Derate The Hate

The Trans Community IS NOT A Monolith Assuming that groups of people think as a monolith is a simplistic and often harmful mindset. It oversimplifies the rich diversity of perspectives and experiences within any given group, ignoring individual differences and perpetuating stereotypes. People are shaped by a multitude of factors, including their upbringing, culture, personal experiences, and beliefs, which can lead to a wide range of opinions and viewpoints even within the same demographic category. Recognizing and respecting this diversity is essential for fostering understanding and promoting inclusivity in our increasingly interconnected world. If you only listen to the loudest voices in modern society, you might not know that The Trans Community IS NOT A Monolith. Who is Zander Keig? Zander Keig is an award-winning social worker, author and educator. Zander is a first-generation American Latino transsexual man who delivers sought-after impactful emotional intelligence and constructive conflict resolution presentations, serves as an advisor and trainer for the LGBTQ Caregiver Center, and co-hosts the international radio show The Umbrella Hour. I first learned of Zander through his past work with the organization FAIR (Foundation Against Intolerance & Racism) and then got to know more about him more recently through our work with Braver Angels. I'm excited to have Zander join me this week to discuss his thoughts and experience with the trans community and how they truly are no monolith in their thinking. Learn more about and connect with Zander by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

A Physician’s Front-Line Account Of The Covid Pandemic “The public health policy’s connection with the health of a society is only peripheral, the real impact of public health is that it determines how everyone lives and conducts business. If you do not have a good, effective public health structure, you simply cannot exist as an individual or a society.” So many of us experienced the Covid pandemic in different ways, but some had it far worse than others. The many deaths caused by the virus itself are just a small part of the aftermath from the virus. My conversation this week with Dr. Ravi Iyer is a deeper dive into one physician’s front-line account of the covid pandemic. Who is Dr. Ravi Iyer? Born in Mumbai, Dr. Ravi R. Iyer is the founding physician and president of the Iyer Clinic-LMG in Fairfax and Loudoun County, Virginia, USA, and serves as the director of clinical research for Loudoun Medical Group. A physician-scientist, inventor, and entrepreneur with research publications in the mechanisms of gene controls and several patents on human and veterinary medicines and devices, Dr Iyer serves as the CEO of ActivPower, Inc. a nutrition and wellness company he founded. His extensive background of over 40 years in the fields of medicine, science, basic research, drug regulation, and vaccine development and deep insight into the human condition puts him in a unique position to speak about these issues with clarity, incisive depth, and deep compassion. His passion is educating and advocating for a balanced understanding and stewardship of our life and world in a manner that allows for all-around growth and health for all creatures and populations. Learn more about and connect with Dr. Ravi Iyer online: website: https://www.driyer.com/index.html "The Reaper's Dance" on Amazon What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you!

Exploring Civility: A Weakness Or Bold Necessity? I find it interesting that some, when presented with the idea of confronting those of differing mindsets with curiosity rather than hostility, accuse those seeking civility of somehow being weak or cowardly. As someone who used to do my share of spreading toxicity, I can understand how this can happen. When someone "attacks" what we feel passionate about, it is almost human nature to "attack back". What if I were to tell you that "attacking back" is the easy road? There is in fact, a more bold and brave way to address our differences. Maybe you'd be interested in joining me in Exploring Civility: A Weakness Or Bold Necessity? Julian Adorney and Angel Eduardo My friends, and returning DTH guests, Angel Eduardo and Julian Adorney have collaborated to write a piece for the Quillette entitled "Civility Isn't Weakness - It's How We Win". Join Julian, Angel and me as we dive into this thought provoking piece regarding the push-back to civility, and how some view it as a weakness. What does it mean to battle our own nature and truly take the high road? For the record, THIS IS NOT a go-along to get-along strategy where we all must end up in the milk-toast middle singing "Kumbaya". Far from it. But "if who you're speaking with feels like you're attacking some fake version of who they are, or some horrible mischaracterization of who they are, they will likely just dig in their heels and fight back". If you have a genuine desire for a better and more productive discourse, this conversation with Julian Adorney and Angel Eduardo is one you certainly don't want to miss! Angel Eduardo on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StrangelEdweird Julian Adorney on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Julian_Liberty Quillette on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Quillette/ What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me by commenting below! I look forward to hearing from you!

