Millennial in the Middle

As Americans we have heard the National Anthem our entire lives. With repetition things tend to lose importance and meaning. In this episode Connor tells the story of the Star-Spangled Banner, how it became our national anthem, and why we started performing the anthem at sporting events.

This episode is a great example of the goal of Millennial in the Middle. You will learn from history, broaden your understanding of a current issue, and be inspired. For 100+ years the Star-Spangled Banner has brought us together as a nation and we need this message of unity now more than ever!

Connor says this may be his favorite episode so far, we are curious to see if you agree!

The hippie movement took the country by storm in the 1960s. Hundreds of thousands of people headed to San Francisco with "flowers in their hair." The subculture sentiment was in response to a turbulent time in our nation's history. This group used love and "plant medicine" as the anecdote to the Vietnam War and Civil Rights Movement. The climax of the hippie movement was the Woodstock music festival. 500,000 people in the woods of New York got together to listen to good music and spread love. In this episode we look into how this movement started and discuss why Woodstock is such a memorable event. We could benefit from a Woodstock 2020! 

Jo Bright is our guest to walk through this conversation with a hippie perspective. Jojo is a blogger and podcaster focussed on natural healing, mindset and self improvement. She represents the ideals of the hippie movement in 2020. She brings a fun side out of Connor that makes for an entertaining listen. Give her a follow @xojobright. 

Enjoy this not-so-serious episode and remember "all you need is love." 

At his core Donald Trump is a showman. Given the chance to have 4 nights of TV coverage highlighting his achievements and making the case for four more years, you shouldn't be surprised there wasn't a lack of theatrics. In Part 2 of Connor's reaction to the RNC, Connor looks specifically at the speeches that stood out, what Trump did this week that was out of character and a look at the Trump family.  

Connor then gives a wake-up call to the Democrats. The strategy of Hidin' Biden and letting Trump self implode isn't working. With 60 days to election day it should be a sprint to the finish and Biden better start "running!"

After listening to the DNC and RNC there is one thing both parties can agree on: this election is the most important in our history, America and our democracy are in danger, and the consequences are grave if the other guy wins! In Part 1 of the reaction to this week's Republican National Convention Connor takes a big picture approach. He discusses fear and the dangers of how it can be used to control and manipulate people. 2020 has been a year filled with fear and both the DNC and RNC continued with rhetoric from a fear-based mentality.  

Connor also takes a step back and looks at how some of the world's greatest leaders have handled fear in the most difficult times. He looks specifically at how Winston Churchill calmed his nation during WWII and gives the surprising history of the "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster.

After the death of George Floyd I was guilty of avoiding the news. I think like for a lot of white Americans it was easier just to turn it off, look away, and not seek to understand. A problem like racism isn't something you can ever fully solve so why even bother? If you have felt this way, don't worry I have too. Talking about race isn't something most people are comfortable with and honestly I went into filming this episode a little apprehensive! I urge you to listen to this interview with an open mind, try to avoid making justifications or the counter-arguments. Sometimes it is just better to listen. That's what I did in this interview and I hope you do too. 

Kira Nielsen is a long-time family friend that I hadn't seen in years before this interview. I follow her on social media and have been so impressed with how she has chosen to speak up and get involved. She is politically active and a great advocate for equality. She also was a part of a select group at Brigham Young University that spent an entire year studying race relations in America which was capped off by a tour of Civil Rights Movements, personal experiences with those that were there, and then being a part of an honorary march across the bridge in Selma remembering "Bloody Sunday."  

We have hit 10 episodes! To celebrate we're giving you a bonus episode you can watch in under 10 minutes...

How dumb does the media really think we are? Connor breaks down two current political ads (one Republican and one Democrat) and says what we're all thinking. 

This is an entertaining listen that reminds us all to think critically! 

For four nights this week the Democratic party blitzed the airwaves to make the case for Joe Biden and against Donald Trump. Connor gives his reaction to his favorite speeches and thoughts on the Democratic strategy. 

Connor also talks about some formative events of Joe Biden's personal life and how we can all have a bit more empathy. 

Rick and Mindy Guymon went to the hospital to have their fourth child and found out in the Operating Room their daughter Tessa had Down Syndrome. This news came as a surprise and they wondered what life would look like. Reactions from friends, family and even the doctors varied. At 18 months old Tessa was then diagnosed with leukemia. Since then the Guymons have gone through chemotherapy and won the battle with cancer. Tessa just celebrated her third birthday and being cancer-free!

In this episode Rick and Mindy discuss what they have learned and recount some of their experiences along this journey. We also discuss how to approach situations surrounding those with disabilities and learn what to say and what not to say. Their story will broaden your perspective as we all try to have more compassion, empathy and understanding for those around us. While life with Tessa is different than what they had pictured, it is wonderful! Rick and Mindy share the light of Tessa with all of us on their Instagram. Give this episode a listen and follow their social account, you won’t regret being a part of the @GuymonTribe!

We have all heard Trump repeat the phrase “America First.” In this episode we dive into the current political debate between nationalism and globalism. As always, Connor takes a historical look at the issue going all the way back to “America’s first” President. In Washington’s Farewell Address, he offered advice to the nation that is still relevant today, and he set a precedent that would become American policy.

For more than two decades, Dr. Matt Townsend has been energizing and educating audiences with his unique lessons on life, love and leadership. Known as one of America’s top presenters in the field of Human Relations and Development. Matt can be seen weekly on KSL Television’s, Studio 5 with Brooke Walker. His book Starved Stuff: Feeding The 7 Basic Needs of Healthy Relationships is a popular pick among those searching for better relationship skills and can be found on his website at MattTownsend.com. 

In this interview Matt and Connor discuss the current political climate and the communication problems we are all facing with friends, family, and co-workers. Matt gives advice for how to have tough conversations over divisive issues from a place of love and understanding. 

Matt also gives his advice to Connor on the power of finding common ground and how you can influence those on both sides of the aisle. You won't want to miss this "group therapy session!"