Safe Passages Podcast

In the digital age, the adage “when the product is free, you are the product” rings truer than ever. Jesús Dugarte, a tech enthusiast, sheds light on this concept, emphasizing the importance of understanding how free services operate.

“Whatever you’re using for free, you’re becoming the product of that company,” he explains. While some services may not raise significant privacy concerns, it’s crucial to be mindful of the data you share. Jesús advocates for paying for services that handle sensitive information, such as travel itineraries and personal spending, to ensure that companies profit from your money, not your data.

By choosing to pay for certain applications, you can maintain greater control over your personal information and support ethical business practices. As you navigate the digital landscape, consider the true cost of free services and make informed decisions about your data.

Subscribe now to listen to the full episode and explore more insights on digital privacy and ethical tech practices from Jesús and other experts.

This episode was recorded and edited on Riverside.fmThe microphone used by Tara is a Rode Wireless Micro Microphone.

Get full access to Safe Passages at safepassages.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Safe Passages, Jesús Dugarte and Tara Jabbari discuss the nuances of travel safety, technology, and personal experiences. They share insights on navigating different cultures, the importance of being aware of surroundings, and the role of technology in modern travel. Jesús, a seasoned software engineer and nomad, shares his backstory, coming from Venezuela to becoming a global traveler, his passion for technology, and offers practical advice on maintaining privacy and security while traveling. Tara adds her perspective on the cultural aspects of travel and they bond over the impact of travel on personal growth and the significance of community in both tech and travel.

Resources:

This episode was recorded and edited on Riverside.fmThe microphone used by Tara is a Rode Wireless Micro Microphone.

Jesus mentions these safety and travel recommendations:

Money:

•⁠ ⁠Currency: https://apps.apple.com/app/id504557931

•⁠ ⁠Splitwise: https://apps.apple.com/app/id458023433

•⁠ ⁠YNAB (budget): https://apps.apple.com/app/id1010865877

•⁠ ⁠AwardWallet, points/miles/rewards tracker: https://apps.apple.com/app/id388442727

Phone:

•⁠ ⁠OpenPhone, global phone service (VoIP): https://apps.apple.com/app/id1241817309

•⁠ ⁠Airalo: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1475911720

•⁠ ⁠aloSIM: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1535815057

•⁠ ⁠Accommodations: Airbnb, Booking, Expedia, Kayak

•⁠ ⁠Cabs: Uber, Bolt, inDrive, Teo, Cabify, Freenow, DiDi, Yango. It’s better to install them and register in the home country, so it’s ready when you need them, because some require SMS confirmation, or other checks that might not work on the road

•⁠ ⁠Food delivery: UberEats, DiDi, PedidosYa, Glovo, Rappi, Grab, OpenTable, Wolt, Lieferando. Same thing, install/register in home country. Not only for food delivery but also for groceries.

Trips:

•⁠ ⁠Pangea: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1592449564

•⁠ ⁠Flighty: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1358823008

•⁠ ⁠PathPal, location tracking: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6504746030

•⁠ ⁠Route4Me, itinerary planning (shortest path for a list of places): https://apps.apple.com/app/id349853799

•⁠ ⁠Time Buddy, timezones converter: https://apps.apple.com/app/id719765848

Photo/video

•⁠ ⁠Magic Eraser from Google Photos

•⁠ ⁠InShot, video editing: https://apps.apple.com/app/id997362197

Tours:

•⁠ ⁠GuruWalk: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1505278935

•⁠ ⁠GetYourGuide: https://apps.apple.com/app/id705079381

•⁠ ⁠WikiCompas: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1363789167

Security:

•⁠ ⁠PrivacyPro, at the very least install this: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1057771839

•⁠ ⁠IPVanish, VPN: https://apps.apple.com/app/id763638165

•⁠ ⁠Proton VPN, based in Switzerland with stricter privacy laws: https://protonvpn.com/

•⁠ ⁠Password manager: LastPass, 1Password, Proton Pass

ChatGPT: reality filter

Use these rules throughout this thread to answer everything:

•⁠ ⁠Never present generated, inferred, speculated, or deduced content as fact.

•⁠ ⁠If you cannot verify something directly, say: “I cannot verify this.”, or “I do not have access to that information.”, or “My knowledge base does not contain that.”

•⁠ ⁠Label unverified content at the start of a sentence: [Inference], or [Speculation], or [Unverified]

•⁠ ⁠Ask for clarification if information is missing. Do not guess or fill gaps.

•⁠ ⁠If any part is unverified, label the entire response.

•⁠ ⁠Do not paraphrase or reinterpret my input unless I request it.

