A History of the World in Six Plagues: How Contagion, Class, and Captivity Shaped Us, from Cholera to COVID-19 by Edna Bonhomme

Amazon.com

Ednabonhomme.com

A deeply reported, insightful, and literary account of humankind’s battles with epidemic disease, and their outsized role in deepening inequality along racial, ethnic, class, and gender lines—in the vein of Medical Apartheid and Killing the Black Body.

Epidemic diseases enter the world by chance, but they become catastrophic by human design.

With clear-eyed research and lush prose, A History of the World in Six Plagues shows that throughout history, outbreaks of disease have been exacerbated by and gone on to further expand the racial, economic, and sociopolitical divides we allow to fester in times of good health.

Princeton-trained historian Edna Bonhomme’s examination of humanity’s disastrous treatment of pandemic disease takes us across place and time from Port-au-Prince to Tanzania, and from plantation-era America to our modern COVID-19-scarred world to unravel shocking truths about the patterns of discrimination in the face of disease. Based on in-depth research and cultural analysis, Bonhomme explores Cholera, HIV/AIDS, the Spanish Flu, Sleeping Sickness, Ebola, and COVID-19 amidst the backdrop of unequal public policy. But much more than a remarkable history, A History of the World in Six Plaguesis also a rising call for change.ABOUT

Edna Bonhomme is a historian of science, culture writer, and journalist based in Berlin, Germany. She writes cultural criticism, literary essays, book reviews, and opinion pieces. Her writing explores how people navigate the difficult states of health—especially subjects that discuss contagious outbreaks, medical experiments, reproductive assistance, or illness narratives. She is a contributing writer for Frieze Magazine. Her writing has appeared in Al Jazeera, The Atlantic, The Baffler, Berliner Zeitung, Esquire, Frieze, The Guardian, London Review of Books, The Nation, Washington Post, among other publications.

Revolutionize Empty Nesting: Embrace BirdyLauncher for Moms' New Chapter

Birdylauncher.com/freeoffer

About the Guest(s):

Hanna Bankier is a renowned coach, change catalyst, and speaker dedicated to helping women navigate life transitions, specifically as their children leave the nest. With over 20 years of experience in television, Hanna Bankier shifted her focus towards impactful personal and professional change solutions in 2017. Her insights are profoundly shaped by her journey through the birdie launcher phase—a time when mothers adapt to their children's departure from home. Hanna is the founder of BirdyLauncher.com, a platform designed to support women in rediscovering joy and purpose during this transitional life stage.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss welcomes Hanna Bankier, a distinguished speaker and change catalyst, to discuss the transformative birdylauncher concept. This engaging discussion delves into the intricacies of helping mothers find purpose and joy after their children leave the nest, rebranding the often-dreaded "empty nest" phase into an empowering journey of self-discovery and growth.

Hanna Bankier shares her innovative approach to redefining parenthood beyond children's upbringing, emphasizing the importance of evolving parenting strategies for emerging adults. Explore the three critical phases—grief, relief, and joy—that mothers often experience and learn how to transition smoothly while fostering personal growth and renewed sense of self. With insightful discussions on avoiding common parental pitfalls, the conversation uncovers the power of community and preparation in embracing change wholeheartedly. This episode is packed with practical advice for mothers facing this pivotal transition and offers a refreshing perspective on creating meaningful connections and friendships post-parenthood.

Key Takeaways:

Embrace the concept of a "birdylauncher" to positively shift the perception of an empty nest, focusing on personal growth and renewed freedom.

Understand the three phases of the birdylauncher journey: grief, relief, and joy, and how navigating these emotions is vital for a successful transition.

Avoid common parenting mistakes during this phase by evolving your relationship with your children into a mentorship and adjusting family dynamics.

Importance of community support: Engage with other mothers for shared experiences and guidance during this transitional stage.

Rediscover your identity and interests post-parenthood to ensure a fulfilling and enriching life for the decades beyond active parenting.

