We welcome to the show independent journalist Hollie McKay.

In this interview, Hollie discusses her diverse career, starting from her beginnings in the U.S. after studying in New York, to her time at Fox News, and her eventual shift to independent journalism after becoming disillusioned with the “clickbait factory” her work environment had become (her words ha ha).

Hollie shares her experiences reporting from global hotspots such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Sudan, emphasizing the challenges and importance of covering peoples around the world that otherwise are not given the time of day by the Gatekeepers of Polite Society aka “mainstream” media.

Together we explore the hardships of journalism, the need for a conscientious approach to journalism (or whatever work we are engaged in,) and the essential need for authentic, on-the-ground reporting on matters that affect the quality of life in the world’s most neglected regions.

Hollie also highlights the impact of her work on her personal life and the valuable lessons she's aiming to pass on to her 14-month old daughter.

We oftentimes ask ourselves, “What can I do?” when we hear of suffering around the world.

Supporting Hollie’s work is a great way to help people who are truly in need.

Hollie is a person who genuinely desires to improve the world through her work, and has shown tremendous Vojdaan, not to mention personal sacrifice, with her career choices.

Subscribe to Hollie’s free newsletter, and also consider supporting her work financially. This enables people who otherwise fall through the cracks from mainstream news reporting to get the attention they deserve, even if it’s a tiny fraction of the population.

A little Vojdaan goes a long way!

Episode highlights:

00:39 Hollie's Background and Career Beginnings

02:42 The Evolution of Digital Journalism

05:19 Hollie's Unexpected Path to Journalism

09:26 The Universal Language of Music and Soccer

14:29 Challenges in Mainstream Media

19:17 Transition to Independent Journalism

20:57 Experiencing the Fall of Kabul

22:33 Challenges of Freelance Journalism

25:10 Building a Niche in Journalism

31:28 The Reality of War-Torn Regions

37:33 Human Resilience Amidst Hardship

41:16 Supporting Independent Journalism

44:12 Parenting and Professional Life

46:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned:

Dispatches with Hollie McKay

Today we conclude our journey through James Allen’s short but powerful book, As a Man Thinketh.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish,” says the old proverb.

When things get tough, and obstacles appear insurmountable, it is our vision of the successful outcome that keeps us on the right path.

That and disciplined thinking, consciously setting aside negativity and focusing on the things that are worthy of our attention.

The entire audiobook is available uninterrupted if you choose to upgrade to a paid subscription.

We continue through James Allen’s classic book, As a Man Thinketh. Today’s excerpt focuses on the detrimental effects of aimlessness and the necessity of having a central purpose in life.

Strength of character and successful achievements are byproducts of focused and right thinking. The concept that individual thoughts shape one's achievements and failures forms a critical theme, promoting the development of self-control, resolution, and purity for spiritual and material success.

Much needed wisdom in this modern age if you ask me!

The entire audiobook is available uninterrupted if you choose to upgrade to a paid subscription.

As a Man Thinketh by James Allen is a timeless self-help classic that explores the profound impact of thought on personal character, circumstances, and destiny. Drawing on the principle that "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," Allen illustrates how thoughts shape habits, health, and success.

This concise, poetic work encourages readers to take responsibility for their inner life, fostering self-mastery and a purposeful, fulfilling existence.

Today is Part 2. Tune in the next couple of days as we complete the audiobook!

JN

As a Man Thinketh by James Allen is a timeless self-help classic that explores the profound impact of thought on personal character, circumstances, and destiny. Drawing on the principle that "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," Allen illustrates how thoughts shape habits, health, and success.

This concise, poetic work encourages readers to take responsibility for their inner life, fostering self-mastery and a purposeful, fulfilling existence.

Today is Part 1. Tune in the next couple of days for the remainder of the audiobook!

JN

Today we welcome to the show Dr. Zachary Porcu, author of 'Journey to Reality: Sacramental Life in a Secular Age.'

The discussion begins with James sharing his journey into the Orthodox Church, partly influenced by Zachary's book. The conversation delves into the origins and needs that led Dr. Porcu to write his book, emphasizing the differences between ancient and modern Christianity.

James and Dr. Porcu explore the concept of 'Arche' and how it represents the cornerstone of Christian belief, transcending merely being a set of rules to being a worldview. The interview also touches upon the revolutionary nature of Jesus' teachings, the Reformation's impact on Christianity at large, and ultimately leading to the modern secular state.

The interview concludes with a discussion on the importance of sacraments in Orthodox Christianity. Far more than symbolic or ritualistic acts, these are genuine spiritual disciplines embodying the intersection of physical and spiritual truth.

