Choice Conversations

  Steve Patterson joins me for the greatly anticipated Dog Whisperer show.  We discuss the TV program The Dog Whisper, and very quickly the conversation turns toward comparing the techniques Cesar Millan uses to train dogs to the tactics parents use to control their children.  Are there parenting lessons to be learned from Cesar?  What is human nature?  Is it hierarchical as is the nature of canines?         And just what exactly does Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter have to do with all of this?  You’ll have to listen to find out!  :)       This is Choice Conversations’ first Christmas episode, recorded Christmas Eve 2013.  Happy Holidays to all the wonderful listeners!  It is truly a privilege to have this opportunity to connect, share, and learn with you.       Here is the podcast mentioned on today’s show with Wes Bertrand and Darrel Becker where we discussed whether or not Non-Violent Communication went against human nature:  http://choiceconversations.libsyn.com/judgment-and-responsibility-with-darrell-bec

  Miro and Lainie from the Raising Miro on the Road of Life travel blog and podcast join me for a wonderful conversation.  Lainie and her son tell me all about their life on the road in South America, living outside of the main stream, unschooling, or “world schooling” as they call it, using travel as a tool for education for both son and mother.  In addition to education, much time is spent discussing the partnership that is required for successful, fulfilling parenting.   Plus we find out which HP Lovecraft tale is Miro’s favorite!  :)   Find more from Miro and Lainie here:  http://www.raisingmiro.com/   Previous podcasts on travel:  http://choiceconversations.libsyn.com/the-search-for-greener-pastures-with-erik-townsend-part-1 http://choiceconversations.libsyn.com/the-search-for-greener-pastures-with-erik-townsend-part-2   Choice Conversations is now on Facebook.  Stop in, say hi, discuss the shows, and more!  If you like Choice Conversations then "like" me on facebook, get notifications, and then share th

  Carson and Jeff from Bardcast, the Shakespeare podcast, join me to discuss the life and works of William Shakespeare.  This is a fun conversation where we discuss why we love Shakespeare, and attempt to answer questions like “Is Shakespeare still relevant today?”  and “Was Shakespeare a racist?”  In addition, we spend some time talking about the glorious rock star life style us podcasters get to enjoy, and close it out with a short list of Carson’s favorite Shakespeare themed films and plays.   Find more from Carson and Jeff here:  http://bardcast.blogspot.com/   We spend more time discussing King Lear than any of Shakespeare’s other plays, simply because it was the play I’d read most recently and had closest to the forefront of my mind.  :)  I should mention there are spoilers for King Lear in this podcast.   Here is the lecture on King Lear mentioned during the show:   http://podcasts.ox.ac.uk/king-lear-audio           Choice Conversations is now on Facebook.  Stop in, say hi, discuss the shows, and more!

  So bitcoin is a can’t miss investment that is guaranteed to go up, right?  Steve Patterson joins me to discuss some of the reasons why that might not be the case.  Is bitcoin too volatile to be a useful currency?  Is bitcoin the AOL of cryptocurrencies?  How do you perform a valuation of bitcoin as you would other investments?  This fun conversation goes in many directions, covering topics like the Silk Road website, the NSA, pornography, gambling, privacy, competing currencies, and more.   Find out more about bitcoin here:  http://choiceconversations.libsyn.com/episode-117-a-bit-about-bit-coin   Choice Conversations is now on Facebook.  Stop in, say hi, discuss the shows, and more!  If you like Choice Conversations then "like" me on facebook, get notifications, and then share the page with your friends:  https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceConversationsPodcast   Help the Podcast!  I would greatly appreciate it if you went to itunes, wrote a quick review and rated the show.  This is a great way to increase downl

