Shows
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedYou have two months -- Your Fear is Helping You -- Protecting Christianity?The parallels are obvious. Build your network. Take 10 with Sarah Blondin and let your fear teach you to have more peace and love. Faith in the White House when even if they are not Christian, most Americans want reproductive rights and to protect transgender people.
Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash
2025-02-1225 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedThe dangerous disconnection from community that comes from being connectedDisasters bring out the best in people. Hurricanes. Fires. The solution seems to be going back to basics. Meet people you don't know. Go on. It's what people did before social media -- how we divide ourselves and they win.
2025-01-2823 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedHow can we be grateful amidst catastrophe? NIL as exposing truth. Disaster denialWhen the shit hits the fan, how can so many emerge to be so good? Catastrophes bring out the best in people, but not everyone.
The two major men's college sports aren't even pretending anymore, and just reflects what America is all about and explains why this new era is not going to be America as we knew it.
Why do we insist on blaming individuals for disasters unless it suits us? Just be kind.
Photo by Sergey Meshkov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/blazing-fire-8481677/
2025-01-1427 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedIt's up to you to fix this: CEO murder; Ignoring the will of the people; Crumbling PressWhat do a bill in North Carolina, donating to an inaugural committee, and a CEO's murder have in common?
We are pointing at the wrong people. Listen and decide how you want it to be.
Listen live at 11 AM, Mondays: www.ashevillefm.org and enjoy the tunes that fill the rest of our hour-long show -- or get the Asheville FM app.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/elderly-businessman-shaking-hands-with-partner-3783585/
2024-12-2029 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedFind meaning in meeting people, not religion, shopping, or social mediaWhere can you find meaning in a chaotic world that seems increasingly senseless. Religion, owning stuff, and social media don't make us feel better. They often make us feel worse.
Does the push for religion in public buildings and schools really reflect a society that lacks standards and hope? Is it a political power play?
The constant barrage of messages designed to remind us of what we lack, just makes us want more, even if we have a good life.
Perhaps our problem is that we are isolating ourselves - working from home, s...
2024-12-0831 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedHow will your fear of Trump serve you? Breathe, accept, engage.Fear will not serve you or those you love. Accept the potential consequences of what WE have done. Breathe and look for ways to listen and learn locally. Get out from under the algorithms and fear-mongering, do what you love, find people who enjoy what you do, listen and learn and don't let division win.
Photo by Renato Danyi: https://www.pexels.com/photo/grey-skulls-piled-on-ground-1096925/
2024-11-2622 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedLife after electing the people we deserveNot everyone will agree that we deserve the people who won on November 5th. But we are there.
Some soul-searching on both sides would help. We hope the winners won't gloat and carry out their violent and oppressive threats. We hope the losers won't quit on our founding principles.
Same as it ever was: be kind to others. Don't judge. Let's learn from each other instead of letting politicians and the media dictate to us.
Listen live at 11 AM, Mondays: www.ashevillefm.org and enjoy the tunes that fill the rest of our...
2024-11-1226 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedWill fascism win?Both sides think it's down to Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 to learn when democracy dies at the hands of fascism.
If you don't know, learn about fascism and what regular Americans might expect from a future under it.
Photo by Maxime Horlaville on Unsplash
2024-11-0123 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedThe left needs to be more inclusive to win in November / Too big poses a security risk / Stop believing people you don't knowWhy the left needs to change its approach to folks on the fence.
The risks of monopolies to our safety
Why we trust misinformation from people we don’t know -- and should stop.
Photo by Ayo Ogunseinde on Unsplash
2024-10-2218 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedWeed Addiction is Real | Grocery Habits Effect Credit Scores | Why Weird Works so WellMore potent, easier to get, and totally acceptable. Weed addiction is a problem.
Understanding grocery store buying behavior can help more people get credit, but also misses the real problem with poor shopping habits.
Weird works because it's true, and it flips the high school script. They are on the outside. That's what they are worried about. It's why they are so angry.
