. That is a common thought.   Michael Hingson ** 15:43 I understand, yes,   Amy SP Wilson ** 15:46 however, in june 2019 I experienced sexual assault by somebody. And it's really what got me to tell people that personal safety you need to be proactive about it, especially in the disabled space. It is so very vital in that realm, yeah, but   Michael Hingson ** 16:11 yeah, there's only so much you can do. And you're right. It's, it's a matter of being, as you say, personally safe. And you know, it's, it is so important, and I think so many people, especially I think a lot of blind people I know about aren't as aware of their surroundings as they need to be, even just in in walking, even if it's not a a safety issue, that is where you're endangered from another person, but just being aware of your surroundings and being able to travel. I remember living in Boston and at the time, and I don't know if it's still the same or not today, but Boston or Massachusetts, had the highest accident rate per capita in the country, and this was back in the late 1970s into the early 1980s and I knew it, and it, it was just one of those factoids, if you will, that helped me stay really aware. So whenever I cross the street, I really made sure that the traffic was going the way I wanted to go, and I listened extremely carefully to what the traffic was doing around me, because any moment a car could come whizzing around a corner, nobody else would have seen it, and if I weren't listening for it, I might not have been able to judge appropriately whether it was safe to go or how fast I had to go to get across the street. So the reality is that we really do need to be situationally aware. And I think it's not just true for people who happen to be blind, but but it is especially true that we need to work on that and be aware of our surroundings   Amy SP Wilson ** 18:01 100% 100% that that is like, one of the first things we started offering right out the gate when it came to safety positive, is having discussions about personal safety topics, because it makes you more situationally aware. I know that. You know now that I have the mindset of being proactive about my personal safety, I am so keyed up on situational awareness that I sometimes freak out people, because I'm like, pay attention. Over there, pay attention. They're like, how? And I'm like, well, the more you learn about safety education, anything in the personal safety realm, it just helps you to become more situationally where, so you respond faster. You don't have to sit there and go, Well, what was that that I learned? No, no, that's not what we we want you to have. We want you to be, you know, kind of studying up on it so much that it becomes second nature for you?   Michael Hingson ** 19:00 Yeah, all too often we we learn something, and then we just have we, we sort of memorize the lesson. And we don't memorize what it is we really need to do. It isn't what, what did I learn? You need to get to the point where it's second nature, where it's just part of you, whether it's situational awareness or or a lot of things, even good musicians,   19:24 yes, you know,   Michael Hingson ** 19:26 do what they do because they've it's become second nature, yes.   Amy SP Wilson ** 19:30 And we, we talk about that, you know, it's, it's a journey you're not going to jump from, you know, being a beginner, you know, car guitar player, kind of like your manual musician, to being able to play on a, you know, stage with 5000 people overnight, it does not, you know, it is a process. And so, you know, giving, tell, you know, reminding people to give themselves grace. And it is a work in progress. So you know, you there's going to be deja mess. Up, but that's okay, you know, be do better tomorrow, on, on all those different situations. The   Michael Hingson ** 20:07 more you practice it, though, and the more you work on looking at lessons and looking at the things that you do and practice making them second nature, the easier it becomes. But it is a muscle the mind that you have to develop.   Amy SP Wilson ** 20:25 Yes, we, we basically tell people your, you know, your most important tool is your mind. So many people want that quick fix of having the pepper spray or, you know, this side of the other, and it's like, no, no, your mind is your most important, you know, tool in your arsenal, so take, take care of it. It's your, it's your biggest investment in life, yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 20:48 and it's and it's the most important one, and it will do so much more for you. But the more you truly use it, the easier it becomes to use. But you've got to make that effort to make that happen, yes, so you got through college, you got, I think, what a degree in psychology, as I recall. And you said you went and worked on various jobs, and I gather nothing really struck a nerve.   Amy SP Wilson ** 21:15 No, you know, I, I actually went back to school and got a second bachelor's degree in social work because I knew I wanted to work with the disabled community, and so I of course, was advocating in my own classes for disability rights and driving my fellow students crazy. But I'm like, we're in social work, and we're not learning about disabilities. This is madness. You're going to be, you know, working with at least, you know, half the people have some sort of disability in some fashion, and we're not even having a conversation about it. So, but I guess I actually, before I got real involved with personal safety here, more recently, in the last couple years, I actually was a Mary Kay consultant for a while, and had had some fun with that. And it's a great, great company. They're they're real supportive. They call it kind of the pink bubble. But I learned a lot about marketing and sales through that. So I constantly am telling my team, I'm like, Yeah, that's a Mary Kay thing. That's America. But they've been around for so many years. There's obviously, like, I said, a method to their madness.   Michael Hingson ** 22:31 They kind of know what they're doing, yeah,   Amy SP Wilson ** 22:34 yeah, yeah. They've, they've got systems down. So yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 22:37 So when did you get your social work, bachelor's degree. When did you graduate with that 2016 Okay, so that was eight years ago, and then you you did other things and so on. But eventually, what, what caused you finally to form safety positive foundation.   Amy SP Wilson ** 22:58 I I essentially got madder than a hatter because we weren't offering choices. It was just this one self defense program, this one self defense program. And I'm like, Well, what about teaching people to advocate for themselves, or having discussions or this or that? Like and I kept getting shot down time and time again from from the leadership in those organizations, and I and I actually had a couple people who pulled me aside and really strongly encouraged me to start my own non for profit. And I was like, Excuse me. Like me be the leader. Uh, I don't, I don't. I don't know how I feel about this, um, but luckily they, you know, they convinced me. Had other people convinced me. And I just, it really is a big passion of mine to just make sure that the blind community has as many personal safety choices as everybody else does, because historically, we have not. So   Michael Hingson ** 24:05 you're saying some of the major consumer organizations kind of discouraged it at first. I   Amy SP Wilson ** 24:14 they were from elsewhere. Was from elsewhere. I wouldn't say some of them, you know, I'm not going to throw no shade on the major groups,   24:21 no, no, no.   Amy SP Wilson ** 24:22 But it was the companies that were teaching self defense got really only focused on just, you know, hands on self defense. And I'm like, and it was either, you know, release or break body parts. And I'm like, not everybody's comfortable breaking body parts like we need some choices. We need to teach people to advocate for themselves, to speak up. That is the like. The bigger thing that I have found is people not understanding the power of of their words and their language to, you know, get themselves out of situation. And it's usually a freeze response, and I know because I was personally guilty of that for many years. And so yeah, I'm I'm thrilled that I don't struggle with that nowhere near as much as I used to, but I can recognize that it is a huge need within our community.   Michael Hingson ** 25:20 So when did you actually form the foundation?   Amy SP Wilson ** 25:25 March 3, 2023 was when we officially launched safety positive foundation.   Michael Hingson ** 25:31 So it's fairly new. Yes, well, a year and about a year and a half old.   Amy SP Wilson ** 25:39 Yep, yep, we're still baby.   Michael Hingson ** 25:43 That's okay. Do you find that that men and women are interested in personal safety and so on, or is it just women or just men? Or what we   Amy SP Wilson ** 25:54 have both? I'd say at our events, it's half and half, I get more men volunteering to to work behind the scenes on stuff, because personal safety is primarily a male dominated profession, which makes me kind of a odd woman out. But you know, we are not for profits. I'll take the help wherever I can get.   Michael Hingson ** 26:17 Sure, well, even if you were for profit, it would make sense to do that. But yeah, I hear you, yes, yeah. So exactly, what does the safety positive foundation do?   Amy SP Wilson ** 26:32 So we offer, again, a variety of choices for personal safety. We have what we call our safety positive guide that gives our blind community, 24/7, access to training and resources. And so that's a resource all by itself, because we put in there motivational information resources, asking discussion questions. But then we also have chapters in our guide to where people can take our courses, where they can go from ProAct or from reactive to proactive on their personal safety. We also have in that guide links to what we call our weekly tea times, and that's probably one of our most popular services, and that's where we're having the space for discussions on personal safety. Each month we do a different topic, and we have also added verbal craft, which is a self advocacy and assertiveness communication training. And we've actually had that training from the very beginning, because, again, I knew, in my experience, that people really needed to learn that that advocating piece, like we're told to advocate, but never given a formula. And we finally have a formula with with verbal craft. So it makes me very excited. And then in just this year, when we started getting into our second year, we shifted away from focusing on the psychological safety to that physical safety aspect, and I became the first blind woman pepper spray instructor with saber so that was exciting. And then we created our own hands on self defense program that focuses on the fundamentals of self defense. We created this course because we knew people needed some pieces. So if they wanted to go take a, you know, martial arts class on a consistent basis, or if they wanted to go take that self defense class, they would have some language to talk with the instructors. And this is how you can assist me. And so, yeah, those, those are pretty much what we offer, but, and we're partnering with with other companies organizations to bring in more resources and training for our community. So like I said, it's only been a year and a half, but yeah, we're bringing it when it comes to the choices. Tell   Michael Hingson ** 29:13 me more about verbal craft, what, what that is all about, or how does that work? So   Amy SP Wilson ** 29:19 at the core, verbal craft was developed as a crisis de escalation communication training, and of course, for the purposes of the blind community, we realized that it also helps with teaching you self advocacy and assertiveness in your communication. So you know, say, somebody comes up and, you know, grabs your arm trying to assist you. Verbal craft has a, you know, we we work with you to develop to personalize your own formula. We also have a verbal craft club where people can come in and practice. This maybe a scenario and and get better at at their skills. I know for me when I first, because I did not even know a verbal craft again, I went to hearing about all the you know, need to advocate for yourself, and I'm like, How do I do that. But it was in November of 2022, that I I finally was able to take verbal craft. And since then, I have, I've discovered that I am even you know better at it. I don't, I don't freeze or fawn as much. And when people are trying to help me, or when people are trying to cross my my boundaries in those different ways.   Michael Hingson ** 30:48 I remember many times being in New York City or in other large cities, but New York especially, wanting to cross the street and go a particular way, waiting for the traffic flow to be going the way I wanted, and making sure that it's going the way I wanted, somebody will come up and grab me. Oh, let me. Let me help you. And of course, the problem is they don't even know for sure which way I want to go correct, which really makes life fun. And so they'll grab me and I go, No, hold on a minute. First of all, I'm really good. Do you know why I'm just standing here? No, you're, you're, obviously, you need help. No, let me explain Ricky, you know, but it is so unfortunate that people make these assumptions. And it happens all too often. It goes back to the basic view of of blindness that that people have, which is that we really don't know what we're doing and we can't really do it ourselves, that you need to have eyesight to do it, which is why earlier this year, at the National Federation of the Blind convention, I crafted the resolution that was adopted that says we need to stop using the term visually impaired and go to blind and low vision. And I mean, there are other terms, but the real issue is to get rid of the concept of impaired, which is what the professionals brought to the field many years ago, which was such a disservice.   Amy SP Wilson ** 32:18 Yeah, I can, I can agree, the word impaired is not the greatest term we want to be be using in that realm. And yeah, in in all my teaching of of self defense, the people coming up and grabbing is the number one frustration that that we deal with as a as a blind community, and it's the reason that people want to learn self defense, because they want to be able to figure out, how do I get myself out of this situation? And that's where you know verbal craft is that that first step of, if you can talk them down, that's that's the ideal situation. And then, of course, we're going to be bringing more choices of they don't want to do that. That's okay. We got some other skills. Yeah, yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 33:05 Well, and it's important to really learn to use all the skills that we have available, which is, of course, something that gets back to the whole issue of using your mind. And that's just something that all too often, well, if I were really abusive, I'd say that's something that every politician should learn to do, is use their mind, but they haven't learned that yet. So that's another story. But, oh, that was That was mean, but, but the reality is that that we need to learn to listen better than we do.   Amy SP Wilson ** 33:40 Well, I mean, the common thing is you have two ears and one mouth, because you're supposed to do twice as much listening, and that also plays a lot into the situational awareness is, you know, sometimes you have to just stop talking so you can pay attention to what, what is going on on around you, right? I know, like with my friends and my team. They know if I'm stopped talking, they need to start paying attention themselves, because I don't usually stop mid sentence. I'm like, wait a minute, what? You know, I start kind of perking my ears and, yeah, yeah, yeah. And we've got, we've created different code words and stuff like that to help, you know, everybody be on the same page, to support people in that, that journey too   Michael Hingson ** 34:21 cool. Well, it's important. So what are the basic core values, the the core things that go into safety, positive foundation and that kind of guide what you do.   Amy SP Wilson ** 34:33 So we have five core values. One is safety, of course, um, innovation, because we are, I've been told numerous times we are pioneering new paths with what we're we're bringing in, so that's and we're always looking for other other things that the community needs to bring in as well. We also have potential as one of them, because. Do believe in the potential of of people in general, and then we also have agency because we want we strongly believe in people having choices when it comes to their personal safety and authenticity. Is our last one, and this one, it it took a little bit to get everybody on board, because I am very authentic myself. And so they were like, we're not talking about you. And I'm like, I know that like but you know, people feel safer when they can be them, their authentic selves, and that's what we want to support, is you know you getting comfortable with you and knowing that you have those you know, choices, potential and and those things. So we, we strongly believe in our core values   Michael Hingson ** 35:55 and and having the ability, or learning to have the ability to analyze who you are, what you do, what you're doing, and when necessary, make changes or to reaffirm that what you do is a good thing, whatever it is.   Amy SP Wilson ** 36:11 Yes, yeah. So, you know, sometimes people need that permission to, you know, change their mind or be on the path that they're they're being on on our on our tea times. I am very well known for telling people, does anybody have questions, comments, concerns or emotional outburst? And because I want to give people that space to you know they need to just yell it out. Yell it out. We're here to support you. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 36:40 sometimes that's important and necessary to do absolutely. Why is the foundation called safety positive Foundation?   Amy SP Wilson ** 36:50 We created that name. And actually I created that name because I got tired of the fear mongering that was going on with the self defense organizations and programs that already existed in the blind community. In fact, I had been told one time that I needed to be more negative and in pitching, you know, and trying to scare people. And I'm like, I refuse. I will not do that. Our community is already scared enough. And No way am I, you know, going to hammer home all the the statistics and stuff like that, people, people already have fear. And so in that I played around with words, of course, I have SP in the middle of my my name. And so I was like, Well, you know, safety positive, like, we're all about safety. We want to be positive. And then one of my board members was like, well, we need to add, you know, foundation, because, you know, we're building a foundation here. And I'm like, there it is, safety, positive Foundation was born just based off of the collection of all that. There   Michael Hingson ** 38:14 you go. And and it works. How is it different from mother, self defense and similar kinds of organizations. Because I'm I'm sure that you feel that it is definitely different. Yes,   Amy SP Wilson ** 38:29 yes, we have created it different from the beginning. Because when we launched, we focused on psychological safety, it people would ask me, well, where's the hands on? I'm like, Nope, we're not, we're not doing it yet, because psychological safety needs to be that first step on your on your journey, especially if you have a lot of fear when it when it comes to personal safety. So that was the the mindset that we intentionally chose. The other thing that I would say that probably differentiates us is, of course, the choices and that as of right now, we don't have it to where you can sign up, pay a bunch of money and become an instructor in our program we're not interested in making making money off of that. We are interested in bringing people in as instructors at some point, and we've talked about doing that next year, but we want to be very mindful of how that approach works, because people have gotten trained in other programs, and then they go off and do their own thing, and we're like no, because we want to make sure that the curriculum you were teaching is safety, positive focus. We don't want people running off and trying to fear monger like they had been taught. Before. So that's that's our method to our madness.   Michael Hingson ** 40:05 Well, I may not know that the whole idea of fear is a subject that is near and dear to me, because recently, I published a new book called Live like a guide dog, true stories from a blind man and his dogs about being brave while becoming adversity and moving forward in faith. And the whole idea behind the book is to get people to understand that they can learn to control fear and that you don't need to have fear forced on you. And the reality is that all the negative aspects of fear that you've been talking about is what promotes fear. And I picked on politicians before, but that's what they do. They promote fear to a very large degree themselves, and promoting all this fear just makes people negative. They make it makes people be mistrustful. And the fact of the matter is that if we really learn to understand fear, which also is involved in developing the mind, as we've been talking about. But if we really focus on understanding fear, what we learn is that we can control fear, and that fear can be a very powerful tool to help us. So it isn't about not being afraid, it's about using that fear to focus and not let it, as I would say, blind or overwhelm you.   Amy SP Wilson ** 41:24 Yes, again, 100% agreeing with you on that, the more that you can. I'd say they're, they're, say, lean into the fear and make it your friend that you know that that helps so much. It's also part of that muscle memory of going, Okay, I don't need to be fearful in this situation. And we actually talk about that in our verbal craft training, how the brain, your brain state works when you know something happens to you, and how you can move through that   Michael Hingson ** 42:04 well, and that's exactly right. The issue is moving through it. I mean, just something happens. I mean, I was in the World Trade Center on September 11, and something happened. Right? So there's a lot to be afraid of, but if you prepare and learn to control your own mind, then that fear becomes a very powerful tool to help you focus and learning to listen to that inner voice is one of the most important things that we can ever do in our lives.   Amy SP Wilson ** 42:38 Yes, I I've actually used my personal safety training to help me to heal from some of my past traumas. And, you know, even to the point where practicing certain techniques that had been, you know, done on me to how do I get out of this? And that really, you know, at the, you know, the first few times, oh, yeah, anxiety was real high. And sure, the more you lean into it, the more you work through it, it can be helpful. The unfortunate part is, for some situations, like what you went through in 911 Ain't nobody preparing you for that   Michael Hingson ** 43:17 well, but not directly, but what you learn? But what what you learn? So like with me in September 11, I learned all about emergency evacuations. I learned all about where things were in the World Trade Center. And I learned just and I mentioned being in Boston and dealing with unexpected street crossings with cars coming, and all that you learn how to deal with surprise, yeah, and so it wasn't like there was anything magically brand new at the World Trade Center. So all of the skills, all of the life preparation for for me over the previous 51 years. Ooh, that gives away my age, but all that life preparation made it possible to learn to and actually control fear, so that I was able to use it in a constructive way, which is what the whole point is.   