Life 2.0

From A Distance

As Space-X prepares for the Falcon 9 for launch today, the timing is perfect for this episode of the Life 2.0 podcast.

The Apogeo Spatial mission is to communicate the power of geospatial tools and technologies in managing the world’s scarce resources and environment, so that the global population has security—of water, food and energy. The driving force behind this incredible effort is Myrna James-Yoo, the publisher of Apogeo Spatial magazine, where she has gained a unique macro view of the satellite and space industry. Among Myrna’s defining experiences are traveling the world solo for 18 months, when she lived in tree houses in Turkey, trekked in the monsoon with leeches in Nepal, cooked on a cattle station in outback Australia, debated politics with a Frenchman of her father’s generation. She was blogging before it was an official word, and in this episode of Life 2.0- we take a look at the human condition as it pertains to living on the "blue marble" that hangs in space, and the official announcement of the partnership of "Earth Matters with Bill Kurtis" videos on the Apogeo Spatial magazine platform. Music in this episode by John Denver.

WEDNESDAY WITH WEIGEL

This is a mashup of The Wednesday Rant and Wednesday Wisdom-and in order to pull that off, I had to reach out to my gal-pal Jen Weigel the vaunted award winning journalist and long-traveled talk radio host and best-selling author. We cover a lot of ground, so you might want to take notes (or just keep listening over and over and over again) and mine your own gold as it were. The big take away for me today, is that the bottom line is that your cause in life, is far more than your eventual cause of death. 

Mr. Meteorology

For 50 years, Tom Skilling has been at the forefront of forecasting the weather. He's become "America's Weatherman" from the studios of WGN-TV in Chicago and one of the most trusted, knowledgeable and reliable sources when it comes to all things atmospheric. At one time a skeptic in regard to human induced climate change, Tom now leads the charge in raising awareness of the challenge of global warming, based on science but also experience. Millions follow his predictions, which isn't something anyone could have predicted when got his first big market break in Milwaukee, with the help of a sock puppet named Albert The Alley Cat. The price of fame...is steep.

A Matter of Grace

What are the odds that best-selling author and celebrated journalist Cathleen Falsani would win a trip at a fundraiser-throw a dart at a map that lands on Malawi, she and her husband, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author, Maurice Possley head off on an adventure, and in a matter of grace... meet a little 10-year-old boy named Vasco, who had a serious heart condition, and in doing so, steal their hearts in a moment, and...eventually become their son? It's a miracle of the highest spiritual significance, and a reminder that whatever you are seeking...is seeking you. 10 years later, we revisit their incredible journey. We also talk about the latest book by Cathleen and co-author Jenny Dyer- "The End of Hunger: Renewed Hope for Feeding the World." Once you listen to the podcast, and are ready to take an action step to make sure you help a child keep their belly full-just click the link to "Corbin's Legacy" make a donation of any amount, and this incredible organization will take care of the details.

Calypso Memories

When 18 year old Richard Hyman volunteered to drive a truck for famed oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau in 1973, he couldn't have imagined just saying "yes" to that job, would eventually lead to many ocean voyages and adventures. Months later, he flies to Mexico's Yucatán and boards the world famous ship- RV Calypso- and camps on an uninhabited island to study lobsters. From there he sails south along the 180-mile Belize Barrier Reef, filming the spawning of thousands of grouper and a visit from singer songwriter John Denver, who begins writing the lyrics to "Calypso" a song that became an anthem for millions. Richard is the founder of "Future Frogmen" a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and public charity that works to improve ocean health by deepening the connection between people and nature and the author of- Frogmen: The True Story of My Journeys With Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau and the Crew of Calypso.

"Calypso" & "Eclipse" by John Denver. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Earth Day 2020 with Bill Kurtis

It's been one-half century since the first official "Earth Day" was held on April 22nd 1970. Over the past five decades, there have been some great improvements in our collective efforts to clean-up the mess we've made of and on the planet, but also some serious setbacks as well. Bill Kurtis, respected journalist, documentary filmmaker and award winning producer, shares his insights and perspectives on the "State of the Planet" and if he feels that there is still a reason for hope, when it comes to life on earth. "Amazon" by our friend, the late, great John Denver.

Embracing Fear

Ya gotta like a guy who could be George Thorogood's stunt double and names his dog "Lucas" after Lucas McCain in "The Rifleman" but as if that's not enough, Thom Rutledge is a best-selling author, highly regarded psychotherapist and a down home soul, who fought his own demons and teaches others how to do the same. In a day and age when fear is the main ingredient in life, Thom shares his concept that embracing fear is the way to go, and that "The Ripple Effect" is all important, when it comes to not letting the headlines destroy your lifelines. 

JUST SHOW UP

Dr. Robin Smith, is one of the founding voices of the Oprah Radio Network, a NYT best-selling author, highly sought after executive performance coach and ordained minister with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology. After an extended hiatus, Dr. Robin is most definitely "back on call" and right on time, as we are immersed in the middle of a world-wide pandemic. This conversation is not just an ear popping, belief busting adventure in authenticity, but also riddled with inspirational nuggets of wisdom from one of the premiere voices of truth as it pertains to your life experience, and the power of "just showing up."

TBT with Brad Meltzer

On "Throwback Thursday" we are turning the dial back to 2015-when I was on the CBS Radio Play.it platform. Its my conversation with NYT best-selling author and History Channel guy Brad Meltzer. But-before all that- I gotta get my rants in about what was going on in the world five years ago-different headlines-same lifelines. 

The Monday Memo

Well here we are...navigating uncharted waters...or...are we? While some of the numbers are staggering and the influences, opinions and observations are many, human behavior doesn't change much when push comes to shove-and the sad example of Typhoid Mary once again comes full circle.