Listen live at 11 AM, Mondays: www.ashevillefm.org and enjoy the tunes that fill the rest of our hour-long show -- or get the Asheville FM app.
Photo...
2024-10-2217 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedAsheville's River Arts District is Devastated but Bouncing BackArtists are building back their community that made Asheville a destination for the cool after the devastating flood.
The damage is unimaginable. So is the resilience. Learn what you can do.
Don't forget the gem that is Asheville.
Photo: Rolling Stone
2024-10-2229 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedRecovery in Asheville with the American Red CrossHelene devastated Western North Carolina. Listen to what Todd James and Michael Tanner of the American Red Cross had to say about Helene's impact on Western North Carolina MEASURED IN YEARS, the importance of collaboration, and why local action is likely the key to success as these disasters become more common.
What's more? Be kind and remember: These climate events cause trauma.
Reuters Picture
2024-10-1536 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedYou're right. Google and other conglomerates are taking your liberty. Stand up.Google and other global corporations have consolidated capabilities and services and manipulated regulations to capture all of our shopping and online behavior. They are monopolistic, so can control the information, products and services to which we have access. That means they manipulate us with messages to make us buy and think based on what political groups, companies and special interest groups pay them.
These conglomerates reduce your wages and benefits and use social media to make you accept it because what they sell looks so good. Your liberty fades -- your jobs pay less with fewer benefits. Y...
2024-09-2528 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedMaybe no universal income, but the unAmerican white rage is the elephant in the room.-- Who gets a universal basic income? Oops! Maybe it's not universal.
-- The roots of the donkey and elephant as mascots
-- What is your United States? Hope or Revenge and Rage to make a nation better.
Photo by Marina Vitale on Unsplash
2024-08-2818 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedThe Free Speech You Want to Take Away | 9 Tricks to Win | They Aren't Taking Your Job-- We seem to want to limit other people's speech even though we say it's foundational to democracy.
-- 9 actions to take to get out of your rut, and become more successful and happy.
-- Immigrants are still not taking anyone's job, but we need to pay them more so they spend money to boost the economy and not just make their employers rich.
Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash
2024-08-2015 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedAll Americans want freedom and opportunity, right? Why are we divided?USA! USA! means cheers for the uber-diverse women's Olympic gold medal team and Donald Trump.
One nation, divided but we all want freedom and opportunity. What's the problem, how do we unify the United States?
Photo by Edgar Colomba: https://www.pexels.com/photo/human-hands-and-us-flag-2240293/
2024-08-0921 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedThe Parents of Misogynists | America's Ignorant Defiance Disorder | Bring Back VocationsMisogyny begins at home and mons and dads help. Maybe it's time to reflect.
Ignorant defiance disorder is usually visible in adolescents. What if an entire nation is behaving like angry 15-year-olds with no accountability?
Vocations -- what teachers, social workers, nurses, fire fighters, journalists do -- you know, the people who care for our health, safety, and knowledge are underpaid and marginalized. We need to raise our voices and give them the praise and money they deserve.
https://ericjcarrig.podbean.com/e/the-parents-of-misogynists-americas-ignorant-defiance-disorder-bring-back-vocations/
Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
2024-08-0115 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedJust when we need more civility, the left and right attack humanity's lessons!Why are the left and right crushing the humanities when religious leaders wanted to use them to teach kids to be better citizens?
We spoke with Jeremy Philips, a humanities instructor, who explains why the humanities makes democracies stronger. Meanwhile the left and right crush lessons about being human with their agendas for individual rights and profit, which just lead to incivility. Not working.
Listen live at 11 AM, Mondays: www.ashevillefm.org and enjoy the tunes that fill the rest of our hour-long show -- or get the Asheville FM app.
Photo by...
2024-07-2326 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedA hopeful alternative to toxic politics for the good of our democratic republic.The path to a collaborative government and civil society is to listen, speak our mind, and accept that we can disagree and still work together.
Braver Angels www.braverangels.org, teaches politicians and regular folks to listen and respond in productive ways to build back a society that isn't sucked into social and national media's hyper-inflammatory speech.