Amy SP Wilson ** 44:17 Yes, and that's why we, I think we've mentioned, like, the more you can learn, the more those things won't surprise you, and you're going to be ready to handle when life's throwing you curve balls,   Michael Hingson ** 44:30 right? And life tends to have a habit of doing that.   Amy SP Wilson ** 44:34 Yeah, universe has since humor that's pretty it does have a sense   Michael Hingson ** 44:39 of humor, but when it's throwing the curve balls, you can learn to hit those curve balls. So it's okay, yes, it's not a it's not a bad thing. How is the community reacting to safety, positive foundation and what you're doing and so on?   Amy SP Wilson ** 44:56 Overwhelming happiness in. Anytime I tell people we are here to offer choices, I've heard statements like, Finally, thank goodness. And I know from our trainings that that we offer it's been completely game changing for for people who went through our trainings, they they feel way more safe. We actually had one of our community people that flat out told me, if it was not for safety positive foundation, I would not have went to the National Federation of the Blind convention, because they just didn't feel like they were prepared. And I think it was a combination of learning things, and then, of course, us being there to help support them if something happened. But yeah, that was, I was floored when I heard that statement. I was like, do what that was. That was us. So we're bringing people out of their houses.   Michael Hingson ** 45:55 Well, things happen at conventions, and unfortunately, I don't know of any convention where things of one sort or another don't happen to one degree or another. So it is a matter of being prepared, but it's also a matter of monitoring yourself and knowing what you're going to allow yourself to get into and not get into to a degree as well. Yes,   Amy SP Wilson ** 46:17 absolutely. And like before we went, we had a safety briefing for our community to give them the rundown, and it was so overwhelming. I'm like, okay, apparently we're going to keep doing this because they they just they felt more prepared and safe for for those different things, and knew if something did happen, what policies procedures to follow, or who to who to be able to contact? Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 46:44 and the National Federation has become a little bit more aware, and yes, they have, has helped in that process, which is, which is also a good thing.   Amy SP Wilson ** 46:56 Yes, I would very much agree with that as well. But,   Michael Hingson ** 47:00 but people do need to really take responsibility for themselves and their own actions, and so doing what you do clearly helps, I would think so. So, what role do partnerships play in what you do, and how is that affecting everything?   Amy SP Wilson ** 47:20 So when we with our partners, we bring in different people for different reasons, but essentially, it's to make sure our community has more resources for their personal safety. For example, we have partnered with Ali slaughter, who teaches yoga that you know, yoga can be very beneficial in so many ways. We also have partnered with NaVi lens to start, start working with them, because they are a company that offers these special cute like their specialized QR codes, but it can help you to navigate different areas. But not only that, you can create your own it's not like you got to wait for the company to do it. So you can label things around your house, where it'll be able to you know which remote or which seasoning. And the part I really like is it does it in multiple different languages, so it's not just a one and done deal. And then we've also partnered. Our most recent partner is Penny forward, and they teach financial literacy for the blind. And I'm like, financial safety, it is a thing like we seems like a very natural partnership here. So, yeah, yeah, we're, again, we partner with with people that are interested and helping the blind community become more safe.   Michael Hingson ** 48:47 Do you just work with the blind community, or do sighted or any persons without traditional disabilities ever become involved and become students and so on?   Amy SP Wilson ** 48:58 So we actually, we've had some sighted people attend our trainings and and events, and we are working behind the scenes to develop some different trainings for sighted individuals so they can communicate and interact with the blind community in a safe fashion, or just the disabled community, but there's, there's so much information, you know, out there, I feel like a lot of sighted people kind of don't know where to go, how to how to do stuff, and so we wanted to build that bridge of communication between the sighted or the non disabled world and the disabled community. I'd also like to note that, you know blind people typically, blindness is not their only concern. You know, sometimes people have mental health struggles. You. People or other types of disabilities. So we do work with other disabilities as as a result, we're not we, because we're a not for profit and we're new. We got to sort of niche down to the blind community, but we are happy to serve the disabled community as well, because from what I'm learning all disabilities lack personal safety choices.   Michael Hingson ** 50:27 They do or think they do, or probably both, which is, which is, it amounts to the same thing. Yes, we met, certainly through the NFB convention. Then also, I know that Sheldon Lewis from accessibe has reached out to you guys and, and I don't know   Amy SP Wilson ** 50:45 that's you know, you made me forget about the I've my apologies to accessibe, but yes, they are also one of our newest partners, making, yeah, making our website accessible we're happy to share With our other friends and stuff like, yeah, I, I love Sheldon from from access to be. He's one of my new friends, whether he wants it or not, but yeah, it's, it's pleasure that we're, we're also working with access to be as well.   Michael Hingson ** 51:18 That's pretty cool. I haven't been to the site and looked at it yet. I should really go visit the website. But because I've been now with accessibe for, oh, three and a half years, it'll be four years in January. So having a lot of fun, and again, I like the philosophy that it deals with a variety of different kinds of disabilities. And you're right. The fact is that whether whether we bring it upon ourselves or it's real, and it's probably both, we end up not having a lot of choices that we should have. But I think that that's what we need to do, as you point out, is to learn to advocate for ourselves, to bring those choices back into our lives.   Amy SP Wilson ** 52:06 Yes, you know, when I was talking with Sheldon from accessibe about us partnering with them, I said, Absolutely, because not only will it ensure our website's accessible, but I'm happy to tell people about it, because when blind people cannot navigate a website, it, it plays a big role into their psychological safety. And I mean, I, I'm a Mental Health First Aid person, you know, certified person, and I my joke was I needed Mental Health First Aid training to go through the training like it stressed me out, because it was so inaccessible, and I had to have people continuously helping me. And I actually had to take the course twice because of the lack of accessibility that that first go around and had to have people help me and stuff. And I'm like, This is crazy, like, we definitely need to to promote that more. And I'm so glad that they're just, you know, willing to work with with non for profits that are serving the disabled space like that, that that is going to be game changing for so many people and help them to feel more psychologically safe in going to those websites, they're not going to get stressed out and figuring out, how do I navigate this? Nope. Accessibe has got you so,   Michael Hingson ** 53:31 you know, here's a question, and I've asked a number of people this, but I'm curious to hear your answer. You mentioned earlier that we're not really involved in a lot of the conversations, whether it be about self defense, whether it be about personal safety and so on. Why is it that that blind or in general, persons with disabilities aren't involved in the conversations?   Amy SP Wilson ** 53:55 That is a great question. And I think that for some topics, it goes back to fear of being vulnerable in sharing what, what you're afraid of, at least for for personal safety. For some topics, they're they're hot topics, we discuss weapons and safety positive foundation and tell people, if that's a choice you want, we're happy to have the conversation. But people think that talking about weapons means that people are going to start buying firearms and getting involved with it, or bad things can happen, and that's where I go back to the if we're having a conversation about it, you can ask your questions and not have that fear wrapped around those particular topics, but that would be my personal answer,   Michael Hingson ** 54:56 yeah, I think all too often, suddenly. Weapons are the easy answer, yes, but they're not, no, they're not at all. But that's what people think. And they think that's going to take care of all of their fears. And it just doesn't work that way,   Amy SP Wilson ** 55:11 because often and it's statistically backed up, you know, oftentimes, those things will get turned on you, especially if you're not doing ongoing practice, and that's part of that proactive philosophy we talk about in safety positive is if you're choosing to use any kind of tool or device, you better be practicing with it at least once a month, minimum. And depending on the tool we're recommending even stronger practicing. But you you know, you can't just buy a pepper spray, drop it in your purse and you're good. It's like, no, because what happens when they do come to grab you? You're going to be finagling and but yeah, and then   Michael Hingson ** 55:59 you aim it the wrong way because you're not used to it. Yep, exactly. And it's and it's so important that, well, again, it goes back to like what we talked about before, with the mind, which is the most important tool that we have. And if we don't develop that tool by constant, and I believe it has to be constant use and constant us teaching ourselves we're not going to improve with it.   Amy SP Wilson ** 56:28 Exactly you. I mean, we are blessed right now that we have as much technology at at our fingertips to be able to phone a friend or use that app to help us cross the street, whatever the case might be, but technology fails, and so you can't say that this is going to be my, my backup for for everything, or for one of the things that I've learned is you Can't take your pepper spray through, you know, TSA. And there's certain things that, no, no, no, TSA, don't like it. So if you get too used to one kind of tool, it gets taken well, then what do you do? You have to have your own, your own mind to go, okay, I can handle this without all the fancy gizmos and gadgets.   Michael Hingson ** 57:18 Yeah. And, and TSA does what it does generally, for pretty good reasons. Yes,   Amy SP Wilson ** 57:25 yes, yeah, I understand their method to the madness. Yeah, it's still frustrating. Oh,   Michael Hingson ** 57:30 I know it is. You come all prepared, and then they take it away from you when, yeah, yeah. So of course, the the answer to that is you've got to put it somewhere in a bag where it's not reachable while you're on the flight. But that's another story   Amy SP Wilson ** 57:48 conversation for another day. Not that I'm talking about a short list that they will things that will get through TSA, but   Michael Hingson ** 57:55 well, how? Let me ask this. Then I think a relevant question, what are the future goals for safety positive Foundation?   Amy SP Wilson ** 58:05 We want to be the safety institution for the mind community, and so that's why we're we're very interested in bringing on more choices for trainings and working with different partners. So you know, when people think of personal safety in the blind community, their first thought is safety positive Foundation,   Michael Hingson ** 58:35 and that's pretty important to be able to do for you what's been the most rewarding experience you've had with safety positive foundation,   Amy SP Wilson ** 58:46 I would have to say it's watching the community grow as individuals like I said, you know, the one person that said, you know, if It wasn't for safety positive, I and I've heard, you know, other people telling me that they they feel safer and just learning different stuff, and that that is the the paycheck for me when I know we're we're making a difference in in people's lives, sometimes it makes me want to cry. I get, you know, so overwhelmed, but I I essentially do not want people to go through what I've went through in my life. And so the more that we can reach people and offer those resources and trainings that again, that that's what's going to do it for me,   Michael Hingson ** 59:46 so especially for blind people. But in general, what would be the message that you would most like for the community to hear from you regarding safety and safety positive foundation? Yeah.   Amy SP Wilson ** 1:00:00 When it comes to, I guess, sharing with the sighted community, be aware I'm teaching them that no is a complete sentence, and they don't gotta give you their backstory of why they don't want to accept your help, and if somebody doesn't want to take your assistance. Don't take it personal. That you know, there's so many people who do take it personal. When you tell them, No, I've got this. It's not about you. It's about people having the dignity and respect for themselves to sometimes do things on their own, or talk to you about how maybe you can assist them in a in a in a different manner, but yeah, just just don't take it personal. And no, you're also probably going to mess up a time or two. You're not You're not always going to get it perfect, because I know me as a person in the community, I mess it up sometimes.   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:01 You know, there's a lot of value in getting lost. And I, I worked in the World Trade Center a lot to get lost, because when you get lost, then you gotta figure out, how did you get lost, and how do you get out of being lost, and people helping isn't going to give you that learning experience of recovering, or, you know, using what we call whole structured discovery. The bottom line is, yeah, yeah, go ahead. I   Amy SP Wilson ** 1:01:30 say. I love the structured discovery. My whole organization, my board, yeah, when, when they like. I've got a couple of sighted board members, and they were new to the blind community, but knew it needed, you know, they were the ones who convinced me to start this. But once they learned about structured discovery, they were like, This is awesome, like, because I tell them, you know, don't help people, let them figure it out. And they watch, and they learned real fast that, okay, yeah, there is a method to the madness here.   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:04 Yeah, it's, it's important to be able to deal with, deal with, with variety of things. And you're going to be best if you teach yourself how to recover from being lost very quickly. What is structured discovery?   Amy SP Wilson ** 1:02:24 So my understanding, because I've not been given the quote, unquote definition, is where you you have an environment to where you are, um, walking through it yourself and and discovering your your environment on your own with your your white cane, your your guide dog, but you're essentially like, yeah, discovering the the environment on your own accord. Michael, you might have a different answer, but that's that's my, my understanding well,   Michael Hingson ** 1:03:00 and the other part of it is you're walking along, you expect to be going somewhere, and suddenly you discover you're not where you thought you were, or you walk on grass and you didn't expect to be there. Structured discovery also teaches you how what you do is you step back, mentally and then physically. But you step back, you go back and retrace what you did to figure out where it is that you deviated from the path that you were expecting to be on. And it works very well.   Amy SP Wilson ** 1:03:33 I've used it and all the traveling I do, yes, I've gotten lost and had to backtrack. And how did we do this? Where did we go wrong? And believe me, I'll never forget those routes.   Michael Hingson ** 1:03:48 Tell me how. So how do people get involved in the safety positive foundation? If they would like to.   Amy SP Wilson ** 1:03:57 So there's a couple different options. You can go to our website, at safety positive fdn.org, you can also we have a YouTube channel with lots of videos on on different information, and we have our Facebook page, the Facebook page and our website has links where you can come In and be part of our safety positive guide community, or you can also email us, phone call, just don't say send smoke signals. We're not going   Michael Hingson ** 1:04:31 to get those. Yeah, don't raise your hand. Don't raise your hand. That doesn't work. No,   Amy SP Wilson ** 1:04:35 no, no. It's lost on us.   Michael Hingson ** 1:04:39 Yeah, it is on all of us, which is what's okay, it's always something to be learned. Well, I want to thank you for taking the time to be here with us for more than the last hour. It's been fun, and I hope that that people have learned something from it. We'll definitely get to see you next. At the NFB convention, I assume, and that'll be kind of fun too.   Amy SP Wilson ** 1:05:02 Yes, we're going to be there with bells on. There you   Michael Hingson ** 1:05:05 go. Well, we'll, we'll be there. Yeah, and, and I'll, I'll bring my dog over, and either he'll teach self defense or he'll learn self defense. I'm not, there we go. He'll probably be looking for ear scratches and nothing else. So it's okay. We all,   Amy SP Wilson ** 1:05:24 we all need a little love from time to time. Yeah, yeah, and he's   Michael Hingson ** 1:05:27 good at that. Well, well, thank you again for being here. This has been absolutely enjoyable, and if you've enjoyed listening to us, please let us know you can email me at Michael H I M, I C, H, A, E, L, H i at accessibe, A, C, C, E, S, S, I, B, e.com, you can also go to our podcast page, where there's a contact form, and that's w, w, w, dot Michael hingson.com/podcast, that's m, I, C, H, A, E, L, H, I N, G, S o, n.com/podcast. We'd love to hear from you, and wherever you're listening or monitoring our podcast today, I hope that you'll give us a five star review. We really value your reviews. We appreciate it if you know of anyone and Amy you as well. If you know of anyone who you think might be a good guest for the podcast, we'd like to hear from you. We'd like you to provide an introduction. We're always looking for people who want to come on and tell their stories and help all of us see why we're all more unstoppable than we think we are. So I want to thank you all for for that as well. And Amy, once again, really appreciate you being here today. This has been a lot of fun. I   Amy SP Wilson ** 1:06:38 appreciate it, and I will end with my two cents of keep it safe, keep it positive and keep it safe and positive.   **Michael Hingson ** 1:06:50 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com . AccessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for Listening. Please come back and visit us again next week. Amy SP Wilson, the trailblazer behind the Safety Positive Foundation, is revolutionizing personal safety for the blind and visually impaired community. Her journey began in March of 2023, but her path has been shaped by a diverse range of experiences. Some have been uplifting, while others have been challenging, but each one has served as a valuable lesson that propelled her towards the creation of the Safety Positive Foundation. Amy's commitment to personal safety has been a lifelong pursuit. From playfully wrestling with her cousins during her early years to becoming the first female wrestler at the Missouri School for the Blind in 1996, her passion for wrestling led her to the United States Association of Blind Athletes nationals in 1997, where she discovered Judo. In 1998, Amy proudly represented her country in the World Championships for the Blind in Judo, as a member of the inaugural women's Judo team of the USABA, all before graduating from high school. Unfortunately, Amy's eye condition, Stargardt's, prevented her from continuing her martial arts journey. Diagnosed at the age of 10 in 1992, she faced initial struggles. However, connecting with others who were also blind or visually impaired raised her expectations and inspired her to persevere. As life progressed, Amy earned her first bachelor's degree in psychology, only to become a survivor of domestic violence shortly thereafter. This was not her first experience as a survivor, and it is one of the primary reasons why she advocates for self-empowerment. Amy is deeply passionate about addressing the alarming rates of mental and emotional abuse within relationships involving individuals with disabilities. Amy's pursuit of knowledge led her to earn a second bachelor's degree in social work, providing her with valuable insights into developing systems within the Safety Positive Foundation. She consistently puts her education into practice, utilizing her expertise to make a difference. For the past decade, Amy has been involved in instructing and developing self-defense programs specifically designed for the blind and visually impaired. However, she found that these programs and organizations often had limited expectations for the BVI community, which did not align with her mission. Amy firmly believes that low expectations act as barriers, and she advocates for the BVI community to have unlimited choices when it comes to personal safety. Amy has dedicated her life to making this mission a reality for her community. She actively engages with the BVI community in various capacities, striving to enhance their lives as much as possible. Through the establishment of the Safety Positive Foundation, Amy shares her skills and empowers her community to embrace a safety-positive lifestyle. Ways to connect with Amy: Amy's digital business card link https://linqapp.com/ Book a meeting with me https://bit.ly/3LOviXT Website www.safetypositivefdn.org Facebook https://bit.ly/4fvKMO4 YouTube https://bit.ly/4d5FQy2 TikTok https://bit.ly/3LO9Ja1 LinkedIn https://bit.ly/4fvRbsE Instagram https://bit.ly/4duJq4B Contact info amyspwilson@safetypositivefdn.org 660-441-1907 About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset . Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes:

