As I mentioned in the op-ed speculating on the worst case scenario re Trump wandering off to play golf at Maralargo, I am glad to see that I was wrong about my conclusion that he was going to do the pocket veto. Now that the bill is signed, I'm more hopeful that January 20 will go off as planned. Of course, Trump will no doubt continue with his lies and divisive, purely fictional rantings, but who cares... 

Here's hoping that 2021 is a year of getting on track to effectively address issues like COVID-19, climate change, tabloid media sold as news, racism, unemployment, healthcare costs, housing costs... you get the idea...

I hope I'm wrong about this, but what I believe is taking shape is the most vile, cynical power play ever witnessed in this country. This recording contains my opinion, and mine only. 

Music: "Here Comes the Shutdown" by Kevin Healey (khealey.bandcamp.com) 

Gaza is in danger of a massive catastrophe, due to several factors combined with the pandemic. It was reported in a few large scale media outlets a few days ago that Gaza has run out of COVID-19 test kits. On a small patch of land, with 2 million people, and multiple crises already challenging daily life, a pandemic with no more test kits and no sign of help on the way equals a humanitarian disaster. 

Nonviolent Conflict Resolution in Afghanistan: Basir Bita is an advisor for Afghan Peace Volunteers, a youth group in Kabul, Afghanistan that advocates for nonviolent conflict resolution. He talks about the possible withdrawal of US troops from his country, and the possibility of Afghanistan one day serving as an example of bringing people back together again after years of war.

Afghan Peace Volunteers: https://charterforcompassion.org/afghan-peace-volunteers

Nara Alves worked in media for 18 years, including at TV Globo. More recently, she became a communications advisor and campaign managers for political candidates in Brazil. She joins us to talk about the recent elections held in Brazil.

End music: "Honey in My Tea", Kevin Healey (khealey.bandcamp.com) Check out that dirty guitar work!

Nara Alves was a reporter for Brazil's TV Globo for 18 years. More recently, she worked as a Communications representative for a Senatorial candidate, and as campaign manager for an incumbent mayoral candidate. She talks about the state of politics and media in Brazil today, including the many things that Brazil and the USA have in common.

End music: "Honey in My Tea", by Kevin Healey (khealey.bandcamp.com); Check out that dirty guitar work!!

In this episode, we hear from two musicians who have worked together since they were kids. Their band and album is called Downtown Phantom. 

Guitar player, Johnny Rao has recorded and toured with former NY Dolls members Syl Sylvain and David Johansen. Drummer, Thommy Price has recorded and toured with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts since 1986, and he’s also worked with a long, diverse list of bands and solo artists. 

Most of this interview focuses on Downtown Phantom. They are now recording more material!

Downtown Phantom songs in this episode: 

"Some Strange"

"Sitting on Gold"

Country of Residence: USA; Publisher: CD Baby Publishing; Performing Rights Organization: BMI

Downtown Phantom on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Downtown-Phantom-Johnny-Vasta-Thommy/dp/B07H2PHGD6

Downtown Phantom on ReverbNation:

https://www.reverbnation.com/Downtownphantom

This week on Joe Public Speaking, I talk with Prof. Kevin Healey, whose latest book, "Ethics and Religion in the Age of Social Media: Digital Proverbs for Responsible Citizens", co-authored with Robert Woods, won the 2020 Book of the Year Award from the Religious Communication Association.

Kevin also talks about his forthcoming EP, "X Minus 1", which consists of new, original, stylistically diverse music.

Songs in this episode include...

"X Minus 1"

"Wake Up Blind"

"Lies We Believe"

[email protected]

PS: "You can go with this" line which I mention is from Black Sheep's, "The Choice is Yours" (c. 1991, The Island Def Jam Music Group)

Kevin Martin talks with JPS about the various factors contributing to the crash of the US empire, and what the possible outcomes of the upcoming election will prompt advocates of nonviolent social change to do. 

Paul Baker Hernandez, a former monk, talks about his journey from monastic life to his life in Managua, Nicaragua. For several years he has translated and performed the songs of Victor Jara, who was a Chilean teacher, poet, singer-songwriter and political activist who was tortured and killed during the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Paul also is an activist, focusing on climate change, and social justice issues; He tells us of his latest initiatives in that regard.

*Here are the websites that Paul keeps active, including sites where one can contribute to his ongoing work:

ODE TO EARTH

https://paulbaker2004.wixsite.com/odetoearth

EARTHBALL CHALLENGE

https://paulbaker2004.wixsite.com/keepearthflyinghigh

BEETHOVEN 250

https://paulbaker2004.wixsite.com/windyday

CROWDFUNDING

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ode2earth

PATREON (monthly support)

https://www.patreon.com/ODEtoEARTH