We spoke with three regional leaders, representing the left, right, and independents. They all got along. They are building a path for the health of humanity.
2024-07-2333 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedWe need different leaders to solve immigration / Cold Feet; Weather Made Clear; Ancient Dating / Will only the rich get cops?We need different leaders to solve immigration: Learn how both sides have valid points about immigration, but our just et us down.
Fun facts in a murky world: Origins of cold feet; What weather terms really mean; Ancient dating was worse than today.
Will only the rich get cops? As fewer cops get sworn in, private security is booming, which more people won't feel safe.
Photo by Mathieu Stern on Unsplash
2024-06-1522 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedHow to run to, not from, life / Don't judge: Everyone loves conspiracies but let's love them less / What makes success? You. Learn how-- Whether it's a job, a relationship or a government, let's run to a future, not from a past. Here's a five-point approach to figuring out what's next for you.
-- We are all open to conspiracy theories. No judgment. But let's use facts and experts to help navigate the myths, hopes, dreams and facts.
-- What makes someone successful? Talent? Resources? a love for something you can't resist? Maybe all, but there's a price for each.
Photo by Shane Stagner on Unsplash
2024-06-1317 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedLet's remember civility along with those who died for our nation— Memorial Day is about dying for the United States. It’s not about glory or even patriotism. Sometimes it’s dying to do something that has nothing to do with a justice or freedom. It’s just as important to remember that people died to protect our principles as it is to remember that some of those principles are flawed.
— Americans know that our politicians are uncivil. We know we are uncivil. Withdrawing is leaving the worst to do the talking. They are … loudly. Yes, it's like the end of Rome. Listen and learn how to do something ab...
2024-06-0314 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedFix critical thinking on social media / The Government report options traders depend on / Is RepresentUs legit?
— You know social media is about making you feel or want something. That means truth is had to find. Demand facts and standards
— Stock option traders use information from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA) to make millions? The NOAA has been warning us about climate change for YEARS. If options traders believe the NOAA, we probably should too.
— RepresentUs says it’s going to help save us from political corruption. Hard to say. I have no affiliation with them, but want to stop corruption. Maybe you do to. Check em out if so.
Photo...
2024-05-2720 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedTik Tok's value in a poisoned media sea — women are more productive — who would you be— Social and national media is a poisoned ocean of messages to make you want something or be outraged. Tik Tok can make us aware of the funny and the shady. We need to do a better job not believing all we see and hear and use facts, not talking heads on TV or TikTok, to decide for ourselves.
— Lots of research about how men and women work differently. Peek: Women spend more time talking, but are still more productive than men.
— Unhappy with your life and/or career? Who would you be instead? Maybe it’s time t...
2024-05-2020 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedStop blaming anti-vax Women / Pros and Cons of AI making your playlist / The dark side of manifesting— There are good reasons anti-vax white moms reject vaccines. Stop blaming them and focus on fixing the healthcare system that shaped their beliefs.
— Artificial Intelligence (AI) shapes our music tastes. No more DJs or kids at school who discover all the new bands. Is that OK?
— Manifesting our preferred destinies is all the rage. But it has a dark side that turn a blind eye to the needy you should know about.
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
2024-05-1925 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedIf you're sick of healthcare, learn how to fix it / Doubting the right way / How I overcame negative thoughts— Healthcare is a mess. You need to learn how and why it won't change unless you do.
— Doubt is good. Skepticism is good. But it the change it can create can be disastrous or good for people. Learn to have the right kind of doubt.
— Ever have negative thoughts ALL day? I do … about people I know and have never met; about situations I am in and never will be in; about policies and procedures that affect me and don't. I learned how to interrupt my negative thoughts and feel better.
2024-05-1821 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedTik Tok's battle with a Music Label; Psychedelics as Medrcine; White Rural Americans and DemocracyTik Tok's battle with a United Music Group: Give artists a chance
The road to legalizing psychedelics: Long, but the door is open
White Rural Americans and Democracy: Traditional values we can learn from until they want violence
2024-05-0717 minSolutions for the UnderaffiliatedToxic stress, sleeping with pets, hope vs. optimism— I bet you know more people dealing with toxic stress than you think. Maybe you're one of them.
