Podcasts about Hurricane Maria

Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (retired), Jeffrey S. Buchanan is the former commander of the United States Army North (5th Army). General Buchanan served for more than 37 years as a transformational leader across a vast range of assignments from the platoon to theater level. His stoic perspective and unique leadership slant stems from decades of engagement in high-stake environments, to include four combat tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. His contributions to national security earned recognition from both the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Army. Additionally, he received special commendations from the U.S. Surgeon General and the Governor of Puerto Rico for his life-saving leadership in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Jeff Buchanan currently serves as the Commissioner of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.   Along the way we discuss – Arizona beginnings (2:30), Army Values & Service to Others (4:00), the Silver Palm (5:30), the Infantry Branch (6:20), Ranger School (7:35), Socks and Boots (15:30), Promises You Make to Yourself (17:10), Transactional vs. Transformational Leadership (18:10), Eye of the Storm: Leadership in Crisis (21:00), Sergeant Major Paul McKenna (24:45), Deckhand in Homer, Alaska (26:00), Customer Service (29:00), and Take a Break (32:00). Move yourself toward an exceptional outcome @  Jeffrey S. Buchanan.com This podcast is teamed with LukeLeaders1248, a nonprofit that provides scholarships for the children of military Veterans. Help us reach our 3-scholarship goal for 2025. Send a donation, large or small, through our website @ www.lukeleaders1248.com, PayPal, or Venmo @LukeLeaders1248.  Lowriders intro from the creative brilliance of Kenny Kilgore.

Why are Puerto Rico's tax laws so misunderstood? In this episode of the Mano a Mano podcast, host George is joined by Simón Carlo Valentín - tax attorney and CPA - to break down the complexities of Puerto Rico's tax system.They explore the truth about federal taxes in Puerto Rico, the impact of recent U.S. and local tax reforms, and how these policies shape the island's economy and its push for statehood. Simon shares expert insights on tariffs, tax code misconceptions, and what fiscal policy changes may be needed for Puerto Rico to fully integrate with the United States.In this episode:Do Puerto Ricans pay federal taxes?How U.S. tariffs affect the islandLocal tax reform and economic developmentMyths vs. facts on Puerto Rico's tax systemTax implications of Puerto Rico statehoodTimestamps:06:49 Federal Payroll Taxes and Inequities10:23 Puerto Rico's Contributions to Federal Taxes16:17 Impact of Tariffs on Puerto Rico20:55 Federal Tax Policy and Manufacturing Incentives25:05 Impact of Hurricane Maria on US Medical Supply Chain25:30 Proposed Manufacturing Redundancy Plan for National Security27:06 Economic Incentives and Tax Policies in Puerto Rico28:16 Disparities in Compensation and Intellectual Property Issues34:52 Local Tax Reform Efforts in Puerto Rico40:17 Act 60 and Its Implications for Statehood44:15 Vision for Puerto Rico's Statehood and Federal Tax Integration47:02 Community Engagement and Political Advocacy49:36 Conclusion and Call to Action

Orlando Bravo failed to become a tennis pro, but became richer than any tennis player in history by pivoting to the world of finance. He's the first billionaire from Puerto Rico and earned his fortune with private equity investments in technology. BBC business editor Simon Jack and journalist Zing Tsjeng tell the story of an investor who says that forgetting to buy diapers changed the whole way he does business. He provided aid to his homeland in the wake of Hurricane Maria, but also became embroiled in scandals involving cyber security and cryptocurrency. Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast exploring the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility, before inviting you to make up your own mind: are they good, bad or just another billionaire?

Today on the Clean Power Hour, Tim Montague sits down with Carlos Abad, the newly appointed head of Latin American markets for CPS America. Recorded at Intersolar San Diego, this conversation offers insights into the growing solar and energy storage markets across Latin America, with a particular focus on Mexico's promising 7-8 gigawatt solar market potential for 2025.Carlos shares his journey from being an architect caught in the 2008 recession to becoming a solar industry leader. Starting with a self-built solar trailer for a farmers market in Miami to working with companies like Sun Electronics, Tesla, and now returning to CPS America, his career path demonstrates the evolving opportunities in renewable energy. The discussion provides a comprehensive overview of Latin American markets, including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and others, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities in each region.This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in international solar markets, energy storage integration, and the future of renewable energy in Latin America. Carlos' expertise in both technical installation (as a NABCEP certified professional) and market strategy offers valuable perspectives for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike.Episode Highlights:Carlos Abad's journey from architecture to solar, including his first off-grid system design and NABCEP certificationMexico's renewable energy outlook under new leadership with projected 7-8GW solar market and 700-900 MWh storage market for 2025Overview of key Latin American solar markets, including Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Panama, and ColombiaDiscussion of Puerto Rico's energy transformation following Hurricane Maria and current utility restructuringInsights into CPS America's product strategy for Latin America, focusing on 250/600V and 350/800V invertersThe growing importance of integrated solar and energy storage solutionsListen now to gain valuable insights into one of renewable energy's most dynamic and promising regions from an industry veteran with over 15 years of experience in sustainable energy solutions.Social Media HandlesCarlos AbadCPS America Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com

Natasha Cruz-Sanchez is a trucker based out of Arizona with an amazing story. From the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, Natasha found her way from Puerto Rico to Washington DC with $500 in her pocket. Coming from the nursing industry she found her passion for coffee! Traveling to Italy and beyond she sunk her teeth into all things coffee, where she eventually began engaging with truck drivers. Inspired by their honest hard work she decided to go over the road. After a bad cup of coffee from a truck stop in Texas, she knew she had to somehow combine both of the things she loved the most!Follow their instagram page @NACRUSAN and you can order their coffee sourced from the finest coffee farmers at nacrusan.comCome see Truck Parking Club at our booth at the Mid America Truck Show - 37223Download the Truck Parking Club app today and get $25 off a one time booking with code lombard25Register today for Broker Carrier Summit at brokercarriersummit.com use code LOMBARD for 10% of registrationDonate to Project 61 today - https://ironmanfoundation.donordrive.com/Participant/lombardtrucking

Kritzia López Arvelo, a third-generation dairy farmer from Puerto Rico, shares her life journey, encompassing her roles as a lawyer, a dairy farmer, and a new mother. She discusses the challenges faced by dairy farmers in Puerto Rico, including high costs, the impact of hurricanes, and the struggle for sustainability. Kris reflects on the resilience built during Hurricane Maria and its aftermath, which taught her valuable lessons in self-assurance and adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of family, her profound faith, and the balance between professional and personal life. Kris also highlights her involvement in leadership roles within the Puerto Rican dairy and legal communities and shares insights for young women pursuing similar multifaceted career paths.Episode Sponsor: Quali-T | Branding SolutionsLearn more about how Quali-T | Branding Solutions provides branding solutions, work wear, reflective gear and other customized merchandise for farms and agribusinesses: https://qualitinc.espwebsite.com/

In this episode of Flavors Unknown, I sit down with Chef Joerick Rivera, the culinary mind behind Bakku, a Japanese crudo bar in Rincón, Puerto Rico, and Palmonte, where he explores Puerto Rican flavors with a modern twist. Despite initially resisting the idea of becoming a chef, Rivera has established himself as a pioneer, bringing Japanese precision to a town best known for its laid-back surf culture. We dive into his unexpected journey from reluctant cook to restaurant owner, how he navigated skepticism to make Bakku a success, and his process for balancing Japanese technique with Puerto Rican influences. Chef Rivera shares his approach to dish creation, the importance of supplier relationships, and why he refuses to take reservations at Bakku. Plus, we get into the most underrated Puerto Rican dishes, pet peeves in the kitchen, and what he eats when no one's watching. What you'll learn from Chef Joe Rivera at Bakku Childhood Food Memories – The flavors that shaped Joe Rivera early years (3:55) A Reluctant Start – Why he initially didn't want to become a chef (5:29) A Bold Culinary Gamble – Opening Bakku, a Japanese-inspired restaurant in a surf town (6:53) Training with Chef John Okura – Lessons learned in Florida (7:44) Community Reception – How locals embraced Bakku despite early doubts (8:43) Building During a Crisis – Running a restaurant through a pandemic (10:20) The Inspiration Behind Bakku's Menu – From concept to execution (11:13) Hurricane Maria's Impact – How it changed his perspective (12:34) Signature Dishes at Bakku– The story behind his octopus carpaccio (14:37) Why No Reservations? – The philosophy behind Bakku's approach (20:04) Creativity in the Kitchen – His research-driven process for developing new dishes (22:13) A Culinary Guide to Puerto Rico – His recommendations for must-try spots (27:59) Guilty Pleasure Food & Pet Peeves – What surprises him about home cooking (30:47, 34:25) The Most Underrated Puerto Rican Dishes – And why they deserve more love (32:08) I'd like to share a potential educational resource, "Conversations Behind the Kitchen Door", my new book that features dialogues with accomplished culinary leaders from various backgrounds and cultures. It delves into the future of culinary creativity and the hospitality industry, drawing from insights of a restaurant-industry-focused podcast, ‘flavors unknown”. It includes perspectives from renowned chefs and local professionals, making it a valuable resource for those interested in building a career in the culinary industry. Get the book here! Links to other episodes with chefs in Puerto Rico Don't miss out on the chance to hear from these talented chefs and gain insight into the world of culinary techniques. Check out the link below for more conversations with Chef Mario Pagán. Conversation with Chef Mario Pagán Links to most downloaded episodes (click on any picture to listen to the episode) Chef Sheldon Simeon Chef Andy Doubrava Chef Chris Kajioka Chef Suzanne Goin Social media Chef Joe Rivera Instagram Social media Bakku Instagram Facebook Links mentioned in this episode Restaurant Bakku

The Quebec Liberal caucus is the latest to decide that Justin Trudeau should step down as leader. A recent opinion poll shows his popularity at an all-time low. What's next for the prime minister?And: Alberta introduces a tax on electric vehicles. The province says EVs are harder on roads than gas-powered vehicles because of their heavy batteries, and the money will help with maintenance. EV advocates say gasoline vehicles impose a different cost on society — by polluting the air and environment.Also: Most of Puerto Rico has no power after a grid failure. The cause is likely malfunctioning equipment. Puerto Rico's energy infrastructure was heavily damaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017. It's struggled to get back to full strength ever since.Plus: Exoskeletons for kids with mobility issues, tracking seniors electronically, a look back at the year in climate news, and more.

“And I got so addicted to my creativity. The more I create, the more praises I get. I'm doing a movie, but I'm also doing three restaurants where everybody's eating in those restaurants, and then I'm also doing the wine list for those restaurants. So it was really rich and amazing and beautiful, but I didn't know that I was depleting myself to a point of exhaustion. And then I had this spiritual awakening.” We're in great company with Sylvia De Marco, the Founder of Finca Victoria, an Ayurvedic boutique hotel and retreat center, perched atop one of the highest points on Puerto Rico's island of Vieques. Once a charming destination that changed Sylvia's life, she has now transformed into the perfect place for travelers to be nourished, to reset and restore through her Panchakarma practices, culinary flavors and grounding experiences.  In this episode, as we approach the sometimes stressful holiday season, dreaming of New Year's resolutions and future travels, tune into the words and wisdom that Sylvia shares from her own personal journey and how she invites us all to find our way as well.  Top Takeaways [1:50] From childhood, Sylvia recognized her joy in sharing spaces and building community, expressing her creative spirit in a variety of mediums, flavors, and passions.  [5:15] Sylvia's wellness journey began at a dark moment in her life when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in 2017, acting as a blessing in disguise for the self discovery and healing that would ensue.  [9:20] Ayurveda, “knowledge of life,” is the oldest medicinal system known to man. Listen as Sylvia so clearly explains its history, purpose and presence in modern day society - as a preventative practice striving for balance within the body and its surroundings, as opposed to modern medicine which only isolates the problem. [18:50] Finca Caribe was Sylvia's serene escape from her daily life as well as her inspiration for stepping into the world of hosting. How it came into her hands and underwent a complete transformation to become Finca Victoria is a story of fate and good fortune.  [26:00] Begin your morning with a nourishing and flavorful Ayurvedic Caribbean breakfast, spend your day discovering the beautiful beaches and wild horses roaming the island of Vieques, and end your evening kayaking the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world.  [32:10] From the cabins to houses, treehouses to airstreams, every room tells a story at Finca Victoria, as Sylvia lovingly conceptualized and mindfully designed each to blend into the stunning nature that surrounds them.  [41:40] What the future holds for Finca Victoria and how we as listeners can learn from Sylvia's appreciation for moments of pause and learnings from a state of flow.  Visit For Yourself Finca Victoria Website | @finca_victoria La Botánica Website | @labotanicahotel Stay In Good Company Website 

We learn about the holiday drink that's the centerpiece of Puerto Rican Christmas celebrations, and we hear how Hurricane Maria changed Christmas for one Puerto Rican family.This episode originally aired on December 3, 2018, and was produced by Dan Pashman, Anne Saini, and Shoshana Gold, with editing by Dan Charles. The Sporkful team now includes Dan Pashman, Emma Morgenstern, Andres O'Hara, Nora Ritchie, and Jared O'Connell. This update was produced by Gianna Palmer. Transcription by Emily Nguyen.Every other Friday, we reach into our deep freezer and reheat an episode to serve up to you. We're calling these our Reheats. If you have a show you want reheated, send us an email or voice memo at hello@sporkful.com, and include your name, your location, which episode, and why.Transcript available at www.sporkful.com.Right now, Sporkful listeners can get three months free of the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/sporkful. Get all your favorite podcasts, more than 200 ad-free music channels curated by genre and era, and live sports coverage with the SiriusXM app.