Will Generation Z Be Our Open Minded Hopeful Majority? When a generation is consistently taught that tribalism trumps unity, a divisive mindset takes root. Generation Z is a such a group, raised amid boundless digital information, confronts a paradox: being told unity is unattainable through open dialogue and curious conversations. Consequently, their perspectives narrow, hindering cooperation and understanding. Yet, this situation also presents an opportunity to harness a personal connectivity for fostering empathy and collaboration. But how? This week’s guest has some answers. Will Generation Z be our open-minded hopeful majority? Who is Manu Meel & what is Bridge USA? Manu Meel is a former Berkley pre-med student who saw a need among his peers to tame the increasing division on high school and college campuses. Along with some of those peers, Manu created a powerhouse of a depolarization organization that is now located on more than 50 college campuses and 24 high school campuses. Manu is also the host of the highly acclaimed "The Hopeful Majority" podcast. Manu says, "We do not have a democracy if we don’t engage. We do not have a country if we don’t have some sense of unified belonging. We do not have a society if we cannot talk to each other." Tune in for this incredible conversation with Manu Meel and be sure to subscribe, share and talk your friends into doing the same! Learn more about and connect with Manu Meel by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Truth Is The Resolution To Irrationality The suppression of truth can have profound consequences, often leading to irrational behavior among individuals and societies. When information is deliberately withheld or manipulated, it distorts people's understanding of reality, creating a skewed perspective that can foster fear, ignorance, and mistrust. Without access to accurate information, individuals might make decisions based on incomplete or misleading data, resulting in actions that are disproportionate or counterproductive. Moreover, suppressing truth stifles open dialogue and critical thinking, hindering the healthy exchange of ideas and impeding progress. It is for this reason that both I and my guest this week believe in large part, truth is the resolution to irrationality. Friends, the Braver Angels National Convention was a milestone in my life for many reasons. The most significant reason is all the great people of diverse backgrounds and mindsets that I was honored to meet and converse with. Many already know of my work in the BA project “Truth & Trust” with Dr. Francis Collins. This work centers on one of the most contentious issues of our time; The government’s response to the pandemic and the resulting institutional distrust many now feel. As such, there were many varying opinions on how the conversation went between Dr. Francis Collins and me at the convention. Who is Travis Tripodi? Travis is a devoted volunteer member of the organization Braver Angels and was an attending delegate to the 2023 Braver Angels national convention. He currently holds a field leadership position as a state coordinator for the state of New Hampshire. Travis is an engineer by education and works in the health technology industry as a quality consultant. Along with many others, Travis “spent the past 3 and a half years in a state of intense skepticism over the country’s public health response to the pandemic.” One of the primary reasons Travis chose to attend the convention was the event at which Dr. Francis Collins and I were to speak. The events that followed led Travis to write a soon to be published essay on his experiences which culminated in a personal conversation with Dr. Francis Collins and subsequent conversations with me. I’m honored to now call Travis a friend and have him working with us in the “Truth & Trust Project”. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Humility & Free Speech Are Fundamental Prerequisites For Trust In Science If you have been following me from the beginning, you know I've been outspoken in opposition to much of the government's response to the pandemic since very early in 2020. But not unlike a tree falling in a forest when there is nobody there to hear it, guys like me in 2020 were seldom heard, especially when it came to our thoughts on the pandemic. Fast forward a couple years and I've been blessed to have conversations with some of the greatest minds in the health and science communities. Regular DTH listeners are familiar with my conversations with my friend, and former head of the NIH, Dr. Francis Collins. through the Truth & Trust initiative within my work at Braver Angels. What people may not know however is I am also friends with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, and someone I'm incredibly honored to call a friend. Who is Dr. Jay Bhattacharya? Jay Bhattacharya is a Professor of Medicine at Stanford University. He is a research associate at the National Bureau of Economics Research, a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research, and at the Stanford Freeman Spogli Institute. He holds courtesy appointments as Professor in Economics and in Health Research and Policy. He directs the Stanford Center on the Demography of Health and Aging. Dr. Bhattacharya’s research focuses on the economics of health care around the world with a particular emphasis on the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. Dr. Bhattacharya’s peer-reviewed research has been published in economics, statistics, legal, medical, public health, and health policy journals. He holds an MD and PhD in economics from Stanford University. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Acknowledgement Is Needed To Confront The Stains Of Our Past The power to transform the world lies within the choices we make when wielding our words. It is imperative that we redefine the way we express ourselves, both in speaking of ourselves and of others. Conflicts will arise, but it is essential to recognize that among our disagreements and disputes, a fundamental truth prevails – we are bound together as one human family. True reality begins in the way we choose to engage those with whom we disagree. Acknowledging our interconnectedness can serve as a compass, guiding us towards reconciliation. Many have thoughts and disagreements on what that reconciliation looks like, or what it is exactly that we’re trying to reconcile, but our past does have stains. We may not all agree, but the conversation must be had. As my guest this week, Starlette Thomas says, “we gonna fuss and fight, but at the end of the day, we’re all family”. Friends, we’ll never agree on everything, but this country has had issues, and acknowledgement is needed to confront the stains of our past. Who is Starlette Thomas? Starlette Thomas is an author, activist, visual artist and race abolitionist. She is an associate editor and the director of The Raceless Gospel Initiative at Good Faith Media, which was inspired by her work and witness and is dedicated to leading didactic dialogues on race and its progeny. The Raceless Gospel aims to empower Christians to speak about the sociopolitical construct of race and the myriad injustices that intersect in their churches, communities and country. Learn more about and connect with Starlette Thomas by visiting the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

A Hunger For Healing That Gives Us Hope It may be lost on many who spend all their time navigating the toxicity of the internet ecosystem, but there is a deep hunger for civic renewal and a return to civility in public discourse. As hardworking individuals in the exhausted middle, who often feel overlooked or caught in the crossfire of partisan battles, many yearn for a political landscape that prioritizes practical solutions over ideological grandstanding. Our concerns lie in the everyday struggles of making ends meet, and we recognize the importance of respectful dialogue in finding common ground to address pressing issues. We are tired of the constant bickering and divisiveness that seem to overshadow the real problems facing our communities. Why do people like me and this week’s guest, Brian Allain, do what we do within the depolarization movement? Among many reasons is that a hunger for healing gives us hope. Who is Brian Allain? Brian Allain founded Writing for Your Life, a resource center and conferences for spiritual writers, and the Publishing in Color conference series, intended to increase the number of books published by spiritual writers of color. Brian also founded Compassionate Christianity and How to Heal Our Divides. Previously Brian served as Founding Director of the Frederick Buechner Center where he led the launch of Mr. Buechner’s online presence and established several new programs and strategic partnerships. Brian has developed and led spiritual writers' conferences at Princeton Theological Seminary, Drew Theological Seminary, Western Theological Seminary, the University of Southern California, Belmont University, New Brunswick Seminary, and several churches. He led the publishing effort for the book "Buechner 101: An Introduction to Frederick Buechner" in collaboration with Anne Lamott, and also the books in the How to Heal Our Divides series. Brian serves on the Board of non-profit TechFoundation and was named a 2014 Top Fundraiser by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Along with his work in the depolarization space, Brian's latest passion is with his start-up "Find Your Next Calling". Learn more about and connect with Brian Allain by visiting the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Are Conservatives The Biggest Challenge The LGB Community Faces? It's not often you see the letters LGB these days without the rest of the characters. What was once a movement of same-sex attracted persons, traditionally known as Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, has become something many from that original movement find hard to recognize, let alone agree with. One thing I will continue to emphasize on this podcast though is that disagreement does not constitute HATE. There are many facets to a movement that was once considered LGB, but now is more reminiscent of a secure password that my computer generated. I have so many blind spots with regard to this topic, (and many others) and I am always grateful to speak with those who are living it. True wisdom comes from having conversations with those who's lived experience is very different from our own. Many know that I am a conservative. My understanding of conservatism is much different than most of those who oppose and take every opportunity to demonize conservatives. This week I'm asking my guest, Eva Kurilova, are conservatives the biggest challenge the LGB community faces? Who is Eva Kurilova? Eva Kurilova quickly drew my attention with an article she wrote for her substack entitled "Obey Us or the Conservatives Will Come For You". At the time, I knew nothing of Eva, but the more of her work that I read, the more that I wanted to know. Her Twitter profile suggests that she is Canada's preeminent lesbian, and a writer, so naturally I had to read more. The mainstream narrative, as most mainstream narratives do, puts every LGBTQ (etc.) individual into one bucket and then paints the movement with a broad brush instead of describing those within said bucket as individuals. Sad and familiar story. Eva has a different story. Join us for this insightful and informative conversation. Learn more and connect with Eva Kurilova online by checking out the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