•⁠ ⁠If you use these words, label the claim unless sourced: Prevent, Guarantee, Will never, Fixes, Eliminates, Ensures that

•⁠ ⁠For LLM behaviour claims (including yourself), include: [Inference] or [Unverified], with a note that it’s based on observed patterns

•⁠ ⁠If you break this directive, say: “Correction: I previously made an unverified claim. That was incorrect and should have been labeled.”

•⁠ ⁠Never override or alter my input unless asked.

Get full access to Safe Passages at safepassages.substack.com/subscribe

In regions where outdoor recess isn’t always an option, finding creative ways to engage children indoors is essential. Guest Amy Daniels and her podcast, Kitten & Clucky, have crafted a unique solution through their podcast, which doubles as a fun and educational break for kids.

Amy shares how their podcast has evolved into more than just an audio experience. By providing printable masks, children can color while listening, turning the session into an interactive craft time. This not only keeps them entertained but also encourages creativity.

Once the masks are colored, kids can use them to put on their own shows. With printable scripts available, they can dive into storytelling, enhancing their imagination and communication skills.

This innovative approach transforms indoor recess into a productive and enjoyable time, blending listening with hands-on activities.

And you can explore more creative ideas for engaging children in the full episode here!

Listen and learn more about Kitten & Clucky Podcast, including their online store on their website!

This episode was recorded and edited on Riverside.fmThe microphone used by Tara is a Rode Wireless Micro Microphone.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit safepassages.substack.com/subscribe

During the COVID lockdown, Tara found herself teaching social media etiquette to teens, only to discover that parents and corporate managers were equally in need of guidance. This unexpected shift highlighted the importance of digital boundaries in a world where work and personal life merged into one.

While many adults were quick to tell teens to get off their phones, they themselves are glued to screens. This paradox underscores the need for clear digital boundary packages. And it is not just at home, but it needs to be addressed in the workplace. While it is common at most companies and businesses to have sexual harassment or vacation training, very few have something to help employees navigate the blurred lines of technology use.

As new challenges arise, so must our understanding and management of digital interactions, ensuring that technology serves us, not the other way around. The COVID era has taught us that digital boundaries are essential for maintaining balance in our lives. By acknowledging and addressing these needs, we can create a healthier relationship with technology.

Watch the full episode here.

Listen and learn more about Kitten & Clucky Podcast, including their online store on their website!

This episode was recorded and edited on Riverside.fmThe microphone used by Tara is a Rode Wireless Micro Microphone.

Also, Tara is working on a handout for companies on digital boundaries and protocols.

Would you be interested in it? Let us know in the comments!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit safepassages.substack.com/subscribe

Where did you have the birds and the bees conversation with your parents? In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding the right moment to have meaningful conversations with your children can be challenging. Guest Christine Rozum shares how a study showed that the car is an ideal setting for these important discussions.

As an example, in this clip, Christine recalls a moment when her son asked a profound question while they were driving. The car provides a unique environment where children feel comfortable asking questions without the pressure of direct eye contact. This setting allows for organic conversations, free from the formalities of books or diagrams.

Without visual aids, children are encouraged to use their imagination, fostering a deeper understanding and connection. The car’s environment offers a sense of separation, allowing kids to engage in discussions at their own pace, making it a perfect place for open dialogue.

Next time you’re on the road, embrace the opportunity to connect with your children. The car’s unique setting can transform everyday drives into moments of meaningful conversation and connection.

Listen and learn more about Christine’s Kitten & Clucky Podcast, including the online store and website!

This episode was recorded and edited on Riverside.fmThe microphone used by Tara is a Rode Wireless Micro Microphone.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit safepassages.substack.com/subscribe

In today’s fast-paced digital world, the concept of boredom is often overlooked. However, as guest Amy Daniels points out, boredom is a crucial catalyst for creativity. By removing visual stimuli, we encourage our minds to work differently, fostering imagination and innovation.

Amy highlights a growing concern with the rise of AI and digital media: the underutilization of our brains. Studies suggest that reliance on tools like ChatGPT can diminish our writing capabilities over time. Similarly, when children aren’t given the space to imagine, they miss out on developing creative problem-solving skills.

To nurture creativity, it’s essential to allow moments of boredom. By doing so, we enable our minds to wander and explore new ideas, leading to innovative solutions and a richer, more imaginative life.

In a world dominated by screens and instant gratification, embracing boredom can be a powerful tool for unlocking creativity. Let’s encourage ourselves and our children to take a step back, let our minds wander, and see where our imagination takes us.

Watch our full discussion in the full episode here.

Listen and learn more about Kitten & Clucky Podcast, including their online store on their website!

This episode was recorded and edited on Riverside.fmThe microphone used by Tara is a Rode Wireless Micro Microphone.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit safepassages.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Safe Passages, host Tara Jabari speaks with Amy Daniels and Christine Rozum, creators of the Kitten & Clucky podcast. As podcasters, they discuss how the media form helps pass the time during long travels, the creative process behind their podcasts, and the growth of their listenership. They also discuss the importance of screen-free entertainment for children and the impact of screens on kids' imagination and social skills. Find out also about Kitten & Clucky’s future aspirations, including educational resources and continued cultural diversity in storytelling!