Notable Quotes:

“How is the nest empty if I, the mama, am still in it?”

“Parenting is about 80% managing your own anxiety.”

“We have to manage all of those emotions and make space for them again without getting stuck.”

“You get to co-create your new version of your relationship.”

“Ultimately, you have to show your kid that you are living your best life, much like you want for them.”

Unlocking the Secrets to Self-Actualization: A Journey with Skye and Tony Thornton

Actualizingtherapy.com

About the Guest(s):

Skye and Tony Thornton are the co-founders of T Life, a company specializing in actualizing therapy, a unique approach combining therapeutic practices with mentorship to aid individuals in their personal journeys. Tony Thornton launched T Life in 2017, inspired by the profound impact his late mother, Patricia, had on his life. Skye Thornton, an avid reader, collaborates with Tony to help clients apply therapeutic practices in real-world settings, fostering an ethos of authenticity and self-actualization. Together, they work closely with clients to illustrate life patterns and provide personalized guidance for overcoming challenges.

Episode Summary:

Join Chris Voss as he delves into an enlightening conversation with Sky and Tony Thornton, the minds behind T Life and its innovative approach to therapy. In this episode of The Chris Voss Show, Tony and Skye share their transformative journey from personal loss to becoming guides in the world of actualizing therapy. They articulate how their unique method, distinct from traditional therapy, fosters self-actualization and personal accountability in everyday life.

In this dynamic discussion, Chris Voss and the Thorntons explore the shortcomings of traditional therapy, particularly for individuals who have difficulty confronting their own behaviors. They emphasize how actualizing therapy, with its practical, life-integrated approach, helps clients see their true selves and make meaningful changes. With an understanding rooted in the principles of self-efficacy and a nod to the theories of Maslow, they detail the model of being "illustrators" who guide individuals through their deepest challenges. Their conversation touches on the significance of handling childhood trauma, understanding personal fallacies, and achieving congruence between one's inner and outer worlds.

Key Takeaways:

Actualizing therapy combines therapeutic principles with mentorship to help individuals address personal challenges directly in their daily lives.

Skye and Tony Thornton focus on illustrating patterns in clients' lives to foster self-awareness and accountability.

Unlike traditional therapy's one-way street, their method involves real-world interactions that unveil true behaviors and insights.

Self-efficacy and genuine personal change are central to the process of self-actualization.

Facing one's own issues and becoming authentic provides a path to a fulfilling and liberated life.

Notable Quotes:

"Embracing the deep, dark shadow work is where it starts." – Tony Thornton

"Self actualization is your most natural form." – Skye Thornton

"It's not about achieving perfection, it's about becoming the best person you want to be." – Tony Thornton

"The fruits of working on yourself are truly liberating." – Skye Thornton

"Life is much better on the other side when you mentally fix your game and you're clean." – Chris Voss

The Traveler's Path: Finding Spiritual Growth and Inspiration Through Travel by Douglas J Brouwer

Dougsblog.substack.com

Amazon.com

Travel shapes our identity, from ancient spiritual journeys to the modern movement of people across the globe. In his latest book, Douglas J. Brouwer, a pastor, scholar and lifelong traveler, invites readers to reflect on the profound, transformative power of travel in all its forms.

With over 40 years of pastoral ministry in the U.S. and Europe, Doug shares personal stories from his own life, from childhood road trips to leading mission teams, study tours, and pilgrimages. Whether serving international congregations in Zürich, Switzerland, and The Hague, Netherlands, or walking solo along the Camino paths of Spain and Portugal, his journeys reveal how travel reshapes our understanding of ourselves, others, and the divine.

The Traveler's Path challenges readers to go beyond tourism and embrace the spiritual dimension of travel. Through his compelling stories, Doug sparks readers' own memories of travel, or hopes for future travel, making this an ideal choice for individual reading or small-group discussion. Doug also offers readers a free, downloadable discussion guide to help spark spirited conversations.