Talking with C. Michael Gibson, David Austin reviews the phase III trial of enalapril for anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in lymphoma and breast cancer patients.

A lot is going on in Washington, DC these days. In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Kristen Swearingen Vice President, Legislative & Political Affairs at the Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. and spokesperson for the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace joins host Peter List to discuss some of the issues, including the re-introduction of the PRO Act, Sen. Josh Hawley's “PRO Act-Lite” framework, as well as President Trump's nominee to head the Department of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer.__________________________LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio is a subscriber-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a subscriber here.

A lot is going on in Washington, DC these days. In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Kristen Swearingen Vice President, Legislative & Political Affairs at the Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc. and spokesperson for the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace joins host Peter List to discuss some of the issues, including the re-introduction of the PRO Act, Sen. Josh Hawley's “PRO Act-Lite” framework, as well as President Trump's nominee to head the Department of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer.LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio is subscriber-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, become a subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laborunionnews.substack.com/subscribe

COULD WE GET A NATIONAL RIGHT TO WORK BILL? The introduction of the National Right to Work Act in the U.S. House and Senate. The bill would end forced union dues payments for private sector employees across the country. Its introduction comes as a fight is brewing on Capitol Hill over Lori Chavez-DeRemer, whose confirmation hearing for Labor Secretary is coming up soon. Chavez-DeRemer backed the PRO Act when she was in Congress, which would have eliminated every state Right to Work law. I've got Mark Mix, the National Right to Work Committee President, on today to talk about the bill just introduced by Rand Paul. He's on at 1pm, follow them on X here or on Facebook here.

The "experts" are still trying to rewrite the narrative on the government response to COVID, and one of President Trump's picks supports the questionable PRO Act. Meanwhile, VP Vance had strong words for the Orwellian language controls in Germany, and DOGE continues to uncover corrupt and wasteful government spending.The Heartland Institute's Linnea Lueken, Jim Lakely, and Chris Talgo will discuss all of this and more on this episode of the In The Tank podcast.

