It's Not All Bad

In today's short episode, I thought it would be good to chat about going on a trip.  The kind of travel when you hop in your vehicle with bags and all, for a multi-day trip.  Travel that may bring you a sense of renewal, wonder, appreciation, and time for self-reflection.  If you think it's time for you to take that leap of faith that a road trip will be meaningful for you, then maybe you should consider doing so.  

Nothing too deep or controversial in this episode.  Still, as always, I do hope you find it somewhat meaningful, and even consider sharing it with friends, coworkers, or significant others.

The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guests and guest-hosts. Sharing thoughts on different issues, especially those that are humorous, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, meaningful, insightful, and even heartwarming at times.

**Comments and/or opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own**

You can listen to and subscribe to, "It's Not All Bad," that's available from the following platforms and others wherever you listen to your podcasts:

*Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c30a8c47-7e48-4bed-8ffb-402079d82a4d/it's-not-all-bad

*Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82MDYwNGQ2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

*Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-all-bad/id1574392751?uo=4

*Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0X6Gn9zC85iEyfKbNmpINM

Immigrants to America, especially in the earlier centuries is interesting.  Not just from the perspective of the thousands of success stories and events, but also from the perspective that's less than stellar and positive.  During this episode, I talk about Irish, Japanese, and Chinese immigrants; but also discuss briefly the situation concerning our Native American brothers and sisters.

It's absolutely fine, expected, and encouraged to celebrate the progress of the United States and its people.  Still, we should never downplay or overlook the past negatives that happened to various groups of people.  In many ways, creating the next success while understanding/acknowledging past wrongs is what truly makes a nation great.  This is especially true when nations actively seek to correct past wrongs with the objective of lifting up all people.  To do otherwise goes against the ideal of one nation of many people who are worthy and deserving of respect, the pursuit of happiness, and justice for all.

The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guests and guest-hosts. Sharing thoughts on different issues, especially those that are humorous, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, meaningful, insightful, and even heartwarming at times.

*LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-devine

**Comments and/or opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own**

Special thanks for Devine & Company (https://www.devineandcompany.com/) for their guidance on subject matter content and technical issues.

You can listen to and subscribe to, "It's Not All Bad," that's available from the following platforms and others wherever you listen to your podcasts:

*Anchor - https://anchor.fm/stewart-devine

*Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c30a8c47-7e48-4bed-8ffb-402079d82a4d/it's-not-all-bad

*Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82MDYwNGQ2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

*Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-all-bad/id1574392751?uo=4

*Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0X6Gn9zC85iEyfKbNmpINM

*Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/beu5r0lv

*RadioPublic - https://radiopublic.com/its-not-all-bad-WDjRy7

If you noticed something over the decades, it's the word "freedom."  It's used to express a desire for less oversight, less regulations, less restrictions, and list goes on and on.  Some use "freedom" as a way to express demonization of the other and a sense of strong nationalism, and even use it to stoke racial animus.   Yet others express "freedom" as wanting a free reign to gain more, to do more, and to own more.  Of course, there are those that express "freedom" as wanting less government or regulatory oversight.

Yet, there are others who want freedom to be able to have an education; to gain access to healthcare; to learn about the history of this country including warts and all; to exercise reproductive rights; the freedom to breath clean air and drink clean water regardless of their geographic location or economic station in life; and the freedom to have a safe workplace and be paid a reasonable wage for their labor.  These are the most important freedoms in any democracy that claims it's people have the right to a pursuit of happiness, equality, and justice for all.

The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guests and guest-hosts. Sharing thoughts on different issues, especially those that are humorous, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, meaningful, insightful, and even heartwarming at times.

*LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-devine

**Comments and/or opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own**

Special thanks for Devine & Company (https://www.devineandcompany.com/) for their guidance on subject matter content and technical issues.

You can listen to and subscribe to, "It's Not All Bad," that's available from the following platforms and others wherever you listen to your podcasts:

*Anchor - https://anchor.fm/stewart-devine

*Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c30a8c47-7e48-4bed-8ffb-402079d82a4d/it's-not-all-bad

*Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82MDYwNGQ2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

*Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-all-bad/id1574392751?uo=4

*Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0X6Gn9zC85iEyfKbNmpINM

*Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/beu5r0lv

*RadioPublic - https://radiopublic.com/its-not-all-bad-WDjRy7

Even though we can't ignore the various negative issues that impact our world, nation, and our collective and individual lives, there are still positive things happening each and every day.  Whether it's in the United States, Africa, Asia, South America, or Europe thoughtful and compassionate people are everywhere.  Indeed, it's very likely you are one of those people, and that should give us all hope.  Indeed, even in the midst of a chaotic world that appears to be always spinning out of control, well-meaning people and their individual and collective actions help keep us all grounded and hopeful.  

