Brian J Matos

Brian is joined by Demitri Fierro, a writer and a Sustainability and Stakeholder Strategist. He has published more than 100 articles to date on The Cool Down, where he is an avid contributor on subjects like electric vehicle adoption, wildlife conservation and climate tech.

Demitri recently earned an MBA in Sustainable Solutions from Presidio Graduate School in San Francisco. For the last two years, he has served as Program Manager for the Consultancy Shadowing Program, as well as sustainability consultant for a variety of clients. Determined to apply his background to bring sustainable solutions to storytelling and media, he is a contributor for the Environmental Media Association in Los Angeles.

In this conversation, Demitri Fierro shares his journey into the field of sustainability, highlighting his educational background and experiences that shaped his passion for environmental issues. He discusses California's pioneering initiatives in sustainability, the response of the business community to these initiatives, and the growing engagement of youth in climate issues. The conversation also delves into the challenges and progress surrounding electric vehicle adoption and the urgent need for action in addressing climate change. Brian and Demitri discuss the importance of individual actions, the role of youth in driving climate action, and the challenges posed by international dynamics in the climate tech sector. The conversation emphasizes the need for effective policy, emerging technologies, and the significance of listening to diverse perspectives to foster collective action against climate issues.

To learn more about Demitri and his work:

• Bio: https://sustainablebrands.com/is/demitri-fierro
• The Cool Down: https://www.thecooldown.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demitri-fierro-mba-issp-sea-a98542124/

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos

Brian interviews Stephanie L. Canizales, PhD, a researcher, author, and professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, where she is Faculty Director of the Berkeley Interdisciplinary Migration Initiative. She earned her PhD in Sociology from the University of Southern California (2018).

Stephanie specializes in the study of international migration and immigrant integration, with particular interest in the experiences of Latin American-origin immigrants and their descendants in the United States. Over the last decade, Stephanie has focused her work on the migration and coming-of-age of unaccompanied children from Central America and Mexico in California and Texas. Throughout her research and writing, Stephanie explores the role of immigration policy in shaping the everyday lives of migrant children and their families, how immigrants and the communities they arrive to (re)make one another mutually, and immigrants' articulations of success and wellbeing within an increasingly unequal US society. Stephanie's first book, Sin Padres, Ni Papeles, takes on many of these issues.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Stephanie is the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants whose experiences growing up as unaccompanied youth in Los Angeles motivate her commitment to public scholarship. Stephanie's research has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Washington Post, and The Los Angeles Times, among other outlets. She also uses her expertise to inform policy through her work as U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Resident Scholar and a UNICEF USA Research Consultant.

In this episode, Brian and Dr. Canizales explore the experiences of unaccompanied immigrant youth, focusing on their identities, challenges, and resilience. Dr. Canizales shares her research on Central American youth, highlighting personal stories that illustrate the complexities of their migration journeys. The discussion delves into gender dynamics, workplace exploitation, and the importance of community support in fostering resilience among these young individuals. Ultimately, the conversation evolves into community-based solutions and the significance of listening to the voices of youth in shaping effective support systems.

To learn more about Dr. Canizales and her work:

• Bio: https://www.stephaniecanizales.com/
• Dr. Canizales's Book Sin Padres, Ni Papeles: Unaccompanied Migrant Youth Coming of Age in the United States: https://www.sinpadresnipapeles.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniecanizales/

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos

Brian is joined by Professor Demetrius Floudas for a conversation on the risks and potential dangers of advanced artificial intelligence if not thoughtfully regulated.

Demetrius A. Floudas is a transnational lawyer, a legal adviser specializing in tech and an AI regulatory & policy theorist. With extensive experience, he has counseled governments, corporations, and start-ups on regulatory aspects of policy and technology. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Law Faculty of Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, where he lectures on Artificial Intelligence Regulation. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the Hellenic Institute of International & Foreign Law and a Senior Adviser at the Cambridge Existential Risks Initiative. Floudas has contributed policy & political commentary to numerous international think-tanks and organizations, and his insights are frequently featured in respected media outlets worldwide.

In addition, Floudas has provided commentary on matters of Foreign Affairs & International Relations to a number of international think-tanks, with his views frequently appearing in the media worldwide (BBC TV & Radio, Voice of America, Financial Times, Daily Telegraph, Washington Post, Politico and others)

He is currently involved in the European AI Office's Plenary drafting the Code of Practice for General-Purpose Artificial Intelligence and a member of the EUAI Working Group for AI Systemic Risks. He also participates in the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology Focus Group on an independent UK AI Safety Office and is a Reviewer of the Draft UNESCO Guidelines for the Use of AI Systems in Courts and Tribunals.