— Is sleeping with your pet good for you? Do you care? Research says think twice before cuddling with your pup.
— Is hope better than optimism? Guess which one brings the will to change things.
2024-04-3015 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedChanging habits; Anti-everyone when we should work together; Why your health insurance deductible is so high— There’s a way to kick your bad habits, and it starts with not being so hard on yourself.
— We seem bent on war to crush the left or the right. We reject common ground and fight over things that don’t matter for our collective well-being. Here’s how to start to work together.
— People of different races use the health system in different ways, but we all drive up our premiums, deductibles and co-pays. We’ve got to understand our role in healthcare and use less.
2024-03-2619 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedSaving MLK's dream; The male provider mentality; Gentle parenting is not about snowflakes.— Why King's dream isn’t reality.
— The downside of men’s self-imposed provider anxiety
— Gentle parenting is not a snowflake factory.
2024-01-1537 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedTaking on the issues government won't, Fixing our mental health, and Generations explained: Build for our kids, not Boomers— There are so many issues for Americans to take on, your government is tackling none of them, we need to stop playing along.
— Why we struggle to fix our own mental health, but how we can try. Little things to cope with anxiety and stress
— Generational differences explained, and why aren’t we building a future for our kids instead of old folks lining to a past they can’t get back?
— Little things to cope with anxiety and stress
2024-01-1324 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedIn AI we trust?Will we turn over our faith to AI, just like we accept religion?
Both AI and religion are based on our imagination. We created religion to believe in something to control our lives. We created AI to increase productivity … if you do the full “why?” analysis.
What happens when we live under the ruthless control of an AI productivity god?
We feed religion with blind faith. We feed AI with data about what we eat, search for, listen to , talk about, love, hate, create, destroy. We give all the formulas for what we build...
2023-12-1430 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedHow the Supreme Court disregarded the point of three Constitutional amendments in its recent college admissions rulingRace matters in college admissions because the more races we have sharing their perspectives and experiences, the better leaders the United States produces to make decisions that benefit us all, not just a portion of us.
Corporations know this because they get innovation and leadership by ensuring diverse perspectives work for them.
The Supreme Court of the United States used the 14th amendment — specifically designed to help Black Americans to escape the dehumanization of slavery — to remove race as a consideration from college admissions.
Our guest, Michael Ross, a Professor of History at the U...
2023-11-3034 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedRight-size wages, benefits and housing so people can get aheadLet’s enable all Americans to achieve their goals by providing them with opportunities to earn an income that allows them to pay for housing, transportation and necessary goods and services — like food — without going into excessive credit card debt.
Insufficient wages, affordable housing, and public transportation are three examples of why so many of our fellow Americans operate their households at a loss. When you are barely eating, behind on bills or going into debt, you are unhappy and less productive. Crime, trauma, and substance abuse increases.
When you can only affo...
2023-11-0935 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedMore people will need urgent care unless we fix the drivers of health and provide greater access to care at a lower cost.We talked about improving the quality of life from the perspective of a former Air Force pilot and family physician-turned-urgent-care-doctor.
Dr. Worthe Holt has cared for patients, led health system operations, was the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for a large health insurance company.
He served as a pilot in the United States Air Force, and as Major General, Special Assistant to the Commander, and Deputy Chief of Staff, in the United States Africa Command.
More people need care, but put it off, go to urgent care clinics, or simply don't get it. All...
2023-11-0633 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedIs housing a right? New York is an example of what could be to come.Sometimes, the price of not earning enough money is not being able to pay rent and ultimately eviction.
Many Americans are making trade-offs between food, bills and housing. In emergencies, paying rent might have to come last.
We spoke with Charles Koepp, an eviction defense attorney in New York City, to learn lessons about ways to support people facing eviction.