How Looking Through An Us-vs-Them Lens Leads To More Animosity & Anger So much of the work I do in the depolarization space leads me to great people of all mindsets. It's not that we have to agree, we just have to find a way to disagree in a more civil way. In today's hyper-connected world, where social media platforms amplify our differences and echo chambers abound, it has become increasingly crucial to cultivate a culture of respectful dialogue and understanding. So often, we lose focus on the shared humanity in those who have mindsets that differ from our own. Why? How do we allow this to happen? It really is not that hard to see if you know where to look. In this episode we talk about how looking through an us-vs-them lens leads to more animosity and anger. Who is Zachary Elwood? Zachary Elwood is the host of the psychology podcast People Who Read People. For that podcast, he's interviewed many experts on topics related to our us-versus-them polarization and the psychology behind our divides (see the politics-related episodes). His research into deceptive online activity has been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, Buzzfeed, and many more. Zachary is a former professional poker player and the author of Reading Poker Tells, which has been translated into eight languages, and other books. Learn more about and connect with Zachary online by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE! ​

2023 Braver Angels National Convention Recap On Wednesday, July 5, 2023, Braver Angels orchestrated a remarkable gathering, uniting nearly 700 delegates from diverse backgrounds across our great nation. Their mission: to engage in meaningful discussions on how individuals with varying political mindsets can unite and contribute to the betterment of America. Spanning four days, this convention provided an immersive experience with eight impactful plenary sessions and numerous breakout sessions for delegates to actively participate in or attend. The event exuded an atmosphere reminiscent of a vibrant festival, brimming with notable speakers, engaging skits, uplifting music, and spirited dancing. Join me as I engage in conversation with Ciaran O'Connor, the esteemed Chief Marketing Officer of Braver Angels, as we delve into the highlights of the remarkable event. Here is our 2023 Braver Angels National Convention recap. Learn more about Braver Angels below: website: https://braverangels.org/ 2023 Braver Angels Convention on YouTube YouTube Playlist What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

What is The People's Patriot Project? I am often asked where I find the drive to do this work I do with the Derate The Hate podcast, or how I find the time to do the work I do with the Braver Angels organization. It seems that I answer this in many ways because there are many reasons, but it often comes down to this; I absolutely love speaking with, and learning from, those who are trying to better the world in which we live. I want to spread the message that most of our societal ills can be remedied with the right mindset. The right mindset can be found in curious conversations with great people. In this episode I had the opportunity to learn about another incredible organization doing great work for our country's veterans and first responders. In this episode, we get insight into What is the People's Patriot Project? We, The People's Patriot Project Has adopted the Mission of Honoring and Empowering those who have served by being the shock and awe when combating the silent and deadly enemy of our veterans and first responders, the enemy that leaves mortal and invisible wounds. Their Vision is to provide a community and network of support, with the necessary tools, insights, and resources to aid in the rehabilitation of veteran and current service members and civil servants to go through a recovery process and transition into real-world opportunities and situations. Learn more and connect with The People's Patriot Project by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Why The Uproar About The Latest SCOTUS Rulings? There's nothing like a little Supreme Court action these days to get the masses all riled up. In these polarized and divisive times, would you expect any less. While approximately 70% of the American public believes that race should not play a part in college admissions, many on social and within the main stream media would have you believe that an "illegitimate court" is setting the clocks back to the colonial days. I think nuances within concepts like contract law and freedom of association can be disagreed upon by reasonable people, but much of what I've seen in recent days is anything but reasonable. Why the uproar about the latest SCOTUS rulings? For this incredible conversation, I've invited back my friend Christian Watson! Christian is a recently graduated philosophy student and political writer with a keen interest in political and social commentary. You may have seen Christian on one of his many appearances on Fox News. He often commentates from a right-leaning libertarian point of view, but his philosophy is more complex than can be represented by a single label. Christian often covers a variety of topics ranging from politics, arts, science, philosophy⁠—and much, much more. If you did not catch it, Christian joined me onDTH Episode 100 to discuss his work with the organization Color Us United. Learn more and connect with Christian Watson by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Finding Common Ground With Those Who Hold Contrary Beliefs Polarization and tribalism have taken hold of many parts of our public discourse today. It has been my experience that many who I once thought to be reasonable, have now placed politics over principles. How did we get here? When people place political blinders on, and quit interacting with those of differing mindsets, they often lose their ability to focus on things such as integrity, consistency and our common humanity. As my friend and Braver Angels brother John Wood Jr. recently stated in DTH Episode 165, "Polarization is the one problem that ensures all other problems won't be solved". Why? If we we are not having conversations with those of differing mindsets, we lose the opportunity for finding common ground with those who hold contrary beliefs. Who is Jefferson Shupe and what is "The Bathwater Brigade"? Jefferson Shupe is a father, software coder, musician and author living with his family in Utah. After making plenty of his own mistakes when it came to public political discourse, Jefferson began to realize that