Conversations With Ollie Mac

Ollie Mac is back from a extended break and provides updates on what's been happening while away from recording, what to expect on future episodes, and just having a good time talking by his damn self!

February has been set aside for recognizing the achievements of black folks. It was the mission of Dr. Carter G. Woodson for Black History to be a year round and year after year study of African American history. However, some of our "fine" citizens of the United States of America find this to be offensive. In what maybe Ollie Mac's most controversial episode to date, take a listen as he ventures into a new, bold and relevant discussion on why this offensiveness exists and what we need to do going forward.

"About Black History Month" https://asalh.org/about-us/about-black-history-month/

"People of Color" was first mentioned in "Act Prohibiting the Importation of Slaves" which was passed in January 1808. https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/slave-trade.html

In January 1983, President Ronald Regan signed into law recognizing the third Monday of January as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday that is observed for the civil rights icon. Dr. King caused good trouble during his time and that trouble was not liked by all people. He challenged the status quo and put Jim Crow on notice. Have we learned anything from him? Ollie Mac examines Dr. King and his good trouble and challenges all of us to partake in good trouble.

"It's Not Enough to Preach Racial Justice. We Need to Champion Policy Change." By Esau McCaulley

Today marks the one year anniversary of the storming of the U.S. Capitol by what some and many call deranged individuals in pursuit of freedom and happiness. I call it a complete travesty and down right disgrace. America has seen a rise in this type of behavior as with alt right groups forming like mice. Joining Ollie Mac is Jared Smith and discuss a reality that America seems to have cast to side...its Alt Right Problem.

*Podcast recorded in August 2021.*

It is the last day of 2021 and Ollie Mac has created a "Top Ten List" of Reflections for 2021 that deals with some major things that have occurred this year. List range from Steph Curry record breaking season, celebrity deaths, cryptocurrency, high profile preventions and the bitch name COVID-19. 

The college football world is being shaken up by one person by the name of Coach Deion "Prime Time" Sanders. HBCUs are on the come up and have been since their existence, but recently Coach Deion "Prime Time" Sanders has set a standard that the world has to notice. 

In this bonus episode, Ollie Mac welcomes Army veterans Amanda Dillon and Gabby Stephens to the show as they give their perspectives on Afghanistan and what lies for the future of the country. 

In this final episode, Ollie Mac has an interesting, yet bold conversation with Jason Howk. Jason is a retired Army Major (O-4) and a former Infantry Sergeant. He has extensive experience in defense, diplomacy, intelligence, and education missions globally. You can find Jason writing for ClearanceJobs News, Task&Purpose, and The United States Army War College to name a few...his bio is long long...LOL! 

Purchase Jason's latest book, "Leaders Always Go a Little Further:...Unless They Trip" by clicking on the title. 

Follow Jason on LinkedIn for updated articles and posts and at www.avoicefortwonations.com.

As everything does, the Afghanistan withdrawal has waned in the media. Now that the U.S. is preparing to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan, it appears that the U.S. is not going anywhere. Who should take the blame for such a failed withdrawal? That question will probably go unanswered. However, the feelings of veterans will not. Joining Ollie Mac to discuss this is Jesse Havard. Jesse is a retired Army senior noncommissioned officer and Purple Heart recipient (combat wounded) with six tours to Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom), mostly with U.S. Special Operations to provide his insights on the withdrawal.