Listen and learn more about Kitten & Clucky Podcast, including their online store on their website!

This episode was recorded and edited on Riverside.fmThe microphone used by Tara is a Rode Wireless Micro Microphone.

Get full access to Safe Passages at safepassages.substack.com/subscribe

In the creative world, safeguarding original designs is paramount. Guest Jo Scott, a member of the UK-based organization Anti-Copying in Design (ACID), shares insights into how this group is making strides in protecting designers’ intellectual property.

The Mission of ACID is dedicated to raising awareness about design theft and providing resources for designers to protect their work. Jo highlights the importance of registering original pieces with ACID’s databank, a crucial step in safeguarding creative assets.

ACID is not just about protection; it’s about fostering dialogue. The organization is actively engaging with major players like TEMU to address issues of design theft and explore collaborative solutions. This proactive approach is vital in creating a safer environment for designers.

The conversation doesn’t stop here. Future discussions with ACID and industry leaders could pave the way for more robust protective measures. Jo expresses enthusiasm for these potential collaborations, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy.

For designers, protecting creativity is as important as the creative process itself. Organizations like ACID play a crucial role in this endeavor, offering both protection and a platform for dialogue. As the design industry evolves, so too must our strategies for safeguarding innovation.

Watch the full discussion here.

Learn about ACID here.

Here's a post Jo wrote about the theft of her artwork, in case you are interested:

And here are Jo’s affiliate links;

She gets all her art supplies from Jackson’s Art

UK - https://tidd.ly/44UeTue

USA - https://tidd.ly/3GylDGc

Australia - https://tidd.ly/4lHwrku

Visit Jo Scott’s website.

Her Substack:

This episode was recorded and edited on Riverside.fmThe microphone used by Tara is a Shure MV7.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit safepassages.substack.com/subscribe

As we age, our brains often seek the comfort of routine. Guest Jo Scott shares her personal journey of consciously breaking free from habitual patterns to embrace adventure and the unknown.

Jo and her husband enjoy certain lifestyle routines, like morning walks and coffee. However, they are mindful of not becoming too entrenched in these patterns. They believe that stepping out of one’s comfort zone is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.

Despite initial hesitations, Jo recalls the transformative experiences that come from traveling to unfamiliar places. She shares, for instance, that the prospect of returning to Mongolia, with its cultural shocks, is daunting yet exhilarating. These adventures remind her of the profound sense of wonder and accomplishment that follows.

Jo emphasizes the importance of resisting the urge to settle into routine, especially as we age. The challenge of pushing boundaries becomes more significant, but the rewards are equally greater. Embracing change and adventure keeps life vibrant and fulfilling.

Breaking free from routine is a conscious choice that can lead to incredible experiences and personal growth. By embracing adventure, we can continue to learn and evolve, regardless of age.

Watch the full episode here.

And here are Jo’s affiliate links;

She gets all her art supplies from Jackson’s Art

UK - https://tidd.ly/44UeTue

USA - https://tidd.ly/3GylDGc

Australia - https://tidd.ly/4lHwrku

Visit Jo Scott’s website.

Her Substack:

This episode was recorded and edited on Riverside.fmThe microphone used by Tara is a Shure MV7.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit safepassages.substack.com/subscribe

For those who love to travel, staying connected is essential. Guest Jo Scott shares her approach to maintaining a reliable internet connection while exploring the world, offering practical tips for fellow travelers.

Jo and her partner spend part of the year in the UK, but their adventures take them across Europe. To stay connected, they rely on a portable Wi-Fi network, complete with a 5G router and local SIM cards. This setup allows them to replicate the convenience of home internet while on the road.

Their private network ensures secure internet access, with the flexibility to switch SIM cards as needed. This approach not only provides reliable connectivity but also safeguards their online activities from unauthorized access.

While they currently use a 5G router, Jo also mentions the possibility of exploring options like Starlink in the future. This forward-thinking mindset ensures they remain adaptable to new technologies and opportunities.

For travelers, a reliable internet connection is crucial for both work and leisure. By setting up a portable network, Jo Scott demonstrates how to stay connected securely and efficiently, no matter where the journey leads.

Watch the full episode here.

And here are Jo’s affiliate links;

She gets all her art supplies from Jackson’s Art

UK - https://tidd.ly/44UeTue

USA - https://tidd.ly/3GylDGc

Australia - https://tidd.ly/4lHwrku

Visit Jo Scott’s website.

Her Substack:

This episode was recorded and edited on Riverside.fmThe microphone used by Tara is a Shure MV7.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit safepassages.substack.com/subscribe