In this conversation, Brian and Demetrius discuss the multifaceted implications of artificial intelligence (AI), from its definitions and current applications to the potential risks it poses to society. Floudas emphasizes the need for regulation and awareness of AI's capabilities, particularly in the context of social engineering, intellectual enfeeblement, and interpersonal relationships. Floudas warns of the existential threats posed by advanced AI and the challenges policymakers face in addressing these issues. He advocates for public understanding and engagement in discussions about AI's future and its regulation.

To learn more about Prof. Floudas:

• Bio: https://talks.cam.ac.uk/show/index/131770
• Clippings: https://www.clippings.me/floudas
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dafloudas

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos

Brian interviews Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington. He is also a weekly columnist for The National (UAE) and Now Media, and a monthly contributing writer for The International New York Times. Ibish is also a regular contributor to many other American and Middle Eastern publications.

In this episode, we explore the history of the Isreali-Palestinian conflict, the barriers to a two-state solution, the roles of major state and non-state actors in the region and discuss the most likely scenarios for this conflict in the coming months and years. This conversation is meant to help the audience quickly get up to speed on the facts and opinions underpinning the conflict while offering an informed persepctive on potential paths forward.

Ibish's most recent book is What's Wrong with the One-State Agenda? Why Ending the Occupation and Peace with Israel is Still the Palestinian National Goal (ATFP, 2009). Ibish was included in all three years (2011, 2012 and 2013) of Foreign Policy's "Twitterati 100," the magazine's list of 100 "must-follow" Twitter feeds on foreign policy.

Ibish previously served as a Senior Fellow at the American Task Force on Palestine (ATFP), and Executive Director of the Hala Salaam Maksoud Foundation for Arab-American Leadership from 2004-2009. From 1998-2004, Ibish served as Communications Director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. He has a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

To learn more about Hussein:

• Bio: https://ibishblog.com/about-ibish/
• Hussein's Blog: https://ibishblog.com/
• X: https://twitter.com/Ibishblog

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos

Brian interviews Jake Meador, editor-in-chief of Mere Orthodoxy and author of two books, In Search of the Common Good: Christian Fidelity in a Fractured World and What are Christians for?: Life Together at the End of the World. Jake also serves as a contributing editor with Plough and as a board member with the Davenant Institute.

The conversation explores the topic of church attendance as a proxy for religious activity in the United States. Jake discusses the "de-churching" movement, which refers to the significant decline in church attendance rates over the past 25 years. The conversation delves into the impact of de-churching on society, the reasons behind it, and the potential for a resurgence in church attendance. The conversation explores the impact of de-churching and secularization on faith communities in the US as well as challenges faced by millennials and zoomers seeking a faith home, the regional differences in secularization, and the potential realignment of political parties as a result. The conversation also touches on the rise of virtual communities and the future of organized religion in a changing demographic landscape. Jake emphasizes the need for Christians to rethink how they communicate the gospel and the importance of intentional community in countering de-churching trends.

To learn more about Jake:

• Bio Website: https://jakemeador.com/about/
• Mere Orthodoxy: https://mereorthodoxy.com/
• X: https://twitter.com/jake_meador

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos

Brian interviews Lyman Stone, a demographer who discusses the global decline in fertility rates and the relationship between fertility and religion. Lyman explains that religious people tend to have more children and provide more support to other parents in their community. However, he also notes that fertility rates are declining among both religious and secular people. Stone emphasizes the importance of community and social support in influencing fertility decisions. He suggests that religious institutions can play a role in supporting higher fertility rates by encouraging and assisting families, as well as promoting the benefits of having children. He also highlights the need for further research on the impact of housing and marriage policies on fertility rates. Brian and Lyman also discuss the practical implications of public policy related to family formation and expansion.

This conversation explores a wide range of factors that may be impacting fertility rates and family planning choices from economics to social norms to technology. This is an important topic but one full on nuiance and ongoing research, with evolving trends still to be fully understood. This episode is not designed to answer all the questions but rather, add to the conversation in your community with the addition of a perspective you may not have heard before.

To learn more about Lyman and his research:

• Bio Website: https://sites.google.com/view/lymanstone/home
• Lyman's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyman-stone-9668141a
• X: https://twitter.com/lymanstoneky

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos

Brian is joined by Gustavo Ribeiro, award-winning journalist and Founder/Editor-in-Chief of The Brazilian Report, an independent, English language news website covering Brazilian politics, economics and social issues.