In this conversation Darrell Becker and Wes Bertrand joined me to tackle the topics of judgment and responsibility.  I found that these two things, judgment and responsibility (or denial of responsibility as is often the case) often go together.  We discuss how these topics handled using Non-violent communication (NVC), and go over many examples, including events in the news, sexism, the Free Domaain Radio podcast, and more!   Find more from Darrell here: http://voluntaryvisions.blogspot.com/ http://choiceconversations.libsyn.com/the-trivium-and-non-violent-communication-with-darrell-becker   Find more from Wes here: http://completeliberty.com/ http://happinesscounseling.com/ http://choiceconversations.libsyn.com/the-virgin-diet-and-n-1-experiments-with-wes-bertrand http://choiceconversations.libsyn.com/complete-liberty-with-wes-bertrand   Choice Conversations is now on Facebook.  Stop in, say hi, discuss the shows, and more!  If you like Choice Conversations then "like" me on facebook, get notifications, an

  The conversation continues with Erik Townsend, as he tells us about his epic journey around the world.     Many topics are explored, including the following:  How do the considerations differ when evaluating a place for snow birding verses a primary residence?  Hawaii is a hell hole?  Why not the Carribean?  But isn’t Europe fiscally insolvent?  What was it like living out of a suit case perpetually?  What about our good friends in the TSA?  What are some good survival tips for this type of traveling?  What is the value in agility?  And finally, what was Erik’s pick for a home base?  What about a plan B in case things sour there?  Conclusions?       Below are the travel destinations covered in this show:       Honolulu   San Sebastian   Paris   Cannes (France)   Monaco   Munich   The Italian country side   Montreal   And more on Hong Kong and Puerto Vallarta       If you missed part 1, you’ll find it here:  http://choiceconversations.libsyn.com/the-search-for-greener-pastures-with-erik-townsend-part-1      

  Erik Townsend is back, but this time to cover a different topic: world travel!  Erik had spent his entire life living in the United States, and thought it was time to evaluate what the rest of the world had to offer.  Erik tells us about his epic trip around the world, evaluating alternative residences.       Learn about the differences between traveling to a location for recreation and actually living there.  Why is it that recognizing that a place is up and coming is not the same thing as determining it is a place where you’ll want to live?  Find out that and much more, including what Erik liked and didn’t like about the following places:       Hong Kong   Thailand   Mexico City   Puerto Vallarta   Argentina   Chile   Australia   New Zealand       In order to keep the shows to a more readily digestible size, I broke the interview into two episodes.  This is part one.  Part two can be found here: http://choiceconversations.libsyn.com/the-search-for-greener-pastures-with-erik-townsend-part-2           Find

Jae Jun from the Old School Value blog joins me to talk about value investing.  We discuss what is value investing, as well as the importance of having a systematic approach.  Jae tells us about some of the specifics to his investment strategy, including tactics to help prevent letting your emotions sabotage your ability to successfully manage your money.       You’ll find Jae’s blog, along with the great utilities and resources mentioned during the podcast, right here:  http://www.oldschoolvalue.com/               Bumper music:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0H3RlaQVrM

  Erik Townsend returns to the show to discuss what he sees as a slow motion Armageddon.  Yes, there are deep problems in the global financial system, but they’re not going to manifest overnight.  It will play out over many years, as the United States uses financial repression to attempt to get out from under its debt load.  What can you do to protect yourself?       Many other topics are explored in this enlightening interview: Syria, hypocrisy from Obama, gold and the likelihood of confiscation, the NSA and the police state, and the lack of critical thinking in the United States.       Find more from Erik here:   http://www.eriktownsend.com/             Choice Conversations is now on Facebook.  Stop in, say hi, discuss the shows, and more!  If you like Choice Conversations then "like" me on facebook, get notifications, and then share the page with your friends:  https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceConversationsPodcast               Bumper music:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAdQzCq53XE

By popular demand Andrew Horowitz is back!  We discuss the Fed’s decision not to taper and how fundamentals are out the window right now if you’re trying to invest in these markets.  Andrew talks about how technicals are the only thing working in this environment, and then provides some details of his technical based product Trigger Point Research.  Trigger Point Research provides subscribers with detailed, actionable trades, where to get in, where to get out, sent directly to their phones the moment the markets give a signal.        Get a free trial here:  http://triggerpointresearch.com/freetrial       After the 2 week free trial, Choice Conversations listeners get a 35% discount for the first month using the following coupon code:  chrismoney    Thanks Andrew!       Find more from Andrew here:  http://www.thedisciplinedinvestor.com   http://choiceconversations.libsyn.com/andrew-horowitz-the-disciplined-investor     Choice Conversations is now on Facebook.  Stop in, say hi, discuss the shows, and more!  If