Dr. Nathan Pennell and Dr. John Sweetenham discuss the evolving landscape of oncology in 2025 and the challenges oncologists will be facing, including the impact of Medicare drug price negotiations, ongoing drug shortages, and the promising role of AI and telehealth in improving patient outcomes and access to clinical trials. TRANSCRIPT Dr. John Sweetenham: Hello, I'm Dr. John Sweetenham, the host of the ASCO Daily News Podcast. 2025 promises to be a year of continued progress in drug development, patient care, and technological innovations that will shape the future of cancer care. Oncologists will also be grappling with some familiar challenges in oncology practice and probably face a few new ones as well. I'm delighted to be joined today by Dr. Nathan Pennell to discuss some of these challenges. Dr. Pennell is the co-director of the Cleveland Clinic Lung Cancer Program and vice chair of clinical research at the Taussig Cancer Center. He also serves as the editor-in-chief of the ASCO Educational Book.  You'll find our full disclosures in the transcript of this episode.  Nate, it's great to have you on the podcast today. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Thanks for inviting me, John. I'm excited to be here. Dr. John Sweetenham: Thanks. So, Nate, we've been hearing a lot recently about implementation science in oncology particularly. This has been the case, I would say, over the past decade and of course the goal is to how do we figure out the best way to integrate evidence-based practice into oncology care? There's been a lot of very good guidance from organizations like ASCO and every year we're reminded of the need for clinical decision support for practicing oncologists at the point of care. Although I think we all agree it is the right thing to do, and this has been a matter of discussion for probably more than 10 years, for the most part, I don't think we've really got there. Some big practices probably have a truly well-integrated clinical decision support tool, but for many of us this is still lacking in the field. I wonder whether we do need some kind of global clinical decision support tool. What do you think about the future of clinical decision support at the point of care? And do you think this is going to continue to be a need? Dr. Nathan Pennell: I think that's a fantastic question and it absolutely is something we're going to continue to work towards. We're in an incredibly exciting time in oncology. We've got all these exciting predictive biomarkers, effective treatments that are working better than anything we've had in our careers up to this point. But when we actually look to see who is benefiting from them, what we find is that outside of clinical trial populations, many of our patients aren't actually accessing these. And so publications that look at real-world use of these, one that jumps to mind for me is a publication looking at biomarker testing for driver oncogenes in lung cancer showed that while everyone who treats lung cancer says, “Absolutely, we need to test for biomarkers such as EGFR mutations,” in the real world, probably only slightly over a third of people ever access these drugs because there are so many different gaps in care that fall through the cracks. And so decision support is absolutely critical.  You mentioned this has been going on for a decade. Actually, the Institute of Medicine in 2013 recommended that with the uptake of electronic medical records, that we move forward with building these true learning health care systems that would improve quality and use every patient's information to help inform their care. And in 2023, as a representative of ASCO, I was able to look back at the last decade, and the uniform conclusion was that we had failed to build this learning health care system. So, what can we do going forward? The good news is there are improvements in technology. There are, for better or for worse, some consolidation of electronic medical records that has allowed larger numbers of patients to sort of have data sets shared. ASCO started CancerLinQ to try to improve quality, which is now part of OpenAI, and is still working on technology solutions to help provide decision support as we are better able to access patient data. And I think we're going to talk a little bit later about some of the technological advances that are going on in artificial intelligence that are really going to help improve this. So I think this is very close to impacting patient care and improving quality of care. I think for, as you'd mentioned, large health care systems and users of the major EMRs, this is going to be extremely close. Dr. John Sweetenham: Thanks, Nate. And just to extend the conversation into another area, one of the constant, I think, pain points for practicing oncologists has been the issue of prior authorization and the amount of time and energy it takes to deal with insurance denials in cancer care. And I think in a way, these two things are linked in as much as if we had clinical decision support tools at the point of care which were truly functional, then hopefully there would be a more facile way for an oncologist to be able to determine whether the patient in front of him or her is actually covered for the treatment that the oncologist wants to prescribe. But nevertheless, we're really not there yet, although, I think we're on the way to being there. But it does remain, like I said, a real pain point for oncologists.  I wonder if you have any thoughts on the issue of prior authorization and whether you see in the coming year anything which is going to help practicing oncologists to overcome the time and effort that they spend in this space. Dr. Nathan Pennell: I think many oncologists would have to list this among, if not the least favorite aspects of our job these days is dealing with insurance, dealing with prior authorizations. We understand that health care is incredibly expensive. We understand that oncology drugs and tests are even more expensive, probably among, if not the most rapidly growing costs to the health care system in the U.S., which is already at about 20% of our GDP every year. And so I understand the concern that costs are potentially unsustainable in the long term. Unfortunately, the major efforts to contain these costs seem to have fallen on the group that we would least like to be in charge of that, which are the payers and insurance companies, through use of prior authorization. And this is good in concept, utilization review, making sure that things are appropriate, not overutilizing our expensive treatments, that makes perfect sense. Unfortunately, it's moved beyond expensive treatments that have limited utility to more or less everything, no matter how inexpensive or standard. And there's now multiple publications suggesting that this is taking on massive amounts of time. Some even estimated that for each physician it's a full 40-hour work week per physician from someone to manage prior authorizations, which costs billions of dollars for practices every year. And so this is definitely a major pain point.  It is, however, an area where I'm kind of optimistic, maybe not necessarily in 2025, but in the coming several years with some of the technology solutions that are coming out, as we've talked about, with things like clinical pathways and whatnot, where the insurance company approvals can be tied directly to some of these guideline concordance pathway tools. So the recent publication at the ASCO Quality [Care] Symposium looking at a radiation oncology practice that had a guideline concordant prior auth tool that showed there was massive decrease in denials by using this. And as this gets rolled out more broadly, I think that this can increase the concept of gold carding, where if practices follow these clinical guidelines to a certain extent, they may be even exempt from prior authorization. I think I can envision that this is very close to potentially removing this as a major problem. I know that ASCO certainly has advocated on the national level for changes to this through, for example, advocating for the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act. But I think, unfortunately, the recent election, I'm not sure how much progress will be made on the national level for progress in this. So I think that the market solutions with some of the technology interventions may be the best hope. Dr. John Sweetenham: Yeah, thanks. You raised a couple of other important points in that answer, Nate, which I'll pick up on now. You mentioned drug prices, and of course, during 2025, we're going to see Medicare negotiating drug prices. And we've already seen, I think, early effects from that. But I think it's going to be really interesting to see how this rolls out for our cancer patients in 2025. And of course, the thing that we can't really tell at the moment that you've alluded to is how all this is going to evolve with the new administration of President Trump. I understand, of course, that none of us really knows at this point; it's too early to know what the new administration will do. But would you care to comment on this in any way and about your concerns and hopes for Medicare specifically and what the administration will do to cancer care in general? Dr. Nathan Pennell: I think all of us are naturally a little bit anxious about what's going to happen under the new administration. The good news, if there's good news, is that under the first Trump administration, the National Cancer Institute and cancer care in general was pretty broadly supported both in Congress and by the administration. And if we look at specifically negotiating drug prices by Medicare, you can envision that having a businessman president who prides himself in negotiations might be something that would be supported and perhaps even expanded under the incoming Trump administration. So I think that's not too hard to imagine, although we don't really know. On the other hand, there are very valid concerns about what's going to happen with the Affordable Care Act, with Medicaid expansion, with protections for preexisting conditions, which impact our patients with cancer. And obviously there are potential people in the new administration who perhaps lack trust in traditional evidence-based medicine, vaccines, things like that, which we're not sure where they're going to fall in terms of the health care landscape, but certainly something we'll have to watch out for. Dr. John Sweetenham: Yeah. Certainly, when we regroup to record next year's podcast, we may have a clearer picture of how that's going to play out. Dr. Nathan Pennell: I mean, if there's anything good from this, it's that cancer has always been a bipartisan issue that people support. And so I don't want to be too negative about this. I do think that public support for cancer is likely to continue. And so overall, I think we'll probably be okay. Dr. John Sweetenham: Yeah, I agree with that. And I think one of the things that's important to remember, I do remember that one of the institutions I've worked at previously that there from time to time was some discussion about politics and cancer care. And the quote that I always remember is “We all belong to the cancer party,” and that's what's really important. So let's just keep our eye on the board. I hope that we can do that.  I'm going to switch gears just a little bit now because another issue which has been quite prominent in 2024 and in a few years before that has been supply chain issues and drug shortages. We've seen this over many years now, but obviously the problems have apparently been exacerbated in recent years, particularly by climate events. But certainly ASCO has published some recommendations in terms of quality care delivery for patients with cancer. Can you tell us a little bit about how you think this will go in the coming year and what we can do to address some of the concerns that are there over drug shortages? Dr. Nathan Pennell: Yeah. This continues to be, I think, a surprising issue for many oncologists because it has been going on for a long time, but really hasn't been in the public eye. The general problem is that once drugs go off patent and become generic, they often have limited manufacturers that are often outside the U.S. sometimes even a single manufacturer, which leaves them extremely vulnerable to supply chain disruption issues or regulatory issues. So situations where the FDA inspects and decides that they're not manufacturing things up to snuff and suddenly the only manufacturer is temporarily shut down. And then as you mentioned, things like extreme weather events where we had Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico and suddenly we have no bags of saline for several months. And so these are major issues which I think have benefited from being in the public eye.  ASCO, on the one hand, has, I think, done an excellent job leading on what to do in scenarios where there are shortages. But I think more importantly, we need more attention on a national level to policy changes that would help prevent this in the future. Some suggestions have been to increase some of the oversight of the FDA into supply chain issues and generic drugs, perhaps forming more of an early warning system to anticipate shortages so that we can find workarounds, find alternative suppliers that perhaps aren't currently being widely utilized. We can advocate for our legislators to pass legislation to support drug production for vital agents through things like long term contracts or even guaranteed pricing that might also even encourage U.S. manufacturers to take back up generic drugs if they were able to make it profitable. And then finally, I think just more of a national coordinated approach rather than the piecemeal approach we've done in the past. I remember when we had a platinum [drug] shortage last year. Our institution, with massive resources in our pharmacy, really did an excellent job of making sure that we always had enough supply. We never actually saw that shortage in real time, but I know a lot of places did not have those resources and therefore were really struggling. And so I think more of a coordinated approach with communication and awareness so that we can try to prevent this from happening. Dr. John Sweetenham: Thanks, Nate. And you raised the issue of major weather events, and I'd like to pick up on that for just a moment to talk about climate change. We now know that there is a growing body of evidence showing that climate change impacts cancer care. And it does it in a lot of ways. I mean, the most obvious is disrupting care delivery during one of these major events. But there are also issues about increased exposure to carcinogens, reduced access to food, reduced access to cancer screenings during these major disasters. And the recent hurricanes, of course, have highlighted the need for cancer centers to have robust disaster preparedness plans. In addition to that, obviously there are questions about greenhouse gas emissions and how cancer centers and health care organizations handle that.  But what do you see for 2025 in this regard? And what's your thinking about how well we're prepared as deliverers of cancer care to deal with these climate change issues? Dr. Nathan Pennell: Yeah, that is sobering to look at some of the things that have happened with climate change in recent years. I would love to say that I think that from a national level, we will see these changes and proactively work to reduce greenhouse emissions so that we can reduce these issues in the future. I'm not sure what we're going to see from the incoming administration and current government in terms of national policy on changes for fossil fuel use and climate change. I worry that there's a chance that we may see less done on the national level. I know the NCI certainly has policies in place to try to study climate change impact on cancer. It's possible that even that policy could be impacted by the incoming administration. So we'll have to see.  So, unfortunately, I worry that we may be still dealing in a reactive way to the impacts of this. So, obviously, wildfires causing carcinogens, pollution leading to increased cancer incidence, obviously, major weather events leading to physical disruptions, where cancer centers definitely have to have plans in place to help people maintain their treatment during those periods. As an individual, we can certainly make our impact on climate change. There are certainly organizations like Oncologists United for Climate and Health, or so-called OUCH, led by Dr. Joan Schiller, a friend of mine in the lung cancer world, where oncologists are advocating for policies to reduce use of fossil fuels. But I don't know, John, I don't know if I'm hopeful that there's going to be major policy changes on this in the coming year. Dr. John Sweetenham: I suspect you're right about that, although I think on the positive side, I think the issue as a whole is getting a lot more attention than it was maybe even two or three years ago. So that has to be a good thing that there's more advocacy and more attention out there now.  Nate, before we go on to the last question, because I do want to finish on a positive note, I just wanted to mention briefly that there are a couple of ongoing issues which, when we do this podcast each year, we normally address, and they certainly haven't gone away. But we know that burnout and workforce issues in oncology will continue to be a big challenge. The workforce issues may or may not be exacerbated by whatever the new administration's approach to immigration is going to be, because that could easily significantly affect the workforce in oncology. So that's one issue around workforce and burnout that we are not addressing in detail this year. But I wanted to raise it just because it certainly hasn't gone away and is going to continue to challenge us in 2025.  And then the other one, which I kind of put in the same category, is that of disparities. We continue to see ethnic and racial disparities of care. We continue to see disparities in rural areas. And I certainly wouldn't want to minimize the challenges that these are likely to continue to present in 2025. I wonder if you just have any brief comments you'd like to make and whether you think we're headed in the right direction with those issues. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Well, I'm somewhat optimistic in some ways about burnout. And I think when we get to our final topic, I think some of that may help. There may be some technology changes that may help reduce some of the influences of burnout. Disparities in care, obviously, I think similarly to some of the other issues we talked about have really benefited from just a lot of attention being cast on that. But again, I actually am optimistic that there are some technology changes that are going to help reduce some disparities in care. Dr. John Sweetenham: It's always great to finish one of these conversations on a positive note, and I think there is a lot to be very positive about. As you mentioned right at the beginning of the podcast, we continue to see quite extraordinary advances, remarkable advances in all fields of oncology in the therapeutic area, with just a massive expansion in not only our understanding, but also resulting from that improved understanding of the biology of the disease, the treatment advances that have come along. And so I think undoubtedly, we're going to see continued progress during 2025. And I know that there are technology solutions that you've mentioned already that you're very excited about. So, I'd really like to finish today by asking you if you could tell us a little about those and in particular what you're excited about for 2025. Dr. Nathan Pennell: Yeah. It's always dangerous to ask me to nerd out a little bit about some of these technology things, but I don't think that we can end any conversation about technology and not discuss the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) in health care and oncology. AI is sort of everywhere in the media and sort of already worked its way into our lives in our phones and apps that we're using and whatnot. But some of what I am seeing in tools that are probably going to be here very soon and, in some cases, already arriving, are pretty remarkable.  So some of the advances in natural language processing, or NLP, which in the past has been a barrier to really mining the vast amounts of patient information in the electronic medical record, is so much better now. So now, we can actually use technology to read doctor's notes, to read through scanned PDFs in our EMRs. And we can imagine that it's going to become very soon, much harder to miss abnormal labs, going to be much harder to miss findings on scans such as pulmonary nodules that get picked up incidentally. It's going to be much easier to keep up with new developments as clinical guidelines get worked in and decision support tools start reminding patients and physicians about evidence-based, high-quality recommendations. Being able to identify patients who are eligible for clinical trials is going to become much more easy.  And that leads me to the second thing, which is, throughout the pandemic we have greatly increased our use of telehealth, and this really has the potential to reduce disparities in care by reaching patients basically wherever they are. This is going to disproportionately allow us to access rural patients, patients that are currently underrepresented in clinical trials and whatnot, being able to present patients for clinical trials. In the recent “State of Cancer Care in America” report from ASCO, more than 60% of patients in the U.S. did not have access to clinical trials. And now we have the technology to screen them, identify them and reach out to and potentially enroll them in trials through use of decentralized elements for clinical trials. And so I'm very optimistic that not just good quality standard cancer care, but also clinical research is going to be greatly expanded with the use of AI and telehealth. Dr. John Sweetenham: Really encouraging to hear that. Nate, it's been a real pleasure speaking with you today and I want to thank you for taking the time to share your insights with us on the ASCO Daily News Podcast.  Dr. Nathan Pennell: Thanks, John. Dr. John Sweetenham: I also want to say thank you to our listeners for your time today. If you value the insights that you hear on the ASCO Daily News Podcast, please take a moment to rate, review and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Disclaimer: The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. Find out more about today's speakers: Dr. Nathan Pennell @n8pennell   Dr. John Sweetenham   Follow ASCO on social media:    @ASCO on Twitter    ASCO on Facebook    ASCO on LinkedIn      Disclosures:   Dr. John Sweetenham:   Consulting or Advisory Role: EMA Wellness   Dr. Nathan Pennell:     Consulting or Advisory Role: AstraZeneca, Lilly, Cota Healthcare, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech, Amgen, G1 Therapeutics, Pfizer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Viosera, Xencor, Mirati Therapeutics, Janssen Oncology, Sanofi/Regeneron    Research Funding (Inst): Genentech, AstraZeneca, Merck, Loxo, Altor BioScience, Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Jounce Therapeutics, Mirati Therapeutics, Heat Biologics, WindMIL, Sanofi  

In this Career Spotlight episode, I talk with Jeyra Arocho, an Afro Latina fire protection engineer and trailblazer. Jeyra, who was displaced from her home of Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, shares the challenges she has overcome in her career, including language barriers and housing insecurity. But what stands out is Jeyra's fierce determination and the joy she brings when talking about helping others through their own career journeys. We discuss all things mentorship, self-advocacy, and how to make it in a male-dominated field when you're the Only in the room.  Jeyra's story is one of resilience, determination, and pursuing your dreams. It was such an honor to interview her!   References:  Society of Fire Protection Engineers 2023 Compensation and Benefits Report Resources and Links Private 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call  Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefirstgencoach/support

Delegates from nearly 200 countries are meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change's 29th Conference of the Parties. Alden Meyer of the climate think tank E3G is a longtime observer of these meetings, and he shares his first impressions as these talks kick off. Although the global average temperature has been steadily increasing for decades, in 2023 there was a sudden jump of 0.2 degrees Celsius. Dr. Jennifer Francis, Senior Scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center, joins us to discuss the temperature spike and its implications for the climate crisis. After Hurricane Maria destroyed Puerto Rico's power grid in 2017, much of the island was left without electricity for up to a year, leaving vulnerable populations in the lurch. Many Puerto Ricans are pushing for a reliable, sustainable electricity system, but a proposed utility-scale solar project has sparked concerns, explains environmental attorney Ruth Santiago. -- Interested in gaining hands-on experience with producing a radio show and podcast? Apply to be a Living on Earth intern this spring! The deadline is November 20th. To learn more go to loe.org and click on the About Us tab at the top of the page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Lee Allen Dugatkin, an evolutionary biologist from the University of Louisville, joins us to discuss his new book 'The Well Connected Animal: Social Networks and the Wondrous Complexity of Animal Societies.' We begin with the social networks of macaques in Puerto Rico and the impact of Hurricane Maria on their social behavior. Dr. Dugatkin also shares intriguing insights into vampire bats' social structures, blood-sharing practices, and social networks. Additionally, he delves into the cooperative behaviors between dolphins and Brazilian fishermen and the cultural transmission among chimpanzees in the Kibale Forest.  The Well-Connected Animal: Social Networks and the Wondrous Complexity of Animal Societies - https://amzn.to/3C3iFXB

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of animal behavior with Dr. Lee Allen Dugatkin, author of 'The Well Connected Animal'. Dr. Dugatkin shares insights from his extensive research, starting with his groundbreaking studies on social learning in guppies. Discover how female guppies copy the mate choices of others and how genetic and cultural factors interplay in mate selection. We then transition to swordtail fish and the intricate dynamics of spying and social networks. Finally, we delve into the remarkable social networks of macaques on Cayo Santiago Island, where female grooming networks significantly impact survival and reproduction after Hurricane Maria. This conversation reveals the unexpected complexities of animal societies and the innovative methods used to study them. The Well-Connected Animal: Social Networks and the Wondrous Complexity of Animal Societies - https://amzn.to/3C3iFXB

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Puerto Rico join Dean Howrsell's In Conversation Podcast to discuss how communities in South Florida and Puerto Rico are adapting to climate instability.  As climate instability has major public health implications, from extreme heat to changing disease patterns, these researchers examine how health systems and communities are adapting to new health challenges.  They also explore how cultural factors shape people's health-seeking behaviors and the resilience of health systems in the face of climate-related threats.We welcome Dr. Adriana M. Garriga-Lopez, Dr. Katherine Rynkiewich, and Dr. Patria C. Lopez to our latest edition of In Conversation with Dean Horswell!Dr. Adriana M. Garriga-Lopez is Associate Professor of Anthropology and Comparative Studies at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Prof. Garriga-Lopez holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology (2010) from Columbia University in New York. Dr. Garriga-Lopez is the lead Principal Investigator on this project. Garriga-Lopez previously received an NSF (2021-2024), Award #2049565 on “Ethics of Care and Compounded Disaster”. She joined the faculty at the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters in 2022. Garriga-Lopez is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico.Dr. Katharina Rynkiewich is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Prof. Rynkiewich holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology (2020) from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.A. in Social Sciences (2013) from The University of Chicago. Dr. Rynkiewich is the Co-Principal Investigator and has worked with Dr. Garriga-Lopez on establishing The Ethnographic Lab at Florida Atlantic since her arrival in 2022. Dr. Rynkiewich is originally from Mt. Vernon, Indiana.Dr. Patria C. Lopez de Victoria Rodriguez is Associate Professor of English at the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey campus. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics in health from The Pennsylvania State University (2016) and is the PI of this project's collaborative nexus. Lopez de Victoria has received funding from NIH (Award #R21MD013701; 2018-2020) and the Alzheimer's Association (Award #AARG 20-685407; 2021-2024). She also leads a team of undergraduate students from diverse disciplines carrying out research with older adults in Puerto Rico.Dr. Patricia Noboa Ortega is Professor of Social Science at the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey campus. Dr. Noboa Ortega holds a PhD in Psychology (2005) from the University of Puerto Rico. In 2017, Prof. Noboa Ortega co-founded the Legal and Psychological Clinic resulting from ethnographic research carried out in Puerto Rico on the psychosocial effects of Hurricane Maria. Her work has been published in the anthology, “Aftershocks of Disaster” (Haymarket Books). Dr. Noboa Ortega is Executive Director of PICSI: Proyecto de Integración Comunitaria San Isidro (San Isidro Community Integration Project). 

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University and the University of Puerto Rico join Dean Howrsell's In Conversation Podcast to discuss how communities in South Florida and Puerto Rico are adapting to climate instability.  As climate instability has major public health implications, from extreme heat to changing disease patterns, these researchers examine how health systems and communities are adapting to new health challenges.  They also explore how cultural factors shape people's health-seeking behaviors and the resilience of health systems in the face of climate-related threats.We welcome Dr. Adriana M. Garriga-Lopez, Dr. Katherine Rynkiewich, and Dr. Patria C. Lopez to our latest edition of In Conversation with Dean Horswell!Dr. Adriana M. Garriga-Lopez is Associate Professor of Anthropology and Comparative Studies at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Prof. Garriga-Lopez holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology (2010) from Columbia University in New York. Dr. Garriga-Lopez is the lead Principal Investigator on this project. Garriga-Lopez previously received an NSF (2021-2024), Award #2049565 on “Ethics of Care and Compounded Disaster”. She joined the faculty at the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters in 2022. Garriga-Lopez is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Dr. Katharina Rynkiewich is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida. Prof. Rynkiewich holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology (2020) from Washington University in St. Louis and an M.A. in Social Sciences (2013) from The University of Chicago. Dr. Rynkiewich is the Co-Principal Investigator and has worked with Dr. Garriga-Lopez on establishing The Ethnographic Lab at Florida Atlantic since her arrival in 2022. Dr. Rynkiewich is originally from Mt. Vernon, Indiana. Dr. Patria C. Lopez de Victoria Rodriguez is Associate Professor of English at the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey campus. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics in health from The Pennsylvania State University (2016) and is the PI of this project's collaborative nexus. Lopez de Victoria has received funding from NIH (Award #R21MD013701; 2018-2020) and the Alzheimer's Association (Award #AARG 20-685407; 2021-2024). She also leads a team of undergraduate students from diverse disciplines carrying out research with older adults in Puerto Rico. Dr. Patricia Noboa Ortega is Professor of Social Science at the University of Puerto Rico, Cayey campus. Dr. Noboa Ortega holds a PhD in Psychology (2005) from the University of Puerto Rico. In 2017, Prof. Noboa Ortega co-founded the Legal and Psychological Clinic resulting from ethnographic research carried out in Puerto Rico on the psychosocial effects of Hurricane Maria. Her work has been published in the anthology, “Aftershocks of Disaster” (Haymarket Books). Dr. Noboa Ortega is Executive Director of PICSI: Proyecto de Integración Comunitaria San Isidro (San Isidro Community Integration Project). 

In this episode, Alderwoman Daniela Velazquez joins Chris and Amy to discuss the recent controversial comments made by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Donald Trump rally. Daniela shares her perspective as a Puerto Rican and highlights how these remarks have affected the Puerto Rican community, both locally in St. Louis and across the United States. She delves into the challenges facing Puerto Rico today, including economic struggles and the impact of Hurricane Maria, and discusses the unique relationship between Puerto Ricans on the island and those in the diaspora.

In this episode, Chris and Amy dive into the upcoming general election, discussing Vice President Harris's impactful closing arguments and President Biden's recent gaffe regarding Trump supporters. They also share highlights from the sports world, including the Yankees' victory in Game 4 of the World Series and the St. Louis Blues' disappointing loss to the Ottawa Senators. Alderwoman Daniela Velazquez joins the conversation to discuss the fallout from Tony Hinchcliffe's disparaging comments about Puerto Rico. She emphasizes the economic and social crises facing the island, noting that 50% of Puerto Ricans live on less than $10,000 annually. Velasquez criticizes Trump's handling of Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria and highlights the urgent need for community support and political action. The episode concludes with a discussion on a potential sports betting bill in Missouri.

In this episode of the Investing in Integrity podcast, Ross Overline, CEO and co-founder of Scholars of Finance, speaks with Miguel Guadalupe, Vice President of Development at Scholars of Finance.  Miguel shares his journey from the South Bronx to finance, highlighting the pivotal roles of integrity and relationship-building throughout his career. He discusses his career beginnings at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch, his transition to nonprofit work after Hurricane Maria, and his mission to inspire character and integrity in the next generation of financial leaders through Scholars of Finance. Miguel advocates for fostering genuine connections and prioritizing team growth, highlighting the importance of character in leadership and the financial industry. Miguel shares his views on leadership, highlighting the importance of caring for team members and investing in their growth. He believes that successful leaders prioritize the development of their staff and foster an environment of collaboration and support. He contrasts this with the transactional mindset that can sometimes permeate the finance industry, advocating for a more human-centered approach. Meet Miguel Guadalupe Miguel Guadalupe is a seasoned business leader with deep expertise in strategic development, fundraising, and organizational leadership. A proud graduate of Wesleyan University, Miguel has held key roles in the financial services, technology, and nonprofit sectors, including positions at Merrill Lynch, FirstRain, Gartner, and BRC. At Merrill Lynch, he gained significant experience in Marketing, Research Operations, and Middle Market International Sales. He then moved into the tech startup space at FirstRain, where he further honed his leadership and strategic skills. At Gartner, Miguel focused on strategic advisory services and market research. While at BRC, he served as VP of Development, leading fundraising initiatives that drove organizational growth and impact. He currently serves on the National Puerto Rican Day Parade's board of directors, promoting cultural awareness and educational initiatives. As part of Scholars of Finance, Miguel focuses on guiding supporters of our programs in empowering the next generation of ethical leaders championing financial literacy and leadership development for young professionals.