Episode highlights:

00:35 Background of the Interview

02:25 Introducing Dr. Zachary Porcu

03:14 The Need for the Book

03:49 Challenges in Teaching Theology

05:58 Writing and Revising the Book

07:52 Understanding Christianity and Worldview

12:21 The Concept of Arche

22:47 Revolutionary Claims of Christianity

26:22 Modern Context of Christianity

34:44 Critique of the Reformation

42:35 Separation of Church and State

46:03 The Sacramental Way of Life

52:38 Conclusion and Farewell

Resources mentioned:

Journey to Reality: Sacramental Life In a Secular Age by Dr. Zachary Porcu

Unintended Reformation

This episode is a replay of an interview I did circa 2017 with patent attorney Stephan Kinsella.

Kinsella is the author of "Against Intellectual Property," and in our time together, he argues that IP laws, particularly patents and copyrights, are incompatible with traditional property rights and hinder innovation and progress.

The conversation explores the origins of these laws, their impact on musicians and other creatives, and practical advice for navigating the current system while protecting artistic integrity.

The discussion also delves into Austrian economics and how it provides a framework for understanding the issues with IP laws. Kinsella foresees a future where the increasing ease of circumventing these laws will pressure the industry to adapt to more free-market principles.

Episode highlights:

00:24 Stefan Kinsella on Intellectual Property

02:43 Understanding Property Rights

06:45 Austrian Economics and Intellectual Property

20:08 The History and Problems of Copyright

26:59 Practical Advice for Musicians

42:13 Future of Intellectual Property

44:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned:

Against Intellectual Property by Stephan Kinsella

Stephan's website

About the guest:

Stephan Kinsella is an attorney and libertarian writer in Houston. He was previously General Counsel for Applied Optoelectronics, Inc., a partner with Duane Morris, and adjunct professor at South Texas College of Law Houston. A registered patent attorney, he received an LL.M. (international business law) from King’s College London, a JD from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center at Louisiana State University (LSU), and BSEE and MSEE degrees from LSU.

He has spoken, lectured and published widely on both legal topics, including intellectual property law and international law, and also on various areas of libertarian legal theory.

You've been listening to Ba Vojdaan!, with James D. Newcomb.

For more information about James, and to subscribe to the podcast, visit https://jamesdnewcomb.com. There you'll find a trove of materials available for immediate download.

And be sure to follow James' travels and adventures on social media. All the info can be found at https://jamesdnewcomb.com.

Thank you for listening!

This episode features a deep dive into the multifaceted life of Abel James, best known for the Fat Burning Man Podcast. In this interview, Abel offers insights from his musical background, detailing how early influences shaped his passions and career path.

Discover how a tragic apartment fire redirected Abel's focus from music to health, leading him to become an influencer in the realm of health and fitness.

Abel also discusses his book 'The Musical Brain,' which explores the cognitive impacts of musical training, and offers a sneak peek into his latest work, 'Designer Babies Still Get Scabies.'

Tune in for a rich conversation about creativity, resilience, and the intersections between music, health, and personal development!

Episode highlights:

01:31 Abel's Musical Journey

06:35 The Musical Brain

11:15 Transition to Podcasting

15:25 Challenges and Realities of Podcasting

27:06 Designer Babies Still Get Scabies

32:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources mentioned:

Fat Burning Man Podcast

Designer Babies Still Get Scabies by Abel James

About the Guest:

My name is Abel, and a few years ago, I made some alarming discoveries. I learned that almost everything that I thought I knew about health, nutrition, and fitness was completely wrong.

After years of frustration, sickness, and increasing flab, I stopped listening to the “experts,” “gurus,” and even my doctors. I buried my nose in the research and experimented on myself like a lab rat until I found the truth. And man, it was a doozy.

It turns out that my “healthy” low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and “effective” running program recommended by magazines, TV shows, and my doctors, were actually causing me to be fat and sick.

Once I did the opposite of what my doctors told me, I dramatically improved my health – reversing hypertension, healing my malfunctioning thyroid, and effortlessly shedding 20 pounds in 40 days.

Skip ahead a few years, and now as host of the award-winning #1 Rated Fat-Burning Man Show, I help folks to improve their relationship with food, activity, and life by circumventing marketing myths, misinformation, and corporate scheming by eating real foods and engaging in effective, science-backed training to make you lean, healthy, and energetic.

But make no mistake: I’m no guru. I do not have all the answers. YOU are the expert on you. Through my podcast, books, and coaching, I am dedicated to helping others optimize their health and reach their ultimate potential by being their own guru.

After all, experts should help you build behaviors that would eventually put them out of a job.

But with the collective health of the country (and beyond) falling off a cliff, it is more important than ever the help reverse the obesity and health crisis. As such, I share the principles and system that enabled me to dramatically optimize my life with folks who want to shed unwanted...

This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jamesdnewcomb.substack.com/subscribe