In these chapters, Doug explores how even the most ordinary trips can teach us humility, foster empathy, and reveal deeper truths about belonging and purpose. Part memoir, part spiritual guide, and part travelogue, this book invites readers to view travel as a sacred act, where every journey becomes an opportunity for transformation. With warmth and wisdom, Doug inspires us to move beyond our comfort zones, reminding us that the road itself can lead us home.

Whether you're planning your next adventure or reflecting on journeys past, The Traveler's Path will inspire you to embrace the sacred potential of every step you take.

Revolutionizing Memorabilia: The Realist's Authentic Collectibles Marketplace

Therealest.com

About the Guest(s):

Base Naaman is the Co-founder and Head of Brand at The Realest, a pioneering firm in the memorabilia market. He is responsible for directing the company’s creative strategy and overseeing partnerships with major industry names such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Miami Heat, Snoop Dogg, Usher, and Paramount Studios. The Realest is renowned for setting the next-generation standards in sports and entertainment memorabilia authentication, sourcing items directly from athletes and artists, powered by cutting-edge identification technology.

Episode Summary:

Welcome to the latest episode of The Chris Vos Show, where we're joined by Base Naaman from The Realest. This episode unfolds the intriguing world of authentic sports and entertainment memorabilia, highlighting the technology and strategy behind ensuring authenticity. Base Naaman shares insights into The Realist's mission to bridge the gap in memorabilia collectability between sports and music industries and the untapped potential of these sectors for collectors and fans.

Base Naaman elaborates on how The Realest implements groundbreaking authentication methods akin to those used by Major League Baseball, minimizing fraud within the memorabilia industry. By deploying witnesses at live events and maintaining a transparent transfer chain, The Realest sets high standards in provenance verification. Base Naaman also narrates fascinating stories behind significant partnerships with legendary bands like Megadeth and critical events like partnering with the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl victory journey, offering fans a tangible piece of history.

Key Takeaways:

The Realest closes the gap between sports and music memorabilia collecting by making genuine items accessible to fans.

Authentication involves real-time, witnessed verification to ensure 100% authenticity for memorabilia.

High-profile partnerships, such as with Megadeth and the Philadelphia Eagles, demonstrate The Realest's capacity to bring authentic, collectible items to fans.

Efforts are made not only to monetize collectibles but to preserve and respect the legacy of artists and athletes by minimizing fraud.

The Realest promotes environmental sustainability by repurposing items and preventing memorabilia from ending up as waste.

Notable Quotes:

"It’s all about trust really. It’s like building these relationships directly with the artists and teams."

"You are some of the most followed and loved and admired people on this planet. Why are people not able to own items that you've used on stage?"

"We kind of doubled down on the authentication because we are big sports fans."

"They don't realize how much of their stuff is being sold online and their fans are getting ripped off."

"Nothing's impossible. I think we'll be able to reach everyone soon enough."

Darrell Stern, Unleashing Marketing Magic with Video and Storytelling Wizardry

Stern.marketing

About the Guest(s):

Darrell Stern is a marketing expert who transitioned from a child voice actor to a marketing visionary, leveraging his unique background to revolutionize video marketing strategies. He started his career at the young age of a kid actor and was famously the voice of Scooter Computer on ABC's Schoolhouse Rock in 1983. Fast forward to his adult life, Darryl founded Stern.Marketing and Stern Marketing Agency. His innovative methods in digital marketing emphasize combining video content with strategic blogging to dominate search engines.

Episode Summary:

Join host Chris Voss in this riveting episode as he interviews Darrell Stern, a marketing guru with a unique approach to digital marketing. Once a child actor, Darrell shares insights from his journey from the world of ABC's Schoolhouse Rock to becoming a strategic force in video and content marketing. This episode is packed with actionable insights on how businesses can leverage video coupled with expertly crafted blogs to skyrocket their online presence.