ONE STORY A DAY / Una historia para cada Día during #HispanicHeritageMonth2024 - Let's get inspired!! - ¡Vamos a inspirarnos! Mary Malave, Isabel Burgos, Tatiana Garcia and Maggie Irizarry from Cleveland, Ohio. They saw a need to create a community support group in Cleveland, Ohio. "A Lil Bit Of Love" started after the Hurricane Maria affected Puerto Rico in September 2017, Isabel starting to donate basked of goods to the people in need. Later, Mary started organizing fundraising to provide food for Thanksgiving Day; supporting with funds to pay funeral expenses; to provide food / clothes for the homeless or to support people with mental health needs. Mary's volunteer work was recognized an Humanitarian award. Mary Malave and "A Lil Bit Of Love" also received Outstanding volunteer award and a Certificate of Brick recognition for the Roberto Clemente Statue. As leaders and community members, Mary, Isabel and Maggie shared a message for the Hispanic Latine community.

Jeanne Ortiz-Ortiz lived through Hurricane Maria. She's now the vice director of the American Bar Association's Disaster Legal Services program. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/ 

In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Alan Vaughan, COO of Lift Foils. Starting as a production operator running CNC machines, Alan worked his way up to lead one of the most exciting brands in water sports today. He shares how he took on increasing responsibilities, from managing inventory to overseeing the rebuild of Lift Foils' factory after it was destroyed by fire.Alan also talks about the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the launch of the world's first e-foil. He offers valuable insights into effective team management, emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent, fostering a positive work environment, and applying lean principles to reduce waste and improve efficiency.But it's not just about operations—Alan delves into the surreal experience of riding an e-foil, likening it to snowboarding on fresh powder, and explains how this innovative product has captivated adventurers worldwide.Whether you're a leader seeking management strategies or simply curious about the world of e-foils, this episode offers a wealth of insights and inspiration. Tune in to discover how Alan Vaughan helped propel Lift Foils to the forefront of the industry!

Hannah Upp is a bright, beautiful soul missing from St. Thomas. She went missing in September of 2017 in the days between Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. Due to the chaos surrounding the island in those days, she could be anywhere. Furthermore, due to a neurological condition, she may be unaware that she is Hannah. Hannah is 5'7" with light brown hair and eyes and as of the release of this episode she would be 40 years old. Her family remains hopeful she will be found. Find Hannah Upp Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FindHannahUppUSVI/

Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican superstar, has taken a significant step in addressing political issues in his homeland. He recently purchased billboards across Puerto Rico to criticize the ruling New Progressive Party (PNP). Despite not endorsing any specific candidates, Bad Bunny has actively voiced his discontent with the two primary political factions: the PNP and the Popular Democratic Party (PDP).His actions highlight his disapproval of the PNP and PDP, both of which have dominated Puerto Rican politics. Bad Bunny's involvement in political discourse is part of a broader trend of artists leveraging their influence to effect social and political change.This move is not Bad Bunny's first foray into activism. He has previously used his platform to speak out on various issues affecting Puerto Ricans, including Hurricane Maria's aftermath, the island's financial crisis, and systemic inequalities. His criticism extends to corruption and mismanagement that he believes have plagued the administration of both parties.By buying these billboards, Bad Bunny aims to raise awareness and encourage Puerto Ricans to scrutinize their government more closely. His actions reflect a growing sentiment among Puerto Ricans for a need for significant political reform and a break from the historical dominance of the PNP and PDP.Bad Bunny's influence in Puerto Rico is substantial, transcending beyond his music into the realms of social and political activism. His bold statements against the island's leading political parties underscore a critical period in Puerto Rican politics, where citizens and influencers alike are calling for greater accountability and change.

Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a Puerto Rican singer, rapper, and songwriter known for his unique style and significant impact on Latin music. Born on March 10, 1994, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny has become one of the most influential artists in the reggaeton and Latin trap genres.In recent years, Bad Bunny's career has seen a meteoric rise. He first gained attention with his single "Soy Peor" in 2017, marking the start of his successful journey in the music industry. He has since released multiple albums, including "X 100PRE", "YHLQMDLG," and "El Último Tour Del Mundo," all receiving critical acclaim and commercial success. His music blends various influences, including reggaeton, Latin trap, and other genres, setting him apart from his contemporaries.Bad Bunny's influence extends beyond music; he is also known for his bold fashion choices and outspoken views on social issues. He often challenges traditional gender norms with his eclectic fashion sense, featuring brightly colored, extravagant outfits, and painted nails. This approach has resonated particularly well with younger audiences who see him as a symbol of authenticity and rebellion against the status quo.In interviews, such as one with Juan Armau on "Raymond y sus Amigos" on Telemundo Puerto Rico, Bad Bunny is often praised for his genuine personality and artistic versatility. Armau expressed his contentment with Bad Bunny's success, highlighting the positive impact he has had on the music scene.Bad Bunny has also made a name for himself as a collaborator, working with a variety of artists across different genres. He has collaborated with prominent names such as J Balvin, Drake, and Cardi B. His ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles has earned him a global fanbase and numerous awards, including Latin Grammy Awards and Billboard Music Awards.Despite his fame, Bad Bunny has remained connected to his roots. He frequently references Puerto Rican culture in his music and uses his platform to address issues affecting his home country, such as the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and political corruption. His commitment to these causes has made him not just a music icon but also a prominent voice for social change.Bad Bunny's influence can also be seen in his ventures outside of music. He has dipped his toes in acting with appearances in WWE events and has been announced as part of the cast for upcoming films. His diversified portfolio showcases his multifaceted talent and suggests a bright future that goes beyond the music industry.In conclusion, Bad Bunny is a groundbreaking artist who has reshaped the landscape of Latin music while championing social issues and challenging cultural norms. His impact is felt not just through his chart-topping hits, but also in the broader cultural conversations he initiates. With his continuous evolution and unyielding authenticity, Bad Bunny remains a pivotal figure in contemporary music and pop culture.

Diverse Voices Book Review host Hopeton Hay interviewed Gabino Iglesias, author of the novel HOUSE OF BONE AND RAIN. In the interview, Iglesias explained how the novel was inspired in part by his personal experiences as a teen in Puerto Rico. The story follows a group of friends seeking revenge after a friend's mother is killed. Iglesias highlights the complexities of masculinity and the impact of colonialism, using Hurricane Maria as a metaphor for systemic issues. He emphasizes the deep bond among friends and the internal struggle between staying in Puerto Rico and seeking better opportunities elsewhere. The novel blends horror, crime, and political commentary, exploring themes of identity, opportunity, and the struggle for a better life.Diverse Voices Book Review Social Media:Facebook - @diversevoicesbookreviewInstagram - @diverse_voices_book_reviewTwitter - @diversebookshayEmail: hbh@diversevoicesbookreview.com

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio on March 10, 1994, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, is a globally renowned singer, rapper, and songwriter known for his distinctive voice and genre-blending music that fuses reggaeton, Latin trap, and other styles. Emerging from humble beginnings, Bad Bunny first gained attention through SoundCloud, where his unique sound caught the attention of DJ Luian, leading to a record deal with Hear This Music in 2016.His breakthrough single "Soy Peor" catapulted him into the Latin music scene in 2017, showcasing his ability to combine heart-wrenching lyrics with hard-hitting beats. This success was followed by a series of collaborations with prominent artists like J Balvin, Cardi B, and Drake, including chart-toppers like "I Like It" and "MIA."In December 2018, Bad Bunny released his debut studio album, "X 100PRE," which received critical acclaim and established him as a leading figure in Latin music. The album featured hits like "Estamos Bien" and "Caro," highlighting his versatility and willingness to tackle complex themes such as self-acceptance and mental health.Continuing his prolific output, Bad Bunny released his second album, "YHLQMDLG" (Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana), in February 2020. The album was a commercial success, debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting all-Spanish album at the time. Hits from the album like "Safaera" and "Vete" further solidified his mainstream appeal.Later in 2020, Bad Bunny surprised fans by releasing two more albums: "Las Que No Iban a Salir" in May, a compilation of previously unreleased tracks, and "El Último Tour Del Mundo" in November. The latter made history as the first all-Spanish-language album to reach number one on the Billboard 200, showcasing his global influence.Bad Bunny's impact extends beyond music. Known for his flamboyant and androgynous fashion style, he has become a cultural icon advocating for gender fluidity and challenging traditional norms. He has been vocal about issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, often using his platform to raise awareness and promote positive change.In addition to his music career, Bad Bunny has ventured into acting. Notably, he appeared alongside Brad Pitt in the action-comedy film "Bullet Train" (2022) and has been cast in upcoming projects like "American Sole" and "Cassandro, the Exotico!" He is also involved in professional wrestling, having participated in WWE events and winning the WWE 24/7 Championship.Despite his rapid rise to fame, Bad Bunny remains connected to his roots, frequently incorporating Puerto Rican culture and issues into his work. His philanthropic efforts include various charitable activities and donations, especially in response to crises such as Hurricane Maria's devastating impact on Puerto Rico.Bad Bunny's innovative approach to music and his dedication to authenticity have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Latin Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and an American Music Award. His continued experimentation and boundary-pushing artistry make him a dynamic force in the global music landscape.

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a Puerto Rican singer, rapper, and songwriter who has made significant waves in the global music industry over the past few years. Emerging from the SoundCloud platform, where he uploaded his early tracks as an independent artist, Bad Bunny has become one of the biggest names in Latin music and beyond, often crossing over into mainstream English-language markets.Bad Bunny's music is a diverse blend of reggaeton, Latin trap, and other genres, often incorporating social commentary on timely issues including gender roles, mental health, and Latin identity. His bold fashion choices and willingness to challenge traditional norms have made him a cultural icon among younger generations. From bright, flamboyant outfits to nail polish and makeup, his style defies conventional expectations for male artists in the reggaeton genre.The artist's rise to fame was meteoric. After catching the attention of DJ Luian, who signed him to his record label Hear This Music, Bad Bunny quickly gained traction with hits like "Soy Peor," "Tu No Metes Cabra," and his collaborations with established artists like J Balvin, Cardi B, and Drake. His debut studio album, "X 100PRE," released in 2018, was both a critical and commercial success, solidifying his position as a leading figure in Latin music.In 2020, Bad Bunny's influence only grew with the release of three albums: "YHLQMDLG" (Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana), "Las Que No Iban a Salir," and "El Último Tour Del Mundo." The latter made history by becoming the first all-Spanish-language album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart, underscoring his global influence.Bad Bunny is also known for his dynamic live performances and music videos that often feature vibrant visuals and storytelling. He is outspoken on various social issues and has used his platform to advocate for causes such as LGBT rights and the political situation in Puerto Rico, particularly after Hurricane Maria. Despite his massive success, Bad Bunny maintains a certain level of mystery and intrigue, seldom engaging in public scandals or controversies. Instead, he focuses on his craft and his message, making music that resonates with a broad audience while staying true to his roots.His influence extends beyond music into acting and fashion. He made his acting debut in the third season of the Netflix series "Narcos: Mexico," showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. Additionally, Bad Bunny has graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines and collaborated with major brands, such as Adidas, with whom he released custom-designed sneakers that sold out almost immediately.As an artist constantly pushing boundaries, Bad Bunny represents a new wave of Latin musicians who refuse to be confined by language or genre, achieving unprecedented levels of success and redefining what it means to be a global pop star. Whether he's dropping surprise albums or making bold political statements, Bad Bunny continues to captivate audiences around the world, establishing a legacy that promises to endure.

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is a Puerto Rican singer, rapper, and songwriter known for his significant impact on the Latin music scene and beyond. He first gained popularity through SoundCloud, where his unique style and genre-blending approach quickly caught the attention of listeners and industry professionals alike.Bad Bunny's music is characterized by its fusion of reggaeton, Latin trap, and various other genres, creating a distinct and modern sound that has resonated worldwide. His lyrics often delve into themes of love, heartbreak, and social issues, delivered with a charismatic and sometimes provocative flair. This has garnered him a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.One of Bad Bunny's notable achievements is his collaboration with a wide range of artists. In 2018, he teamed up with Drake on the hit single "MIA," which showcased his ability to blend seamlessly with mainstream artists. He has also collaborated with J Balvin, and their partnership resulted in the joint album "Oasis," released in 2019. "Oasis" was a commercial success and further solidified Bad Bunny's position in the music industry.Bad Bunny's influence extends beyond music. He is known for his bold fashion choices, often challenging traditional gender norms with his eclectic and vibrant style. This has made him a prominent figure in contemporary pop culture, earning him recognition from fashion magazines and platforms globally.Additionally, Bad Bunny has used his platform to advocate for social causes. He has been outspoken about issues affecting Puerto Rico, including the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and political corruption. His song "Estamos Bien" is an example of his efforts to uplift and support his community.In 2020, Bad Bunny released his album "YHLQMDLG" ("Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana"), which translates to "I Do Whatever I Want." The album received widespread acclaim for its innovation and cohesive production, and it was one of the most streamed albums of the year. Following this, he surprised fans with "El Último Tour Del Mundo," an album that incorporated rock influences and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, making it the first all-Spanish-language album to achieve this feat.Beyond his musical endeavors, Bad Bunny has ventured into acting. He made his acting debut in the third season of the Netflix series "Narcos: Mexico," which showcased his versatility as an entertainer. His involvement in various creative projects and his continuous evolution as an artist underscore his dynamic presence in the entertainment industry.Bad Bunny's rise to fame is a testament to his talent, originality, and ability to connect with listeners across different cultures. His commitment to his artistry and the messages he conveys through his work have established him as a pivotal figure in modern music and pop culture.

Planet Poet-Words in Space – NEW PODCAST!  LISTEN to my WIOX show (originally aired July 16th, 2024) featuring award-winning poet and President and Executive Director of the Academy of American Poets, Ricardo Maldonado.  Pamela Manché Pearce, Planet Poet's Poet-at-Large, is also featured on the show. Visit: Sharonisraelpoet.com. Visit: https://poets.org/academy-american-poets and https://poets.org/poet/ricardo-alberto-maldonado.  Visit:  https://www.pamelampearce.com Ricardo Alberto Maldonado was born and raised in Puerto Rico. A graduate of Tufts and Columbia University's School of the Arts, he is the author of The Life Assignment (Four Way Books, 2020), a finalist for the Poetry Society of America's Norma Farber First Book Award, one of Remezcla's Best Books by Latina or Latin American Authors, and Silver Medalist for the Juan Felipe Herrera Best Poetry Book Award. He is also the translator of Dinapier DiDonato's Colaterales/ Collateral (National Poetry Series / Akashic Books, 2013) and coeditor of Puerto Rico en mi corazón (Anomalous Press, 2019), a bilingual anthology that raised funds for grassroots recovery efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Maldonado is the Academy of American Poets' President and Executive Director. Previously, he served as the co-director of 92NY's Unterberg Poetry Center in New York City. He is the recipient of fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts, CantoMundo, Queer|Art|Mentorship, and the T. S. Eliot and Hawthornden foundations. Praise for The Life Assignment Lynn Melnick… Complex and unblinking, with heaps of sorrow and grace, Maldonado has a knack for the impossible, and for making his readers look headlong into it until we all come out the other side more compassionate and honest. Emily Skillings… This bilingual collection asks us to consider how we as readers and citizens reconcile self and state, body and landscape, desire and capital, language and communication . . . Urayoan Noel-The Life Assignment is, in its own startling terms, an ecology of late capitalist grief… This outstanding first book, merciless in its beauty and wit, is a ‘schema for our lapsed world,' a way to make sense of our ‘somber city' and ‘the grief / we happen to be around.

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, has firmly established himself as a global sensation in the music industry and beyond. Emerging from Puerto Rico, he has not only taken the Latin trap and reggaeton scenes by storm but also transcended them to become a multifaceted cultural icon.Bad Bunny's rise to fame began in 2016 when he was discovered on SoundCloud and subsequently signed with DJ Luian's Hear This Music label. His unique style, characterized by a blend of reggaeton, Latin trap, and other genres, quickly set him apart. By 2017, his collaboration with J Balvin and Prince Royce on the track "Sensualidad" had catapulted him into the international spotlight.His debut album, "X 100PRE," released on Christmas Eve 2018, was both a critical and commercial success. It earned him the Latin Grammy Award for Best Urban Music Album and featured hits like "Mía" featuring Drake. Bad Bunny continued to break barriers with his second album, "YHLQMDLG" (Yo Hago Lo Que Me Da La Gana), released in early 2020. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting all-Spanish album at the time.In addition to his music, Bad Bunny has become known for his bold fashion choices and breaking gender norms. He frequently defies traditional male stereotypes by wearing flamboyant and androgynous clothing, making statements on gender and identity. His influence in fashion is so potent that he has collaborated with major brands including Adidas and Crocs, creating designs that sell out almost immediately upon release.Bad Bunny has also ventured into acting and wrestling. In 2021, he made headlines by participating in WWE's WrestleMania 37, showcasing his versatility and broadening his fan base. In the same year, he appeared in the third season of the Netflix series "Narcos: Mexico," further proving his versatility as an entertainer.One of the most talked-about aspects of Bad Bunny's career is his commitment to social issues. He has used his platform to speak out on issues affecting his native Puerto Rico, including the aftermath of Hurricane Maria and the political scandals that led to mass protests in 2019. His song "Afilando los Cuchillos" became an anthem for the movement that eventually led to the resignation of Puerto Rico's governor, Ricardo Rosselló.Bad Bunny's star continues to rise as he consistently pushes the boundaries of what a Latin artist can achieve on a global scale. With multiple Grammy Awards, a slew of chart-topping hits, and ever-growing influence in fashion and social activism, Bad Bunny is not just a musician but a cultural phenomenon shaping the future of entertainment.In October 2024, his influence will be apparent once again as he is one of the celebrities endorsing the Adidas Gazelle Indoor Maroon Almost Yellow sneakers. The collaboration with Adidas highlights his continued impact on both the fashion industry and popular culture, joining other luminaries like Kith in reimagining classic silhouettes for contemporary audiences.

It was a scene straight out of an action movie: specifically The Bourne Identity. On September 16, 2008, the captain of a Staten Island Ferry saw a woman floating face down in the Hudson River, near the Statue of Liberty. Horrified and thinking they found a dead body, two deckhands jumped in a rescue boat and went to her. When they reached the woman, one picked her up by her ankles, while another picked her up by her shoulders. To everyone's shock, the woman took a gasp of air and started crying. This is how Hannah Upp was found after she went missing– the first time.Over the next decade, Hannah Upp, a young, well-liked teacher, would go missing two more times. After her first two rescues, she had no idea where she had been or how she had spent her time. On September 14, 2017, Hannah was living in St. Thomas, on the U.S. Virgin Islands. She had survived Hurricane Irma, and three days before Hurricane Maria was poised to hit, Hannah Upp disappeared for a third time. Did she perish in the water, as many people believe, or is she still out there somewhere, with no idea who she is?Anyone with information regarding Hannah Upp's disappearance is urged to contact the Virgin Islands Police Department at 340-772-5605.Buy the ebook! - And Then They Were Gone: True Stories of Those Who Went Missing and Never Came HomeSubmit a caseFind us everywhereGet episodes early and ad-free on PatreonMerch storeFor a full list of our sources, please visit our blogBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/and-then-they-were-gone--5360779/support.

Polygon document recovery solutions were put to the test after Hurricane Maria in 2017. Puerto Rican history was at stake from damage to the Instituto de Cultura Peurtorriqueña building, causing leaks, humidity, and mold.Polygon's document recovery center received nearly 2,000 boxes of documents from Puerto Rico in 2023. These valuable pieces of Puerto Rican history underwent moisture normalization, microbial neutralization, and surface cleaning.Polygon solutions helped recover these documents through over 6,000 person-hours.