Most evictions are due to nonpayment
Without representation, people have to go to court and stay there to file their paperwork. That’s a day away from work, which often costs peo...
2023-10-3028 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedEmpathy. We forget about it until it’s too late.Why not ask what it's like to be like on the other side of any fight? Instead pointing fingers to defend our aggression because "they started it," why not see the other side as people -- just like you?
We examined the history of the Jewish faith and its people to understand their perspective and response to attacks on them -- and the irony of how they use their power in light of the principles of their faith.
The lessons we can learn are not only within the context of the conflict in Gaza.
2023-10-2128 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedWe are all human. Why do we teach our children to fight over differences and not learn from them?If we want peace in the Middle East, the United States, or anywhere, we need to demand and cultivate leaders with a vision for a future (not a past), that builds on our one-ness, using our differences as ways to learn and grow, and not to divide us to gain power.
We let religion, race, gender, culture -- anything -- divide us, and political leaders capitalize on that, leading to injustice and war.
Most people don't want that.
We spoke with Ray Hemachandra, whose lived experiences related to race, sexual identity, disability, and...
2023-10-1633 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedGovernment and business collaboration isn’t always good for usAfter almost a year od podcasting, the thing that stands out is that government and business collaboration has not helped Americans. Too many need food, can't afford healthcare, and live with fear of financial peril.
One could argue that the situation in America today is just an extension of the way Indigenous and Black people were treated, only now it is affecting middle class whites, especially in rural areas.
They now face fewer economic opportunities, food deserts, unaffordable housing and transportation challenges as other groups.
It's not a red or blue issue. It's a...
2023-10-1128 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedIs alcohol causing problems? Here’s a simple, private way to cut back or quit altogether.Ever thought you should drink less alcohol? Maybe you’re not at the bottom, but one leads to many. Less patient at home? Less sharp at work?
You don’t want to quit, but less would be better.
Alcoholics Anonymous could work, but opening up to strangers is daunting. Maybe you don’t believe in the philosophy or think it takes too much time.
Oar Health — www.oarhealth.com — provides private, online and telehealth services via trained clinicians who listen to your situation and prescribe naltrexone, which is FDA-approved for the treatment of alcohol pr...
2023-09-2147 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedSolving the rural hospital dilemma to address an aging population, poverty, and isolationSolving the rural hospital dilemma to address aging and isolation
How do we take on the facts that health tends to be worse and demand for mental health services and the suicide rate are rising in rural communities?
The core healthcare challenges in rural communities are transportation because people have to travel to get care and many senior citizens can no longer drive, social isolation, the availability of specialized services, and the financial viability of rural hospitals.
I spoke with Tyler Malone, a research Investigator for the North Carolina Rural Health Research Program...
2023-09-1549 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedBuilding the support system we take for granted to help Medicaid membersDisrupting the cycle of poverty with social supports.
Imagine not having food, no way to get to the grocery store, and not having a friend with a working car to get you there or to take your kids to school. That could happen every day to a family on Medicaid.
Imagine having an asthmatic child and not being able replace your carpet with solid flooring, so he misses school and you miss work to take care of him.
Imagine being a doctor, feeling futile because you know that the treatments you are recommending li...
2023-09-0753 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedDoes helping people to be healthier, more productive, and less expensive make things worse?Why do we need any more proof that having basic necessities, access to care, and social support leads to better health in order to help poor people live healthier, less expensive and more productive lives?
We all know that poor people can’t afford deductibles and copays, lack food, gas for a car, struggle with rent, and don’t have a social network with the means to help them. Instead of seeing a doctor to get better, they go to the emergency department or straight to the hospital when they can’t go on.
Private payers...
2023-08-3144 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedUsing cars, trucks and trains in new ways to save the planet.Fires, floods, storms. Even if you’re not sure about whether carbon emissions are behind them, why not try something new for our kids just in case?
Let’s start with transportation since about 30 percent of United States greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector. That’s driven by Americans’ everyday use of cars, trucks, trains and planes.