  Acclaimed author Warren Farrell joins me to discuss couples communication.  We talk about how the human species evolved a certain reaction to criticism which was useful during more primitive times, but is no longer serving us in modern times as we try to have fulfilling marriages.  The focus is primarily on communication with a life partner, but we dip into parenting, education, and communication with friends, co-workers, or anyone!       http://www.warrenfarrell.com/       Meet Warren in person!  Scroll to the bottom to find his latest appearances, including the one discussed on the show in Big Sur:  http://www.warrenfarrell.com/sample-page/       Choice Conversations is now on Facebook.  Stop in, say hi, discuss the shows, and more!  If you like Choice Conversations then "like" me on facebook and share the page with your friends:  https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceConversationsPodcast       Bumper music:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xA84aIAWEk

  Darrell Becker from Tragedy and Hope joined Steve Patterson and me to discuss merging the Trivium with Non-Violent Communication.  This was a fun and fascinating journey into melding two seemingly very different things, a strategy for learning and a strategy for connecting with yourself and others, and finding that the sum of the parts creates something greater.   Darrell is the first person I’ve interviewed where he was the one to initiate contact.  He’s been a long time listener, and it was a new and pleasurable experience to have a fan of the show on as a guest.    Find more from Darrell below:   Darrell’s blog:  http://voluntaryvisions.blogspot.com/   Darrell on Tragedy and Hope, Merging the Trivium with NVC: https://www.tragedyandhope.com/history-merging-the-trivium-method-with-nvc/       Darrell on Unplugged Mom: http://www.unpluggedmom.com/umradio-podcast/8654/           Below you’ll find more information on the topics we discussed:   Previous podcasts on the Trivium:   http://choiceconversations.lib

Wes Bertrand from the Complete Liberty Podcast joins me to talk about my personal experience with the Virgin Diet, as well as a general look at N=1 experiments.  We spend a good bit of time discussing what makes for good science: removing bias, controlling variables, and so on, while mixing in my own anecdotal findings while trying JJ Virgin's elimination diet. Choice Conversations is now on Facebook.  Stop in, say hi, discuss the shows, and more!  If you like what you hear from me, "like" me on facebook and share my page with your friends:   https://www.facebook.com/ChoiceConversationsPodcast   Find more from Wes here: http://completeliberty.com/ http://healthymindfitbody.com/ http://happinesscounseling.com/ http://logicallearning.net/       Bumper music:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8ECalN6oXI

Steve Patterson joined me for a free-flowing discussion, a “BS session” if you will.  A potpourri of subjects was covered, including the following:   Edward Snowden Bradley Manning traitors vs heroes The American Revolution 9/11 critical thinking skills questioning authority (but I repeat myself) the economy What would you do if you were chairman of the FED? inflation competing currencies being bearish during a bull market the challenges of running a podcast being star struck setting major life goals success in sales debating politics The difference between progressives, conservatives, and libertarians “speed reading” audiobooks and podcasts with applications like stitcher:  http://www.stitcher.com/ Steve breaks up a bit for a minute or two in the middle of the podcast, but the audio quickly improves afterward.  Don’t get discouraged, it won’t last long!

