In this episode, we recap season 2 which started with the most important reason why we, as Americans, are free - freedom of speech. We discussed how propaganda is protected as free speech right along side of the misinformation and disinformation being feed to the public. We even went as far as to tell you how the media and government are lying to us all. We, as Americans, must learn how to be diverse in order to preserve the great freedoms this country currently provides. Please catch us with Season 3 starting in April 2024 as we discuss the most important election of our lives!

An identity crisis happens at a time when some change makes you reevaluate who you are. The United States is at this pivotal point in its nearly 250 years of existence. Are we the people of a constitutional republic or a democracy? Do you even know the difference? We, as Americans, are walking contradictions as we benefit from imperialism but pretend to care what we are as a country. We all play into Corporatocracy and fail to realize society is being controlled by corporations or corporate interests. Thank you to our special guest, President Ronald Reagan, as we recognize how his speech is even more relevant 43 years later. This episode features a clip of the First Inaugural Presidential Address made by President Reagan at the U.S. Capitol Building on January 20, 1981.

We continue the conversation on consumerism and how it reflects our values, emotions and identities. This is a topic that will strike at your central nerves from creating new desires to family traditions. What controls the masses, keeps people docile and listening to their masters? Take a listen as we explore a topic that affects everyone's lives everyday. This is Part 2 of the conversation on consumerism.

In U.S. history, the 1950’s and 1960’s was the Golden Age of consumerism. Today, most of us are all dopamine addicts and we don’t even realize it. Anything that triggers endorphins to be released is at everyone’s disposal. Access is a cell phone app away. There is a distinct difference between needs and desires. In this episode, we start the topic of consumption and being consumed by what you are consuming. We are a nonprofit podcast. Please reach out to donate. Thank you for listening.

As this conversation continues, it is proof within itself that context matters. This episode is our first example of a healthy debate. There was no mud slung in the making of this podcast. We didn’t resort to name calling or demeaning each other. The most important take away from this episode is we don’t hate each other.  We left the conversation the same way we walked into it, friends. Is there a winner? Is this debate a draw? Did we find common ground? You, the listener should decide. This episode is part 2 of 2.

We declare that nobody’s feelings or friendships were damaged in the making of this podcast. Warning; This podcast was performed by experienced podcasters and long time friends. The owners of this production company do recommend you try this concept at home, as it can be dangerous to some. We challenge anyone to have a civil debate with someone that has an opposing perspective. We dare you. We would like to thank our forefathers for the bill of rights! Amen. This episode is part 1 of 2.

In the world of disinformation and propaganda, certain people with personality traits lead to many degrees of manipulation. Once you realize the difference between manipulation and persuasion, you understand that your kids at a young age are just trying to persuade you with boundaries. Manipulation carries such a bigger weight of intent as leaders in society use it to get their way or convince you to vote for them or buy their products. This episode explores the topic deeper. Thank you Sage for your perspective.

United We… ‘stand’? Correct? Believe it or not this episode is the beginning to the change we need to see in this country. As Americans, we all have our needs to live life to its fullest. We all have our own version of the “American dream” and what freedom means to us. As individuals, we are not all that different. We thank Patyonna, Dr.King and even Ayn for their perspectives. Follow us in the journey of change!

What do you think? Where do we draw the line when it comes to propaganda and media in America? Join us and keep the conversation going on the second part of our discussion where we talk about the five of areas propaganda and start to uncover the corporations behind the media in the United States. Which of them should be allowed? Should the government protect us from propaganda? We can all agree that we don’t like being lied to, but where do we draw the line?

Can you imagine a day when everything you hear on a news report is unbiased, without a personal, political or business agenda? The good news is there are still good people in the world. There are still people that are born to be American heroes. It’s time to wake up from the American dream and live it! This episode explores what is propaganda and how it’s ingrained into society throughout US history and the several forms of media. We thank Jamey for his perspective. This episode is part 1 of 2.

We welcome Jawad Mills into this conversation about the “Misinformation Age“ we are currently living in.  As we seek the truth, mis- and dis-information is in several ways enabled by freedom of speech. It’s important to understand how certain groups, like news organizations and politicians, use it. Cover ups are really difficult to swipe under the rug with the information highway of social media. What is the tipping point, and how do we measure when enough is enough? We thank Aaron and Jamey for your perspectives.

Have you ever stopped to think about how you are being tracked and monitored through your online activity? From likes, comments, purchases…everything is being recorded and companies are profiting from your data. Instead of goods and services, consumers (and their data) have now become the highly coveted product in the marketplace. This episode explores the concept of surveillance capitalism and how it is evolving freedom of speech. Thank you to Heidi, Brandye, and Jeremy for sharing their perspectives on this topic.