The method of much of social science is "comparative statics." There's an amazing natura experiment going on, after Hurricane Maria changed the environment for the rhesus macaques of Cayo Santiago. Sometimes, you need a simulation to understand something is only obvious after the fact. These primates, known for their fierce competition and rigid hierarchies, expanded their social networks and reduced aggression to endure the island's new, harsh environment.Plus, a politically incorrect TWEJ, and an interesting letter. NYT Cayo Santiago storyA short piece on "anti-market atavisms" and Hayek's insights.Why you can't get a reservation at a restaurant...News story about "Monkey App"Book'o'da week: Peter Boettke, Erwin Dekker, and Chad Van Schoelandt, editors, Toward a Hayekian Theory of Social Change. https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781666937138/Toward-a-Hayekian-Theory-of-Social-ChangeIf you have questions or comments, or want to suggest a future topic, email the show at taitc.email@gmail.com ! You can follow Mike Munger on Twitter at @mungowitz

In this episode of Grid Talk, host Marty Rosenberg talks with Shay Bahramirad who is the  vice president of T&D, strategy, and sustainability at LUMA and president of the IEEE Power & Engineering Society. The discussion focuses on rebuilding the grid in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017 and how the world is pivoting to a new electric grid.Bahramirad is the point person helping to rebuild the grid in Puerto Rico and and go beyond what existed prior to Hurricane Maria. The federal government has earmarked $16 billion to Puerto Rico for grid related work.“From that total $16 billion dollars, we have initiated over $13 billion dollars of scope of work and over $4 billion dollars of it is approved by FEMA and over $1.2 billion dollars has been constructed in the grid. That includes everything from poles that they would withstand 160 miles per hour winds to modernization of substations,” said Bahramirad. Part of the rebuild is making the grid more reliable for customers.“It also suffered from decades of under investments and lack of maintenance that led customers and citizens of Puerto Rico to experience outages three times more frequently than any other utility in the United States. ““We got to work. The frequency of outages experienced by customers has gone down by about 25% since we started.”As for changes confronting IEEE Power & Engineering Society members, utilities, and customers – the organization is focused on building the electrical grid of the future and making sure all the players are working in unison.“It's an unprecedented time to be in this industry and the challenges that we deal with cannot wait for a decade to coordinate.”Dr. Bahramirad is a leading figure in the industry. She is the President of the IEEE Power and Energy Society, an editorial board member of the Electricity Journal, a US CIGRE Executive member, an adjunct professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the founder of IEEE Women in Power. Dr. Bahramirad completed her PhD in electrical engineering at the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Welcome to a new weekly series we are launching on the Latin Wealth platform, Wealth Wednesday! On Wealth Wednesday, we will be discussing trending news, Latino culture and topics surrounding business, host by @chrisbelloso and @ricoramirez86.  Today, we have an exciting lineup of topics to discuss, including historic political developments, health insights, and groundbreaking technological advancements. Apple's News: AI Integration and Product Updates Apple recently introduced AI enhancements at its WWDC event, pushing its stock to an all-time high of around $207 a share. Here are some key highlights from the event, including updates to iPhones, iPads, Macs, and more: Siri gets smarter: Enhanced AI capabilities. AI-generated emojis: Personalized and dynamic emojis. OpenAI Partnership: Collaborating for advanced AI tools. Hidden apps: New privacy features for locking apps with Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode. Real-time call transcripts: Record and transcribe calls directly from the phone app. Gesture controls for AirPods: Answer or decline calls with head gestures. Apple Watch health monitoring: Track vital signs and receive notifications when you're getting sick. Big Announcement: Apple Intelligence Apple introduced "Apple Intelligence," a suite of AI tools designed to personalize user experiences while maintaining privacy. This marks Apple's significant entry into the AI space, aiming to surpass current market offerings. Puerto Rico's Power Grid: Challenges and Improvements Puerto Rico's power grid has faced numerous challenges, particularly after natural disasters like Hurricane Maria in 2017. The vulnerabilities in the system have highlighted the need for substantial improvements in infrastructure, management, and resilience. Current Management: LUMA Energy took over the grid's maintenance, modernization, and distribution in 2021 after PREPA went bankrupt. PR100 Initiative: Puerto Rico aims for 100% renewable energy by 2050. Significant system upgrades and investments, with community participation, are essential to achieve this goal. Scenarios for Improvement Scenario 1: Economic rooftop solar for building owners, prioritizing critical services. Scenario 2: Solar panels for building owners and low-to-moderate income households. Scenario 3: Solar panels for all buildings. Current Progress Puerto Rico has made strides in renewable energy, adding more rooftop solar per capita than any U.S. state last year. The territory increased its renewable generation to 12% from 4% over three years, with a goal of reaching 18-20% next year, compared to the 40% goal set by Puerto Rican law.   Follow us on IG: @latinwealth Email for questions or inquiries: latinwealthpodcast@gmail.com  

Are you ready for it?Get on board for a captivating journey with Bianca Alba, Bolivian Founder of This Latina Travels, who understands the complexities of navigating cultural identities. In this candid conversation, Bianca shares her personal odyssey of discovering her authenticity between being raised in the most prestigious part of the US, speaking Spanish as her First Language, and finally embracing her cultural identity in college. Prepare to be inspired as Bianca recounts her career in public health, her courageous move to Puerto Rico, and her unwavering resilience in the face of Hurricane Maria's devastation. But that's not all – Bianca's entrepreneurial spirit shines through as she unveils the creation of This Latina Travels, her passion project dedicated to empowering Latinas to explore the world fearlessly.Through her podcast, This Latina Travels, Bianca offers a much-needed voice in the travel community, shattering stereotypes and inspiring women, especially Latinas, to chase their wanderlust dreams. Discover her affordable travel guides, practical budgeting tips, and invaluable insights on solo female travel, group tours, and building lasting connections across cultures.Get ready to embark on virtual adventures as Bianca shares her upcoming explorations in Colombia and Europe, emphasizing the importance of cultural respect and embracing the emotional depths of travel. From manifesting adventures to decoding the role of horoscope signs, Bianca's mushy side will captivate and resonate with every listener seeking personal growth and fulfillment through travel.Join Bianca Alba on this empowering journey and unlock the transformative power of travel – a gateway to joy, self-discovery, and unbreakable bonds that transcend borders.Shout outs in the episode from Bianca: Amigas on Tour , Jessica Nabongo, First Black Woman to travel all 195 countriesConsuelo is a First Gen Peruvian, structural engineer, mother and Scorpio fired Latina out to hold the mic and shine the light for Latinas defining today's cultura in their authenticity. Connect with Consuelo on IG @Consuelo_Ends_in_ODiscover Encuentras Your Voice podcast on IG @EncuentrasYourVoice and join the comunidad of amazing Latinas!Listen to every episode on Spotify, Apple Podcast or any of your favorite streaming platforms. Watch the full videos on our YouTube channel @EncuentrasYourVoice

Like many island economies, Dominica experiences high youth unemployment, and recent events, in particular Hurricane Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic, have combined to make the search for work even harder.A UN-backed initiative designed to improve the employment options for young Dominicans, Work Online Dominica, has been successful in helping them to overcome the barriers they face on a small, remote island.Conor Lennon from UN News met aspiring photographer Josiah Johnson, a graduate of the programme, in Dominica's capital, Roseau, to find out how he, and other young people, have benefited from Work Online Dominica. 

Luis Báez is a Revenue Enablement Strategist + Sales Coach dedicated to serving executives and sales leaders at businesses. In 2017, after years of working in some of the biggest Silicon Valley startups (think LinkedIn, Google, Uber, Tesla, and more), Luis began to teach impassioned business owners how to scale their revenues and impact by creating and selling high-end offers. During that time, he was also invited to speak about leadership and personal branding at business schools across the country including Stanford, UC Berkeley and Bard. Luis Baez Vroom Vroom Veer Stories Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the South Bronx; live in public housing and went to public schools; first in his family to graduate high school Came out after graduating High School and his mom was very loving and supportive; others in his circle took more time to come around Went to college at Wheaton College in Massachusetts on a scholarship; he definitely struggled mightily just put his head down and finish with a degree; started with pre-med but changed to sociology and Spanish Went down the Law Degree track and worked for a judge in New York before he realized that he didn't really want to be a lawyer; a friend suggested business, sales, and marketing Took a job on the East Coast working sales and earned his Account Executive Title; the company later gave him a promotion offer or severance and he took the severance to move to the West Coast First landed a job at LinkedIn because he was using that platform to try to find a job; then he was recruited to work at Google; the Google job landed him in the hospital with burn out Worked at Uber for 6 months; but knew right away that it was not a good fit for him; about the same time Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico and he need to focus some time helping with relief efforts from the states About this time he started doing more consulting and teaching and is now giving away a free course called Flex and Flourish Show Summary In this episode of "Vroom Vroom Veer" hosted by Jeff Smith, the podcast explores the intriguing and tumultuous journey of Luis Báez, a former Silicon Valley insider turned sales coach and revenue enablement strategist. The episode kicks off with a vibrant introduction by Tim Paige, who sets the stage for a discussion about steering away from a scripted life to embrace more authentic and fulfilling paths. Jeff then welcomes Luis Báez to the show, complimenting his polished online presence and probing into what excites him currently in his business. Luis talks about his latest venture, Flex and Flourish, a course designed to lay out his sales strategies and playbooks, which he promotes during the interview. Luis shares his humble beginnings, born in Puerto Rico and raised in the South Bronx during a tumultuous era marked by drug epidemics and gang violence. He outlines his remarkable educational journey, becoming the first in his family to graduate from high school and college, navigating the cultural transitions at Wheaton College, and the inherent struggles linked to his identities as a person of color and an out gay man. The conversation transitions into his professional life, detailing his initial aspirations in medicine and law, eventually finding his niche in sales and marketing. Luis discusses his moves through some of Silicon Valley's most prominent companies, including LinkedIn, Google, Uber, and Tesla, each experience contributing to his skill set but also to his understanding of corporate cultures and personal limits. Personal stories of overcoming discrimination and establishing his worth in challenging environments weave through the narrative, showing Luis's resilience and strategic acumen. The interview takes a deeper dive when discussing his decision to move to California on a whim, taking a severance package and leaving his job without a clear plan, which he describes as a true "veer" moment.

Russia's transnational crime syndicate uses our own weaknesses against us, to entrench their weaponized corruption. Take, for instance, the Act 22 tax loophole that lets rich Americans buy up land in Puerto Rico to avoid paying any money in federal taxes. It's called “trickle down theory,” but the locals call it gentrification and tax dodging. So why is RT (Russia Today) latching on to a grassroots campaign to close the Act 22 tax loophole threatening to turn Puerto Rico into a dangerous money-laundering vipers den, with no affordable housing? Could it be that Russia is trying to stop this movement by discrediting it?   Ringing the alarm on how the Act 22 tax loophole jeopardizes Puerto Rico's sovereignty and U.S. national security are Nomiki Konst, an activist and filmmaker, and Federico de Jesús, a public affairs consultant. They joined forces in Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria to launch "Losing Puerto Rico," a documentary-in-progress and movement by the same name against the Act 22 tax loophole. Konst, a longtime ally of Senator Bernie Sanders, chosen by Sanders to work on the unity commission for the DNC following the 2016 election, cut her teeth as an investigative journalist under Wayne Barrett, the first reporter to warn us about Trump. De Jesús, who helped lead Hispanic outreach in campaigns for President Barack Obama and Senator Harry Reid, focuses on human rights issues in Puerto Rico. They explain what's at stake with the Act 22 tax loophole, why Russia may have taken an interest, and their urgent advice for Biden on how to defeat Trump in the 2024 election, including how to win back Hispanic voters who have been trending Republican.    This week's bonus show, available to subscribers at the Truth-teller level or higher on Patreon, features the recording of the Gaslit Nation Make Art Workshop: The Business Side of Things, alongside the transcript. To access the workshop, all bonus shows, ad-free episodes, exclusive event invitations, and more, subscribe to the show and join our listener community at Patreon.com/Gaslit! Thank you to everyone who supports the show – we could not make Gaslit Nation without you!    Listen to “Pur Sun” by Whose Hat Is This? https://bassmagazine.com/tim-lefebvres-whose-hat-is-this-releases-new-single-pur-sun-listen/ You can find more music by Whose Hat is This? on Bandcamp at whosehatisthis.bandcamp.com or whosehatisthis.com Thank you to Tim Lefebvre and Whose Hat is This? for your music! Got music to share with the world? Submit your song to be featured on Gaslit Nation here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-d_DWNnDQFYUMXueYcX5ZVsA5t2RN09N8PYUQQ8koq0/edit?ts=5fee07f6&gxids=7628   Thank you to OneSkine, the sponsor of this week's episode – be sure to give them a try! Our listeners can receive an exclusive discount code. Tell ‘em Gaslit Nation sent you!  Get 15% off OneSkin with the code GASLIT at https://www.oneskin.co/    Show Notes:   Losing Puerto Rico – learn more about the movement to protect Puerto Rico, U.S. security interests, and repeal the Act 22 tax loophole and the film-in-progress: https://www.losingpuertorico.com/   Losing Homeland - How a Speculators and Tax Cheats are Stealing Puerto Rico https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6K2SxZNxGQ   Inside the Oslo accords: a new podcast series marks 30 years since Israel-Palestine secret peace negotiations https://theconversation.com/inside-the-oslo-accords-a-new-podcast-series-marks-30-years-since-israel-palestine-secret-peace-negotiations-212985   What is the International Criminal Court and why it has Israeli officials worried https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-gaza-international-criminal-court-hague-palestinians-1f683a6e2e150d91c415eb1d0a19a44d   Israeli, U.S. Officials Say New Sanctions Due to Conduct of Ben-Gvir, Smotrich A U.S. source said the far-right ministers were considered for sanctions themselves, but the White House feared impacts on bilateral relations. Some U.S. figures object to the use of the term 'sanctions,' and say that the U.S. is simply holding Israel to the standard it holds all aid recipients https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2024-04-21/ty-article/.premium/israeli-u-s-officials-say-new-sanctions-due-to-conduct-of-ben-gvir-smotrich/0000018f-018b-d6a0-a9ef-c19f11020000   How today's college protests echo history https://www.npr.org/2024/04/29/1198911364/student-protests-palestine-israel-vietnam-compared-history-1968-columbia-campus   German ex-soldier admits spying for Russia as trial opens https://sg.news.yahoo.com/german-ex-soldier-admits-spying-161900658.html   2 Ukrainians were stabbed in Germany. Prosecutors are examining a possible political motive https://apnews.com/article/germany-ukrainians-stabbed-russian-suspect-4a432eb55a05885c541b2515be1b20d5

Around the world, coastlines are constantly changing due to the power of waves, currents and tides. Coastal areas are also some of the most heavily populated and developed land areas in the world. So it's not hard to see how the natural process of coastal erosion can cause serious problems for us. It's an issue that's been bothering CrowdScience listener Anne in Miami Beach, Florida. She can see the beach from her window and wonders why after every storm, several trucks arrive to dump more sand on it. In this first of two programmes, CrowdScience visits Anne's home in south Florida and finds out how erosion threatens Florida's famous beaches. She speaks to geoscientist Dr Tiffany Roberts Briggs and hears why it's such a problem for this tourist-reliant state. Tiffany explains the delicate balance between natural processes and human infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico declared a state of emergency in April 2023 due to coastal erosion. Caroline witnesses the impacts of erosion first-hand, as Ruperto Chaparro shows her abandoned houses crumbling into the sea. But how can we quantify the rate of erosion? Dr Kevian Perez in the Graduate School of Planning at University of Puerto Rico explains the methods they use to monitor Puerto Rico's coastlines, and how they are evaluating the effectiveness of different mitigation methods. However, some of the methods used to protect coastal communities from the encroaching sea have done more harm than good. So what are the best ways to tackle this problem? That's what we'll be exploring in next week's programme. Presenter: Caroline Steel Producer: Hannah Fisher Editor: Cathy Edwards Production Co-ordinator: Liz Tuohy Studio Manager: Steve Greenwood and Bob Nettles Featuring: Dr Tiffany Roberts Briggs, Associate Professor at Florida Atlantic University Ruperto Chaparro, Director of Sea Grant Programme, University of Puerto Rico Anabela Fuentes Garcia, Villa Cristiana community leader Dr Kevian Perez, researcher at the Coastal Research and Planning Institute of Puerto Rico at the Graduate School of Planning(Photo: Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. Credit: Orlando Sentinel/Getty Images)

