
The State of Us
Go beyond mainstream cable news and party lines, with a Millennial and a Boomer, as they work to push past the noise and bring attention to all the issues that matter. Justin T. Weller and Lance Jackson examine the topics that are often overlooked by most major media outlets, but are critical for Americans to be educated about. There’s a world beyond the noise and it begins with Justin & Lance on The State of Us.
Latest episodes

Jul 18, 2023 • 39min
Leading Cause of Death for Kids: Homicides and Suicides by Gun
Gun-related deaths have surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death for children. Justin and Lance discuss the leading causes of child gun-related deaths and get a young person's perspective on the issue. tags: tsou, justin weller, lance jackson, guns, violence, death, children, minor, school, homicide, suicide, policy, government, mental health

Jul 13, 2023 • 39min
What's Next Without Affirmative Action?
The Supreme Court has ruled against affirmative action at higher education institutions. Justin and Lance discuss the issues in America's education system that racial affirmative action fails to address. tags: tsou, podcast, justin weller, lance jackson, education, affirmative action, college, university, school, high, career, opportunity

Jul 11, 2023 • 39min
Bad Commutes, Costly Childcare, The $200,000 Job & China Alternatives
Is it ever necesary for all employees to come into the office? Also, what industries and companies are compensating their employees the most? Justin and Lance discuss office logistics, wage growth, and global business in China. tags: tsou, justin weller, lance jackson, china, business, money, salary, office, work, job, meeting, economy, capitalism, communism, america

Jul 6, 2023 • 39min
Court Limits Government Contact With Social Media & Drugs Power the Industry
What responsibility should social media companies have over content shared on their platforms? Also, what happens behind closed doors in the tech industry? Justin and Lance discuss content distribution and drug usage in the tech industry. tags: tsou, podcast, justin weller, lance jackson, technology, social media, drugs, content, law, government, politics, business, influence

Jul 4, 2023 • 39min
Supreme Court Decisions You Might Have Missed
The Supreme Court ended its term this week making conservative decisons on issues from affirmative action, gay rights, and student loans. Justin and Lance discuss how the United States can form a Supreme Court that is not heavily influenced by politics. tags: tsou, justin weller, lance jackson, supreme court, constitution, voting, money, politics, government, laws, gay rights, affirmative action, student loans

Jun 29, 2023 • 39min
An Honest Conversation With Queer & Straight People
What is the current state of the LGBTQ community? Three people spanning three different generations and two different sexual orientations open the conversation about the LGBTQ community and break down difficult topics surrounding acceptance, identity, and sexuality. tags: tsou, justin weller, lance jackson, lgbtq, pride, sexuality, gay, bisexual, trans, pansexual, acceptance, lesbian

Jun 27, 2023 • 39min
What's Next in Russia & Ukraine After Wagner's March?
The Wagner Group revolted against Russia - what's next? Justin and Lance discuss what lead to the private military company's invasion and the delicate position the march leaves Putin in. tags: tsou, podcast, justin weller, lance jackson, war, ukraine, russia, wagner, invasion, civil war

Jun 22, 2023 • 39min
Beef: The Dying American Dream?
What has caused the 88% decrease in profit margin per cow in America? Justin and Lance discuss the future of beef in America and what is causing the price of beef to skyrocket at your local grocery store. tags: tsou, justin weller, lance jackson, cow, beef, dinner, meal, america, cattle, profit, rancher, meat, chicken, pork, money

Jun 20, 2023 • 39min
Paper Money and Newspaper Cut-Out Diehards
Will paper money be replaced or integrated into modern society and what might the future of spending look like? Also, young people are taking classes on how to better relate to older adults. Justin and Lance discuss the importance of having intergenerational interaction and the term 'senior.'tags: tsou, justin weller, lance jackson, money, credit, generations, spending, education, learn

Jun 15, 2023 • 39min
Summer Fees Skyrocket - Planes, Hotels, Cars
What do you need to consider when you are creating a travel budget this summer? Justin and Lance discuss the unexpected fees and costs associated with traveling in 2023. tags: justin weller, lance jackson, travel, hidden fees, costs, budget travel, travel expenses, travel tips, travel hacks, saving money, financial planning, travel budget, unexpected expenses