toxic conversations and interactions seldom, if ever, led to positive or productive results. Jefferson has a strong passion for discussing world events with friends and strangers who challenge his ideas as he try's to make sense of it all and connect with founding principles. This passion led to Jefferson writing "The Bathwater Brigade" a novel on principles over politics. It is a fictional account of what happens when a racial tragedy divides a Texas college town and a free-speech club stands for unity amid violent demands for its termination. Learn more and connect with Jefferson Shupe by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Should we fear AI, or use this tool to live in a better way? It is often those things that we know the least about that we fear the most. There has been a lot circulating in the news and political circles in recent weeks and months about “slowing the progression” of artificial intelligence technology. Is this the correct response? Are we even asking the right questions? It is a general tendency for us as humans to fear that which we don’t understand. This is not only true with people who differ from us, but history has proven time and time again that new innovations often meet with great resistance. Could it be that there are some looking to capitalize on others’ hesitation to embrace such innovations? My guest this week believes that AI presents “the biggest opportunities of our generation”. What if we could experience personal and professional, exponential growth backed by science and artificial intelligence? Should we fear AI, or use this tool to live in a better way? Who is Manuj Aggarwal? How does someone go from making just $2 working 12 hours a day in a factory to speaking in the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies? This conversation is not just about AI, but also one of personal triumph over incredible adversity. Manuj Aggarwal is now a global thought leader after 15 years in the world of, and developing 4 patents in artificial intelligence. Manuj has served clients like Microsoft, IBM, Pearson Education, and many others, producing for them more than $500 million in value. Listen as Manuj shares with me how he went from being a troubled, often aloof and angry teenager working for a $2/day salary in a factory in India, to an innovator whose projects have impacted the lives of more than 10 million people. To learn more about and connect with Manuj Aggarwal online, please check out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Polarization, The Issue Of Our Time People who know me, or those who have listened to the DTH podcast for long know about my great passion for depolarization. With a mission statement like “Bettering the world, one attitude at a time”, it’s easy to surmise that to better the world, we as individuals must get along with each other. I know that getting everyone to agree is unrealistic, in fact, I’d say it’s unhealthy and unproductive. I do think it’s time we all put greater effort into getting along with those of differing mindsets than our own. Why? As my guest this week says, “Polarization is the one problem that ensures all other problems won’t be solved.” I could not agree with him more. Polarization, it’s the issue of our time. Who is John Wood Jr.? John Wood Jr. is one of today’s leading figures in the American depolarization movement. John is a nationally recognized speaker, columnist for USA Today and podcaster. John also serves as national ambassador for Braver Angels, the United States largest grassroots, bipartisan organization dedicated to depolarization and bridging the divide between Americans on topics such as politics, race, economics, etc. John and I take a deep dive in this episode into how and why he got involved in Braver Angels. Other topics of discussion are: · Working effectively with those with whom we disagree. · The failed strategy of “whataboutism” · Politicians and the media use the same strategy of pandering to small subsets of society instead of broad scope thinking. · Long term strategies “long game thinking" vs. immediate attention grabbers. · How conservatives did not engage until they were enraged. · Braver Angels National Convention in Gettysburg, PA July 5-9, 2023 And so much more… This is truly an episode you don’t want to miss! This is an episode you should download, share, and listen to multiple times. SO MUCH VALUE! Do Not Miss This! Learn more about and connect with John Wood Jr. online by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Giving Your Best Self By Finding Your Purpose When we find ourselves loving our partner more than we love ourselves, we often overlook our own worth and potential. It becomes challenging to recognize and appreciate our own strengths, as we are constantly focused on meeting the needs and expectations of our partner. However, it is crucial to remember that we cannot truly be the best version of ourselves for someone else if we neglect our own well-being and self-care. By prioritizing self-love and personal growth, we gain the capacity to nurture a healthier and more balanced relationship. Only when we are in tune with our own needs and self-worth can we authentically give and receive love in a way that enriches both ourselves and our partner. Often, giving your best self begins by finding your purpose. Who is Frank Rich? Frank Rich is an author, entrepreneur, former bodybuilder, and men's health & recovery coach. After starting Frank Rich Fitness in 2016, he has successfully helped thousands of men around the world transform their lives through the art and science of muscle building. After a series of life transforming events and spiritual awakening, Frank knew that he had a much larger message to share with both his audience and the world. His goal with his podcast, "The Super Human Life" podcast, and his content is to help others overcome the everyday challenges and battles that we're all facing, and provide real actionable steps and insights to inspire others to create the life they were designed to live. To learn more and connect