Episode Summary This week on Live Like the World is Dying, Margaret and Dean talk about the ways that mutual aid helps communities prepare for disasters that are already here and disasters that have yet to come. Guest Info Dean Spade is an American lawyer, writer, trans activist, and associate professor of law at Seattle University School of Law. You can find Dean's work at Deanspade.net, and you can read the article that Margaret and Dean talk about, "Climate Disaster is Here--And the State Will Never Save Us" on inthesetimes.com. You can also find Dean on Twitter @deanspade or on IG @spade.dean. Host Info Margaret (she/they) can be found on twitter @magpiekilljoy or instagram at @margaretkilljoy. Publisher Info This show is published by Strangers in A Tangled Wilderness. We can be found at www.tangledwilderness.org, or on Twitter @TangledWild and Instagram @Tangled_Wilderness. You can support the show on Patreon at www.patreon.com/strangersinatangledwilderness. Transcript Live Like the World is Dying: Dean Spade on Mutual Aid as Preparedness **Margaret ** 00:24 Hello and welcome to Live Live the World is Dying, your podcast for what feels like the end times. I'm your host today Margaret Killjoy. And today, I'm gonna be talking to Dean Spade, and we're gonna talk about so much stuff. We're gonna talk about so much stuff that this is going to be a two parter. So you can hear me talk with Dean this week and you can hear me talk with Dean next week. Or, if you're listening to this in some far-flung future, you can listen to it both at once in between dodging laser guns from mutants that have come out of the scrap yards, riding dinosaurs. I hope that's the future, or at least it wouldn't be boring. This podcast is a proud member of the Channel Zero Network of anarchist podcasts, and here's a jingle from another show on the network. **Margaret ** 01:53 Okay, we're back. So if you could introduce yourself with I guess your name, your pronouns, and then maybe a little bit about how you ended up doing the kind of work that led you to be on this show talking about mutual aid and collapse and preparedness? **Dean ** 02:10 Totally. Yeah, I'm Dean, I use he/him. And we could start anywhere. I became politicized primarily, like in the late 90s, living in New York City. You know, Rudy Giuliani was mayor/ There was a really vibrant, like very multi-issue, cross-class, multiracial kind of resistance happening to his range of anti-poor pro-police politics happening in the city; people, you know, in the fight around immigrant rights, in the fight around labor, sex workers being zoned out of Time Square. You know, there was just. . .it was a real moment. And I was part of queer nightlife. And people were experiencing a lot of intense policing. And a lot of us were part of work related to, you know, things that had spun off of Act Up, like a lot of direct support to people who were living with HIV and AIDS and trying to get through the New York City welfare processes, and dealing with housing. So a lot of mutual aid in that work from the get, and a lot of work related to that overlap between criminalization and poverty, from a queer, trans, feminist perspective. And that work was also tied into like, very, you know. . . a broader perspective. Like a lot of people were tied to the liberation of Puerto Rico, and the fight against the US Navy bombing Vieques, people were tied into the fight around Palestine. So it was very local--hyperlocal--New York City work, but it was very international because New York City is a very international place, and those politics were very international. So that really shaped me in a lot of ways. And I went from there to becoming a poverty lawyer and focusing on doing Poverty Law for trans people, you know, really focused on people in jails and prisons and welfare systems and immigration proceedings and foster care and stuff like that; homeless shelters. I did that for a number of years, and then increasingly felt like I. . . I just felt the real limits of doing that work as a lawyer and really prefer unpaid organizing and not being do not doing that to kind of the nonprofit and sort of like social services, legal services frame. And so my job, for now 15 years, has been that I'm a law professor. It's like a really great job that's not like. . . you know, it's not a nine to five, and that's wonderful. You don't have a boss really, and things like that. And so I teach to kind of pay my bills and what my life is really about is, you know, a lot of. . . it's been a lot of local abolitionist stuff. Like, you know, site fights around different jails and other facilities or police stations or whatever and mutual aid work and, you know, tied in for years with various aspects of like Palestine movement, especially around trying to push back against pinkwashing. And like writing stuff and making media and collaborating with artists and and, yeah. So, that's like that's that same. . .I've always think I've stayed the same, but also, I think my ideas have changed a lot over time. I've gravitated more towards anarchist or anti-state thought. And thinking a lot more in recent years about the ecological crisis and collapse and just kind of like what that means for the tactics and strategies we're all engaged in kind of all these different movements spaces. **Margaret ** 05:41 I think that that's probably--that last point--is kind of the core of what I want to ask you about and talk to you about, because while you were talking, I was thinking about how like, you know, all of these things that you're talking about--the activism you're doing in New York, for example==I mean, it's all preparedness, right? Like us, helping each other out is being. . . like, aware of actual threats and working to mitigate them? And that's what preparedness is for me, right? And, I actually think activism is a very good, solid place to come from for preparedness, right? I'd rather have a bunch of activists and organizers around me than specifically people who like, know how to skin squirrels. I like people who can do both to be honest, but you know, as compared to the traditional assumption of what a prepper or someone who's involved in preparedness, what their background would be. But I also. . .okay, so it's like I want one, I kind of wanna talk about the activist-preparedness pipeline. But the thing that I'm really excited to talk to you about is kind of the opposite, is the thing that you just brought up. What does awareness of ecological crisis do to our activism? What does it do to how we make decisions around what to prioritize? How to live? Like, for me, the thing that started this show was that I was like, "I'm very aware of this coming ecological crisis. I feel a little bit distant from other people because I feel a little bit like I'm running around screaming, 'the sky is falling.' Because I could see it and I don't understand why no one else can see it," you know? And it was basically like, how does this inform the decisions we make? Right? Which is where the title sort of literally comes from. But I think you've done a lot of work around this, around how awareness of ecological crisis impacts how we choose to be activists. And I'm wondering if you could talk about how it's impacted you or how you've learned to help communicate this to people. Right, because that's one of the biggest scary things is how do we not Chicken Little while needing to Chicken Little? You know, we need a little bit of Chicken Little--a little. Yeah, okay. I'm done. **Dean ** 08:05 I want to come back to the pipeline later. Let's remember to do that. But one thing that your question brings up for me also is just, I just want to talk--and I'm curious about your experiences of this--I want to be real about how much denial there is like. And I think this is really interesting. Like, I find an extreme amount of denial about the level of the crisis, even amongst people I know who are incredibly radical and spent their lives trying to end denial around other things they care about. Like we spent our lives trying to be like, "Look what's happening in prisons and jails in our society," or "Look at what poverty is," or "Look at what the war machine is." But then when it comes to like, "Hey, y'all, I think that, like, collapse is nigh, and that might affect our strategies." People are like, "I don't want to hear about that." Literally, "Don't talk to me about that," because it's so scary, and there's so much stress. And then I get like a certain set of like really common denial reactions like, "Well, the world has ended before." And it's like, yes, every time colonialism is happening a world, a way of life, a way people have been together is ending. Absolutely. And there is something unique and specific about this particular mass extinction event. And it's okay to say. . . it doesn't mean that those things didn't happen or aren't happening. But they're. . .but that feels to me like sometimes a phrase people use that's just like, "I don't want to think about this anymore." I'm like, let's think about that and this because actually, they're all happening together. Right? Like, obviously, colonization is ongoing and it determines who is feeling the heat fastest, you know? That, I get that one a lot or I get like, "Well, humans are bad and maybe the world should just end," kind of thing. Like, let's hasten it, or like, you know, maybe not, "Let's hasten it," but like, you know, that feels really messed up to me. That feels like skipping over and denying how much meaningful suffering we want to acknowledge and recognize and also try to prevent, and it ignores the fact that not all humans have made this happen. Actually, most humans who ever existed have fought against extraction and states and wars, and it's like just elites running state formations that have made this happen. Like that feels really not right and unjust, that kind of frame. I just get a lot of autopilot denial statements from people when I try to talk about this, that are from people like who I love and who really share my other values. And I'm just like, what's going on? How can I get people to talk with me about this in a way that's not--I'm not trying to just kick up fear and terror. And also, it's probably reasonable to feel fear and try to hold that with each other, because that's a reasonable response to the fact that I'm. . .I feel very certain that my life will end earlier than it likely would have ended because of the collapse of systems that I rely on--all of which are like terrible systems of extraction that I wish I didn't rely on to live, but I do. Like, I want to talk about that with people I love. And, you know, I think it makes such a big difference in our political movements because we're so often in conversations that are about unrealistic timelines of change by trying to persuade people, trying to. . . you know, let's persuade Congress, let's persuade. . . like, I don't know, these are kind of moral persuasion, long-term frameworks for transformative change that are dubious on many levels but also are just really unrealistic with what we're staring down the barrel of. So to me, potentially, awareness of the level of crisis that's happening, would allow us to be very humble and pragmatic about immediate needs and preparation, as opposed to being invested in.... One other thing I'll say about denial is I think one of the things that produces so much of this denial is there's so much fake good news about climate. It's like "This person is developing this cool thing to put in the ocean," or it's all tech-based and it's like tech is gonna save us somehow. And it's those kinds of, "I feel good because I read one good thing about how one species is on the rebound." That is a whole news machine telling us not to be worried and also that experts have an under control, and someone else is going to fix it. And don't look around at the actual overwhelming evidence of, again, living through another hottest year on record, you know? And so I guess I'm just--I'm sorry I'm all over the place--but I just, I really feel strongly about what would it take for the people in our communities who are so. . .who dedicate our lives to reducing suffering of all living beings, to let ourselves know more about what's happening, and see how that would restructure some of our approaches to what we want to do with this next five years, you know? **Margaret ** 12:50 I think that that's such a. . .it's such a good point because one of the things that we. . .one of the mainstream narratives around climate change--you know, I mean, obviously, the right-wing narrative is  that it's not happening--and then the liberal narrative--and it's the narrative that we easily fall into, even as radicals and progressives and anarchists an ect--Is that, "Hey, did you know that we're in trouble by 2050?" You know, and we're like, "We better get our shit together in the next 30 years." And I'm like, "I'm gonna be dead 30 years from now and not of old age." You know? And, I, maybe I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong. I'm often wrong about this kind of thing, right? But I need to take into consideration the very likely possibility that that is going to happen. And I need to--and there's certain things that I can do to like mitigate the dangers that I'm facing--but overall, it's the same thing that you do by being born, where you're like, "Well, I'm going to die," right? And so you're like, I need to make decisions based on the fact that I'm gonna die one day. And so I need to choose what's important to me and, like, do my YOLO shit. I don't think anyone says YOLO anymore. But, you know, I need to, act like I know that I might die at any moment and make my decisions based on that. And people are like, "Yeah, by 2045 It's gonna be so much trouble." And I'm like, "2030." You know, this year, last year, two years ago, COVID," you know? And we just need to take it into consideration. All of these things that you're bringing up is a really interesting me. I took a bunch of different notes. I'm going to talk--I'm going to also kind of scattershot it. And one of the things that came up recently, we do a This Month in the Apocalypse and we do a This Year in the Apocalypse or "last year in the apocalypse," and the last year we did Last Year of the Apocalypse-- whatever the episode we did recently about last year--you know, we got some feedback where people were like, "Y'all were a little bit more cynical and doom and gloom than you usually manage," and it's true. And I try actually fairly hard with the show, because if you're completely doom and gloom all of the time, it's pretty natural to just shut down and eat cookies and wait for the end or whatever, right? And that's like, not what I want to promote. But on some level, I'm reaching the point where I'm like, "Yeah, no, this is. . . it's bad. The asteroid's right there. We can see it. It's coming. We need to act like that's happening, you know? And there's only so many times and ways you can say that. But the thing I.... Okay, one of the things I really like about what you brought up, is what that timeline does. In some ways it disrupts--including radical projects, right--like, one of my projects is social change and cultural change and one of my projects is to help people--and especially next generations of people--operate in a more egalitarian way, you know, in my mind a more anarchic way but whatever. I honestly don't give all that much of a shit about labels with this, you know? And that's like, a lot of my work, right? And then I'm like, I wonder how much that matters? You know, right now. And I wonder how much--and I think it does in kind of an.... I think this comes from the Quran, "If the world were ending tomorrow, I would plant a tree today." You know? I always saw it as like the cool activist slogan. And then eventually, it was like, "Oh, that, I think that's a Quranic slogan." And that's cool. And so as an anarchist that influences my thinking, right? About like,, okay, this slow cultural work has a point but isn't necessarily what we're going to do to save us--as much as "saving" happens. But it also really disrupts--and I think this is what you kind of mentioned--it's really interesting how much it disrupts the liberal perspective of this. And I remember having this conversation--I don't want to out this person as a liberal, [a person] that I love dearly [and is] an important part of my life, is very much a liberal--and when we're talking about, "Oh, I wish we would have a green New Deal, but it just, it won't happen. There's no way it'll get through Congress." And so at that, this person throws up their hands, they're like, "Well, what would save us is a green New Deal and it's not going to happen. So okay." And it's just, to me, it's like, well then what? You know? And you get into this place. And I think overall, I think anarchists and some other folks have been kind of aware of this for a while, where revolution is actually less of a long shot than electoral change on something that has a timeline, like mitigating the worst effects of climate change. And revolution is a shit fucking record, just an absolute garbage record. But it happens faster--but electoral change also as a garbage record and is slow as shit. **Dean ** 18:04 Yeah, and also, if everything's falling apart.... So like, I think that the systems that we live under, like the food system and the energy system in particular, are, you know, I think we saw this with COVID, the supply chains breaking down really quickly. Like the whole global supply chain is already like a shoe-strung, ramshackle, broken, messy, really violent thing and it falls apart--it's barely patched together--and it falls apart quickly when it's disrupted. And there's no reason to think we wouldn't have more pandemics soon. And there's no reason to think we won't have other major disasters, both resulting from political stuff and from ecological stuff and from economic access. So, if we know that the things we live under are falling apart, it's not like. . . It's like it's not even like a revolution like some people topple something. It's like things are just cracking, toppling unevenly across space and time across regions. And how do we want to be thinking about our lives? I like that you brought up that "YOLO," sharpens your own priorities, like who do I want to be near? What do I want? Who do I want to be with? How do I? What kind of person...skills would I like to have when that comes up? This relates to the kind of activist-prepper pipeline thing. Like, learning how to facilitate a meeting with a lot of people who are different from each other is really useful. Like my beloved, beloved, dear friend lived through Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. She lived in a really big apartment building that's part of a complex of two really big apartment buildings. And she was like, "The thing I really wish I'd known how to do would be to facilitate a great meeting for that many people--even if everyone didn't come." People were already supporting elders in the building, trying to help each other in every way possible, but she wished there had been big meetings to help facilitate that more. So those kinds of skills, knowing how to help people share stuff, knowing how to help deescalate conflict, knowing how to...what to do when intense men are trying to take things over, you know, and knowing how to organize around that. These are things that a lot of activists who are in any number of movements know how to do. So like knowing those skills and then also knowing it's going to actually be really...like it's going to be really local. There's going to be a level of just like, "Do people have stored water on my block? How much? What stored water do we have to share? If I get more people on my block to store more water now, then when the water stops flowing we'll have more water on the block." I think a lot about something you said in one of your episodes about how it's more important to have a tourniquet than a gun. Like just things that you can share. Partly, it's like, if more people are carrying tourniquets or Narcan or any of the things we know are about how I'm then a person who doesn't need that and I'm a person who could share it. So just that aspect of preparation, that's already what works. You know, we already live in a bunch of crises. Like, lots of our community members are in prison, people are living outside. Like, we live with so much crisis. We already kind of--if you're working on those things, you know a bit about what that's like, what you want to have in your bag, what kind of things would prepare you for the fight that's likely to break out or emotional crisis people are likely to be about to fall into or whatever. So I feel like that kind of thinking, it's like when we get to this level of awareness about the crises we live in and we're like, "It's not 2050. It's already happening/it's the next pandemic, which could be much a worse pandemic and start any day now. Or it's the next storm coming to where I live or fire or smoke," or whatever. Like when we accept that more, which is like this whole difficult process about accepting our own mortality, accepting that things change, accepting. . . ridding ourselves of like, nationalism that tells us the United States is forever and will always be like this, you know, all these illusions are like so deep in us, like when we do that, it just clarifies what this short, precious life is about. You know what I mean? It gives us a chance--and there's a lot of heartbreak. It's like, wow, I won't be with all the people I love who live all over the country or all over the world when this happens. I don't know when this is happening. I don't know how it's gonna unfold. There's so much powerlessness. And, what are the immediate things I want to do about appreciating my life right now and setting things up as to the extent that I can--I mean I can't prepare to prevent it--but I can be like, "Yeah, I'm gonna store some water," or "Yeah, I would rather live closer to this person," or whatever it is, you know? I feel like people deserve a chance to ask those questions of ourselves and then, politically, to stop doing tactics that are based on a lie, that things are going to stay this way forever or even for a while. Because that feels like. . . I'm like, I want to stop wasting our beloved, precious time, you know, on shit that's too. . . It's on a timeline that's not real. You know? **Margaret ** 22:45 I wonder if it's like. . .To me--I don't talk much about my romantic life on the podcast, but I'm polyamorous--and one of the things that distinguishes a partner versus a sweetie is that I make my life plans incorporating partners, you know? Not necessarily like, oh, we're gonna live together or whatever. But they're like, these are the people that I like, from a romantic point of view, and being like, I am going to make my decisions absolutely, including these people. It's like we need to date the apocalypse. We need to just accept that the apocalypse is our partner. Like, we need to make our decisions incorporating the uncertainty and. . . the uncertainty about what's to happen, and the likelihood that what is coming is very different than what is currently--or certainly than what was 10 years ago. I mean, even like. . . I don't know, talking to my friends who I've been friends with for 10-20 years, I'm like, we'll talk about 10 years ago and we'll be like, "That was a different world politically," right? It was just a completely fundamentally different world. And, you know, the future is going to be really different. And that is, you know.... For me, the biggest decision I made was around preparedness--and everyone has a different relationship with their families--I moved a lot closer to my family. I moved within one tank of gas to my family and back. And, you know, that is the single biggest step that I took in terms of my preparedness, and you know, that's far more important to me than the, probably, about nine months' worth of food, my basement. But, you know, I live in the mountains and have a lot of storage. **Dean ** 24:41 Yeah, I think there's a piece of this about getting to divest. Like, I mean, so much of what liberalism is and what nationalism is, is it tells us that if you're mad about what's happening, where you live, you should appeal to the people who govern you and you should further invest in their system and show up and participate in it. And maybe you should even run for office. It's all about going towards, because that thing is going to deliver you what you want or not depending on how well you appeal to it. And when we're like "That thing," you know, "first of all is rotten and is never going to deliver us anything but war and destruction and that's what it was made for. That's what it does." But also, like, even those of us who know that, even though those were like, "Yeah, I hate the United States. I'm not trying to improve it or fix it or make it into a wonderful.... Even those, we still, you know, we're still very invested. Like, you know, I have a really mainstream job or there's people I know, who want to own a home, all these things that we've been told will make us safe, it turns out they won't? It turns out already they didn't and haven't for lots of people for lots of reasons for lots of times, you know? See 2008 crash, see, you know, hurricanes did taking out all-Black property and displace Black people. All the things. All the uneven, horrible, terrible violences of Capitalism and crisis. But it's really a dead end. You know, when people ask me all the time about going to grad school and I'm like, "I don't know, do you want to spend the last--possibly the last-- few years of your life doing that? Will you enjoy it? Like will it let you do art and activism and whatever else you want or will it be a slog that you're just putting in this time because you think in 10 years, you'll have the job you want? In which case, no. Like for me that kind of invitation to divest from things that I don't really want or believe in any way or to really be like, ?Why am I saying yes to this? Why am I saying no to that?" is one of the liberating aspects of accepting how dire things are that I want people to get to have. Because it's about letting go of stuff that doesn't work and that was never going to work, but like really, really, really. . . Like the Green New Deal. Like if I dedicate my life to passing and Green New Deal and Medicare for all in this political climate with this time, like, it's not gonna happen, you know? And even I think many people who are liberals know that, but it's like, what would happen? Like, do I really? Do I want to produce my own abortion drugs and hormones for my community out of my basement? Do I want to. . . Like, what do I want to do that is immediate support to people I love and care about instead of deferred, you know, wellness, "hopefully,"--if we can convince elites? **Margaret ** 27:19 I like that idea. And I'm going to think about that more. I really liked the perspective of just specifically divesting, and I even. . . It's one of the things I sometimes try to convince the liberals in my life is that the way that incremental change happens isn't from people asking for incremental change, it happens when you're like, "Oh, we don't need you anymore. We've created our own thing," then the State is like, "Shit, shit, shit. No, we can do it too. We promise!" You know? And make them rush to catch up with us. And to compare it to something with my own life, when I when people ask for professional advice in a creative field, one of the reasons I like pushing DIY as a good intro--and even as someone who, you know, I do the show, which isn't quite DIY, it's collectively produced, but I'm one of the collective members, but started off DIY--and then I also have a corporate podcast, right, where, I get my salary from doing a podcast. And the way that you do things is you do things so well that the people who gatekeep look for you to invite you in, rather than going to them and begging for access. You declare that you're too cool to go to the club, and then the club asks you to come in, you know? And in order to do that, you have to genuinely be too cool for the club. But then sometimes when people give you salaries, it's fine and you can use it to fill your basement with food and give it to people and shit. And I think about that even with the Green New Deal stuff, it's like, well, that's not going to happen--probably at all--but it would need to be them co-opting a successfully organized wide-scale, decentralized movement, you know? **Dean ** 29:11 And the Green New Deal is like the prior New Deal, it's a deal to try to save Capitalism and extraction. It's very drastically inadequate for anything that would. . . I mean, so much of what's happened environmentally is not preventable at this point anyway, you know--in terms of what's already been set in motion--much less the idea that something. . . I mean, it's all based on the idea of maintaining a Capitalist job framework. I mean, it's just, it's really, really, really, really, really, really inadequate. And the United States is the world's biggest polluter ever and has. . . The US military is the most polluting thing ever for reasons. It's not just gonna be like, "Oh, you know what, those people those hippies were right, let's stop." You know what I mean? Like, the idea that our opponents are gonna just change their minds because we tell them enough. You know? It's just so. . . It's like, we've been told. . . And it's so like. . . We've just we've been given that message so relentlessly that if we're just loud enough, if there's just enough of us in the streets. And I think a lot of people saw Occupy and saw 2020 and see like, "Wow, this is so. . ." you know, Standing Rock, see these moments where people really, really show up and put everything on the line and are incredibly disruptive. And our opponents just right the ship and suggests that we don't live in a democracy--and we never have. They're not persuadable. Like, it's not going to happen through those kinds of frameworks. And yet, I think that the kind of like brainwashing or the fiction version of the Civil Rights Movement that we've been given is so powerful. Like people really are like, "If I go to a march then. . ." I guess one of my questions at this point in life, too, is how can we bring new people into our movement, because more more people are like unsatisfied, miserable, terrified for good reasons, wonderful mobilizable. How do we bring people in and have ways that we engage in action together that help people move towards a perspective that isn't liberal? So help people move away from love, just thinking they need to get their voice heard to like, "Oh, no, we actually have to materially create the things we want for each other." We have to directly attack our opponents' infrastructure. And we have to have solidarity with everybody else who's doing that instead of getting divided into good protesters and bad protestors, and all that stuff that you see happening, you know, every day. That to me, that question, like, what's the pedagogy. . . What's a pedagogical way of organizing that helps people move out of those assumptions, which are so powerful and are really in all of our heads. It's just a matter of degree. Like, I feel like it's a lifelong process of like trying to strip liberalism out of our hearts and minds, so to say. As they say. As liberals say.  **Margaret ** 31:55 I really liked that way of framing it. I think about how one of my friends always talks about the way to judge the success of actions--and I don't think that this is the only way. I think that sometimes, like "Did you accomplish your goals?" is a very good way. But I think that one of them is, "Does this tend to give the participants agency? Because I think that agency is--I mean, it's addictive--but it's in the same way that air and water are addictive, you know? The more you experience agency--and especially collectively produced agency--the more I think that people will tend to stay in the movement, even as their ability to express that agency, like even when the movement ebbs, right, people who learned. . . You know, there's this thing that I think about with 2020, and 2020 has been memory hold completely, but on some level, everyone in 2020 who had never before seen a cop car on fire or never before seen the police retreat, I remember really clearly the first time in my life I saw the police retreat, because it never seemed like it was a thing that could happen. I've been doing direct action protesting for like eight years before I saw that police retreat, because the way that US tactics tended to work in protest didn't tend to do things that made the police retreat. And that protest where I saw the police retreat, we did not win our strategic goals, right? But it's part of why I am still in this movement is because I can't forget that feeling. And so, yeah, I think that for we people are systematically stripped of agency, learning to invite people into space to collectively create agency is really important. But that said, I do think that actually--especially sort of anti-State leftism, which tends to be less structured, which I actually don't think is inherently a positive or negative thing about it--is that I think one of our biggest stumbling blocks is we're bad at bringing people in. **Dean ** 34:13 Yeah, the insularity of some of the more insurrectionary work is, I think that is exactly it. It's like yes, you can have your little cell that's going to go into an amazing sabotage action or an incredible, you know, deface something or, you know, make something about the more machinery of the prison system or something harder, but how do people join? How are people? And also how to take those steps from like, "Wait, I'm really mad at what's happening in Gaza," or  "I'm really pissed about what's happening with the environment," or "I'm really scared about how the police are," or whatever, to finding what's most available to find, which will often be organizations or groups that are doing a good job recruiting new people but maybe using not very bold tactics. How do we have those groups also be in better. . . You know, I was just reading Klee Benally's book and one of the things Klee talked about is de-siloing the above ground from the underground, like having there be more solidarity is something I've been very concerned about, especially since the recent indictment of the forest defenders and in Atlanta. How do we not have people be like, "Well, the ones who were just flyering are just good protesters, and the ones who, you know, did sabotage and lived in the forest are bad." How do we build such a strong solidarity muscle--which means we have to break ties with like the pacifism narrative--how to build the strong solidarity muscle so that people can get recruited into our movements wherever they get recruited, whatever interests them, whatever tactic they first stumble upon, and then can take bolder action and take more autonomous action, cause there's also kind of passivity in our culture. Like, wait for the experts to tell you. Wait for the people at the nonprofit to tell you. Wait for the group that organizes protests to tell you when to go home, instead of like, "What do me and my friends want to do? What do I want to do? Where it's my idea to go, go off and do something else that's potentially very disruptive to our opponents?" So how to have people get what you're calling agency, or what I might call a feeling of autonomous power and inventiveness and creativity and initiative that isn't just "I'm waiting to be called to come to the march once a year," or once a month, or whatever. But instead, like, "Yeah, I might go to that, and I also then met some people there, and they're going to do this wild thing, and I'm gonna do that," and then how good it feels the first few times you break the law with other people and don't get caught. Like having those joyful feelings--people talk about the joy of looting a lot and after 2020 there were a lot of great references to that--you know, those feelings of like, "Oh, my God, this entire system is fake. I can break the rules in here with others, and we can keep each other safe, maybe. And we can see that we don't have to abide by this rigid place we've been fixed," you know? All of that, I think does--like you were saying--it keeps people in the movement or it feeds us. Given how difficult. . . I mean, you know, it's not like anybody's doing something where they're like, "Yeah, this is totally working." So you need a lot of. . . You gotta get your morale from some kind of collaborative moments of pleasure and of disobedience that can like. . . You know, including hating our opponents and hating what they're doing to all life, you know? **Margaret ** 37:22 I really like the way that you talk about these things. I'm really. . . There's like, so much more I'm gonna like to keep thinking about as I go through this, but one of the things that makes me think of is, you know, what does it take to take ourselves seriously, right, as a political force? I think that there's this. . . Either, some people take themselves too seriously, but are not actually providing any real threat. Right? I would say that the sort of--don't get me wrong, I've worked for nonprofits before and I don't think nonprofits are actually inherently bad--but like the nonprofit, activisty, professional activism world, right, will often take themselves very seriously, but not present any fundamental threat or accomplish systemic change. And some of the people who actually do present a real threat, don't take themselves seriously. They're like, "Oh, we're just kids acting out," kind of attitude. You know, I mean, like, well you're 30, what are you doing? You know and they're like, "We're kids acting out," and like I'm like, okay, whatever you can, you can call yourself kids as long as you want. I remember one time I was hitchhiking when I was 26 and I was like, "Oh, yeah, we use the word 'kids' instead of like, the word 'punks.'" You know? It's like, "I'm gonna meet up with these other kids." And the woman who gave me a ride hitchhiking was like, "You're an adult." And I was really offended. I was like...I'm an adult, that's true. **Dean ** 38:36 I'm not a square. I'm not a square.  **Margaret ** 38:38 Exactly. And one of the things that I think about, I remember. . . Okay, there's two stories about it. One was I was I was in Greece 10 years ago or 12 years ago, shortly after a lot of the uprisings that were happening in Greece, and after that kid, Alex, I believe his name was was. . . a like 16 year old anarchists kid was killed by the police, and then half the nation, you know, rioted around it. And I remember talking to this older anarchist about it, and he was saying that there were people who did studies and they were saying that the average person in Greece basically believed that the police and the anarchists were equally legitimate social forces. Like not like each. . . I think some people were not even like they're both. . .they're all the same. We hate them both. But instead, people being like, "Oh, well, the anarchists, that's a perfectly legitimate thing that these people are trying to do, right, as a legitimate social force. And usually when people use the word "legitimacy" they mean squareness and operating within the system, and I'm not trying to use it that way. I haven't come up with a better word for this. But I think about that a lot. And then because of the history research I do, I, you know, spent a lot of time reading about the Easter Rising in the early Irish Revolutionary Movement. And, you know, I haven't gotten to read Klee Benally's book yet. I got to start it. Someone had a copy of it. But it was sold out for obvious reasons. Although, by the time you all are listening to this Klee Benally's book, which is--what's it called? Sorry.  **Dean ** 40:16 "No Spiritual Surrender"  **Margaret ** 40:17 "No Spiritual Surrender" should be back in print from Detritus books. And anyone who's listening, we talked about it before, but Klee Benally was a indigenous anarchist who recently died and had been doing movement work for a very long time. Might have actually hated the word "movement work," I'm not entirely certain. But, you know, the de-siloing of the above ground and the underground, I think that the more successful movements do that. And I think that, you know, the Easter Rising, one of the things that was really interesting about this thing in 1916, or whatever--you can listen to me talk about for literally, four hours if you want because it's a four part episode--but one of the things that happened with it, that I didn't realize, it gets presented most of the time in history as like, "Oh, well, there was a big. . . Everyone agreed that we should have this revolution." That is absolutely not the case. Absolutely the--I think it was called Redmond-ism, or something. There was like a guy and he was basically the liberal-centrist and vaguely wanted some a little bit of more freedom from England. And that was absolutely the political position of the average person in Ireland at that time. And then these crazy radicals, some of them nationalists and some of them socialists and some of them complicated other things, threw an uprising. And they threw that uprising, and it just fundamentally changed. . . That political position, that centrist position ceased to exist almost overnight. And I'm not suggesting that that is the way it will always work. But there is a way in which you say, "We are not embarrassed. . ." like sometimes you have to do things underground because you don't want to get caught, right? But instead of being like, "Oh, well, I know this is unpopular," instead being like "I'm doing this, and it should be popular, because that makes so much sense." You know, and I actually think that the Atlanta folks in the US are some of the people who have been doing the most work about doing above ground and underground work in a movement that is like. . . These are all the same movements. Sorry, that was a long rant. **Dean ** 42:24 I thought it was great. It made me think about how--and I really will listen to those episodes. I love that you're doing history. It made me think about how sometimes I feel tension--I'm going to be overly simplistic right now--but between the parts of. . . In all the movements I'm in, there's a part that's more nonprofitized, and where people, I think, don't know whether they're interested in taking over the State or not, but because they are not sure and I'm not thought about anti-State politics there, they tend to actually accidentally be statist or some of them are more explicitly really trying take over the State or believe in that fantasy. And so that set of people, when you when you have a belief like that shaping what you're going to do and you imagine yourself and you're like "We're going to run the FDA, or we're going to run. . ." you know, when you imagine the scale of the nation and then you think about your people trying to get it, even though you know your people have never had it and aren't anywhere near getting it, and maybe want to get rid of some parts of it altogether. Like maybe you want to get rid of the Border, get rid of the cops or something, that is not a non-humble framing. And it often includes a distrust of ordinary people and a sense that they still need to be managed. And those I think are like subtextual beliefs inside the work that is often happening at the more legitimized nonprofit side of our movements. And then more scrappy, you know, sometimes anarchist or less institutionalized parts of our movements are often much more humble. Like, could we stop one of these sweeps? Could we feed a hundred people in the park tonight? Could we. . . They're very like, it has less of a like, "We're going to take over and make a utopia out of this whole joint," which I think is a very unrealistic and also dangerous framework for a number of reasons, including to look at who else has tried that, you know? I think the idea of running other people in that massive way is just very dangerous and leads to different kinds of authoritarianism, honestly. But also, I think, for me, what happens when I really take into account the crises we're living in and that are mounting and the unknown intense kinds of collapse that are coming soon, it really points me to that kind of humility. Like what's doable here and now with what's going on now? And what would I do if that were my focus? And it really leads to things like direct attacks, like sabotaging, like direct attacks on our opponents, like making their jobs harder. It leads to immediate mutual aid efforts to support people's well being and preparation for things we know are about to happen. Like, what would make this less dangerous when this thing is about to happen? Like, that's the stuff. Yes, it makes sense to just have masks now because more pandemics are coming, and the current one is so bad. You know, it makes sense to have certain things around or it makes sense to build certain skills and not to be overwhelmed. I think some people get really overwhelmed by the idea of, "Oh my God, I'm such a turn my whole life around, become a hunter, become someone who can farm tons of food," I know that's not gonna happen for me. I'm not going to become an expert farmer and hunter. I'm not going to have the skills of somebody from the 1800s in the next few years. It's not what I built my life to do. My body wouldn't be good at it. But what is within reach that's. . . How does it reorient me towards these very humble things that are both humble and that have a little more faith in other people? Like a little more faith that if we stored more water on my block--I don't need everyone on my block to become interested in this--but if a few more people in my neighborhood were interested in this, we could store some more water. And if it feels. . . I just need to find some people who are interested. I don't need to have every single person be interested. And I don't need to convince everyone this is happening. But I also shouldn't just do it by myself. Like somewhere in the middle. And this relates also to the pipeline question, like why are people who've been involved in organizing and activism often good at prep? One of the things is like--as I think your podcast does a great job showing--prep should be collective and not individualist. It shouldn't be about "How can I have the biggest gun to protect my horde?" And instead, it's like, how do I care about people even if I don't like them. And that is something that our movements are about. It's like, how do I care about people, even if they're annoying, even if they don't speak all the same kinds of terms, even if they don't have my exact identities? How do I care about people because they're around me and they're thirsty? And that skill, that's also going to be about "Who do I want to be in the end times?" Like, I'm living through a very, very hard time in human history, what kind of person do I want to be? I hope I'm generous. I hope I'm thoughtful. I hope I am oriented towards attacking things that hurt life and caring for life. And it's not easy to do those things in this society. And so what would I want to change about what I've learned and what I know how to do to get a little closer to that. I'm going to die either way. Like we're all gonna die even if we're totally wrong and there's no collapse and everything's great. We're all going to. So these questions aren't bad to ask even if things turn out totally fine.  **Margaret ** 47:28 No, I, I really liked this, this way of framing it. And it is. . . One of the things I've been thinking about a lot lately is I've been thinking about my own cynicism. And I don't feel like. . . I feel like misanthropy is not the right word, because everyone I know who's like a misanthrope is kind of an asshole about it. You know? But it's like, once you realize that everyone is disappointing, you no longer have to judge the disappointing people as much, because then you realize that you're disappointing, right? You know? And I'm like, "Oh, everyone kind of sucks." And then you're like, "That includes me. I'm not better than everyone else. So now I should look after these people who kind of suck." And like, all of a sudden, I no longer have this thing where I'm like, oh, queers or anarchists or queer anarchists are the enlightened people and all the cis people are terrible and all the straight people are terrible. And I'm like, look, there are systems that privilege people of certain identities over certain other identities, right? But there's nothing about being a lady who likes other ladies that makes me a better person than someone else, you know? And like, and so then I'm like, okay, well now I care about everyone because I dislike everybody. This is not what I actually advocate for other people to do. But this is kind of where I'm at a little bit personally. I really like this idea of pointing out how we care about people that we don't necessarily like? And this is the thing that's always felt strongly about communities. Community is the people who you're doing a thing with or like to live near or, you know, whatever, rather than the people where you all agree about the current way to define the following word. And that said, I mean, there's people who are like, "Well I might live near them, but they're a racist who wants to hurt my friends." You know? But then again, I've also seen people--I know it's controversial--but I've seen the people do the work of be like, "Hey, white person to white person, don't be such a fucking racist. What the fuck is wrong with you?" And I've seen that work. Or, I've been part of a queer land project in a rural area where the neighbor starts off a little bit like, "What? What's a pronoun?" you know? And then it's like, "I don't really get it, but you can use my tractor."  And I'm like, "Great!" Now we're on the same side in terms of certain important decisions, like should we all starve to death when the food system collapses.  **Dean ** 50:00 And safety can include--I think we see this a lot with people who've been working around domestic violence and intimate violence in our communities--where you're like, "Yeah, there's a guy who lives down the block and he has a lot of guns and he's really, really reactive and he's someone we all need to be aware of." It's like not everyone is gonna move towards us. And so preparedness can also be about how we are currently supporting anybody who's living with him? And how are we preparing to support us all in regard to him if that need be? Like that kind of just frankness, you know? Like just being clear with ourselves about. . . But that's different. I do think that one of the downsides of social media has been--for me--like doing activism for many years before it started and then how it exists now, because it gives us a feeling that we could reach anyone--which of course, isn't true. Most of us just reach people that are in our own little silos or a lot of nobody looks at it at all. It's like there's a fantasy that I could find my real people and I could have a real set of people who really understand me as opposed to just these jokers I've been stuck with on this block or in this school or in this job or whatever and actually who we are stuck with. That fantasy that we have. . . It's true that it's beautiful when we find people to share ideas with and that some of that happens over the internet, and I love all that. But ultimately, nobody gets to live in a little world of people who perfectly understand them. And when you think you've found those people and then you actually hang out with them, it always ends up that there's actually tons of still intragroup differences and struggles and patterns. And so moving away from hoping to find the right people or climb to the right space where people will be truly radical--not that we don't stop looking for our people everywhere--but also just be like, "Well, who's here now? And what would it be like to learn how to care for those people? And also protect myself from them--to the extent that I need to.  And also try to make them more into what I want by showing them the cool ideas and hoping they come along?" You know, all of that, but not being in a fantasy that if I could just get these other people, then I would be happy. Like, that's Capitalism just telling us to claim everything, you know? **Margaret ** 52:00 I like that sometimes you'll say the thing and I'm like, "No, I just agree with you. That makes a lot of sense. And I got to think about that." And like, I like it. Okay, I've got kind of a final question, I think. . .  **Bursts ** 52:15 [Interrupting] But oh dear listeners, it was far from her last question. Stay tuned for the hair-raising conclusion of Mutual Aid with Dean Spade next week, on Live Like the World is Dying. **Margaret ** 52:40 Thank you so much for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, you should tell people about it. And all of the things that I always tell you to do, like hack the algorithms by leaving me. . . I hate anything that I say that involves me making that voice. I'm terribly sorry. I will never do it again. However, leaving reviews does tell machines to tell other people's machines to listen to this. And that has some positive impact on the world that is falling apart. And I need to tell you that that's what I do all day, is I tell you about the world falling apart. But you can support us as we try to alleviate it. We are saving the world, and if you don't support us, it is your fault when people will die. That's what I'm trying to say. That's "not" what I'm trying to say. Put your money towards whatever you think is best. If what you think is best is putting it towards Strangers in a Tangled Wilderness so we can continue to produce this podcast, pay for our audio editor, pay a transcriptionist, and one day pay the hosts, then you can support us on Patreon at patreon.com/strangersinatangledwilderness. That supports all of our shows and all of our different projects. And in particular, we want to thank Amber, Ephemeral, Appalachian Liberation Library, Portland's Hedron Hackerspace, Boldfield, E, Patolli, Eric, Buck, Julia, Catgut Marm, Carson, Lord Harken, Trixter, Princess Miranda, Ben Ben, anonymous, Funder, Janice & Odell, Aly, paparouna, Milica, Boise Mutual Aid, theo Hunter, SJ, Paige, Nicole, David. Dana, Chelsea, Staro, Jenipher, Kirk, Chris, Mic Aiah, and Hoss the Dog. Alright. That's it. I'm done recording. I'm gonna go play with my dog and I hope that you can do whatever makes you happy between now and the end of all things which might be a long time from now. Maybe. Talk to you soon. Find out more at https://live-like-the-world-is-dying.pinecast.co