Candidate for the Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeReamer, has confirmation hearing. The former "pro union" Congresswoman says she is about right to work and "choice" now. Do you believe her? Discussion of unions manipulating markets, the PRO Act, and Right to Work.  Democrats continue to struggle with relatability with the public. What will the future of the party look like during their identity crisis.   

Mark Mix from National Right To Work talks about Trump's nominee for Secretary of Labor, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon, and why she's a bad choice. Mark is urging Trump to reject a ploy by Big Labor to put Chavez-DeRemer in charge of overseeing the nation's labor policy. She's a union boss lackey who sold out American workers' individual rights during her tenure. Mark explains that Chavez-DeRemer tried to ingratiate the union political machine to boost her political fortunes, most notably by co-sponsoring the so-called “PRO Act,” which would expose millions more workers nationwide to the threat of being forced to pay union dues or be fired by eliminating state Right to Work laws nationwide. But her attempt to line union bosses’ pockets with forced union dues didn’t win over voters, who threw her out of office. The PRO Act’s other provisions provide more than enough evidence for why Chavez-DeRemer would jeopardize worker freedom if installed as Labor Secretary: The Act would wipe out the gig economy by subjecting independent contractors to union boss power, it would give union bosses far more power to seize power in a workplace without even letting workers vote on the matter, and it would gag employers during a union organizing drive so employees only hear union bosses’ side of the story, and much more. (https://www.nrtw.org/) (https://nrtwc.org/) NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

(7:05am) Mark Mix from National Right To Work talks about Trump's nominee for Secretary of Labor, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon, and why she's a bad choice. Mark is urging Trump to reject a ploy by Big Labor to put Chavez-DeRemer in charge of overseeing the nation's labor policy. She's a union boss lackey who sold out American workers' individual rights during her tenure. Mark explains that Chavez-DeRemer tried to ingratiate the union political machine to boost her political fortunes, most notably by co-sponsoring the so-called “PRO Act,” which would expose millions more workers nationwide to the threat of being forced to pay union dues or be fired by eliminating state Right to Work laws nationwide. But her attempt to line union bosses’ pockets with forced union dues didn’t win over voters, who threw her out of office. The PRO Act’s other provisions provide more than enough evidence for why Chavez-DeRemer would jeopardize worker freedom if installed as Labor Secretary: The Act would wipe out the gig economy by subjecting independent contractors to union boss power, it would give union bosses far more power to seize power in a workplace without even letting workers vote on the matter, and it would gag employers during a union organizing drive so employees only hear union bosses’ side of the story, and much more. (https://www.nrtw.org/) (https://nrtwc.org/) (7:20am) Good and bad suggestions for your Valentine's Day card! (7:35am) Are conservative or liberal women more content with their lives? (7:50am) Gabe says Not Today, Satan! NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Jim and Greg for 3 Martini Lunch as they analyze strong CBS poll numbers for President Trump, his controversial Labor Secretary pick, and their thoughts on Super Bowl LIX.First, they react to President Trump's positive poll numbers just three weeks into his term. Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan appeared less than pleased to report Trump's 53% approval rating and that 70% of Americans believe he's keeping his promises. They discuss how future polling will depend on Trump's handling of unexpected events and argue that the media's relentless negativity isn't swaying public opinion much at all.Next, they examine the push to derail Trump's Labor Secretary pick, former Oregon Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The National Right to Work Committee warns that she backs the PRO Act, which would ban the right to work without union membership and severely impact freelancers. They also question whether this nomination is a reward for some labor unions refusing Kamala Harris or whether Trump is shifting his stance on labor policy. But in all honesty, blocking this nomination will be very difficult. Finally, they break down Super Bowl LIX—from the Philadelphia Eagles' dominant win over the Kansas City Chiefs to commercials. Plus, Jim explains the not-so-subtle messaging inside Kendrick Lamar's halftime show while Greg wishes there wasn't a halftime show at all.Please visit our great sponsors:Oraclehttps://Oracle.com/MARTINICut your current Cloud bill in half if you move to OCI.  See if your company qualifies today.

What could a second Trump administration mean for HR and labor law? In this episode ofWhat the Heck is Happening in HR?, we break down the key nominations shaping the future of the Department of Labor (DOL) and beyond. We'll explore Keith Sonderling's nomination for Deputy Labor Secretary, Lori Chavez-DeRemer's stance on protecting the PRO Act, and potential shifts in the National Labor Relations Act.We also discuss the Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) program, what changes might come to the General Counsel for the National Labor Relations Board, and how AI is poised to become a priority in the DOL's future policies. Tune in to learn what these changes could mean for HR professionals and how to stay ahead of upcoming labor law developments.⁠Learn more about CTPE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast Disclaimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#USF #Business #Upskill #Reskill #HR #2025 #Employee #President #Nomination #Nominee #LaborPolicy #DepartmentOfLabor #HRCompliance #WorkplaceLaw #KeithSonderling #LoriChavezDeRemer #PROAct #NLRB #PayrollAudit #ArtificialIntelligence #HRTrends #EmploymentLaw #FutureOfWork #HRLeadership

Trump might get his cabinet after all.It was never going to be easy, many of them pulled from the Deep MAGA reserves doomed to offend the old guard who are developing carpel tunnel holding their nose through Trump's second administration. Others are lifelong Democrats who helped over the finish line but still inspire a stink eye from lifelong Republicans.Some confirmations were easy—Elise Stefanik sailed through, and Marco Rubio was unanimous. Others more controversial, like Pete Hegseth, who barely squeaked by. But throughout it all, two nominees had the lowest odds of making it through, Tulsi Gabbard and RFK Jr. That's because neither of them are Republicans, and in a Senate where the GOP holds a 53-47 edge, blocking a nomination means peeling off Republican votes, not relying on Democratic opposition. The Democrats could stomp their feet all they wanted—it didn't matter. But on this Tuesday, both have made it out of committee, thanks to key endorsements from influential figures within the GOP they both look to be on a narrow but assured path to the executive branch where they will serve at the pleasure of the president.Politics Politics Politics is free twice a week. Does it LOOK like news is only breaking twice a week? C'mon dude, get the two bonus episodes.Tulsi GabbardHer confirmation was boosted by Susan Collins, a senator unafraid to buck the Trump administration. Representing Maine—a state that's far from a deep-red stronghold—Collins' support was critical. It was enough to push Gabbard through committee on strict party lines. Beyond Collins, outreach from newly installed CIA Director John Radcliffe and Senator J.D. Vance helped smooth over concerns that arose during her confirmation hearing. The main sticking point? Her stance on Edward Snowden. Gabbard made it clear that she viewed Snowden as a criminal and would not recommend a pardon, but she stopped short of calling him a traitor. This led to a bizarre debate over whether she was sufficiently condemning Snowden, as some seemed to argue that unless she said the magic “traitor” word she was unqualified. Gabbard's confirmation has brought together one of the strangest coalitions I've seen on the right—far-right Republicans like Tom Cotton, staunch Never Trumpers like Meghan McCain, and figures like TuringPoint's Charlie Kirk. McCain even appeared on Kirk's radio show Monday to announce they'd team up to primary anyone who voted against Gabbard. That looks like it might not be necessary.RFK Jr. Unlike Gabbard, his confirmation hearing was messier. While Gabbard kept her composure, RFK Jr. approached it like a Kennedy: arrogantly. Democrats took their best shot, mostly by hammering him on vaccines, though their efforts were, frankly, ineffective. They made a lot of noise but didn't seem genuinely committed to blocking him. In the end, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, a Republican who voted to impeach Trump, decided he was comfortable enough with RFK Jr. to push him through committee.With that, Trump's cabinet is nearly complete. There's one more potential hurdle: a labor secretary nominee who previously supported the PRO Act and has drawn skepticism from Republicans. But compared to Tulsi and RFK, this is a much lower-profile battle.At the end of the day, this confirmation process has been tougher than what Trump faced in his first term, but his team has handled it deftly. The Democrats? They put up almost no real defense.Was that on purpose? I don't know. I suspect they don't either.Chapters00:00 Intro02:50 Tulsi and RFK safe?12:42 USAID21:04 Waffle House Raises Egg Prices25:46 Senate Takes Charge on Reconciliation Bills32:38 Chris Cillizza This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

This week on the podcast. Is the ProAct back in play?

Mike Ferguson in the Morning 12-11-24 Sean Higgins from CEI (Competitive Enterprise Institute) talks about Trump's pro-union pick for Labor Secretary, former mayor of Happy Valley, Oregon and current Oregon congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who supports the pro-union, anti-worker PRO Act. Higgins analyzes why she is not a good choice for the working class. Sean's blog article here: https://cei.org/blog/congresswoman-chavez-deremer-is-not-qualified-to-be-labor-secretary/ More from Sean here: https://cei.org/experts/sean-higgins/ More on CEI here: https://cei.org/ (https://chavez-deremer.house.gov/) NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Ferguson in the Morning 12-11-24 (6:05am) MORNING NEWS DUMP STL County Executive Sam Page takes on the County Council again as he tries to get the next County Prosecutor into office while Wesley Bell is STILL in office. Story here: https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/12/11/page-council-dispute-over-appointing-new-st-louis-county-prosecutor/ No bail for Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UHC CEO Brian Thompson.Reactions to Daniel Penny's not guilty jury verdict.Eliminate the Dept. of Education? Yes, please!!!Josh Hawley on the Trump Assassination Attempt Report.Today, Dec. 11, is the deadline for all states to confirm the presidential election results.House Speaker Mike Johnson comments on the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).Reports are circulating that the Cardinals are looking to unload Nolen Arenado in the off-season.Blues beat the Canucks in overtime 4-3 out in Vancouver. They're back at Enterprise Center Thursday night to host the San Jose Sharks at 7pm. (6:20am) We look at the Daniel Penny trial and the jury verdict of not guilty, and also the arrest of Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UHC CEO Brian Thompson. (6:35am) Sean Higgins from CEI (Competitive Enterprise Institute) talks about Trump's pro-union pick for Labor Secretary, former mayor of Happy Valley, Oregon and current Oregon congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who supports the pro-union, anti-worker PRO Act. Higgins analyzes why she is not a good choice for the working class. Sean's blog article here: https://cei.org/blog/congresswoman-chavez-deremer-is-not-qualified-to-be-labor-secretary/ More from Sean here: https://cei.org/experts/sean-higgins/ More on CEI here: https://cei.org/ (https://chavez-deremer.house.gov/) (6:50am) MORNING NEWS DUMP STL County Executive Sam Page takes on the County Council again as he tries to get the next County Prosecutor into office while Wesley Bell is STILL in office. Story here: https://www.firstalert4.com/2024/12/11/page-council-dispute-over-appointing-new-st-louis-county-prosecutor/ No bail for Luigi Mangione, the alleged killer of UHC CEO Brian Thompson.Reactions to Daniel Penny's not guilty jury verdict.Eliminate the Dept. of Education? Yes, please!!!Josh Hawley on the Trump Assassination Attempt Report.Today, Dec. 11, is the deadline for all states to confirm the presidential election results.House Speaker Mike Johnson comments on the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA).Reports are circulating that the Cardinals are looking to unload Nolen Arenado in the off-season.Blues beat the Canucks in overtime 4-3 out in Vancouver. They're back at Enterprise Center Thursday night to host the San Jose Sharks at 7pm. NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has made quick work of nominating potential cabinet members, and many of those picks – while controversial – are being met with nods – albeit sometimes lukewarm nods -- by both conservative voters and Republican legislators.One pick, however, stands out as being not only controversial but downright anti-conservative. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump's choice for Secretary of Labor, is a nominal Republican but supports legislation like the pro-unionboss PRO Act, and during her single term in Congress, co-sponsored the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, which National Review recently argued “would force the blue-state model of government unions onto red states.”Here to discuss this confusing nomination, why Trump may have chosen her, and what her chances are for confirmation are my colleague and labor expert Mike Watson and Mark Mix, President of the National Right to Work Committee.Links: Lori Chavez-DeRemer Wants to Ban the Red-State ModelPRO Act Just Gives Unions More PowerNational Right To Work CommitteeFollow Trump 45 Labor Policy, Not the Teamsters UnionFollow us on our socials: Twitter: @capitalresearchInstagram: @capitalresearchcenterFacebook: www.facebook.com/capitalresearchcenterYouTube: @capitalresearchcenter