Darrell delves deep into how he helps entrepreneurs and businesses capture stories that resonate on a personal level, aligning with Google's search algorithms. Discover his revolutionary tactics of transcribing videos into articles that not only attract organic traffic but also build credibility and audience trust. Darrell explains this strategy through case studies like Saul, the mechanic who skyrocketed his business using video storytelling and smart SEO practices.

Key Takeaways:

Merging video and blog content is a powerful strategy for dominating Google's search results.

Businesses should focus on creating relationships through authentic storytelling rather than traditional advertising methods.

Sextons need to truly understand video marketing mechanics and storytelling to pull out potential viral stories.

Darryl stresses the importance of continually appearing in social feeds to nurture leads and maintain brand presence.

The value of expertise: Ensure your marketing reflects true proficiency and knowledge in your domain.

Notable Quotes:

"If you think sex is a pain in the ass, you're doing it wrong."

"Video is everything. What is it? Video killed the radio star."

"Every business person needs a little acting background. The show must go on."

"The internet was invented so we could link all that together."

"All of your stories are already inside of you. All I've got to do is pull them out of you."

Build New Bridges: The Art of Restoring Impossible Relationships by Greg Stephens

Amazon.com

Alignment-resources.com

Do you have relationships you'd like to repair but feel it's too late or don't know where to start? It could be a co-worker, ex-friend, or family member. Perhaps the conflict has gone on for so long that trying something new and different seems hardly worth the effort or even feels like a complete waste of time. In Build New Bridges: The Art of Restoring Impossible Relationships, author Greg Stephens offers practical tools and hope for tackling seemingly insurmountable conflicts. Stephens, a seasoned relationship coach who transformed more than 36 damaged relationships in just 2.5 years, shares his

proven methods for rebuilding fractured connections.

Key principles include:

Embracing Conflict as Growth

Accountability and Ownership

Mindset Shift and Self-Mastery

Effective Communication Skills

Tailored Approaches

This book provides the tools, inspiration, and practical strategies to restore even the most challenging relationships by fostering breakthroughs, growth, and connection through meaningful conversations and intentional effort.

Young Entrepreneur Devin Parks Shares Credit Repair and Funding Success

Cleanslateconsulting.info

About the Guest(s):

Devin Parks is a dynamic young entrepreneur and the CEO of Clean Slate Consulting. With a passionate commitment to assisting individuals and business owners, he has dedicated his career to guiding them towards financial empowerment by enhancing their credit scores and securing business funding. Despite a challenging start, Devin has successfully built a prospering company with over 40 employees and has been pivotal in changing the financial journeys of his clients across all 50 states.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss welcomes young entrepreneurial powerhouse, Devin Parks, CEO of Clean Slate Consulting. With a story marked by resilience and resourcefulness, Devin shares his evolution from a young high school dropout to a successful CEO navigating the complex world of credit repair and business funding. This episode offers listeners an in-depth understanding of financial stability and credit management, alongside inspiring entrepreneurial insights from a thriving, young professional.

Devin expands on his journey from humble beginnings involving living between contrasting socioeconomic environments to founding a nationwide business. Leveraging his experiences, Devin articulates the significance of credit literacy, warning that many misuse credit cards as emergency savings rather than leveraging them for financial growth. He underscores the accessibility of credit repair, encouraging listeners to take proactive steps in managing their finances, stating, "If the best exists, then why can't I have it?" Furthermore, the conversation touches upon current credit market trends, financial challenges Americans are encountering, and solutions provided by Clean Slate Consulting, specifically credit monitoring and business funding opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

Importance of Credit Management: Effective credit management is crucial for financial health, influencing terms for loans and other financial opportunities.

Young Entrepreneurial Journey: Devin Parks’s story is one of resilience, demonstrating that alternative paths, like early entrepreneurship, can lead to success.

Credit Misunderstanding: Many consumers treat credit as expendable income rather than as a financial tool, leading to increased debt and financial instability.