How can architecture and design professionals embrace technological advancements such as AI, bridge the gap between physical and digital, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing field? On this Practice Disrupted episode, I talked with Ricardo J Rodriguez, the chief marketing officer for Master Builder Solutions, to discuss his career journey from traditional architecture practice to embracing AI and education in the industry. His path highlights the importance of a willingness to consistently learn, adapt, and seek unconventional opportunities in the rapidly changing field.First, Ricardo shares his background in architecture, including various challenges such as layoffs and industry shifts in DC that reflect some of the broader struggles within the field. He highlights the crucial need for digital implementation opportunities.Then, we also explore Ricardo's initial fascination and commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends with AI and its visual applications within architecture. He talks about his journey into digital art, particularly in response to personal trauma experienced during Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. He explains how AI art is part of the evolution of art as a whole, how he gained recognition as a digital artist, and the details of his exhibition, Present Futures.I decided if I wanted to continue supporting, and speaking with folks in the construction industry about emerging transformation – I should do a deep dive into one of the trends that I knew least about, and take myself to the pieces of learning that I was uncomfortable with. - Ricardo J Rodriguez To wrap up the episode, we discuss Ricardo's passion for bridging the gap between AI and creativity in his efforts to develop a curriculum for architects and designers on image generation in AI. He shares his advice for emerging architects in an evolving field, his perspective on how AI impacts the future of the practice, and why he believes we should embrace these tech advancements.Tune in next week for an episode about the power of podcasting in architecture. Guests:Ricardo J RodriguezFascinated by the intersection between "bytes & mortar," Ricardo is a versatile leader with 15+ years of experience turning innovative ideas into tangible solutions. Passionate about driving digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and tackling challenges within the construction and real estate industries, Ricardo is adept at securing strategic partnerships and assessing the potential value of opportunities that bridge the gap between physical & digital.Ricardo has worked with Gensler, NIKA Solutions, and WDG Architecture business leaders. After practicing corporate architecture for 12+ years, managing and designing over 2M sqft of real estate worldwide, Ricardo transitioned to a global enterprise role at BASF. Upon Master Builder Solution's divestiture from BASF, Ricardo's industry expertise served the organization globally. Firstly, working within the Virtual Design & Construction team, managed digital innovation pilots, and sourced con-tech startups as part of the Digital Excellence team. In 2022, Ricardo transitioned into a Global Digital Transformation Evangelist role within the Corporate Development department. In 2023, he was named Global Head of Digital Marketing Excellence.Given his commitment to the construction industry, he's received AIA | DC's Emerging Architect of the Year award and Young Architect of the Year Award from the DC Council of Engineering and Architectural Societies. Ricardo has been a frequent speaker, presenting at over 40 international events over the past several years. In 2018, he was honored by BuiltWorlds, naming him one of the Nation's Top 50 Adoption Leaders. Ricardo's leadership and advocacy resulted in AIA appointing him to the National Strategic Council as an At-Large...