I spoke with Ned Ryan Doyle, a self-taught expert in what people can do to reduce our carbon footprint. His DIY approach shows it’s easier to do than you might think.
Nearly 60 percent of transpor...
2023-08-2547 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedYes to modernization; No to more congestionLet’s use new federal infrastructure funds to improve life and protect cities from climate change, not just to create construction traffic from fixing roads, pipes and bridges.
How can we do better?
Solutions for the Underaffiliated spoke with Joe Kane, a Fellow at the Brookings Institution and economist, planner, and researcher. He works at the intersection of transportation, water, broadband, and energy.
Let’s switch to a more proactive approach by:
Aligning infrastructure projects with what’s necessary to deliver a more equitable, safe, productive, and sustainable society,
Leveraging new technologies to deliv...
2023-08-1754 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedCan Doctors Regain Authority in Corporate Medicine?Is corporate medicine leading to an over-priced, hollowed out healthcare system characterized by dissatisfied patients and fewer healthcare providers, fed up with poor working conditions?
We spoke with Dr. Mitch Li, an emergency physician and founder of Take Medicine Back, which advocates for taking back medicine from corporate interests.
Here are some highlights:
Corporate ownership of a health care organization implies that profit is more important to it than patient care when making strategic and operating decisions.
The conflict between clinicians’ mission to deliver quality care and corporations’ profit motive is not as simple as g...
2023-08-1145 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedWant affordable housing? Flee suburban living.Suburban sprawl came with a price. Urban living can reduce housing costs, political divisiveness, and carbon emissions.
We spoke with Andy Paul, a founding member Affordable Asheville, a chapter YIMBY Action, a national organization dedicated to affordable housing.
Less affordable housing, needing a car, and policies that promote wealth-based segregation have led to homelessness, increased carbon emissions, and produced mono-cultures of like-minded people, which fuels political division.
Increasing the availability of affordable housing diversifies neighborhoods, which leads to innovation and education. That creates a vibrant culture people want to visit, which drives tourism...
2023-08-0445 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedThe Importance of Basic Community Health in the Productivity of AmericaAmerica’s health crisis is about more than mental and physical conditions, and it costs even more than you think.
It will require the seemingly impossible task of working together to make the United States healthy.
We spoke with Ted Smith, Associate Professor of Medicine and Pharmacology and The Director, Center for Healthy Air, Water and Soil at the University of Louisville.
Today interconnected forces, like poor food quality, insufficient transportation, limited access to healthcare, weak public education, and other social factors have created entire communities characterized by poor physical and mental health, viol...
2023-07-2845 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedAffordable housing is the key to stable, vibrant communities. Let’s build it backWe are all better off when people can afford their homes. Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are one way to expand affordable housing, but we need more homeowners to get on board.
Anna Zuevskaya, Executive Director, and Crystal Sheriff, Community Relations Manager, of the Asheville Buncombe County Land Trust explained the societal benefits of using community land trusts to provide affordable housing.
Community Land Trusts help provide permanent affordability to housing, so low-and-middle income families can buy homes. Homeowners get equity, so they can earn money on the sale of their homes and invest that in...
2023-07-2147 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedThe story that healthcare cost data is telling us about health system consolidationHealth provider consolidation pushes up the cost of care for people with employer-based coverage. In the process, it drives people who can’t pay from their bank accounts to put off care or go into medical debt.
We talked with John Hargraves, Director of Data Strategy of the Health Care Cost Institute (HCCI), a non-profit, non-partisan organization focused on in Washington, D.C. It has a multi-payer, longitudinal commercial claims dataset, covering one-third of the employer-sponsored insurance (ESI) population in the United States.
HCCI’s data shows that healthcare costs are going up, especially in metro...
2023-07-1444 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedTesting water and bugs to solve an invisible problem, save the Snot Otter, and shape local action.Ann Marie Traylor, the Executive Director of the Environmental Quality Institute (EQI) (www.eqilab.org), leads a team of volunteers who gather data to help stop chemicals from poisoning streams, bugs, amphibians, birds and so on up the food chain.