This episode features part 2 of the conversation where Gustavo discusses Brazil's foreign policy and its unique position as the largest country in Latin America. Brian and Gustavo explore the Brazilian government's and society's perspective on regional and international issues, including Venezuela, Latin American integration, Brazil-US relations, the BRICS alliance, national security, and domestic politics. The discussion also touches on how Brazil has navigated international reactions to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

In addition to his experience working for senatorial and gubernatorial campaigns in Brazil, Gustavo earned a master degree in Political Science and Latin American studies from Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris, France.

To learn more about Gustavo and his reporting:

• Brazilian Report bio: https://brazilian.report/author/gustavo/
• Gustavo on X https://twitter.com/gnribeiro
• Explaining Brazil Podcast: https://brazilian.report/podcast/
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavo-ribeiro-journalism/?originalSubdomain=br

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos

Brian is joined by Gustavo Ribeiro, award-winning journalist and Founder/Editor-in-Chief of The Brazilian Report, an independent, English language news website covering Brazilian politics, economics and social issues.

This episode features part 1 of the conversation where Gustavo explains the current political landscape in Brazil, including the major players and the current government under President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva. Ribeiro highlights the polarization in Brazilian society and the impact of politics on personal relationships. He also discusses the economic challenges faced by middle-income and lower-income families, including inflation and access to credit. Ribeiro touches on the role of business leaders in influencing public opinion and the government's engagement with indigenous populations.

In addition to his experience working for senatorial and gubernatorial campaigns in Brazil, Gustavo earned a master degree in Political Science and Latin American studies from Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris, France.

To learn more about Gustavo and his reporting:

• Brazilian Report bio: https://brazilian.report/author/gustavo/
• Gustavo on X https://twitter.com/gnribeiro
• Explaining Brazil Podcast: https://brazilian.report/podcast/
• LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gustavo-ribeiro-journalism/?originalSubdomain=br

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos

Part 2 of Brian's conversation with Fulton Armstrong explores the global geopolitical perspective of Latin American nations. Fulton discusses the impact of Chinese influence in the region and the perception that the United States has stepped back from regional leadership. The conversation also touches on the internal political situation in Venezuela and the role of neighboring countries in finding a long-term solution. The discussion includes a segment on how Latin American nations think about the concept of "The Global South" and the changing dynamics in the global political, security, economic and cultural alliances. Brian and Fulton also discuss Latin American political leaders' public views on various geopolitical hot topics from climate change to the Russia/Ukraine war to Middle East conflict zones.

Fulton is currently a senior fellow at American University's Center for Latin American and Latino Studies. He followed Latin American affairs for almost 30 years in a number of U.S. government positions. He also worked and studied in Europe, Asia and Latin America for numerous years. From 2008-2011, he served as a senior professional staff member responsible for Latin America on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Prior to this, Armstrong served at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana and subsequently as senior analyst at the CIA. He served two terms as the director for Inter-American Affairs at the National Security Council (1995-97 and 1998-99), between which he was deputy NIO for Latin America.

To learn more about Fulton:

• American University bio: https://www.american.edu/sis/faculty/fultona.cfm
• Syracuse University bio: https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/directory/fulton-armstrong

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos

Fulton Armstrong and Brian explore the origins of the migration challenges in Latin America, focusing on the push and pull factors that drive people to leave their home countries. They discuss the role of violence, weak institutions, and climate change as major drivers of migration. The conversation also delves into the issue of gangs and drug cartels in the region, highlighting their impact on violence and instability. The discussion concludes with a reflection on the challenges faced by Latin American countries in addressing these issues and the need for stronger institutions and regional cooperation. The conversation also explores U.S. policy in Latin America and the need for a consistent and inclusive approach.

Fulton is currently a senior fellow at American University's Center for Latin American and Latino Studies. He followed Latin American affairs for almost 30 years in a number of U.S. government positions. He also worked and studied in Europe, Asia and Latin America for numerous years. From 2008-2011, he served as a senior professional staff member responsible for Latin America on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Prior to this, Armstrong served at the U.S. Interests Section in Havana and subsequently as senior analyst at the CIA. He served two terms as the director for Inter-American Affairs at the National Security Council (1995-97 and 1998-99), between which he was deputy NIO for Latin America.

To learn more about Fulton:

• American University bio: https://www.american.edu/sis/faculty/fultona.cfm
• Syracuse University bio: https://www.maxwell.syr.edu/directory/fulton-armstrong

Find more episodes like this at http://www.brianjmatos.com/

Question for Brian? Email: [email protected] or DM on Twitter @BrianJMatos