In this Sunday conversation, Amanda and Nate dive into a wide range of topics, starting with the riveting assassination story of Leon Trotsky. They transition to political dialogues encompassing RFK Jr.'s recent nomination and its implications, the complexities of labor unions, libertarian principles, and governmental role in public health and agriculture. Enjoy this laid-back, unscripted discussion that explores both historical and contemporary issues with humor and depth. https://x.com/AjaxtheGriff (00:00) The Assassination of Trotsky (01:55) Lessons from Trotsky's Life (05:32) PhD Journey and Future Plans (07:00) Trump's Cabinet Picks and Politics (15:19) Trump's Establishment Ties (19:08) Libertarian Views on Government (24:45) Unions and Worker Empowerment (33:39) The PRO Act and Its Implications (42:49) The Capitalist Boogeyman and Union Dynamics (44:06) Decentralizing Unions for Worker Empowerment (44:58) Public Perception and Economic Ideologies (45:39) Behavior and Belief in Political Ideologies (48:16) The Role of Libertarian Causes (51:52) Government Regulations and Market Dynamics (54:29) The Complexities of Agricultural Subsidies (01:03:53) The Debate on Food Additives and Consumer Choice (01:13:53) The Power of Grassroots Movements

Ralph welcomes Marc Rotenberg, founder and president of the Center for AI and Digital Policy to fill us in on the latest international treaty aimed at putting guardrails on the potential Frankenstein monster that is Artificial Intelligence. Plus, as we get to the end of the Medicare enrollment period, we put out one last warning for listeners to avoid the scam that is Medicare Advantage.Marc Rotenberg is the founder and president of the Center for AI and Digital Policy, a global organization focused on emerging challenges associated with Artificial Intelligence. He serves as an expert advisor on AI policy to many organizations including the Council of Europe, the Council on Foreign Relations, the European Parliament, the Global Partnership on AI, the OECD, and UNESCO. What troubles me is the gap between an increasingly obscure, technical, and complex technology—abbreviated into “AI” —and public understanding. You know, when motor vehicles came and we tried to regulate them and did, people understood motor vehicles in their daily lives. When solar energy started coming on, they saw solar roof panels. They could see it, they could understand it, they could actually work putting solar panels on roofs of buildings. This area is just producing a massively expanding gap between the experts from various disciplines, and the power structure of corporatism, and their government servants and the rest of the people in the world.Ralph NaderThe difference between these two types of [AI] systems is that with the old ones we could inspect them and interrogate them. If one of the factors being used for an outcome was, for example, race or nationality, we could say, well, that's impermissible and you can't use an automated system in that way. The problem today with the probabilistic systems that US companies have become increasingly reliant on is that it's very difficult to actually tell whether those factors are contributing to an outcome. And so for that reason, there are a lot of computer scientists rightly concerned about the problem of algorithmic bias.Marc Rotenberg[The sponsors of California SB 1047] wanted companies that were building these big complicated systems to undertake a safety plan, identify the harms, and make those plans available to the Attorney General…In fact, I work with many governments around the world on AI regulation and this concept of having an impact assessment is fairly obvious. You don't want to build these large complex systems without some assessment of what the risk might be.Marc RotenbergWe've always understood that when you create devices that have consequences, there has to be some circuit breaker. The companies didn't like that either. [They said] it's too difficult to predict what those scenarios might be, but that was almost precisely the point of the legislation, you see, because if those scenarios exist and you haven't identified them yet, you choose to deploy these large foundational models without any safety mechanism in place, and all of us are at risk. So I thought it was an important bill and not only am I disappointed that the governor vetoed it, but as I said, I think he made a mistake. This is not simply about politics. This is actually about science, and it's about the direction these systems are heading.Marc RotenbergThat's where we are in this moment—opaque systems that the experts don't understand, increasingly being deployed by organizations that also don't understand these systems, and an industry that says, “don't regulate us.” This is not going to end well.Marc RotenbergIn Case You Haven't Heard with Francesco DesantisNews 11/27/241. Last week, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. According to a statement from ICC prosecutor Karim Khan, the international legal body found reasonable grounds to believe that each has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare and intentionally directing attacks against civilians. This news has been met with varied reactions throughout the world. These have been meticulously documented by Just Security. The United States, which is under no obligation to honor the warrant as it is not a party to the Rome Statute, has said it “fundamentally rejects” the judgment and has called the issuing of warrants “outrageous.” Canada, which is party to the Rome Statue has vowed to uphold their treaty obligations despite their close ties to Israel. Germany however, another signatory to the Rome Statute, has suggested that they would not honor the warrants. In a statement, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said the warrants are “long overdue” and signal that “the days of the Israeli apartheid government operating with impunity are ending.” One can only hope that is true.2. On November 21st, 19 Senators voted for at least one of the three Joint Resolutions of Disapproval regarding additional arms transfers to Israel. As Jewish Voice for Peace Action puts it, “this is an unprecedented show of Senate opposition to President Biden's disastrous foreign policy of unconditional support for the Israeli military.” The 19 Senators include Independents Bernie Sanders and Angus King, progressive Democrats like Elizabeth Warren, Chris Van Hollen and Raphael Warnock, and Democratic caucus leaders like Dick Durbin, among many others. Perhaps the most notable supporter however is Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, whom Ryan Grim notes is the only Democrat representing a state Trump won and who is up for reelection in 2026 to vote for the resolution. Ossoff cited President Reagan's decision to withhold cluster munitions during the IDF occupation of Beirut in a floor speech explaining his vote. The Middle East Eye reports that the Biden Administration deployed Democratic Senate Leader Chuck Schumer to whip votes against the JRD.3. Last week, we covered H.R. 9495, aka the “nonprofit killer” bill targeting pro-Palestine NGOs. Since then, the bill has passed the House. Per the Guardian, the bill passed 219-184, with fifteen Democrats crossing the aisle to grant incoming-President Trump the unilateral power to obliterate any non-profit organization he dislikes, a list sure to be extensive. Congressman Jamie Raskin is quoted saying “A sixth-grader would know this is unconstitutional…They want us to vote to give the president Orwellian powers and the not-for-profit sector Kafkaesque nightmares.” The bill now moves to the Senate, where it is unlikely to pass while Democrats cling to control. Come January however, Republicans will hold a decisive majority in the upper chamber.4. President-elect Donald Trump has announced his selection of Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer as his pick for Secretary of Labor. Chavez-DeRemer is perhaps the most pro-labor Republican in Congress, with the AFL-CIO noting that she is one of only three Republicans to cosponsor the PRO Act and one of eight to cosponsor the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act. Chavez-DeRemer was reportedly the favored choice of Teamsters President Sean O'Brien, who controversially became the first ever Teamster to address the RNC earlier this year. While her selection has been greeted with cautious optimism by many labor allies, anti-labor conservatives are melting down at the prospect. Akash Chougule of Americans for Prosperity accused Trump of giving “A giant middle finger to red states,” by “picking a teachers union hack” and urged Senate Republicans to reject the nomination.5. Unfortunately, most of Trump's selections are much, much worse. Perhaps worst of all, Trump has chosen Mehmet Cengiz Öz – better known as Dr. Oz – to lead the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Beyond his lack of qualifications and history of promoting crackpot medical theories, Oz is a longtime proponent of pushing more seniors into privatized Medicare Advantage, or “Disadvantage,” plans, per Yahoo! Finance. This report notes that the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 called for making Medicare Advantage the default health program for seniors.6. According to CNN, Brazilian police have arrested five people who conspired to assassinate leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, better known as Lula, in 2022. This assassination plot was allegedly cooked up even before Lula took office, and included plans to kill Lula's Vice President Geraldo Alckmin and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. The conspirators included a former high-ranking Bolsonaro advisor and military special forces personnel. Reuters reports investigators have discovered evidence that Bolsonaro himself was involved in the scheme.7. In more news from Latin America, Drop Site reports that the United States and Colombia engaged in a secretive agreement to allow the country's previous U.S.-backed conservative President Ivan Duque to utilize the Israeli Pegasus spyware for internal surveillance in the country. Details of the transaction and of the utilization of the spyware remain “murky,” but American and Colombian officials maintain it was used to target drug-trafficking groups and not domestic political opponents. Just two months ago, Colombia's leftist President Gustavo Petro delivered a televised speech revealing details of this shadowy arrangement, including that the Duque government flew $11 million cash from Bogotá to Tel Aviv. As Drop Site notes, “In Colombia, there's a long legacy of state intelligence agencies surveilling political opposition leaders. With the news that the U.S. secretly helped acquire and deploy powerful espionage software in their country, the government is furious at the gross violation of their sovereignty. They fear that Colombia's history of politically motivated surveillance, backed by the U.S. government, lives on to this day.”8. Following the Democrats' electoral wipeout, the race for new DNC leadership is on. Media attention has mostly been focused on the race to succeed Jamie Harrison as DNC Chair, but POLITICO is out with a story on James Zogby's bid for the DNC vice chair seat. Zogby, a longtime DNC member, Bernie Sanders ally and president of the Arab American Institute has criticized the party's position on Israel and particularly of the Kamala Harris campaign's refusal to allow a Palestinian-American speaker at this year's convention. He called the move “unimaginative, overly cautious and completely out of touch with where voters are.” This report notes Zogby's involvement in the 2016 DNC Unity Reform Commission, and his successful push to strip substantial power away from the so-called superdelegates.9. Speaking of Democratic Party rot, the Lever reports that in its final days the Biden Administration is handing corporations a “get out of jail free card.” A new Justice Department policy dictates that the government will essentially look the other way at corporate misconduct, even if the company has “committed multiple crimes, earned significant profit from their wrongdoing, and failed to self-disclose the misconduct — as long as the companies demonstrate they ‘acted in good faith' to try to come clean.” This is the logical endpoint of the longstanding Biden era soft-touch approach intended to encourage corporations to self-police, an idea that is patently absurd on its face. Public Citizen's Corporate Crime expert Rick Claypool described the policy as “bending over backward to protect corporations.”10. Finally, on November 23rd lawyer and former progressive congressional candidate Brent Welder posted a fundraising email from Bernie Sanders that immediately attracted substantial interest for its strong language. In this note, Sanders writes “The Democrats ran a campaign protecting the status quo and tinkering around the edges…Will the Democratic leadership learn the lessons of their defeat and create a party that stands with the working class[?]…unlikely.” The email ends with a list of tough questions, including “should we be supporting Independent candidates who are prepared to take on both parties?” Many on the Left read this as Bernie opening the door to a “dirty break” with the Democratic Party, perhaps even an attempt to form some kind of independent alliance or third party. In a follow-up interview with John Nichols in the Nation, Sanders clarified that he is not calling for the creation of a new party, but “Where it is more advantageous to run as an independent, outside of the Democratic [Party]…we should do that.” Whether anything will come of this remains to be seen, but if nothing else the severity of his rhetoric reflects the intensity of dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party in light of their second humiliating defeat at the hands of a clownish, fascistic game show host. Perhaps a populist left third party is a far-fetched, unachievable goal. On the other hand, how many times can we go back to the Democratic Party expecting different results. Something has got to give, or else the few remaining pillars of our democracy will wither and die under sustained assault by the Right and their corporate overlords.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

In yet another surprise appointment, President-Elect Trump has nominated an outgoing member of Congress, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon, to run the Labor Department. Ironically, she is one of a small handful of Republicans to vote for the PRO Act, organized labor's signature piece of legislation in years. To say the least, the nomination is causing significant consternation in the business community. We'll take a deep dive into that. And Waffle House filed a lawsuit against the National Labor Relations Board questioning the consitutionality of the Board and charging that employers are denied due process. What does this mean to pending unfair labor practice accusations against the company as well as the broader corporate campaign being waged against it by the Southern Service Workers union? We'll take a look at that as well. We'll talk about those issues and wrap it up with the legislative scorecard.

Picking a PRO-Act supporting, amnesty and Big Government-loving, one-term Congresswoman as the next labor secretary has many people scratching their heads.On Friday evening, much to the surprise of the business community and millions of independent contractors, President-elect Donald Trump nominated a one-term Congresswoman, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore), to become Trump's Secretary of Labor.Despite her seeming lack of qualifications, Chavez-DeRemer's pick is surprising to many people due to her…Backing of the PRO ActSupport for nationalizing public-sector labor lawReported backing of amnesty for undocumented migrantsAs the nomination was fully supported by the Teamsters' union president Sean O'Brien, the Wall Street Journal editorial board even penned a piece entitled: Trump's Labor Choice: Unions Over Workers.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Jennifer Van Laar, the managing editor of RedState.com joins host Peter List to discuss Trump's puzzling pick.__________________________LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio is a subscriber-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a subscriber here.

