Things You Didn't Know You Wanna Know That You Should Know

Wow. They say it isn't over til the fat lady sings. Well, can you hear her?  Yep, that's her voice in the background. So get ready. Yes, folks...this is our final episode. You'll have to listen to find out why. But it's a tough one.  So, since the show is being retired, we thought we'd explore a unique, bold way that some people are pursuing retirement. Our guests are an adventurous couple who have decided to get rid of all the baggage and bring their dream to life---and you don't have to be rich to do it. Just about anyone can do what they're about to do. Find out how. And then we close with all the farewells and thank-yous that are owed and well-deserved. It's all in the farewell episode of 'Things.'

There's a brand-new kind of technology invading our world, and it is here to stay. We keep hearing about the potentially catastrophic outcomes we might realize from AI (artificial intelligence), but what about the potential for incredibly remarkable outcomes, such as cures for diseases, or solutions to previously unsolvable problems such as homelessness? We talk with AI engineer and programmer Michael LaFave, who explains the benefits of AI and the many ways we might improve our world with AI in the right hands, rather than the wrong hands. This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to better understand this strange, new technology!

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the homelessness crisis, looking at a variety of initiatives taking place---including President Biden's new, aggressive plan to reduce homelessness by 25% in 2025. Is it even possible? Our featured guest is well-respected homelessness advocate and prevention expert, Dr. Kathleen Van Voorhis, CEO of Community Investment Alliance. She'll provide her insight, expertise, and perspective on the current climate of homelessness in America. It's part two of our homelessness exploration---Finding the Road to Home, on this episode of Things.

We travel back to our original roots and the days when we were called 'The Invisibles: The Homeless Podcast," as we revisit the topic of homelessness in America. What progress have we made? What are the biggest successes and failures in the fight against homelessness? And why isn't there an actionable, overseeing, guiding, coordinating agency at the federal level to lead all the individual, siloed efforts taking place around the country. Our featured guest is well-known activist and advocate, Terese Howard, with Housekeys Action Network Denver. She talks about the new study they just completed that is shaking up the fight against homelessness like never before. Plus, Voice of the Homeless. All packed into this episode of Things.

We're re-visiting a topic from last year that affects the lives of roughly one million people in the USA---because it's important for every American to know what's at stake. The future of DACA hangs in the balance, awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court later this year. It could mean the end of a long and hopeful journey for DACA recipients and their families. Helping us understand what could happen is special guest, Professor Violeta Chapin, Immigration Law Professor from the University of Colorado-Boulder and well-known expert on DACA. We take a closer look at how the lives of so many individuals might be impacted by the decision handed down by the highest court in the land as well as what that decision might be.

It is a problem that has been plaguing our culture since civilization began, and we are still struggling with its effects. Today, the question many are asking is if there is a correlation between bullying and mass shooting in America. We examine all aspects of bullying to try and answer that question with the help of renowned psychologist and child/family therapist Dr. Sheryl Ziegler. What are the long term effects and how can we curb this growing problem in our culture today? Find out on this episode of Things.

Humans are living and working longer than ever before. Our parents have a much better chance of living well into their 80s, 90s, and beyond. But the Golden Years aren't so golden for many seniors who are barely scraping by.  Their retirement years are filled with health issues, medical bills, ailments and maladies of all kinds, often compounded by feelings of loneliness and isolation--and memory loss. The burdens they are faced with are overwhelming, and living an independent life is difficult. They are in need of caregivers who can help them navigate their way through the doctor's visits, surgeries, medical tests and procedures. In most cases, those caregivers are family members--usually the adult children in the family. And most of them have no clue how demanding caregiving can be, what is expected 2of them in helping mom or dad. They become the parent, as mom or dad's mental and physical health deteriorate. We talk with three individuals who have either been caregivers or are currently taking care of mom or dad, and we learn the ins and outs of being a Caregiver in the US in the 21st century. And we offer guidance and direction to important resources for your loved one. It's all in CareGiveing It Your Best Shot, on this episode of Things.

Should we blame gun violence on mental illness? That's the question we examine in this episode of 'Things.'  After instances of mass violence, in particular school shootings, mental illness is often identified as—or assumed to be—a root cause. But is that a fair assumption? We take a closer look at mental health and its correlation to mass shootings. Exploring inadequate gun control and mental health as causes for gun violence in the same conversation is complicated. But it's necessary because it's the conversation we are stuck with. Our featured guest, Dr. Sheryl Ziegler, helps us better recognize when mental illness is being used as a scapegoat or smokescreen for the debate over gun control. This is a conversation you won't want to miss!!! 

We are all aware othe growing political divisiveness that surrounds us. Not since the Civil War have we felt quite so divided. How did we get here? How do we make it better?  We decided to explore ways we can come together once again and lessen the Great Divide. We engaged in conversations with a number of individuals from both sides of the political aisle, learning what makes them tick, why they believe what they believe and vote the way they vote.  Through simple, respectful communication, we were able to prove what we already knew---that we have so much more in common than we may think. In fact, we are a lot more alike than we are different. Find out what people are saying and what they think about bridging the gap and lessening the Great Divide.

There are more than one million people living in the USA who desperately want to stay here but may not be allowed to. They weren't born here, but America is the only home they've ever known. They were raised here, went to school here, made friends and memories here, and became a part of the culture here. But they are not legally Americans. They came from other countries with their parents as infants and toddlers---illegally, now known as 'undocumented immigrants.' DACA is a program originated by the Obama administration that gave them the opportunity to work and/or study here, without the threat of deportation. But the program hit all sorts of obstacles in its path, and today its future is in jeopardy. If it is not protected, the future of these individuals could be dire. In this episode, we take a look at DACA and examine all possible outcomes. Our featured guests include a young woman who is the shining example of what's possible, along with two ladies who run a Denver-based nonprofit that gives new arrival immigrants an opportunity to realize the American dream quicker than anyone could have previously imagined. All this and more in the October episode of 'Things.'