In this episode, I discuss one particular group of young people in the western United States who are doing their part to make a positive difference for farmers and those who are food insecure in this country.  Yes, there are some young people that are ambitious and maybe want immediate gratification and praise on a constant basis.  But there are so many hundreds and thousands more young people who convert that ambition, drive, and energy into helping others in need.  In this episode, it's a message to all of us to not lose faith or desire in helping others.  As I've said on previous episodes, it's okay to feel good about doing good.

The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guests and guest-hosts. Sharing thoughts on different issues, especially those that are humorous, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, meaningful, insightful, and even heartwarming at times.

*LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-devine

**Comments and/or opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own**

Special thanks for Devine & Company (https://www.devineandcompany.com/) for their guidance on subject matter content and technical issues.

You can listen to and subscribe to, "It's Not All Bad," that's available from the following platforms and others wherever you listen to your podcasts:

*Anchor - https://anchor.fm/stewart-devine

*Amazon - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c30a8c47-7e48-4bed-8ffb-402079d82a4d/it's-not-all-bad

*Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82MDYwNGQ2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

*Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-all-bad/id1574392751?uo=4

*Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0X6Gn9zC85iEyfKbNmpINM

*Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/beu5r0lv

*RadioPublic - https://radiopublic.com/its-not-all-bad-WDjRy7

To say that this week's Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade was newsworthy and impactful is an understatement.  This cultural and women's reproductive rights issue is shaking many people (pro and con) to the core of their being.  There are still concerns that there may be other federally recognized rights of progression that could be reviewed, overturned, and remanded to individual states to decide the fate of a particular previously perceived right.  It's certainly a topic worthy of discussion, but thoughtful and non-incendiary discourse.  I hope you consider the thoughts in this short episode.

The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guests and guest-hosts. Sharing thoughts on different issues, especially those that are humorous, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, meaningful, insightful, and even heartwarming at times.

*LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-devine

**Comments and/or opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own**

Special thanks for Devine & Company (https://www.devineandcompany.com/) for their guidance on subject matter content and technical issues.

You can listen to and subscribe to, "It's Not All Bad," that's available from the following platforms and others wherever you listen to your podcasts:

*Anchor - https://anchor.fm/stewart-devine

*Amazon Podcasts - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c30a8c47-7e48-4bed-8ffb-402079d82a4d/it's-not-all-bad

*Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82MDYwNGQ2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

*Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-all-bad/id1574392751?uo=4

*Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0X6Gn9zC85iEyfKbNmpINM

*Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/beu5r0lv

*RadioPublic - https://radiopublic.com/its-not-all-bad-WDjRy7

Sometimes we forget there are people doing wonderfully positive things even in the midst of the world's problems.  We give them credit for their efforts, for sure.  But there's so many simple acts of kindness that many people do each day as routine and often without any significant thought because that's who they are, and maybe who you are as well.  Yet, there are still others that do as little as possible in the acts of kindness arena.  They don't laugh much and even avoid potentially humorous situations as if this denotes personal or professional maturity.  Whichever direction one chooses, each person has a reason for what they do or don't do.

Still, please accept the value and practice of positive and wholesome humor, healthy belly laughs, and doing simple acts of kindness.  Who knows, it may even help ease some frustrations you may have at times, especially in many environments where genuine thoughtfulness, concern for others, and compassion are considered weaknesses.

The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guests and guest-hosts. Sharing thoughts on different issues, especially those that are humorous, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, meaningful, insightful, and even heartwarming at times.

**Comments and/or opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own**

You can listen to and subscribe to, "It's Not All Bad," that's available from the following platforms and others wherever you listen to your podcasts:

*Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82MDYwNGQ2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

*Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-all-bad/id1574392751?uo=4

*Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0X6Gn9zC85iEyfKbNmpINM

*Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/beu5r0lv

*RadioPublic - https://radiopublic.com/its-not-all-bad-WDjRy7

Here we are again.  As a nation we witness another horrific mass shooting on May 24, 2022, at an elementary school un Uvalde, Texas.  Nineteen children and two teachers killed.  I won't say too much in this description.  If you have a moment, please give a listen to this episode. 

The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guests and guest-hosts. Sharing thoughts on different issues, especially those that are humorous, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, meaningful, insightful, and even heartwarming at times.

**Comments and/or opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own**

*LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-devine

Special thanks for Devine & Company (https://www.devineandcompany.com/) for their guidance on subject matter content and technical issues.