with Frank Rich online, check out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, MeWe, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Bettering The World By Being The Change You Want To See Anyone who’s listened to the DTH podcast for long has probably heard me mention the quote "be the change you want to see in the world". This carries profound meaning in relation to another topic I speak of often, the perpetual victim mentality. Too often, individuals perceive themselves as helpless victims of external circumstances, attributing their struggles solely to external forces beyond their control. What happens when one chooses to fully embrace the essence of the quote, challenges that perception, and helps to empower individuals to take ownership of their actions and attitudes? This shift in mindset fosters a sense of agency, resilience, and hope. This is one of the reasons I’m so passionate about doing the Derate the Hate podcast and having the conversations I’m blessed to have. This is why I like to find guests who are bettering the world by being the change they want to see. Who is King Randall, I King Randall, I is a 23 year old native of Albany, GA. Seeing a need to help enhance and advance the lives of the young men in his community, he set out to take action to combat the high poverty and crime rates in the southwest Georgia city. In doing so, King founded “The X for Boys, Life Preparatory School” and its related programs. The Life Preparatory School for Boys is a 501(c)3 charitable organization with a mission to teach boys the true meaning of manhood & to be protectors and providers for their communities. Unfortunately, not all see the merit in what King is doing, or how he is doing it, and in true keyboard warrior fashion, take to social media to attack his efforts. King, however, is not deterred and keeps up his mission to better the world by being the change he wants to see. Learn more and connect with King Randall, I by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, MeWe, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Looking within to live a courageous life How do you deal with the outside when you don’t feel right on the inside? It may seem like a simple question, but have you ever asked it? Have you ever tried to solve a problem without defining what the problem is? A large part of my self-healing journey had to do with figuring out who I am and dealing with me. Most of the tools needed to live the life you were meant to live are found within you. You may not realize it, but very often it takes looking within to live a courageous life. Who is Sandy Stream? Sandy Stream is an author and activist whose work is built on the belief that everyone deserves, and is capable of, finding peace and warrior-like strength within themselves. After teaching law for 20 years, raising her two children, and facing a life full of adversities and lessons, she decided to turn her efforts towards facilitating workshops for young and experienced adults to encourage them to live in peace and power. Are you ready to stand up for yourself? If you are ready to heal old wounds, align your body and soul, build confidence and reclaim your energy, then maybe you need to join Sandy Stream in The Courage Circle. Learn more about and connect with Sandy Stream online by checking out the full show notes at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, MeWe, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!

Are Our Political Rivals As Bad As We Think They Are? For the great majority of my life I had no interest in politics. It was not until after 9/11 that I had any interest whatsoever in anything any politician had to say. The only thing about politics I was certain of was that I didn't want anything to do with politics. For many that I knew, their stories were similar. In the past decade, or decade and a half, that has steadily been changing. People across the political spectrum are becoming more entrenched in their political beliefs, maybe overconfident in their beliefs, and allowing their political beliefs to become part of their core identities. For some, lines have been drawn and their political rivals are now thought of as enemies. I believe though, the question must be asked; are our political rivals as bad as we think they are? Who is Daniel F. Stone? A short time back I came across a fascinating article when searching topics for the work I do in the depolarization space. I knew immediately that the author of "Your political rivals aren’t as bad as you think – here’s how misunderstandings amplify hostility", found at theConversation.com, was someone who I wanted to speak with. Dan Stone is an Associate Professor of Economics that has been teaching in the Economics department at Bowdoin since 2012 and prior to that I was assistant professor at Oregon State University from 2008-2012. Dan's research is on belief formation, political media, polarization, and inter-personal hostility (a.k.a. affective polarization). Dan's recently released book, "Undue Hate" dives in to "How to understand the mistakes we make about those on the other side of the political spectrum—and how they drive the affective polarization that is tearing us apart." Learn more about and connect with Daniel F. Stone by checking out the full show notes for this episode at DerateTheHate.com. What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us leading a better life. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you’ve got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, MeWe, Instagram, Twitter , TruthSocial, Parler, Rumble, YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio. Please leave us a rating and feedback. Send me a message on any media platform or subscribe directly from our sites. Let us know about someone you think should be on our podcast. If we book them for a conversation, I’ll send you a free gift! Not on social media? You can share your thoughts directly with me at wilk@wilksworld.com I look forward to hearing from you! Please check out our affiliates page by clicking HERE!