Join Jim and Greg on 3 Martini Lunch as they break down two bad martinis and a crazy one to kick off the week. They dig into two controversial Trump cabinet picks, a razor-thin GOP House majority, and the State Department's taxpayer-funded therapy sessions after Trump's win.First, they assess Trump's latest cabinet picks, praising Russ Vought for Office of Management and Budget and Dr. Marty Makary for the Food and Drug Administration, while expressing major concerns about Lori Chavez-DeRemer as Secretary of Labor due to her anti-Right to Work stance and Scott Bessent for Treasury, given his ties to George Soros.Next, they analyze the very narrow House Republican majority in the coming Congress, with three races still unresolved and three looming GOP vacancies. They explain why this slim margin leaves little room for defections or other unexpected setbacks over the next two years.Finally, they react to reports of the State Department hosting therapy sessions, including a "cry session," for employees struggling to cope with Trump's victory—on the taxpayers' dime. Jim calls for lefties to gain a little perspective on dealing with election results, while Greg suggests clearing out partisan bureaucrats in supposedly neutral roles.Please visit our great sponsors:Omahahttps://omahasteaks.comVisit OmahaSteaks.com and save 50% sitewide plus get an extra $30 off with promo code 3ML and a $30 reward card when you shop early.  Minimum purchase may apply.  

In this episode of Good Morning Liberty, Chuck and Nathaniel discuss the latest in libertarian news, including Trump's controversial cabinet picks for his upcoming administration and the implications for the libertarian movement. The hosts debate the impact of recent political events, speculate on future outcomes, and discuss possible strategies for advancing libertarian principles. They also touch on Dave Smith's influence, the recent online debate involving prominent libertarians, and the potential consequences of the Pro Act. Join the discussion and hear their perspectives on navigating the political landscape as libertarians. (02:02) Political Speculations and Frustrations (03:50) Trump's Cabinet Picks and Libertarian Promises (06:22) Libertarian Identity Debate (12:01) Trump's Liberal Cabinet (17:13) The PRO Act Controversy (23:12) Discussion on the Pro Act and Red Flag Laws (24:11) Libertarian Perspectives on Trump and Red Flag Laws (26:22) Libertarian Party's Influence and Internal Dynamics (29:03) Dave Smith's Impact and Libertarian Strategies (30:28) Chase Oliver's Views and Libertarian Strategy Debate (36:21) Speculations on Future Political Moves (40:19) Reflections on Political Choices and Principles (41:39) Closing Thoughts and Holiday Reflections

Mark Mix is president of the National Right to Work Committee. His group has been warning against a possible Trump nomination of Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR) as Secretary of Labor because she was one of only 3 Republicans to support the horrific "PRO Act" which is designed to strengthen labor unions and end right-to-work laws across the country. She served one term in Congress before losing re-election a few weeks ago.This weekend, Trump nominated Chavez-DeRemer for Labor Secretary. It's payback to the Teamsters for not endorsing anyone in the presidential race and it's a gift to the worst organizations (at least among organizations that aren't illegal) in America: teachers unions. It's hard to imagine a worse choice by a Republican president.Committee President to Trump: Don't Put Anti-Right to Work Congresswoman in Charge of Your Labor Department - NRTWCTrump's Labor Choice: Unions Over Workers - WSJ

This Day in Legal History: President Johnson Impeachment InquiryOn November 25, 1867, the U.S. Congress took a historic step by convening a commission to investigate the potential impeachment of President Andrew Johnson. Johnson, who assumed the presidency after Abraham Lincoln's assassination, had clashed repeatedly with the Republican-controlled Congress over Reconstruction policies aimed at rebuilding the South and securing rights for freed slaves. His lenient approach toward former Confederate states and frequent vetoes of civil rights legislation had alienated many lawmakers. Tensions escalated further when Johnson violated the Tenure of Office Act by attempting to dismiss Secretary of War Edwin Stanton, a move seen as a direct challenge to Congressional authority.The commission's work marked the first time Congress seriously considered removing a sitting president, reflecting deep divisions over how the nation should recover from the Civil War. The inquiry led to the drafting of articles of impeachment, ultimately culminating in Johnson's trial in the Senate in 1868. Johnson narrowly avoided removal from office, surviving by a single vote. The case set important precedents for the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches and highlighted the political weaponization of impeachment during times of national discord.Johnson's impeachment inquiry remains a pivotal moment in U.S. legal history, offering insights into the challenges of governing during a period of profound societal transformation.Donald Trump's legal situation is entering unprecedented territory following his victory in the November 5 presidential election. A Manhattan judge has indefinitely delayed sentencing in the hush money case, where Trump was convicted in May of 34 felony counts for falsifying business records. Prosecutors and defense attorneys both acknowledged the complications of continuing the case as Trump prepares to begin his second term. His lawyers argue the case impairs his ability to govern, calling for its dismissal, while prosecutors agree he should have time to present written motions.The case, centered on hush money paid to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election, marks the first criminal conviction of a U.S. president. Trump pleaded not guilty and has consistently framed the prosecution as politically motivated. His sentencing had been scheduled for next week, but no new date has been set. Adding to the complexity, Trump's re-election raises logistical and political challenges for sentencing or pursuing a prison term. Legal experts had earlier predicted financial penalties or probation were more likely, but these options now seem even less practical. Meanwhile, Trump faces ongoing state and federal cases, including in Georgia and over classified documents, though his presidency gives him limited ability to halt state prosecutions.This combination of legal peril and political power creates a situation without historical parallel, underlining the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Trump's return to the White House. Trump may seek dismissal of hush money case, sentencing delayed | ReutersThe U.S. Department of Justice is making its closing arguments in the antitrust trial against Google, alleging the tech giant unlawfully monopolized online advertising technology. Prosecutors argue Google dominated markets for publisher ad servers, advertiser networks, and ad exchanges, stifling competition. The trial, which began in September, included testimony from publishers who said they felt locked into Google's ecosystem due to its unparalleled reach and influence over advertising demand.Google counters that the government is misinterpreting antitrust laws, focusing on older business practices, and penalizing the company for innovations that shaped the ad tech market. A ruling against Google could force it to sell key assets, such as Google Ad Manager, which integrates its publisher ad server and ad exchange.This case is part of broader scrutiny, including a separate ruling that Google holds an illegal monopoly in online search. While the advertising case is seen as a lesser financial risk compared to search-related claims, its outcome could reshape the company's ad tech dominance. Google has already proposed selling its ad exchange to appease European regulators, though the offer was deemed inadequate by publishers.Google's US antitrust trial over online ad empire draws to a close | ReutersDonald Trump has nominated Republican Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon to serve as Secretary of Labor in his upcoming administration. Chavez-DeRemer, a one-term congresswoman and former mayor of Happy Valley, Oregon, would lead the Department of Labor (DOL) in a significant policy shift from the Biden administration's worker-focused enforcement strategies to a more business-oriented approach. If confirmed, she is expected to roll back Biden-era labor regulations, including expanded overtime pay eligibility and stricter rules on gig worker classification.Chavez-DeRemer has a complex political record, blending pro-labor and pro-business stances. Notably, she supported the PRO Act, a union-backed bill opposed by many Republicans and businesses for proposing stricter penalties for labor law violations and federalizing California's strict “ABC” test for classifying workers. This stance earned her the endorsement of Teamsters President Sean O'Brien but has also sparked criticism from business groups, raising questions about her alignment with Trump's agenda. Some industry leaders, citing her support for the PRO Act, have signaled they may oppose her nomination.Beyond labor law enforcement, Chavez-DeRemer would oversee the DOL as it addresses emerging issues such as artificial intelligence's impact on workers. The Biden administration offered preliminary guidance on AI's legal and ethical risks, but substantive regulation remains uncharted territory.Her nomination reflects Trump's intention to appeal to a broader coalition, including workers disillusioned by traditional Republican policies, but it risks alienating key business allies. Trump Taps Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer to Head Labor Department (1)Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Donald Trump's upcoming administration is generating excitement among mass tort lawyers, who view his consumer advocacy and skepticism of corporate power as a potential boon for their work. Kennedy, a former trial attorney with a background in environmental and personal injury cases, has long challenged the pharmaceutical industry and supported stricter regulations on food and drug safety. His confirmation could signal a shift in how HHS agencies, including the FDA and CDC, regulate products and interact with corporate interests.Mass tort lawyers are optimistic that Kennedy's leadership might weaken defenses used by drugmakers in lawsuits and prompt stricter oversight of harmful products. They also see an opportunity for him to address "regulatory capture," the influence of industry over federal agencies, by closing the revolving door between regulatory bodies and companies like Pfizer or Johnson & Johnson. However, Kennedy's controversial stance on vaccines, including criticism of Gardasil and distrust of immunization programs, raises concerns about his potential policies.Kennedy's nomination reflects an unusual alignment of pro-consumer priorities with a Republican administration, complicating predictions about his influence. While some in the plaintiffs' bar welcome his appointment, others note potential conflicts with traditional GOP positions that favor corporate interests. Trump's own unpredictability adds uncertainty about how much leeway Kennedy will have to reshape health regulations. If confirmed, Kennedy would oversee more than 80,000 employees and could influence decisions on drug approvals, liability shields, and existing regulatory frameworks, possibly creating new pathways for litigation against corporate defendants.RFK Jr. as Health Chief Excites Mass Tort Lawyers Eager to Sue This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Mike Ferguson in the Morning 11-22-24 (6:05am) Financial planner (and Florida resident) Paul Curtman joins us to talk about Trump's Florida pipeline for his administration nominations as Matt Gaetz is now out and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi is now in. Paul also looks at the Trump tax cuts and what may happen to them in the new year. (https://www.paulcurtman.com) (@paulcurtman)     (6:20am) Actor Jussie Smollet is now a free man as the Illinois Supreme Court, for some inexplicable reason, overturned his 2019 conviction. Story here: https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/nation-world/jussie-smolletts-conviction-overturned-2019-attack-on-himself/507-986e502b-99b0-4354-9e81-83ed5361cb81   Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is suing another local government over their new gun control law. He's suing Jackson County (KC area) over the gun ban on people under 21. Story here: https://www.kctv5.com/2024/11/21/missouri-ag-sue-jackson-county-over-gun-ban-people-under-21-years-old/     (6:35am) Mark Mix from National Right To Work talks about a letter he sent to President Trump urging him to reject a ploy by Big Labor to put Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon in charge of overseeing the nation's labor policy. Chavez-DeRemer is a union boss lackey who sold out American workers' individual rights during her tenure. As Mark's letter explains, Chavez-DeRemer tried to ingratiate the union political machine to boost her political fortunes, most notably by co-sponsoring the so-called “PRO Act,” which would expose millions more workers nationwide to the threat of being forced to pay union dues or be fired by eliminating state Right to Work laws nationwide. But her attempt to line union bosses' pockets with forced union dues didn't win over voters, who threw her out of office. The PRO Act's other provisions provide more than enough evidence for why Chavez-DeRemer would jeopardize worker freedom if installed as Labor Secretary: The Act would wipe out the gig economy by subjecting independent contractors to union boss power, it would give union bosses far more power to seize power in a workplace without even letting workers vote on the matter, and it would gag employers during a union organizing drive so employees only hear union bosses' side of the story, and much more. (https://www.nrtw.org/) (https://nrtwc.org/)     (6:50am) MORNING NEWS DUMP It was a wild 18 hours in politics as Matt Gaetz steps out and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi steps in as Trump's nominee for Attorney General. MO AG Bailey is going to court to challenge a gun control law in Jackson County, MO (KC area).   The Jussie Smollet conviction from 2019 has been overturned by the Illinois Supreme Court...because, you know, Chicago is filled with MAGA Republicans who lurk underground on Lower Wacker Drive.  The effort to kick St. Louis County Councilman Dennis Hancock out of office is withdrawn.  Blues beat the San Jose Sharks 3-2 in a shootout at Enterprise Center. Up next: The Islanders in New York City on Saturday at 6:30pm CT.     NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Ferguson in the Morning 11-22-24 Mark Mix from National Right To Work talks about a letter he sent to President Trump urging him to reject a ploy by Big Labor to put Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer of Oregon in charge of overseeing the nation's labor policy. Chavez-DeRemer is a union boss lackey who sold out American workers' individual rights during her tenure. As Mark's letter explains, Chavez-DeRemer tried to ingratiate the union political machine to boost her political fortunes, most notably by co-sponsoring the so-called “PRO Act,” which would expose millions more workers nationwide to the threat of being forced to pay union dues or be fired by eliminating state Right to Work laws nationwide. But her attempt to line union bosses' pockets with forced union dues didn't win over voters, who threw her out of office. The PRO Act's other provisions provide more than enough evidence for why Chavez-DeRemer would jeopardize worker freedom if installed as Labor Secretary: The Act would wipe out the gig economy by subjecting independent contractors to union boss power, it would give union bosses far more power to seize power in a workplace without even letting workers vote on the matter, and it would gag employers during a union organizing drive so employees only hear union bosses' side of the story, and much more. (https://www.nrtw.org/) (https://nrtwc.org/)     NewsTalkSTL website: https://newstalkstl.com/ Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsTalkSTL Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NewstalkSTL Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewsTalkSTL Livestream 24/7: bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us on this episode of DriveThruHR as we sit down with Kim Kavin, (X)co-founder of the Fight For Freelancers coalition and a leading voice in the movement to protect the rights of independent contractors. Kim shares her journey into advocacy and offers sharp insights into the challenges posed by sectoral organizing and freelance-busting legislation, such as California's AB5, the Massachusetts ballot measure, and the PRO Act. We'll explore why these legislative efforts have sparked such fierce debates, what they mean for the future of freelance work, and how policymakers can find balanced, bipartisan solutions. Kim also discusses the workforce transformation from 1955 to 2025, emphasizing the growing need for a labor policy that respects the rights of both traditional employees and independent contractors. If you're a freelancer, small business owner, or HR professional, this conversation is packed with practical advice on how to get involved, protect your rights, and help shape the future of work. Don't miss this engaging and informative discussion with one of the leading advocates for America's independent workforce! Tune in to learn how we can ensure everyone has a seat at the labor policy table.