Opportunities in Business Credit: Business credit offers distinct advantages, allowing entrepreneurs to consolidate resources without affecting personal credit scores.

Practical Financial Advice: Devin encourages proactive steps in financial management, such as engaging in credit repair to improve financial standing.

Notable Quotes:

"I sell money, Chris, and they can come to me for that as well."

"If the best exists, then why can't I have it?"

"You get rewarded and you get to partner up with the rich people in the world, which are banks when you use it properly."

"I want the best food, the best clothes, the best access to healthcare – the best of everything."

"Our company offers a results or refund guarantee. Those are the only two things that will happen. They will either get results or they will get a refund."

Running the Light: A Novel by Sam Tallent

Amazon.com

Samtallent.com

A bona fide “instant classic” (Doug Stanhope) novel that tells the story of a road comic crashing and burning by acclaimed comedian Sam Tallent

Billy Ray Schafer stepped off the plane in Amarillo, Texas, with twenty-six hundred dollars tucked down the leg of his black ostrich-skin cowboy boot. He walked to baggage claim slowly, jelly-legged and nearing lucidity, coming out from under the Xanax he snorted before the flight.

Debauched, divorced, and courting death, Billy Ray Schafer is a comedian who has forgotten how to laugh. Over the course of seven spun-out days across the American Southwest, he travels from hell gig to hell gig in search of a reason to keep living in this bleak and violent glimpse into the psyche of a thoroughly ruined man. Ex-inmate, ex-husband, ex-father—comedian is the only title Schafer has left. Trapped in the wreckage of his wasted career, Billy Ray knows the answer to the question: What happens when opportunity doesn't come—or worse—it comes and goes?

“In vivid, electric sentences that read like cinematic tracking shots,” (Denver Post) Tallent hurls you into an absolute mess of a man’s life as we search for the mercy he does not want.

About the author

Sam Tallent is a comedian. For the last decade he has performed more than 45 weekends per year across America, Canada, Europe, Japan and Australia. His writing has appeared in Birdy Magazine and on VICE.com. Running the Light, his first novel, is soon to be a major motion picture. He lives in Colorado and cooks dinner for his wife every night.

When She Was Gone by Sara Foster

Amazon.com

Was she taken ... or did she run?

The pulse-pounding new psychological thriller from the bestselling author of You Don't Know Me

Rose once walked away from her daughter. Now she may be the only one who can save her.

Former London police officer Rose Campbell has been estranged from her daughter, Lou, for almost a decade. But when Lou disappears from a remote beach in Western Australia--and the police suspect her of kidnapping the two young children in her care--Rose is asked to help bring Lou home.

This is the final case in DSS Mal Blackwood's illustrious career--and there's a lot riding on it. The missing children are heirs to the Fisher property empire, and while their multimillionaire grandfather is breathing down Blackwood's neck, the media storm is intensifying. Faced with a deluge of evidence and accusations, Blackwood doesn't know who he can trust.

Rose arrives in Australia intent on proving her daughter's innocence, but how can she be sure of that when she's no longer part of Lou's life? Meanwhile, as Blackwood begins to expose the Fishers' secrets, the investigation takes a dark turn. Shadows of the past gather around the Fishers, and Rose, and soon it's clear that every hour is critical. What has happened to Lou and the children? And can Rose and Blackwood find them in time?About the author

Sara Foster is a critically acclaimed, bestselling fiction author with a passion for contemporary psychological suspense and a keen interest in exploring zeitgeist issues and strong female characters in her nail-biting novels. Her work includes You Don’t Know Me, The Hidden Hours, All That is Lost Between Us, Shallow Breath, Beneath the Shadows and Come Back to Me. Sara sometimes likes to write across genres, and The Hush, a near-future dystopia, was created as part of her PhD thesis. Two of her books have been optioned for television. Sara lives in Western Australia with her husband and two young daughters.