I started this podcast because there are so many complex, interesting issues that are generally considered taboo to discuss in "polite company"... They are considered taboo for good reason. When these topics are discussed, perhaps at a cocktail party after a few drinks, it can lead to disruption in social expectations and even loud conflict. 

There needs to be a place where those of us who are not politicians or clergy can feel empowered to discuss these topics. 

In this episode, I am joined by a formidable, talented, and intellectually curious young woman who has a story to tell and some perspectives to share. She courageously discusses the very personal topic of a woman's right to choose whether, when, and how to become a mother. In the second part of the interview, we dive deeper into the way that arguments about other health issues are often framed in a very dramatic, polarizing way, in order to get people to believe certain things. 

This is an enlightening episode, where Vivi Schenk discusses her experiences with overcoming debt and the associated shame. She has a message targeted towards millennials. There is hope for even those of us who stumble in navigating money management. 

Conversation about wide-ranging topics, including grit, discipline, and getting stuff done.

Conversation about wide-ranging topics. We discuss discipline, getting stuff done, and how our personal actions ultimately play into the advancement of humanity.

Continuation of Interview about teaching children about physical boundaries and consent.

Part 1 can be found here: https://anchor.fm/janesmith/episodes/Part-1-of-Interview-with-Lauren-Carlson-Teaching-Children-about-Consent--Boundaries-eo08v1

Part 1 of talk with Lauren Carlson, the author of "My body is my own," a children's book about teaching kids boundaries. Don't miss listening to this, especially if you are a parent. One thing you will learn is how to spot red flags.

Part 2 can be found here: https://anchor.fm/janesmith/episodes/Part-2-of-Interview-with-Lauren-Carlson-Teaching-Children-about-Consent--Boundaries-epa6j3

Wonderful, deep interview about finding places of hope and redemption in the worst of situations.

This episode is a further exploration of self-administered ways of healing.  Although the Tao Patch is said to help with MS and other issues, this podcaster is not endorsing or validating this claim. Please see the research and evaluate for yourself.

Too busy for self care? Not exactly sure what self care is? Not sure it's worth your time? This podcast is for you.

Reading of "A Narrative of the Life and Adventures of Venture, a Native of Africa, but Resident above Sixty Years in the United States of America, Related by Himself" New London: 1798. Copyright is expired.

Venture Smith tells his story from a young prince in a peaceful African country, to a slave in the USA, to a free man. He was interviewed by a school teacher. When this book came out, it was received with skepticism. However, the claims that Venture made were confirmed through physical evidence and the testimony of his contemporaries. 

This narrative is important because it is rare that we hear the words of someone who was enslaved. They are often nameless and faceless in history (as anyone who has tried to track African American genealogy can attest).