  I was privileged to have the chance to speak with legendary investor Jim Rogers.  Jim is one of my favorite authors, as his books are not only full of great investing advice, but they also hold a wealth of lessons that are useful in all facets of life.  We spent much of the time talking about his latest book, Street Smarts: Adventures on the Road and in the Markets, which details his journey to this point in his life.  It is quite possibly his best book yet!       Jim is a hero of mine, having already accomplished two of my personal goals.  One, he “retired” from his day job, and then began “working” for himself investing his own money for a living.  Two, he then became an accomplished world traveler.  I too am working toward both of these goals.        I have to admit, I was a little star struck during the interview because I admire Jim so much.  If I didn’t have a few talking points written down ahead of time this could have been a VERY short interview, as my mind was blank for much of the time.  :)  Fort

Andrew Craig, author of Own the World, is back for another great discussion.  Andy starts by sharing his journey from working on “The Hill” in DC, to working as a broker in the banking industry, to starting his own business, and recently returning to investment banking.  We learn how he developed his strategies for investing and get a small peak “under the hood” at some of the details of these strategies.        Check out Andy’s blog:   http://www.plainenglishfinance.com/       Bumper music:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xA84aIAWEk

  Today, I’m joined by neurosurgeon Jack Kruse.  Dr. Kruse used foundational laws of science to develop protocols to maximize hormones in the body and optimize health.  This is done by timing when to eat, getting in tune with natural circadian rhythms, using cold thermogenesis, and most importantly utilizing labs.    Dr. Kruse tells out about the success he’s had, doing such amazing things as adding muscle mass without weight lifting and losing weight while eating more and exercising less!  I considered titling this episode “Live Like a Polar Bear, Eat Like a Great White Shark.”  :)       SPECIAL OFFER!!!!!!!!!!   Check out this spectacular offer from Dr. Kruse:   http://www.jackkruse.com/choice-conversation-special-offer/           Today’s show was just the tip of the iceberg.  Find out more here:   http://www.jackkruse.com/           Bumper music:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_850949&feature=iv&src_vid=XCxFTh-XDy8&v=SB9LXpO6yWo

  Gene Odening comes back to continue the discussion of the trivium, this time focusing on rhetoric.  Gene takes us on a walk through many topics: history, philosophy, psychology, politics, education, Non-violent Communication, and tying all of it back to the trivium.  The show ends with Gene detailing ways you can increase your skill with rhetoric.       Trivium Resources:   http://www.triviumeducation.com/   http://www.gnosticmedia.com/triviumstudy   http://triviumbinder.blogspot.com/   http://www.unpluggedmom.com/tag/trivium/   http://www.triviumpursuit.com/   http://board.freedomainradio.com/forums/t/29741.aspx       Rhetoric Resources:   http://librivox.org/rhetoric-by-aristotle/   http://www.amazon.com/How-Read-Book-Intelligent-Touchstone/dp/0671212095/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1373312561&sr=1-1&keywords=how+to+read+a+book   http://www.amazon.com/Classical-Rhetoric-Aristotle-Student-Guide/dp/1930953445/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373308400&sr=8-1&keywords=rhetoric+aristotle+

  Liz Wolfe joins me to discuss healthy skin and hair.  She provides us with practical, natural solutions that you can make at home for shaving, hair care, and more!   There is much more where this came from at her sites below.  Check them out!       Liz’s sites:   http://cavegirleats.com/   http://skinterventionguide.com/   http://balancedbites.com/podcast       As discussed during the show:   http://purelyprimalskincare.com/easy-homemade-toner-for-sensitive-skin/   http://www.amazon.com/The-Vitamin-Solution-Strategy-Problems/dp/0452296889                 Bumper music:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8ucKaYr7h4

  Steve Crandall joins me to discuss Leader Effectiveness Training, as developed by Thomas Gordon.  LET is a method of communication and conflict resolution that enables anyone who has been placed in a leadership position to get better results and to do it in a manner that is pleasant for both the leader and their followers.  It is based on the same principals as Gordon’s Parent Effectiveness Training, which of course has been mentioned numerous times on the show.       To find out more from Steve go to his website:   http://www.crandallpartners.com/       Or send Steve an email:   steve@crandallpartners.com       Gordon Training International’s site a tremendous resource for LET:   http://www.gordontraining.com/       Gordon's essay What Every Leader Should Know:   http://www.gordontraining.com/wp-content/uploads/What%20Every%20Leader%20Should%20Know%202012.pdf           Bumper music:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB9LXpO6yWo