Episode Summary This week on Live Like the World is Dying, Ben and Brooke talk about communication systems during a disaster. They cover basic communication infrastructure and equipment as well as what kind of information is vital to be able to communicate when cell phone towers go down. They also cover just how awesome amateur radio is. Guest Info Ben Kuo (he/him) is an amateur radio operator. Ben can be found on Mastodon @ai6yrr@m.ai6yr.org Host Info Brooke can be found on Twitter or Mastodon @ogemakweBrooke. Publisher Info This show is published by Strangers in A Tangled Wilderness. We can be found at www.tangledwilderness.org, or on Twitter @TangledWild and Instagram @Tangled_Wilderness. You can support the show on Patreon at www.patreon.com/strangersinatangledwilderness. Transcript Live Like the World is Dying: Ben on Communicating After a Disaster **Brooke ** 00:15 Hello, and welcome to Live Like the World is Dying, your podcast for what feels like the end times. I'm Brooke Jackson, your host for this episode. Today I'll be talking with Ben about communication and sharing information after disasters. But first, we'd like to celebrate being a member of the Channel Zero Network of anarchist podcasts by playing a little jingle from one of the other podcasts on the network. Jingle, Jingle jingle goes here. **The Ex-Worker Podcast ** 00:45 The border is not just a wall. It's not just a line on a map. It's a power structure, a system of control. The border does not divide one world from another. There is only one world and the border is tearing it apart. The Ex-Worker Podcast presents "No Wall They Can Build: a guide to borders and migration across North America" A serialized audio book in 11 chapters released every Wednesday. tune in at crimethinc.com/podcast. **Brooke ** 01:29 And we're back. Ben, thank you so much for joining us today to talk about communication and information sharing after a disaster. We'd love to know a little bit more about you if you're willing to share your pronouns and where you hail from and anything else that you want to say to introduce yourself?  **Ben ** 01:49 Sure. My name is Ben Kuo, and I am in Ventura County, California. My pronouns are he and him. And my background in disasters is I have been very involved in responding to disasters, providing information on social media, and making sure that people, you know, get the information they need to stay safe and stay healthy and help other people. **Brooke ** 02:17 Nice. Was this something that you got into because of a disaster that happened? Or was it something you were interested in before...before it became useful in this context? If that makes sense? **Ben ** 02:28 It's interesting. I really got involved in this in 20--I believe it's 2018--when Hurricane Maria hit, and hurricane Maria was a category five hurricane, and I am...one of my hobbies--and I have many hobbies-- but one of them is amateur radio. And for folks who have never heard of amateur radio, what it is, is a hobby where you learn how to use the radio and to communicate with people. And that is locally, you know, with people in your area, that is internationally. And you can talk to people all across the globe using just a radio, a power supply, a battery, and an antenna without any of the world being up. So that's no internet, no telephone, no power supply, no power grid. And you can communicate with people all over the world. And it's fun. And I started because it was a lot of fun. But it ends up being very, very, very useful nowadays with the increasing pace of disasters. And so I became an amateur radio operator partially because of the emergency aspect of it. There's a big community around it. But also just because it's a lot of fun for the technology and playing with the technology. So the big story of how I got into the disaster is Hurricane Maria was bearing down on the Caribbean. And it is...I don't know if you've seen the trend in recent years but hurricanes have been spinning up much faster and much more intensely. And it's called rapid intensification. And because of that you don't have quite the warning that you used to with hurricanes. And so people go, "Oh, we can watch this. And we can react." or "Oh, it's gonna be coming in a week." And that's not happening as much anymore. So what happens is someone says, "Hey, it's a tropical storm. We don't have to worry too much." And all of a sudden, it goes from a tropical storm to category five hurricane. This actually happened only a few months ago in Mexico. A tropical storm, everyone says, "Oh, it's just going to be a tropical storm." Even the expert of the National Weather Service said, "Oh, it's just gonna be a tropical storm." And it went from a tropical storm to category five hurricane. And it totally decimated a resort area in Mexico.  **Brooke ** 05:16 I had no idea. And it's interesting because I feel like I seem to hear about them going the other direction so often. Like, oh, there's a hurricane off the coast and it, you know--especially on our coast here on the West Coast--and then it dissipates into, you know, just a tropical storm or what have you. So I wasn't aware that we're seeing an increase of them going from tropical storm to hurricane. That's really interesting. **Ben ** 05:40 Yeah, I think the scientists say, you know, it's an outgrowth of warmer oceans and with the climate crisis and all that, you have more energy. So it hits a warm spot in the ocean and all sudden, you know, it becomes quite crazy. So how I got involved is--I was not involved very much with emergencies and disasters, until hurricane Maria--and I was, you know, monitoring things here and there. And I learned that amateur radio was the only way to get to the...there's a little island nation called Dominica, it's not affiliated with any large country. It's kind of its own country. And they were cut off from the world by hurricane Maria. So they had, I guess they lost 90% of the roofs. They lost...they had no power system. They lost their telephones. And interestingly enough, everyone thought they were okay, because they didn't hear any messages from Dominica. They were like, "Oh, category five, it should be fine." And no one called for help. [Brooke exclaims incredulity] I got on--the amateur radio operators had already been active. There's an active Amateur Radio Group on the island. And I stumbled upon them and discovered they were in big trouble. And they were just begging for help. And so I stumbled in here--I'm all the way in California--and using the magic of amateur radio was actually talking to these folks in the Caribbean. And actually also using the internet kind of to bridge some of the parts of it. It's interesting, all the technology aspects. But the important thing ended up being that they were in a lot of trouble. There's no one to help, and they just needed to get information about what was going on. And I started relaying information to the amateur radio operators there in the region on what was going on, what help was on the way or not on the way. In the meantime, they actually had...the amatory operators actually arranged a rescue of the Prime Minister of the country. And that's like, you know, rescuing the President of the United States. Yeah, they rescued the president of Dominica, the Prime Minister. And they had...they were laying information back and forth like, "Oh, we need this. There's a problem here. People here need dialysis. How can we get help from these people? These people are trapped." At one point, I relayed information from them about someone who had been...who was able to--I guess there's limited cell phone coverage within the country--where they were able to tell somebody else that they were stuck underneath the house. And that got relayed by amateur radio operators out of the country, and I got it and it went back into the country elsewhere. And I rescued somebody. And in fact, I ended up relaying information from the US Embassy. And they actually were sending in...they actually sent in an entire warship, the USS Wasp. It's an amphibious carrier. And they were airlifting US citizens out of the country. And they would actually go in and, you know, drop people off and pull them out of the, you know, whatever vacation villa they're staying at and have them evacuate. It was a big operation. No one...no one really heard about it here. But that was kind of my introduction to the fact that amateur radio was very, very useful in really, you know, like a worst case scenario. And I learned a lot of lessons there, for sure, about how to deal with it. And eventually after Hurricane Maria hit Dominica, it actually hit Puerto Rico.  **Brooke ** 09:37 What year was this by the way?  **Ben ** 09:39 It was September of 2017. And it first hit Dominica, but then the hurricane curved up and it hit Puerto Rico. And I was involved in that. There's a huge...Puerto Rico also had no communications. And the only communications was amateur radio for a good two days I believe. And I was really relaying information back and forth there. And how this ties into social media is I was collecting all this information, relaying it back and forth. And I said, "Hey, I'm listening to all this, I can see what's going on and I might as well post it up on Twitter." And I did that. And I also put up a YouTube stream of all the radio communications that were happening.... **Brooke ** 10:25 Back when Twitter was good and useful and we loved it.  **Ben ** 10:29 Yeah, back when it was a cause for good as opposed to what it is now. **Brooke ** 10:33 Sorry, go on. Mourning the loss of Twitter. **Ben ** 10:38 Yeah, exactly. It's actually quite a thing. So interesting...that would have been it for me. I was going to delete my account. But shortly after that, there was a fire in my own county. And it's actually between Ventura and Santa Barbara County, the Thomas fire. And I said, "Oh, I've got a social media account." And one of the things about amateur radio is you learn how to listen to what's on the radio. And not...this is not broadcast radio. But this is police and fire channels, official agencies, people talking back and forth about what's going on the ground on the scanners. And I was relaying what I heard there. And my followers went from, I think, you know, a few thousand to, you know, 50,000 people because information was so useful to know. So, you know, if you think about what you see on network TV, you'll see the same, you know, Hillside burning the whole newscast, no context. Where is it? What's going on? And when you listen to the Police and Fire Radio, you can say, "Hey, I know that that is in this neighborhood. The fire is moving in this direction. We need to get people out and to safety." And, "Oh, hey, we heard that there's an evacuation here." And it takes...it takes, you know, a couple hours sometimes for the firefighters on the ground to say, "We need to evacuate this neighborhood," to actually, you know, you getting that on your phone or the press picking up on it. So that's kind of how I got into the disasters. And, you know, it kind of has kept on going because, as I mentioned, you know, I think the pace of disasters has increased. I think they just saw...there's just a report this week that said we had the largest amount of billion dollar disasters in the US in 2023 on record. **Brooke ** 12:40 Wow. Like the largest total dollar value amount or like the largest number of disasters? **Ben ** 12:48 Yes. Total dollar amount.Yeah, and so, you know, it's just an ongoing, increasing need in the world. **Brooke ** 12:55 Alright, interesting. So I want to talk about what we can do to prepare before a disaster but I think it would help if we talk about, really quickly, what you lose communication wise in the beginning of a disaster because I think that's going to help make it clear why you need to prepare, if that makes sense. **Ben ** 13:16 Yeah, you know, I mentioned, you know, we are so used to having a smartphone with us. We have a phone with us all the time. It is our way of getting information. It's our way of communicating with people. We text people back and forth. We may use Snapchat or Instagram or whatever your social media is. And people don't realize how much we rely on that today. And what happens during a disaster is the first thing that goes down is the cell phone network, right? Your cell phone network goes down. The cell towers only have so much battery before they fail. And then all of a sudden you don't have a way to say "Hey, is my you know Aunt Marge, okay or not?" right? It's, "What's going on? Where should I go? What should I do? Where can I go?" This was brought home really.... A really terrible example of how we are depending on this and what goes wrong when it fails is Lahaina Hawaii. **Brooke ** 14:22 And I don't know if you listened to it, we released, just a couple weeks ago as we're recording this, I did an episode about Lahaina and kind of reviewing what happened and where they are right now. **Ben ** 14:39 Yeah, and so you're familiar with the fact that, you know, the warnings went out too late. And then the cell towers went down. So no one knew what was going on. And so you were down to, I believe there's a video of some guy without a shirt, you know, bicycling down the street yelling at people to get out. You know, that is your early warning system because your phones don't work. And, you know, if the cell phone network goes down, you know, that cell phone that you're holding is, you know, as good as a rock. You could throw it at something I guess, but it's not going to do much good. **Brooke ** 15:20 Yep. Yep. That's right. **Ben ** 15:22 Yeah. And, you know, I don't think most people think about how much we depend on communications for all the things we do, especially in a safety situation, you know. Should I be evacuating? Where's the disaster? Where's help? Where should I not be going? That is all information that when you lose communications, you've lost, and it can be fatal. So that's why, you know, as much as people often say, "Hey, well, you know why are you doing this amateur radio stuff? You know, we have cell phones now. We have the internet. Why do we need this, you know, old fashioned stuff?" It's not really old fashioned. But, you know, that is the struggle that I often have with people thinking about disasters. And the other problem that we have is--and not obviously listeners of your podcast--but we live in a world where everyone thinks that it will never happen to them. And people don't want to prepare. They say, "Hey, I, you know, this is never going to happen to me. I don't want to think about bad things." And if you don't do that, then you're in a much worse spot when it does happen. **Brooke ** 16:33 For sure, for sure. Okay, so when it happens, you know, we lose...we lose our phones. That's one of the biggest things and basically all of the ways that we're used to communicating. So what do we do before a disaster to get ready for that scenario? What kind of things do we need to have on hand or need to know how to do? Please teach me? **Ben ** 16:57 Yeah, so. So some basic things you should do is have an alternate communication plan, or at very least someplace you can meet people. So say you don't have, you know, a radio or anything like that, you say "Hey, if we have a disaster, here's the plan," right? "This is where we go if there's a fire or a flood or whatever it is. What are we going to do?" Okay, and that doesn't require you to have communications. It just means you have to pre-plan what you're doing. But, you know, the first level up--and this, you know, there's kind of levels of how much you want to invest in communications--but, you know, you can buy off the shelf radios at sporting goods stores, which, you know, they're called FRS radios or GMRS radios. **Brooke ** 17:47 Is that a special radio then? Or is it like the old school radios we grew up with? **Ben ** 17:50 Yeah, so it's different. So, a lot of people are familiar with CB radio. And that's an old technology. And people still use it. But it's not really used a lot for this kind of thing, mainly because it doesn't have very long range. You can't go very far. But FRS and GMRS radios do have a little bit of range. And in radio, the key is something called line of sight, which is how far you can see. So if you are standing on top of a mountain, you can talk a very long distance. If you are in the bottom of the valley then you're not going to get very far. And so most of those handheld radios that you can buy don't require a license, you just have to pay your money and get them. You know, their range is probably--they say 20 miles--but really, practically, it's about two--five miles. And those are great for your family group. Or if you've got a group of folks that are in your neighborhood and you want to communicate then that is kind of the first step and you have now.... Now, you can say instead of all of sudden everyone's lost their phones, no one knows what's going on, everyone can turn their radio on--as long as it keeps it charged and knows how to use it--they can go "Hey, Jill, you're down the street. How are you? You know, are you okay?" "Oh, yeah, we're okay. You know, there's an earthquake. Oh, yeah. Everyone's okay. We're outside, right." So, you know, that's something that's very easy to do. It's off the shelf there. They're actually sold in blister packs at the sporting goods store. And it's a level one. It's like, oh, do you have a plan to at least communicate with your family and people in your neighborhood? **Brooke ** 19:40 Okay, that sounds so much like walkie talkies that we had as a kid but like a higher end farther distance thing. **Ben ** 19:48 Essentially, it is a walkie talkie. And that is what they are and, you know, they sell them as kids toys, but it's a first level of basic communications that you may want to consider, especially for your family. It's like, even if you look at some of the...if you see people fleeing from fires and from disasters, you know, see these videos of people, they can't talk to someone else in another car when your cell phone network goes down. And you can with a little walkie talkie. So that's, you know, you may have two people, one person in one car, another person in another car, and you can at least talk and say, "Hey, you know, this is what we're doing. This is where we're going." **Brooke ** 20:26 Do those--I'm getting into the weeds here but I'm just so curious to those--like, if you buy a set from the store and somebody else buys a set from the store, I'm assuming those must like cross traffic with each other? **Ben ** 20:41 Yeah, as long as you buy the ones that are licensed in the US. It's called FRS and GMRS. radios. GMRS actually requires a license, which is I think it's $25 for 10 years. But no one's checking on those. It's kind of the Wild West. I would advise getting a license, but they saw them everywhere. And a lot of people don't.  **Brooke ** 21:04 Okay, so if you get those planning to use them to communicate with loved ones and neighbors you may have other people using theirs that you'll have cross cross talk. **Ben ** 21:16 Yeah, for sure. For sure. And those are the same frequencies that, you know, the kids down the street. So you'll turn it on and go, "Oh, there's little kids playing cops and robbers." They are shared frequencies. Yeah, so your next level up is--and I advocate for this because I am an amateur radio operator--is to actually get a license. And in all the countries around the world, you can get an entry level, amateur radio license and you can use a lot more frequencies and much better gear even at a very basic level. And in the US, there's, I think it's a 25-30 question test. And all the answers are pre published. So you can actually go and, you know, cram for this thing and get it in a week if you're...if you so desire.  And so that actually can get you much, much farther. And so in the US it's called a technician license and you can actually.... With those, I've talked to someone 50 miles away direct. So that is, you know, nothing in between. And there's also things that are called repeaters that sit on top of hills, and you can talk to people hundreds and hundreds of miles away because they're all linked together. And there's actually...and there's an interesting tradition among the amateur radio community, which is they have groups that work on doing communications and they focus on, you know, those kind of bands on VHF, UHF, those things are all local. So you have a group of people.... In our area, they actually have people, you know, you're on a list, and they say, "Hey, who's on the list?" They're all licensed. And this is licensing in the US by the FCC. And they actually check to say, "Who's here? Who's not?" And it's a practice, right, to see whether or not. So it's a good thing to do, at least in our area. And I'm in California. It is, you know, men and women and kids and that sort of...anyone who can get a license, and, um, it's definitely something to think about. **Brooke ** 23:46 Okay, so anything else kind of on that part of things you can do before the disaster to help get ready with communication and information sharing? **Ben ** 23:58 Yeah, so the, you know, the other thing to do is I found that you need to know who is out there in the community that you are going to communicate with. And I think too many people do not think about it. You need to know who you're talking to and whether you trust them or not, and have your resources lined up. And I saw this in hurricane Maria where people were asking for help, but no one had ever met the folks, didn't know them, didn't trust them. And so, it was a very different thing, right? You're.... When you're talking to someone, communicating with someone, you need to have a pre-existing relationship with them. And, you know, I think in this world, you know, you're asking for some kind of mutual aid but you kind of want to have an idea of who it is or what group it is or do you trust them or not? And it's good to have that stuff kind of thought of, to, you know, think of think of that stuff beforehand, right? Who are the resources In our area if we had a disaster? Hey, you know, the folks in the next city, we've got to...you know, we're okay here. Do we need to bring some of them in? Do they have, you know, the resources? And would they help us if there's a problem? There's a lot of stuff that needs to be, you know, thought about, which is beyond the communication but more the organization. **Brooke ** 25:20 Yeah. Is it devastating if you haven't built out those networks yet prior to? **Ben ** 25:26 It's not. It's just hard. I think it's just harder. **Brooke ** 25:29 Yeah. Makes sense. Alright. Other things to prepare before your disaster hits? **Ben ** 25:38 Yeah, the other piece of it that I run across is because the communications folks tend to be very good at communications if they don't cover the basics, right? So you need to think about all the basic disaster stuff first, before the communications, which is, "Hey, do I have the basic food and water kind of things? Have I got, you know, all the safety stuff for myself, my family. And, you know, for yourself first, before you even think about, "Oh, do I even have a way to communicate?"  **Brooke ** 26:10 Yeah, okay. That makes sense.  **Ben ** 26:13 You're not useful in that role of communicating if you, yourself are no longer able to help. You know what I mean.  **Brooke ** 26:25 Alright, okay. Alright, shall we move into talking about, you know, you're in the aftermath of a disaster and you need to communicate and share information? **Ben ** 26:36 Yeah, yeah. So, you know, the things that happen after a disaster is people are looking for ways to get information to family and friends. And the number one thing I find is people either have to ask for help, because there's a medical issue or they need to be rescued or something like that, or the other big thing is people...I don't think people understand how much people miss knowing what's going on. Right? So if there's a disaster, there are thousands and thousands and thousands of people who go all sudden, "Hey, is my grandmother okay? Is my grandfather okay? Is my friend okay? What's going on?" right? And it is.... A lot of times people say, "Hey, if I call somebody in such and such an area, maybe they can go find, you know, whoever is missing, or whatever, or something like that, right? So this...we saw this during the Lahaina, right? There's people, you know, thousands of relatives going, "Oh no, I know somebody in Lahaina. Are they okay?" And the lessons I've learned from so many disasters is there's no way to get information into a disaster zone. Not very efficiently. **Brooke ** 27:55 That's a really good point.  **Ben ** 27:56 Yeah, so information can come out of a disaster zone, but it doesn't go into a disaster. And so, if you...so for example, if you're an amateur radio operator, generally, you could get a message out saying, you know, "Help me. I've got a problem." Or you can say, "Hey, I'm okay. Let someone know that I'm okay." If you are just someone with a smartphone, and no communications, you are just out of luck, unless you can find someone who can lay that information. And there's a lot of these systems, and I hate to...I hate to criticize some of the nonprofits that exist in the world for these things, but they have "Oh, hey, check in safety." It's like, they say, "Yo, check in on Facebook that you're okay." It's like, well, you have no way to get on Facebook. There's no internet, there's no power. How are you supposed to do that, right? Yeah, and even even the case, there's a system by a big aid organization that has a red symbol and it says, "Oh, it's a safe and well if you need to know someone's okay." And two things. One is, if you try to ask for someone's information, they say, 'What was their phone number and their last address?" And you go, "Well, how am I supposed to know that? You know, I just know that they're in this town," and whatever. There's a lot of stuff like that that's like, "Oh, do you have their social security numbers?" It's like "No, I don't have their social security." So there's a lot of stuff in the way of that. And it's a lot easier, and I found all these disasters, if someone's able to get out themselves. So like I said, the amateur radio operators can relay information to other people. So if you've got a neighbor who's an amateur radio operator, they can go "Oh, hey, I'm gonna call somebody up." This happened actually after--famously after Katrina--Katrina. Hurricane Katrina took down took down communications and there was a lot of communication out by people relaying information to other amateur radio operators they knew. So they said, "Hey, you know, this is where the Smith family is. We're at this street. Can you let somebody know at our family that we're okay." And they would pass on a phone number to call or someone to text or something like that. I did that a lot in Puerto Rico. So a lot of people who are in Puerto Rico, they have family somewhere else, they have no way to tell them that they're okay and they really don't need anything, but people are worried, right? Imagine your family is in the middle of a hurricane or something like that, or wildfire, and how do you let people know you're okay. **Brooke ** 30:45 Yeah, that makes sense. With the amateur radio networks and whatnot, you know, I know you just mentioned a few times about how you can relay information through those. And I'm curious if they're sort of existing networks of communication at all. I mean, obviously, there are folks that know each other. But do you guys have any kind of, I don't know, pre existing.... Like, do you already know where some of your people that you talk to live? Like if you had to get information to, I don't know, Montana--random example.  **Ben ** 31:27 Yeah, there's an established network to do that. I have my own opinions on how effective it is or not, but they do have a.... It's actually one of the reasons amateur radio exists in the US. It was very early in the 1900s when there were disasters, radio was the only way to get out information. And so they actually started doing that back in the days of Morse code, believe it or not, when they were relaying it. And that's part of the reason why the hobby has such a strong tradition in the communications and emergency area. And so, you know, I mentioned I was doing a lot of stuff online about, you know, wildfires and hurricanes on Twitter and what's going on. And a lot of what I do and have done is stuff that the hobby, as a whole, has been doing since its beginnings. **Brooke ** 32:22 I didn't think about how deep those roots are. But that's kind of cool to think about going all the way back to, you know, using Morse code to relay the information. **Ben ** 32:32 Yeah, well, in fact, you know, if you think about it, you know, everyone knows SOS in Morse code, right? Did, did, did. Dot, dot, dot [making noises like someone speaking in Morse code] All that came from--an amateur radio started around the same time as all that kind of communication was going on, you know, like the Titanic or whatever else like that. So, that is, you know, a long standing tradition. And before the internet, before we had phone networks, we had radio networks. So that's kind of the long tradition there. **Brooke ** 33:06 Yeah, that makes sense. So you said you have some opinions about the efficacy of the system of relay that they have now and it sounds like maybe you're not entirely happy with the way that works. I'm curious to know what you think there are and why? So, you know, if there's a limitation that we need to understand. **Ben ** 33:29 Yeah. So they have a very regimented way of sending messages. And they try to pass messages...they try to do it the old fashioned way, which is you get a message, you know, here and then you pass it. Say I want to send something to Boston. Well, they may send it to somewhere in between. And then it goes through the neighborhood and then eventually, at some point, it gets there.  And nowadays, I think it's more effective to just get out of your disaster zone and get the message there. And so, you know, for me, what happens is during the hurricane issues that I had, trying to use that network didn't work because I said, "Hey, I just need...I have a real disaster here. This is not pretend. This is not a simulation. I have people who need to know that their family's okay." I had a text on my phone from people--it was actually relayed from a boat after a hurricane--saying, you know, "We're docked here. We are okay. We just want to let someone know. And so this is the boat name. This is our location. And here's the neighborhood. Here's our relative. We need to let them know that we're okay. They don't need to send the Coast Guard." and trying to send that through a network which is used to passing it by hand, it's like can someone just call them? Like, we don't need to do this. It's great practice. But when it comes to a real disaster, why are we doing all this stuff when we can just call them up? The first person who's on a cell phone network can call them up and say, "Your relatives are okay."  **Brooke ** 35:04 That's a good point. And, you know, the children's game of telephone that you're practically doing with passing it from one place to the next place to the next, you know, is not ideal, as we all know, for many reasons.  **Ben ** 35:22 And I think that's their legacy is they don't use it as much as they ought to. And maybe they're using it more now with the disasters we have. But there's a lot of experts in the world who've never applied their knowledge. I find that also the case in just disaster preparedness in general. You have a lot of people who are disaster preparedness experts and they've never had to deal with a disaster. And the worst is that people sometimes they'll say, "Hey, you're a prepper. Blah, blah, blah," and I go, "No, the preppers don't have any concept of actually reacting to a real problem." The pandemic was the big one that I saw. All these folks who said, "Hey, watch out for the zombie apocalypse, we need to, you know, stock our homes with guns and MREs." And then when there's an actual, you know, pandemic, they go, "We're not wearing masks. We aren't gonna get vaccinated." You're going, "Oh, my gosh," you know? So there's, you know, there was a miss, a complete miss, because they're just not...you know, they call themselves one thing, but they don't have...they didn't have the experience or the right mindset going into it. **Brooke ** 36:40 So I'm curious about the types of information that we need to share. You know, we talked about after a disaster, you know, being able to relay that, you know, this person is okay, you know, finding so-called missing or unknown people and figuring out what's going on with them. But what else...like what other kinds of things do people need to relay that this network could be useful for after a disaster? **Ben ** 37:08 Yeah, help. Help is number one. So life threatening information. So if somebody is trapped or needs help, medical help. And, obviously, you have to know where to get it to. But in most cases, if you can get that information to the authorities, somebody is going to come and help you. And they just need to know it, right? So your local fire department, right? Or, maybe it's a search and rescue team or something like that. You need to be able to get that information to them. And so that's definitely a big one with communications. I don't know if you've ever seen that 911 systems go down in the US all too often.  **Brooke ** 37:53 I have heard.  **Ben ** 37:54 And if you don't have 911, you have to be able to call for help, right? And so we haven't seen that a ton where people have used radio to do that. But it is one thing. So if our 911 system here goes down, I know that I can call somebody else who can get to, you know, fire and rescue or whatever it is. So, help for sure. And the other part of it, the communications, is for your community, is helping out in the community, is knowing more situational--it's something called situational awareness--what's going on? Where are the issues? What's happening? And, you know, that's not just for you to communicate. It's another thing to listen. So, you know, the nice thing about radio is you can both listen and also communicate. And being able to listen to know what's going on is a huge piece of it. So you'll find that even if you're not somebody who's on the air communicating after a disaster, you can at least listen and hear what's going on and know what to watch out for. Like, hey the freeways shut down, so don't go that way. Or, you know, the fire is in this area. Or, you know, in hurricanes, hey, you know, this is where the aid center is, or whatever it is, or this is where someone's distributing food, you know? So there's all that information. It is really helpful as a part of a disaster plan is how do you know what's going on and where things are happening. In the amateur radio community, which is something that everyone should do, you know, they actually share information. So there's people all around town and they go, "Hey, no one said this on the news. There's no information about this. But you guys can't go there. The bridge is down."  **Brooke ** 39:42 That makes sense. So, escape route, maybe for lack of a better word, but just like, you know, communicating infrastructure issues. That's really interesting. Other things that you can think of that are, you know, types of information that people need that can be useful in sharing, if any? If not, that's okay. **Ben ** 40:09 Yeah, yeah. Well, you know, I think it's the general awareness. And this is a tool, you know, the radio stuff I talk about is just a tool for what's going on. And, what I'm sharing on social media, it's not just the radio stuff, although it's a big part of it, but it's things like, you know, where do you get information about evacuation zones, right? Where is--during fires we can see maps of where the fires are. You can look up... You can look up evacuation centers. You can get maps of flooded areas. There's a lot of information sources. And I think on the communication side, even if you're not cut off, there's a lot of things that just letting people know about--and that's what I do--is what is this situation? Where are the issues? What's going on? I mean, today, I've been sending out messages about flooding. And I don't know if you know, but there's huge waves off the coast of California right now. And they're parts of Santa Cruz, there's parts of the Pacific Coast Highway that are underwater because of these big waves. And just knowing about that stuff is useful in that general awareness. And this whole area of communications, you know, the situational awareness is something that in disasters, you know, it really does make a difference. And I've had people say, "Hey, you know, we knew, because you were paying attention to what's going on with the fire, that we needed to get...we needed to take our horses and get them evacuated," And it takes a while to evacuate horses, right? And, "Oh, our house, we knew that our house was in a threat area. We needed to get...we needed to get our aunt, you know, to safety." And it's just that time, that information, you know, you don't want to be the last person to know that something's happening in your neighborhood. And this whole part of the aspect of listening to the radio helps with that in just the general situational awareness. **Brooke ** 42:11 There's, you know, kind of a component after the radio, because not everyone's going to have the radio, you know, if then, you know, if you are the one who gets the information via the radio, then how you go out and disseminate it. But that's maybe kind of another topic, unless you want to get into it. But, you know, do you put up posters? Like, you know, letting other people know, "Oh, I found out that such and such bridge is down. How do I communicate that to folks that don't have a radio? How do we spread that wider? **Ben ** 42:41 Yeah. And that...I don't think we've solved that problem in general, you know, just how do you get the information faster. I, you know, I talk about the rate just because that puts you on the knowing side of things versus the not-knowing side of things. And it's just...it's just one of those things in disasters, having that awareness--even if you can't communicate out--knowing what's going on gives you an advantage to you know, safety and health and all that. It is really helpful. **Brooke ** 43:12 Yeah, okay, I've got one last question for you, I think. I think, unless something sparks in my brain here. But is this useful in all types of disasters, natural disasters, emergencies, whatnot? Or are there ones that this tool would not be useful or effective for? **Ben ** 43:34 Yeah, that's a good question. Um, I think it's actually useful in most cases. It's very used during hurricanes. It's used a lot during wildfires. It is used a lot in earthquakes. Most of the folks that I know who are licensed here in my area, who are older than me, are, were licensed because of the Northridge earthquake. They all said, "Hey, we..." you know, the typical problem was, "Oh, I was at work. And my wife was one place and my kids were somewhere else and we could not communicate." And they said, "How do we fix that problem?" And so they said, "We're gonna get licensed as an amateur radio operator." And so earthquakes are a huge driver in California. But I think in general, I found it useful in all sorts of situations, whether it's an emergency. So yeah, and even interesting enough--and maybe it's more of a social thing, because there's a social group built in--but even with the pandemic, we we had a group who started out on the radio. And it's...maybe you could have done this on Zoom or on the phone, but there's a bunch of folks on radio who started talking every day. And you knew what's going on and you were able to trade information. Even today, now I go, "Oh, hey, there's a big outbreak of COVID," because, you know, three of the people on the net--we call them net like, it's like a round table or networ and people check in--and someone goes, "Oh, you know what, our whole family just caught COVID." And you go, "Oh, you know, I haven't heard that for a while. So maybe something's going on." You know? It is interesting. It's just another way of getting information about what's going on. And it gives you a little bit of a network. And that network also operates.... You know, the nice thing about what we do is that operates when all the power goes. In California, they've been shutting down power during high-wind events. And that often takes down cell towers. They're supposed to.... They've got some laws in now and they're supposed to put them back up, but it's not there yet. And so they shut things down. No one knows what's going on. They hop on the radio, they go, "Hey, I got a blackout here. What's going on?" Somebody who's outside of the blackout looks it up and says, "Hey, they shut down your whole part of town because of the wind danger," or whatever it is. So, it is useful. **Brooke ** 45:57 Yeah. And going back to our Lahaina example, that's a thing that would have been helpful in preventing some of those fires, if they had shut down power lines with what was coming in. And that is, unfortunately, because of the age of our power system and the lack of maintenance we've done on a lot of our infrastructure. Shutting off the power is one of the things that power companies are doing more often as a safety measure. **Ben ** 46:29 Yeah. And you know, some of that is...is liability, because of the number of fires that have happened and all that. And some of it, interestingly enough--and this is a climate issue--is some of that damage is just happening much more often than it used to. And, you know, some of the things I didn't talk about, but, you know, part of what we do as amateur operators is you don't just have the radio, but you also have to consider how am I going to charge it? How am I going to do that? Do I have a battery bank that works? Do I have a solar panel? There's a lot that goes into that, you know? It's kind of a general resiliency thing, which is...is very relevant in that case, right? Your power goes out and your cell phone tower is now down, how do you know what's going on? Most likely, somebody who's an amateur radio operator has a battery-backed up radio and knows what's going on. Because you know, and it doesn't matter. I can talk to Brazil when none of my neighborhood has power just for fun because it's there and running. **Brooke ** 47:42 Yeah. And before anybody asks me about it, I am not trying to say that the power company shutting down the power is a good thing or a bad thing, only observing that it is a thing that is happening and it has benefits and costs to it. **Ben ** 47:59 Yeah, for sure. Yeah. And it makes sense. I mean, most of the...many wildfires here have been caused by power lines. So, you know, the converse thing is when they shut down the power the, you know, like I said, the cell phone tower doesn't work anymore. And that's what happened in Lahaina, the power stopped working and you lost the cell phone towers and then all of a sudden you're in trouble.  **Brooke ** 48:21 Yep, yep. Alright, I think that brings us to a conclusion on this topic for today. So Ben, I want to thank you so much for reaching out and offering to have this conversation with us and making the time to sit with me and talk about it. I have learned some things today and I'm excited about that. Is there anything else that you would like to say? Anything that you would like to plug, social medias, charity groups, anything like that? **Ben ** 48:51 Yep. So um, I am nowadays on Mastodon. So if you want to follow my disaster emergencies and random musings on life, I am ai6yrr@m.ai6yr.org. So that's my...that's actually my callsign, my radio callsign, ai6yrr@m.ai6yrr.org. And, you know, as much as I talked about the disaster part of the hobby is there's a lot of fun stuff too. We can talk to astronauts in space. We have our own satellites. There's all sorts of science stuff you can do. And it is really quite a...it's not just for disasters and emergencies. It just happens to be a useful part of it. **Brooke ** 49:43 Well, thanks for putting that in. I appreciate it. You can also find me on Mastodon @ogemakweBrooke, that's Brooke with an E. And Ben again, I just really want to thank you for coming on today and talking with us. Yeah, **Ben ** 50:00 Hopefully someone learned something. So thanks a lot. **Brooke ** 50:06 And to our listeners, thanks so much for listening. If you enjoy our podcast, please give it a like, drop a comment, or review. Subscribe to us if you haven't already. These things make the algorithms that rule our world offer a show to more people. This podcast is produced by the anarchist publishing collective Strangers in a Tangled Wilderness. You can connect with us on Twitter @Tangled_Wild and also on Instagram. Or check out our website at tangledwilderness.org where you can find our extensive list of projects and publications. This podcast and much of the work of Strangers is made possible by our Patreon supporters. If you want to become a supporter, check out patreon.com/strangersinatangledwilderness. There are cool benefits at various support tiers on Patreon. For instance, if you support the collective at just $10 a month, we will mail you a monthly zine. We'd like to give a specific shout out to some of our most supportive Patreon supporters. Thanks to Aly, anonymous BenBen, Boise Mutual Aid, Buck, Carson, Catgut, Chelsea, Chris, Dana, David, Eric, Funder, Hunter, Janice & O'dell, Jenipher, Julia, Kirk, Lord Harken, Marm, Mic Aiah, Milica, Nicole, Paige, paparouna, Patoli, Perceval, Princess Miranda, S.J., Staro, theo, Trixter, and Hoss the Dog. Find out more at https://live-like-the-world-is-dying.pinecast.co

