The Dream

Mary O'Hara, journalist and author of "Austerity Bites," shares her insights on the devastating impact of austerity measures on marginalized communities in the UK. She draws parallels with the current state of social services in the U.S., highlighting the rising income gap and the erosion of safety nets. O'Hara critiques media narratives around poverty and emphasizes the importance of understanding societal structures that perpetuate inequality. The conversation underscores the necessity for positive communication in welfare support and collective action to address these pressing issues.

Jane Borden, an author and journalist specializing in religious studies, dives into the shocking connections between America's Puritan roots and modern cults. She suggests that the doomsday mindset of the early Pilgrims shaped the nation’s cultural landscape. Discussing the psychological dynamics of cults, she reveals how isolation can lead to violent behaviors. Borden also connects historical beliefs to current political rhetoric, showing that America's obsession with wealth and divine favor continues to influence contemporary cults.

Fortesa Latifi, a journalist and author known for her work on child influencers and family bloggers, dives into the world of family vlogging. She addresses the ethical dilemmas surrounding the exploitation of children for profit. Latifi discusses the challenges parents face in balancing content creation with family life and the implications of recent laws affecting child earnings. The conversation also explores the darker side of vlogging, including predatory viewers and family breakdowns, highlighting the urgent need for protections for child influencers.

Charlotte Palermino, a licensed esthetician and co-founder of Dieux Skin, joins the discussion to unravel the chaos of the beauty industry. She shares insights on effective skincare ingredients versus marketing myths and critiques common misconceptions surrounding parabens and chemical sunscreens. Charlotte gives a free skin consultation and discusses the historical effectiveness of iconic products like Vaseline. The conversation dives into the importance of informed skincare choices and navigating a world flooded with misinformation, all with a humorous twist.

Eric Garcia, Senior White House Correspondent for The Independent and author of 'We're Not Broken', dives deep into the misinformation surrounding autism and public health. He discusses RFK Jr.'s controversial autism claims, advocating for the rights of autistic individuals while tackling epidemic denial. Garcia sheds light on the historical neglect in autism research, particularly for girls and children of color, and the tragic legacy of the Kennedy family’s mental health struggles. Misinformation in the anti-vaccine movement is also critically examined.

Dustin Dean, a professional mentalist and psychic-skeptic, joins the discussion to explore the intriguing connection between magic and deception. He dives into the art of illusion and explains how mentalists employ psychological tricks to create convincing performances. The conversation also exposes the fraudulent practices of some psychics, unveiling the manipulation involved in their acts. Dean shares insights on cold reading techniques and how they exploit audience emotions, illuminating the fine line between entertainment and deceit.

AJ Daulerio, former editor at Gawker and founder of The Small Bow, shares his riveting journey through the rise and fall of Gawker sparked by the Hulk Hogan story. He reflects on the legal battles backed by Peter Thiel and the hubris that led to Gawker's demise. Daulerio candidly discusses the emotional toll of public scrutiny during personal struggles, his path to recovery and sobriety, and the balance between ambition and well-being in a chaotic industry. His insights reveal the complex nature of identity and ambition in journalism.

This week Olivia Howell joins host Jane Marie to talk about divorce, what support really means after a breakup and Olivia's company "Fresh Start", which offers a Divorce Support Network featuring a Divorce Registry, Resources, Education, and Support for Every Step.To learn more about Olivia and Fresh Start:https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Catherine Hall, an assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and molecular biologist, dives into the fascinating world of the placebo effect. She reveals how belief can transform health outcomes, highlighting its historical significance and everyday implications. Listeners will also hear personal stories about various treatments, exposing the fine line between traditional and alternative medicine. The episode candidly critiques wellness culture and the marketing tactics that often accompany it, provoking thought on how we approach health.

Dr. Chem Thug, a PhD chemist known for making chemistry accessible online, dives into the nuances of science education and public trust. He discusses the urgency of understanding chemical principles for health safety, highlighting the dangers of misinformation. With a focus on debunking popular health myths, he critiques claims around products like alkaline water. The conversation urges critical thinking over anecdotal evidence, emphasizing the importance of scientific literacy in navigating health discussions.