Teamsters President Sean O'Brien is recommending Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican, to lead the Department of Labor under the incoming Trump administration.She is an odd choice for Trump to consider, given her backing of the economy-destroying PRO Act, and she has already garnered much criticism from many people and groups, including independent contractor advocates.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Michael Saltsman, a partner with Berman & Co. joins host Peter List to discuss what is driving the push behind Chavez-DeRemer, as well as why she would be a bad choice for the incoming Trump administration.Related: * Teamsters president pushing Chavez-DeRemer for Labor secretary * Lori Chavez-DeRemer touted for US Labor Secretary* Employers' group tees off on Chavez-DeRemer amid Labor secretary chatter* Don't Let the Teamsters Pick the Labor Secretary* Independent Contractors Sound the Alarm: PRO-Act Sponsor Lori-Chavez-DeRemer Is Not Fit to Be Labor Secy* Make America Work AgainLaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio is subscriber-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, become a subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laborunionnews.substack.com/subscribe

Teamsters' President Sean O'Brien—and the AFT's Randi Weingarten—want a pro-union former Congresswoman to head Donald Trump's Department of Labor.Teamsters President Sean O'Brien is recommending Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, an Oregon Republican, to lead the Department of Labor under the incoming Trump administration.She is an odd choice for Trump to consider, given her backing of the economy-destroying PRO Act, and she has already garnered much criticism from many people and groups, including independent contractor advocates.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Michael Saltsman, a partner with Berman & Co. joins host Peter List to discuss what is driving the push behind Chavez-DeRemer, as well as why she would be a bad choice for the incoming Trump administration.Related: Teamsters president pushing Chavez-DeRemer for Labor secretaryLori Chavez-DeRemer touted for US Labor SecretaryEmployers' group tees off on Chavez-DeRemer amid Labor secretary chatterDon't Let the Teamsters Pick the Labor SecretaryIndependent Contractors Sound the Alarm: PRO-Act Sponsor Lori-Chavez-DeRemer Is Not Fit to Be Labor SecyMake America Work Again__________________________LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio is a subscriber-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a subscriber here.

Picking a PRO-Act supporting, amnesty and Big Government-loving, one-term Congresswoman as the next labor secretary has many people scratching their heads.On Friday evening, much to the surprise of the business community and millions of independent contractors, President-elect Donald Trump nominated a one-term Congresswoman, Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-Ore), to become Trump's Secretary of Labor.Despite her seeming lack of qualifications, Chavez-DeRemer's pick is surprising to many people due to her…Backing of the PRO ActSupport for nationalizing public-sector labor lawReported backing of amnesty for undocumented migrantsAs the nomination was fully supported by the Teamsters' union president Sean O'Brien, the Wall Street Journal editorial board even penned a piece entitled: Trump's Labor Choice: Unions Over Workers.In this episode of Labor Relations Radio, Jennifer Van Laar, the managing editor of RedState.com joins host Peter List to discuss Trump's puzzling pick.__________________________LaborUnionNews.com's Labor Relations Radio is a subscriber-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a subscriber here.

Send us a textIn this episode we are excited to branch out and have a discussion with Kim Warma, the President of Pro-ACT, Inc. Pro-ACT is a widely used crisis management curriculum that has been used in various settings from schools to hospitals to group homes/residential facilities and many more. We personally have experience utilizing the Pro-ACT curriculum, training the principals for over 10 years for multiple ABA companies, and can vouch for its value with increasing safety and improving company culture. Under continuous development since 1975, Pro-ACT has evolved over the past 50 years concurrent with the improvement of Civil Rights for individual's needing additional support to become the pinnacle training for crisis management, focusing on maintaining dignity and respect for the people that we serve. Mike and Dan discuss with Kim this change in mentality and increase in dignity as well as how we can all work to manage challenging behaviors safely while respecting the people that we serve. A great quote of 'who's needs are we meeting' from Kim becomes a common theme of this discussion. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this unique brew safely. When you're done please visit www.proacttraining.com to check out their services and curriculum and if it's a good fit for you. 

Trump offers darkness, Harris offers optimism on election eve in America; Despite the hype, noncitizens aren't voting in Wisconsin; KY labor unions want the next administration to support the PRO Act; the future of public education is on the line in NH governor's race.

In this episode of the JACC: CardioOncology Podcast, Antonio Cannata discusses the PROACT clinical trial, which investigated the effectiveness of enalapril in preventing cardiac damage in breast cancer and lymphoma patients undergoing anthracycline therapy. Despite neutral results, the conversation delves into the challenges of defining myocardial injury and emphasizes the need for improved risk stratification and innovative trial designs in future research.

How Much Will the Harris/Walz Pro-Labor Stance Help Get Them Elected With 70% of Americans Approving of Unions? | America's Growing Economic Inequality | The Democratic Party Will Need a House and Senate Majority to Pass the PRO Act for President Harris to Sign

On this edition of Parallax Views, Ben Burgis, Jacobin columnist and host of the Youtube show Give Them an Argument, returns to discuss a potpourri of topics and revisit his 2022 article in The Daily Beast entitled "J.D. Vance's Unbelievably Phony Populism". And, yes, we'll also cover Joe Biden dropping out and his apparent replacement in the race, Kamala Harris. Where should the Democrats go next if they hope to win? And what should Democratic Party messaging be as we head into the heart of election season? We'll also discuss the Republican National convention including the circus like inclusion of pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan and the speech made by Teamsters union leader Sean O'Brien that has sparked much debate. We'll talk the records of Josh Hawley and JD Vance, rhetoric vs. records, fake antiwar sentiments amongst Republicans (and the hawkish elements in the GOP saber-rattling for a war with Iran and China), Biden's immigration record, Gaza, antitrust lawsuit and labor in the era of the Joe Biden Presidency, the GOP's deregulatory agenda and the impacts it'll have on workers, Ron DeSantis' assault on worker's rights in Florida, forever chemicals (PFAS) and Project 2025, Josh Hawley's copyright reform BUT only to target Disney, why JD Vance doesn't support the pro-labor PRO Act and Ben's response to that, the opioid epidemic and deaths of despair, and much, much more!

Over two million people tuned in to see if an 81-year-old man would fall on his face at Thursday night's press conference. Instead, they received a deep-dive lecture on foreign policy. That's more than the TV audience for the Oscars. Now, Democrats are finally pushing back against Trump's fascist blueprint, Project 2025, with their own 100-day plan for 2025, most of which can only be passed if Democrats win control of both chambers of Congress. Still, Biden voicing these solutions while the world scrutinizes his every step and gaffe promotes a culture of change we desperately need to rebuild our democracy. Much of Biden's plan can also be implemented on the state level, where Democrats have increasingly expanded their power, thanks to grassroots efforts. These next four weeks, as we head into the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, will be the last window of opportunity to replace Biden. Expect a continued bloodbath in the press as centrist Democrats, allegedly paid off by megadonors, continue their sabotage of Biden's campaign and pro-labor agenda to rebuild the middle class. As Minnesota House candidate Will Stencil wrote on Twitter: “What makes this so depressing is that if you stop doing theater criticism on the strength of his voice or whatever, this is a clip of a US president strongly defending a working-class economic boom he successfully fought to create. And no one wants to hear that or seems to care.” Meanwhile, leading Black women voices, like Nikole Hannah-Jones, creator of the 1619 Project, and Stacey Abrams, continue to push back. Jones wrote on Twitter: “This is what I am hearing from so many Black Americans and especially Black women who feel 1) that their vote, decision, and concerns are being undermined by non-Black people in the Democratic Party, 2) that too many people reporting and commenting do not seem to understand the stakes, and 3) that perhaps the polling is reflecting a Democratic Party that is attacking its own candidate rather than the opposing one.” Several new polls show Biden ahead of Trump, and reports say that his press conference reassured jittery megadonors. Was the Biden panic ultimately good for Biden? Terrell Starr of the essential Black Diplomats Podcast & Substack joins Gaslit Nation, days after returning home from Ukraine, to help us make sense of this sh*tshow and where we go from here. Questions from Gaslit Nation listeners subscribed at the Democracy Defender level and higher are shared on the show, along with comments and questions in the chat of this special live-taping. Stay tuned for more live-taping announcements soon! And see everyone at Gaslit Nation's phonebank with Indivisible this Thursday, July 18th at 7 PM, hot off the heels of the MAGA cult rally in Wisconsin! RSVP here to join us: https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/628701/  Want to listen to the full episode and receive all bonus shows ad-free and more? Subscribe at Patreon.com/Gaslit to join our community of listeners, get bonus shows and all episodes ad free, invites to exclusive events, submit questions to our regular Q&As, and more! Thank you to everyone who supports the show – we could not make Gaslit Nation without you! Show Notes: The Cult Age: Interview with Cult Expert Dr. Janja Lalich https://www.gaslitnationpod.com/episodes-transcripts-20/2022/4/13/cults-dr-janja-lalich   Sahil Kapur, Senior National Political Reporter, for NBC News: “In Detroit, Biden pitches his 100-day plan for 2025: Restore Roe v. Wade. Pass the John Lewis voting rights bill and Freedom To Vote Act. Eliminate medical debt. Raise minimum wage. Pass the PRO Act. Ban assault weapons. "Keep leading the world" on climate change & clean energy.” https://x.com/sahilkapur/status/1811912368944799946   Will Stancil on Twitter: “What makes this so depressing is that if you stop doing theater criticism on the strength of his voice or whatever, this is a clip of a US president strongly defending a working-class economic boom he successfully fought to create. And no one wants to hear that or seems to care.” https://x.com/whstancil/status/1811552005678072008   Nikole Hannah-Jones on Twitter: “This is what I am hearing from so many Black Americans and especially Black women who feel 1) That their vote, decision and concerns are being undermined by non-Black people in the Democratic Party 2) That too many people reporting and commenting do not seem to understand the stakes. 3) That perhaps the polling is reflecting a Democratic Party that is attacking its own candidate rather than the opposing one.” https://x.com/nhannahjones/status/1811737786099335524   Jake Sherman of Punch Bowl News: “NEW -- A source tells me a group of NY donors have committed $2M to HMP, the House Dem super PAC, to help the Dems who came out early against/criticizing Biden -- Angie Craig, Marie Glusenkamp Perez, Jared Golden and Pat Ryan Donors include @novogratz , Nancy and Andrew Jarecki, Gideon and Zoe Stein and 30+ other donors.” https://x.com/JakeSherman/status/1811484709953683770  

Leslie is joined by Maria Somma, Organizing Director for the United Steelworkers (USW). The pair explores why workers still need the PRO Act. This includes white collar workers, which Maria shares multiple examples of with the audience. Workers in the South are also eager to exercise their rights, though this is drawing backlash from anti-worker politicians in states like Georgia and Alabama. The Biden administration has done important work to correct course at the NLRB, and there are pro-worker provisions in recent investments, which are helping smooth the way for workers to have a voice on the job.  This includes extensive new requirements for infrastructure projects to be “made in America” as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Known as the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA), this section of the law promises to stimulate American manufacturing and create jobs for American workers by ensuring that a substantial portion of BIL funding is used to purchase U.S.-made products and materials. However, workers still face an uphill battle when it comes to forming unions.  The solution is to finally pass comprehensive legislation that shores up loopholes in our laws and attaches real, immediate penalties to corporations that violate workers' rights.  Leslie and Maria share the legislative solution to these issues, which is the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act). They detail what the law would do, which is: - Establish stronger and swifter remedies to stop employers from breaking the law - Make companies recognize contractors as part of the collective bargaining process so they can no longer continue to whittle down Union membership by subcontracting - Force an employer to reach a first contract in a timely manner with a newly organized group of workers. (No more dragging out first contracts) - Reverse so-called 'Right to Work,' regardless of state laws  - Prohibit employers from forcing employees to attend anti-union meetings Recent polls show that support for unions is at a fifty-year high, and having Joe Biden, the only sitting President to walk a picket line, in office has helped workers a great deal.  But, it's time for the law to catch up.  Maria Somma has been an organizer for her entire career, first as a community organizer, and then as a labor organizer.  She started with the Steelworkers in 2001 as a healthcare workers organizer, and became Organizing Director in 2015. The website for the USW is www.USW.org. Their handle on X and Instagram is @steelworkers. Like them on Facebook by visiting www.Facebook.com/Steelworkers.