The Caribbean island imports around 90% of its food and by law only US ships can be used to transport it – which pushes up the price. We speak to islanders who think that needs to change, and are pushing for Puerto Rico to become more self sufficient. Weather events like Hurricane Maria, which left many without power and water for months, have brought the issue to the forefront once again.We meet a new generation who are leading the way, using new technology to try and make it easier, and cheaper, for people to buy local and rely less on imports. Produced and presented by Jane Chambers(Image: Puerto Rican farmer Fernando Maldonado. Credit: Jane Chambers)

In this LeadershipNOW podcast episode, Alberto Llerandi shares his inspiring journey from a refrigerator salesman at Sears to a leading entrepreneur. He highlights the growth of his business in Puerto Rico, which suffered a major setback due to Hurricane Maria in 2017, plummeting his business to zero. Despite this, Alberto emphasizes the crucial role of mindset, company support, and leadership in overcoming adversity. He recounts his relocation to Florida, adapting to cultural differences, and leveraging digital tools to rebuild his business. The episode showcases his resilience, the importance of supportive platforms in business, and his success in rebuilding and growing his team post-crisis.

Follow the Labyrinth of the First Gen on InstagramSign Up for the Quarterly Labyrinth of the First Gen Newsletter at the bottom of our websiteMyra and Kimberly are Puerto Rican women from Colectivo Ilé, an organization that has been campaigning against racism in Puerto Rico for the past 25 years. The focus in this part is on their understanding of race in the context of Puerto Rico, both historically and politically, and how this influences their work. They also discuss the impact of Hurricane Maria, and how it acted as a catalyst for change and a heightened understanding of their Afro-Descendant identity, particularly within a US framework. The episode concludes with a discussion about their involvement in the US-based Census and how they used it as a political tool to emphasize their unique racial identity."This is a labor of love and it takes all of us  to have that anti-racist future. It takes all of us. White, Black,  young kids, older people. It's all of us. So we have some, we are almost obsessed about talking about dreams because that's a way to manifest that future, that anti-racist future." ~ Myra, Colectivo  Ilé Administrative Director For more information about Colectivo  Ilé  check out their website at https://www.colectivoile.org/Listen to the Coletivo  Ilé  podcast called Negras here Show Themes00:00 Introduction to Colectivo  Ilé  03:05 The Mission of Colectivo  Ilé  08:08 The Impact of Colonialism on Puerto Rico09:18 Embracing Black Identity in Puerto Rico14:01 The Aftermath of Hurricane Maria18:52 The Importance of Community and Home25:46 The Impact of the U.S. Census on Puerto Rico33:09 Conclusion and Contact Information The Labyrinth of the First Gen yearly survey to get your feedback on Season 1 and Season 2 is hereSchedule 30 minutes to chat with me during my open office hours

In 2018, just months after Hurricane Maria, an eccentric group of cryptocurrency enthusiasts arrived in Puerto Rico. They came with big plans for the island—to help rebuild after the hurricane, and in the process create a high-tech cryptocurrency paradise in the Caribbean. They also came to take advantage of Puerto Rico's favorable tax laws. But not everyone in Puerto Rico was on board with their vision to change everything on the island. Latino USA follows the often-bizarre story of these Bitcoin pirates of the Caribbean, from crypto boom to crypto bust.

Original Air Date: 6/15/2018 The high toll Puerto Rico is paying, in both money and lives, for the triple disasters of colonialism, Hurricane Maria and disaster capitalism Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: Deadlier than Katrina & 9/11 Hurricane Maria Killed 4,645 in Puerto Rico, 70 Times Official Toll - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 05-30-18 Ch. 2: Colonialism during hurricane season - On the Media - 6-6-18 Ch. 3: Elizabeth Yeampierre on Puerto Rican colonialism and disaster capitalism - Infinite Earth Radio - Air Date 2-22-18 Ch. 4: The Battle for Paradise: Naomi Klein on Disaster Capitalism & the Fight for Puerto Rico's Future - @DemocracyNow - Air Date 03-21-18 Ch. 5: Naomi Klein on Puerto Rico and Disaster Capitalism - Touré Show - Air Date 4-25-18 Ch. 9: Final comments on the lessons of Mister Rogers that we could use right now   TAKE ACTION Get involved with/support Mutual Aid Disaster Relief MARD Skillshare Trainings (Links for request forms are at the bottom of the blog post) Read more about MARD ongoing work in Puerto Rico FOR FURTHER READING/SHARING FEMA Blamed Delays In Puerto Rico On Maria; Agency Records Tell Another Story (NPR/Frontline) About a quarter of Puerto Rico's schools are shutting down. Here's a look inside one. (Vox) "Justice was served": Judge halts school closures in Puerto Rico (CBS) New bill pushes for commission to investigate federal response to Puerto Rico hurricanes (NBC) At Issue In Florida Senate Campaign: Who's Fighting For Puerto Rico? (NPR) Hurricane Maria Casts Shadow Over Puerto Rican Parade (NY Times) Puerto Rico's Push For Food Independence Intertwined With Statehood Debate (NPR) The Shame in Puerto Rico (NY Times) Fighting for Those Who Can No Longer Speak (SocialistWorker.org) Resisting Disaster Capitalists and Building Solidarity in Puerto Rico (Grassroots International) Written by BOTL Communications Director Amanda Hoffman    MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions)   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Thanks for listening! Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Support the show via Patreon Listen on iTunes | Stitcher | Spotify | Alexa Devices | +more Check out the BotL iOS/Android App in the App Stores! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Review the show on iTunes and Stitcher! ​ ​