When it rains, water carries fertilizer, salt, and other chemicals from industrial and small farms, roofs, roads, parking lots and leaky sewage pipes to streams and creeks where bugs, fish and amphibians live.
This makes the water unsafe to play in and drink. Meanwhile, the chemicals travel with the insects, amphibians and fish to birds...
2023-06-3038 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedWhy your healthcare costs will increase unless you vote for government action.Does the current healthcare system work for you?
If you can pay, your health is likely to improve or at least not get worse.
Otherwise, premiums, deductibles, and costs of drugs and care are so high that many people put off care until they are eligible for Medicare, or they go into medical debt.
To help make the case for change, Solutions for the Underaffiliated explored three reasons our healthcare costs will continue to rise without government intervention with Kip Sullivan, author and advocate for a more equitable affordable health system:
The h...
2023-06-2545 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedTo protect and serve the land and the planet, we must reconnect with it. Here’s how.Filmmaker and historian David Weintraub spoke with us about his latest film, Nature’s Wisdom Through Native Eyes
It is the confluence of storytelling, native wisdom and nature’s intelligence that will help us heal our broken relationship with the living world. It's an intriguing look at history, culture and hope through the eyes of our nation’s First People.
2023-06-1543 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedIt’s easier and less expensive to install home solar power than you think + How to focus change in the energy industryWatching the weather? It’s simpler and less expensive than you might think to outfit your home with solar power, reduce your reliance on energy companies, and help reduce carbon emissions.
We still need energy companies, but the right action can drive a faster and smoother transition. Advocate for more competition in power generation from wind and solar power companies; expanded use of solar panels on houses and commercial businesses; and an economic model for the management and improvement of power distribution that benefits consumers and energy companies.
Solutions for the Underaffiliated spoke with Ned Rya...
2023-06-1143 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedHow city governments can do more to serve people than they are today.David Morris of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance explains how local government has more power than even they may realize. They have the authority, financial capability, bargaining power and responsibility to serve citizens. From sustainable electricity and broadband to healthcare and affordable housing, city governments can do more. Read More
2023-06-0844 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedFix homelessness with opportunity and a support network, not penalties for misfortune.We spoke with Marcus Walls of Homeward Bound, who told us about the types of people who are homeless, the experiences that land them in homelessness, and how hard it is to get out without a support network. Read More
2023-05-2847 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedReal-time mental health resources to call when you don’t know where to turnMental Health GPS provides connects people in with peer counselors and mental health resources in urgent, but non-crisis, situations. Read More
2023-05-1937 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedFree legal support services for access to tax credits, healthcare, domestic abuse, immigration and moreCheck out the legal services an organization in North Carolina provides to middle- and low-income people, including immigrants, to help them get tax credits, quality healthcare, immigration services, drivers license restoration and more. You may want to see there is an organization like it in your area. Read More
2023-05-1434 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedHealth System Consolidation = Higher Care Costs with a Fast Food ExperienceThe consolidation of health systems into local monopolies owned by corporations means higher prices of care, longer wait times and greater inconvenience, and probably worse care as nurses and doctors work more hours for less pay and fewer benefits. Read More
2023-05-0540 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedDomestic Violence 2:Predictors of Abuse; Getting Help; Challenges Survivors Face:SolutionsDiscussion with the Executive Director of an organization that provides safety, shelter, and support for victims/survivors of intimate partner domestic violence.
We talked about the the nature of domestic violence, risk factors for developing abusive behavior, what kind of help victims can seek and how to get it, challenges to getting help and safety, and what people, including men, can do to intervene in collaborative ways with male peers if they suspect abuse.
Photo by Gottkein.
2023-04-2046 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedDomestic Violence: One Woman’s Experience with the Justice System, Self-Healing, and Care for OthersWhitley English, a victim of domestic abuse and Founder WNC GEMS (Girls and Guys Exercising Mindful Solutions) joined us.