You can listen to and subscribe to, "It's Not All Bad," that's available from the following platforms and others wherever you listen to your podcasts:

*Anchor - https://anchor.fm/stewart-devine

*Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82MDYwNGQ2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

*Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-all-bad/id1574392751?uo=4

*Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0X6Gn9zC85iEyfKbNmpINM

*Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/beu5r0lv

*RadioPublic - https://radiopublic.com/its-not-all-bad-WDjRy7

Yet here we are again.  Another racist inspired mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, New York, on March 14, 2022.  It appears when there's a respite in racially and religious inspired mass shootings, we're jolted yet again with the horrors of the reality of what's happening in the United States.  As our society progresses on so many various commercial, environmental, and social issues, there seems to be a concerted effort to continue radicalizing people, especially some White males, to act out their hatred in a shower of bullets.  There are certainly good reasons for various levels of positive optimism about our future, but there is an insidiousness tumor of racial bigotry and racism that bursts at seams every now and then that causes us to question our aspirational nature of what is is to be an American.  As we turn the page from this recent horrific mass murder event, we must not ignore what's happening in hopes that it won't happen again.  Unfortunately, this kinds of race based violence is quite common in our country.  Americans of good nature can set the example in public and private behavior in not feeding this kind of racial animus and bigotry.  To do any less would betray the aspirational ideals of, not upon what this country was founded, but of it's wonderful possibilities for all Americans as, "We The People..."  

The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guests and guest-hosts. Sharing thoughts on different issues, especially those that are humorous, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, meaningful, insightful, and even heartwarming at times.

**Comments and/or opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own**

*LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-devine

Special thanks for Devine & Company (https://www.devineandcompany.com/) for their guidance on subject matter content and technical issues.

You can listen to and subscribe to, "It's Not All Bad," that's available from the following platforms and others wherever you listen to your podcasts:

*Anchor - https://anchor.fm/stewart-devine

*Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82MDYwNGQ2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

*Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-all-bad/id1574392751?uo=4

*Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0X6Gn9zC85iEyfKbNmpINM

*Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/beu5r0lv

*RadioPublic - https://radiopublic.com/its-not-all-bad-WDjRy7

During this episode, I mention a few challenges in American society, and especially challenges to our democracy if left unchecked.  Much of what I'm saying is nothing new to most listeners.  Still, it's important for all voting age citizens to consider voting in various elections.  Whether a rural, suburban, or urban voter, you have the right to help select leaders who speak about and truly believe in representative democracy, and believe that out of many we are one nation.  

The goal of my podcast is to discuss interesting topics either in solo episodes or with guests and guest-hosts. Sharing thoughts on different issues, especially those that are humorous, thoughtful and thought-provoking, meaningful, insightful, and even heartwarming at times.

*LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-devine

**Comments and/or opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own**

Special thanks for Devine & Company (https://www.devineandcompany.com/) for their guidance on subject matter content and technical issues.

You can listen to and subscribe to, "It's Not All Bad," that's available from the following platforms and others wherever you listen to your podcasts:

*Anchor - https://anchor.fm/stewart-devine

*Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82MDYwNGQ2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

*Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-all-bad/id1574392751?uo=4

*Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0X6Gn9zC85iEyfKbNmpINM

*Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/beu5r0lv

*RadioPublic - https://radiopublic.com/its-not-all-bad-WDjRy7

This is a reposting of a previous episode about "toxic masculinity" that I did in 2021.  In the US there is a quite organized effort to de-humanize and demonize those people who are LGBTQ.  There appears to be special emphasis on targeting and persecuting transgender women.  Some of the most vocal of those who oppose human rights of transgender people are often men.  There are probably many reasons why some men are triggered negatively by transgender women, which is quite unfortunate.  Indeed, various anti-gay and anti-transgender laws are being introduced and passed in a number of localities.  Yeah, "Toxic Masculinity" is alive and well, and it's harming our society and the emotional damage this may be causing to some trans youth is sad and cruel.  Many of us have heard the term "Toxic Masculinity" on television, radio, and social media.  It's now entered political discourse in unproductive ways.  I just wanted to take a step back for just a few minutes during this episode to chat about masculinity and femininity as norms and not inherently self or societally destructive.  But I also am quick to be specific when masculine traits of respect and concern for others, rooting for the dispossessed and the underdogs of our society, helping those less fortunate, believe and demonstrating acceptance of women and gays as something real men do and don't fear are wonderful and normal.  

Unfortunately, there's the other side side of masculinity that turns toxic when men want to harm others for not being "manly" or tough, and disrespect others because they are different.  Yes, this kind of toxic masculinity isn't anything new but it's certainly more pronounced as a kind of badge of honor.  Anyway, I do hope you listen to this episode and share it with friends, family, and associates.

The goal of my podcast is to have interesting guests share their thoughts on different issues, have guest co-hosts to discuss various topics (especially those that offer humor), and even share short episodes in which I discuss thoughtful and even heartwarming issues.

*Comments and/or opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own**

*LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stewart-devine

Special thanks for Devine & Company (https://www.devineandcompany.com/) for their guidance on subject matter content and technical issues.

You can listen to "It's Not All Bad," wherever you listen to podcasts, including on the following platforms:

*Anchor - https://anchor.fm/stewart-devine

*Google Podcasts - https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82MDYwNGQ2MC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

*Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/its-not-all-bad/id1574392751?uo=4

*Breaker - https://www.breaker.audio/its-not-all-bad

*Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0X6Gn9zC85iEyfKbNmpINM

*Pocket Casts - https://pca.st/beu5r0lv