Many of us take for granted the freedom of speech that was handed down to us by the Founding Fathers, but do we really understand what it means? The foundation of the United States' constitutional framework and Bill of Rights established certain freedoms for our citizens.  Listen closely, as this episode dives into how freedom of speech is evolving.  Explore today's media landscape and  we are slowly being silenced and if “Cancel Culture” is infringing on our rights.  You decide. A special thank you to Aaron and Steve for sharing their perspectives on this episode.

The Collective Perspective Podcast celebrated the bicentennial of Jacksonville and Juneteenth on June 15, 2022 with a special discussion, featuring guests: Jeremy Mincey, former NFL player and producer of the upcoming film "13th and Pine", and Tatiana Yoguez, book author of "Life Outside the Game: A Sex Trafficking Testimony." The cohosts and their guests share stories and different perspectives from their personal experiences and childhoods. They discussed the following seven Race Card prompts: "How did your family and community influence your understanding of race?"; "How do you respond to people who do not speak English?"; "How does fear affect racial understanding in America?"; "What do these hashtags mean to you: #blacklivesmatter, #bluelivesmatter, #alllivesmatter?"; "Do you think racism is a learned behavior? If so, can it be unlearned?"; "Do the majority of Americans see the Confederate flag as a symbol of racism or a symbol of Southern pride?"' and "When you witness someone being discriminated against or persecuted because of their race, do you intervene?" Sponsored by the 904WARD.org, this finale episode of Season 1 was recorded in front of a live audience at the Underbelly in Jacksonville, Florida. The video version can be found on MTSJAX YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/kCpAUl7xNl8.

Language is important. Language is powerful. The co-hosts and their guest, Jamal Oakes, dive full force into the hot button words we use to discuss racism in America. This discussion grapples with alternative views of equality, privilege, and fairness using the following Race Card prompts: "What parallels do you see between racial, ethnic and religious minority experiences?;" "When someone says something about race that offends you, do you let him or her know?;" and "What types of privileges are allowed by people based on their race?." This is the fourth conversation on racial equity, sponsored by the 904WARD.org.

Standards and stereotypes influence hate, racism, and bigotry in our world. In this episode, the cohosts and their guest tackle three Race Card prompts: "What are some specific things affecting race relations in our community?"; "What is the model minority myth and how does it impact the Asian community?"; and "How do you talk about race issues with your children or family?" As a Filipino immigrant, Jhun Bacani shares how his culture shaped his initial perspective on race when he moved to the United States and how religion helped transform his beliefs. The conversation covers multiple topics from whitening lotion to parenting and education.

Learning comes in many forms, and Race Card discussions promote learning through open dialogue and active listening. Our cohosts and their guests, Alejandra Amegin and Samantha Mora, share their personal journeys in response to these Race Card prompts: "When did you first become aware of your racial identity?" and "Do immigrants help or hurt our economy?" Their diverse backgrounds add to this multi-dimensional conversation about racial triggering events and the pathways to citizenship. This episode is the second of five discussions, sponsored by 904WARD.org.

The Collective Perspective Podcast is hosting Race Card discussions, sponsored by 904WARD.org, during June 2022. Race Cards are designed to facilitate difficult conversations about racial equity. On this episode, the co-hosts and Brandye Mackey discuss two Race Card prompts: "Why do you believe racial slurs were created to refer to minority populations?" and "What types of privileges are allowed by people based on their race?" This emotionally-charged discussion covers these questions from a variety of angles from comedic skits and cancel culture to the history of the Greenwood neighborhood (aka Black Wall Street) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This episode is the first of five episodes on racial equity.

Police officers battle stress and anxiety on a daily basis, and mental health plays a huge factor in how cops perform their civic duties. Rick Lanoue is an instructor for NASA Protective Services Academy at the Kennedy Space Center. He shared his experience as a retired police officer and current instructor dealing with mental health on the police force. This informative episode covers a host of topics from on-the-job dangers, political pressures, community scrutiny, police training, counseling and more. This is the final episode related to Mental Health Awareness month.

According to Ann Marie Shrader, mental health issues can cycle like viruses through families. On this episode, our co-hosts talk with their guest on early childhood development and the roles that nature and nurture take in childrearing. Unfortunately, many adults are ill-equipped to parent children in a healthy manner. Situations like financial hardship, electronic device use, and the COVID pandemic have had a negative trickle-down effect on our youth's mental affairs. This episode is Part two of Mental Health Awareness.