She shared how her experience with the justice system led her to healing and help for others. We need to change the system, not continue to blame victims and leave them to heal themselves alone. Read More
2023-04-1437 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedWe need a Policy of Productivity to Give All Americans an OpportunityMore and more white people are experiencing socioeconomic segregation, food insecurity, unaffordable housing, poor transportation, low wages, and poor healthcare coverage -- just like Blacks, Indigenous and people of color have for centuries. No one trusts the government, industry or social services to help. Time to join forces? Read More
2023-04-0727 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedLand Management to Stop Housing Development’s Role in the Climate CrisisDave Ellum, Dean of Land and the Director of the Center for Working Lands at Warren Wilson College discusses ways to help land owners generate revenue, so they can pay taxes. This helps them keep the land, make it productive, and keep it from developers who will build houses and infrastructure to support them that spell disaster for a faltering climate. It's about smart use of nature and natural resources, not whether to build houses. Anyone interested in sustainable ways to use the land, generate revenue from it, and slow the pace of housing development should listen. Read More
2023-03-2446 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedPay people enough to afford rent and transportation and watch productivity growLearn how businesses and the U.S. economy can benefit from living wages, better public transportation and affordable housing. Read More
2023-03-1736 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedRacial Justice Makes the Whole Pie BetterOur sense of fairness we have as kids is socialized away as we get older. We can get it back by being around different kids of people. Let's do that and make the United States a more productive, less expensive, and more just country. Read More
2023-03-1648 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedLet’s just feed people instead of using profit and red tape as excusesThe United States wastes food while millions of people lack access to healthy foods. Business and government should partner and eliminate the red tape in the way of feeding people, making them healthier and more productive. Read more.
2023-03-1238 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedFilling the food safety net, when the government’s version isn’t enough.MANNA Food Bank not only distributes food in 16 counties to those who qualify for food benefits. It feeds working people who earn too much to qualify for benefits but too little to eat after rent, car expenses, and other bills.
There isn't a food shortage. We have rich-person prices and working class wages.
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2023-03-0335 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedSupporting BIPOC entrepreneurs across the Valley of Death in regions with few funding optionsFunding Resources for Start-ups, especially BIPOC-owned, in Rural Areas
Read More. Read Report
2023-02-2752 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedWhat forgotten Jesus on the church wall really meansLet's face it, the holidays are about friends and family. But maybe remember Jesus and think about those who make our gifts, but don't make enough to buy them for their own loved ones. Read More
2023-02-2733 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedHow to use unserved food from catered events, buffets and cafeterias to feed familiesWe waste millions on food from catered events, buffets and cafeterias that is healthy and needed by Americans who can't afford food. Here's a group doing something to fix that. Read More
2023-02-2740 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedStop Dissing the AbledHow a disabled person sees and is forced to deal with the world of the abled and what we can do to change that. Read More
2023-02-2753 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedWill Medicare for All Really Work?Healthcare: Right or Luxury? What would a health care system without insurance companies look like? Read More
2023-02-2733 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedWe Need to Learn and Act on the Lessons from Indigenous PeopleAmerican society failed to learn from the Indigenous People we forcibly removed from the land in the name of Christianity. We should learn from them while we still can. Read More
2023-02-2728 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedA new power structure will lead to a more productive systemSimple ways to reconsider how power established through culture can be balanced with empathy and collaboration and lead to better outcomes. Read More
2023-02-2739 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedReplacing the Public School System with Vouchers won’t Save Middle Class KidsOne teacher’s experience in the public school system connects the dots about the negative impact of cuts to public school funding and teacher pay on business productivity, health, and crime. Read More
2023-02-2734 min
Solutions for the UnderaffiliatedUsing non-profits to build the physical, mental and community health support network white people take for granted?Learn about a pilot program that integrates physical, mental and community health services to improves American's quality of life. We expect non-profits to coordinate the complex web of social services and community health supports for the neediest, which white people take for granted. It's great work! But we shouldn't rely on recreating what wealthy people take for granted to support our fellow Americans. Read More
2023-02-2744 min