Leslie is joined by Maria Somma, Organizing Director for the United Steelworkers (USW). The pair explores why workers still need the PRO Act. This includes white collar workers, which Maria shares multiple examples of with the audience. Workers in the South are also eager to exercise their rights, though this is drawing backlash from anti-worker politicians in states like Georgia and Alabama. The Biden administration has done important work to correct course at the NLRB, and there are pro-worker provisions in recent investments, which are helping smooth the way for workers to have a voice on the job.  This includes extensive new requirements for infrastructure projects to be “made in America” as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Known as the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA), this section of the law promises to stimulate American manufacturing and create jobs for American workers by ensuring that a substantial portion of BIL funding is used to purchase U.S.-made products and materials. However, workers still face an uphill battle when it comes to forming unions.  The solution is to finally pass comprehensive legislation that shores up loopholes in our laws and attaches real, immediate penalties to corporations that violate workers' rights.  Leslie and Maria share the legislative solution to these issues, which is the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act). They detail what the law would do, which is: - Establish stronger and swifter remedies to stop employers from breaking the law - Make companies recognize contractors as part of the collective bargaining process so they can no longer continue to whittle down Union membership by subcontracting - Force an employer to reach a first contract in a timely manner with a newly organized group of workers. (No more dragging out first contracts) - Reverse so-called 'Right to Work,' regardless of state laws  - Prohibit employers from forcing employees to attend anti-union meetings Recent polls show that support for unions is at a fifty-year high, and having Joe Biden, the only sitting President to walk a picket line, in office has helped workers a great deal.  But, it's time for the law to catch up.  Maria Somma has been an organizer for her entire career, first as a community organizer, and then as a labor organizer.  She started with the Steelworkers in 2001 as a healthcare workers organizer, and became Organizing Director in 2015. The website for the USW is www.USW.org. Their handle on X and Instagram is @steelworkers. Like them on Facebook by visiting www.Facebook.com/Steelworkers.

Biden has put America on it's knees again. PLUS, Michael Watson, Research Director for Capital Research Center, updates Shaun on the PRO Act - which aims to get rid of the rules for unions. And Shaun talks to Ted Dabrowski, President of Wirepoints, about the insane demands of the CTU contract, chronically absent teachers, and Brandon Johnson's failed first year as mayor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACC.24: Superiority Trial of Enalapril to Prevent Anthracycline-induced Cardiotoxicity

Michael Watson, Research Director for Capital Research Center, updates Shaun on the PRO Act - which aims to get rid of the rules for unions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JACC: CardioOncology Editor-in-chief, Bonnie Ky, MD, MSCE, FACC and David Austin, MD, FRCP discuss PROACT, a phase three randomized open label blinded endpoint superiority trial of enalapril to prevent anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity.

From April 2023: Bret Keisling was joined by Dani Green, ESOP Business Development Manager for ProAct Pharmacy Benefit Management and primary host of the vlog Sweet Chats and Salty Snacks: The ESOP Exploration. Dani and a colleague visit employee-owned companies, tour the facility, and talk about building and enhancing the employee-owned culture. Following the visit, Dani and team record a video blog that shares highlights of their visit to each company. Dani shared how the vlog came to be, what she's learned at each visit, the importance of building culture, and why employee-owned companies are a great fit for young people just entering the workforce. Vlog links and further show notes are on our website at https://www.theesoppodcast.com/post/274-icymi-proact-s-dani-green-esop-vlogger

In this profound episode of "American Potential," host Jeff Crank invites the multifaceted Mike Rowe, renowned for his work on "Dirty Jobs," and as a staunch advocate for skilled trades, to explore the essence of work, personal liberty, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Mike shares captivating stories from his varied career, starting with the pivotal phone call from his mother that led him to the sewers of San Francisco, laying the foundation for "Dirty Jobs." This journey, enriched by lessons of humility and the significance of recognizing dignity in all work, underscores the value of embracing opportunities that others might overlook.   Rowe delves deeper into the heart of the American workforce, discussing the critical role of skilled trades and the misconceptions that deter many from pursuing these essential careers. His foundation, MikeRoweWORKS, symbolizes a beacon of hope, offering scholarships to individuals passionate about learning a trade, challenging the stigma against blue-collar jobs, and advocating for a renewed appreciation of hard work. Through his narrative, Mike underscores the disconnect between the perceived and real value of work in America, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the unsung heroes in various industries.   The conversation pivots to a discussion on freedom, with Rowe highlighting the alarming trends threatening the American ethos of liberty and the right to work as one chooses. By critiquing legislation like the PRO Act and reflecting on personal anecdotes, Mike articulates a compelling argument for preserving the individual's choice in their work life, which is integral to the fabric of American freedom. This episode is a dialogue and a clarion call to reinvigorate respect for labor, embrace the opportunities available, and defend the liberties that define the American experience.   Check out Mike Rowe Works here: https://mikeroweworks.org    Check out American Potential here: https://americanpotential.com   Check out our Spanish episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8wSZydeKZ6uOuFlT_1QQ53L7l6AmC83c   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPotentialPodcast     Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanpotentialpodcast/   X: https://twitter.com/AMPotentialPod

In this episode, Mike Watson, the research director of Capital Research Center, discusses the administration's labor policies and their alignment with labor unions. He explains the historical role of labor unions in American politics and how their composition has shifted over time. Watson highlights the significant funding unions provide to the Democratic Party and progressive organizations. He also explores the ideological alignment of union leaders with the progressive agenda. The conversation delves into the attitudes of union members towards political parties and the potential attrition from Democrats to Republicans. Watson discusses the mutual backscratching between the Democratic administration and unions, as well as the impact of the Pro Act on unionization. Main Street Matters is part of the Salem Podcast Network - new episodes debut every Wednesday & Friday. For more information visit JobCreatorsNetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PROACT Helps You NOT React and Make Better Decisions The Secret PROACT Framework to Make Better Decisions A big decision is like climbing a mountain. You have to take it step by step. You cannot take the complexity away but you can manage it. You can break it down into manageable parts and analyze them. You then reassemble your thoughts into a good choice. The PROACT Framework gives you a step-by-step blueprint for this. Framing the decision problem: Sometimes the necessary decision is not the one you had in mind. Defining your objectives: These are your guides in the process. Collecting your alternatives. Understanding the consequences of the alternatives. Making the right tradeoffs. Your decision confidence increases as you follow these steps. How to connect with AgileDad: - [website] https://www.agiledad.com/ - [instagram] https://www.instagram.com/agile_coach/ - [facebook] https://www.facebook.com/RealAgileDad/ - [Linkedin] https://www.linkedin.com/in/leehenson/

Leslie is joined by Maria Somma, Organizing Director for the United Steelworkers (USW). The two discuss how workers across the economy – from automakers to health care workers – are using their collective power to ensure they have fair contracts and safe working conditions. The first step in this process is organizing, and as workers seek greater protections on the job, they're capitalizing on this unique moment. It's not just the hot labor market, though the recent low unemployment has certainly helped. The pandemic helped workers in a number of industries understand that they're essential. It has also highlighted what they needed from their employers – in terms of job security, living wages, and more – as well as the power of working together to achieve these goals. Also, Joe Biden, the most pro-labor president in recent memory, has tasked his administration with helping workers to exercise their right to form unions. This unprecedented support, and whole of government approach, has helped tip the balance back toward workers, and away from greedy corporations. Workers are also experiencing a time of great potential as we look to the clean energy transition. Clean technology – like electric vehicles – require a wide variety of raw materials and other components. It's essential that jobs from mining to manufacturing are good, community supporting jobs. That means ensuring workers can exercise their right to organize. The final step in organizing is not, as some might think, a successful vote, but a first contract. This is where corporations like Starbucks double down on their efforts to break workers' collective will. We've seen this protracted bargaining at places like Kumho and OHL/Geodis, though the USW was ultimately successful in both cases. What workers need to help them successfully weather the immense challenges they face, including getting this vital first contract, is the PRO Act. The website for the United Steelworkers is USW.org and their handle on X and Instagram is @steelworkers. You can find them on Facebook by visiting Facebook.com/Steelworkers.

Americans For Prosperity's vice president of government affairs, Akash Chougule, discusses how CA-AB5 and Congress' Pro Act are deleterious to independent contractors and why the use of mutual benefit and bottom-up solutions work best, and Mike makes up a new word. Contact your representatives here www.prosperityispossible.com Support our sponsors here www.chime.com/rowe www.ziprecruiter.com/rowe www.article.com/mike

It's Hump Day! Sam hosts Hannah Story Brown, writer and researcher at The Revolving Door Project, to discuss her recent piece on Biden's approval of The Willow Project. Then, Sam speaks with Michelle Eisen, organizing member of Starbucks Workers United, on her experience organizing Starbucks stores all across the country. First, Sam runs through updates on Biden labeling Bibi Netanyahu persona non grata in the wake of severe authoritarian shifts in Israel, the NY Grand Jury announcing no announcement of charges against Trump this week, Pence to appear before the January 6th Grand Jury, how the Nashville shooter was able to acquire guns, a Credit Suisse whistleblower, the FDA approving Narcan for over-the-counter sale, and Tucker's upcoming testimony in court, before parsing through the highlights from Howard Schultz testimony during this morning's HELP Committee. Hannah Story Brown then walks Sam through the long-term process to pass the Willow Project, with ConocoPhillips, a Texas-based oil company, proposing a drilling project in the arctic wilderness of the Alaskan North Slope that was swiftly approved by the Trump administration, only for Environmental groups to successfully challenge it in court, and force the issue onto Biden's table. Looking at this next phase in Willow's development, Story Brown tackles the minimally updated environmental reviews done by the Biden administration, not only refusing to consider not-drilling as an option, but only cutting the project back by 8%, despite both acute local risks, and the grander global issue of climate change. Wrapping up, Sam and Hannah discuss the role of corporate interest in moving this environmental fiasco along, and dive into the impact of Biden's new Chief of Staff, Jeff Zients. Michelle Eisen then joins, diving into her background as a Starbucks worker, working part-time up until the pandemic shut down her primary trade, and what it was like to see the company's commitment to their workers dwindle further and further, until the public health crisis of COVID-19 became the final straw, with the company asking workers to break the law and put their own safety at risk with little compensation, all while touting record-breaking profits. Next, Eisen and Sam parse through the unionization process with Starbucks Workers United, both as a single workplace and as the first of hundreds to be unionized in the US, and the necessity of maintaining active in the face of militant union-busting, before they wrap up by covering the union's major asks, and why legislation such as the PROAct can help make it happen. And in the Fun Half: Sam basks in the public evisceration of Howard Schultz, as Ed Markey and Bob Casey take him to task while he whines about being labeled a “Billionaire,” despite once not having a billion dollars. Sam responds to Joe Rogan's recent spineless callout, “Matt Taibbi” calls in to discuss the unfair treatment of journalists, and KJ from Wisconsin dives into the upcoming election. Asanti from Jersey talks AI art, Bruce from Florida discusses the heel turns of Glenn Greenwald and Matt Taibbi, and Tim Pool once again forgets to read the article he's citing ahead of time. Plus, your calls and IMs! Check out The Revolving Door Project here: https://therevolvingdoorproject.org/ Check out Starbucks Workers United here: https://sbworkersunited.org/ Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! http://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: http://majority.fm/app Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattBinder @MattLech @BF1nn @BradKAlsop Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Subscribe to Discourse Blog, a newsletter and website for progressive essays and related fun partly run by AM Quickie writer Jack Crosbie. https://discourseblog.com/ Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder - https://majorityreportradio.com/