A Walk On The C&O Trail

This week, I embark on a contemplative journey, sharing a unique perspective on patriotism that transcends conventional allegiance to country. Born in Mexico and residing in the United States, I dive into the complex relationship between patriotism, sports, and national identity, challenging the tribal divisions often amplified by global events. This episode offers a candid reflection on the essence of patriotism beyond flag-waving and anthem-singing. Through personal anecdotes and thoughtful commentary, I explore the value of freedom of expression, the perils faced by dissenters in less tolerant societies, and the nuanced appreciation for the freedoms available in his adopted country. I invite listeners to reconsider what it means to be patriotic in today's interconnected and often polarized world, emphasizing the importance of critical thought, empathy, and the universal pursuit of equality and democracy. Join us for a deep dive into the meaning of patriotism, when you're not tied to a single nation, but to the ideals that unite us all.

In this episode, I share my thoughts following a conversation with fellow public health professionals. I talk about the challenges we face in urban public health, the relationship between socio-economic factors and crime, and the complexities surrounding homelessness. I also explore how political ideologies, both conservative and liberal, influence our approaches to critical issues like vaccination mandates, gun safety, and mental health. Drawing on my personal and professional experiences, I discuss the often difficult balance between scientific evidence and political biases in shaping public health policies. The featured image for this episode was created by DALL-E artificial intelligence from OpenAI.

I'm an early adopter of technology, even the more controversial technology. I don't know why ChatGPT has awakened so many fears because it is clear to me that it is just another tool for us humans to use for good or evil. In this episode, I talk about my relationship with ChatGPT, what I use it for... And I even interview the darned thing. It's pretty cool, and it won't eat your lunch if you won't let it.

You might not know that I am a big fan of aviation. But I'm also one who gets nervous in planes with turbulence. Go figure.

A quick 5-minute update about my recent illness, and how -- yet again -- I am promising to keep up this podcast.

Just a quick, five minute episode to get you caught up. I’ll do better next time. Promise.

My parents made sure I knew stuff, so I wouldn't fall for stuff. Scammers have to work hard to get me, and they hate that. I can see through the web of lies of antivaxxers and people who try to sell me Supplements or Complementary and Alternative Medicine (SCAM). I hope I'm passing all this on to my daughter, so she knows stuff and can identify bullsh*t when she sees it.

Experiences in high school led me to understand how LGBTQ+ people needed me to stand with them, defend them, and, most of all, love them. And now, we in public health need to stand up against policies from governments who are looking to hurt transgender kids.

I went for a walk to clear my head and start thinking of things to do for next week. Here are some of my thoughts.

After a bad breakup twenty years ago, I decided to take up running. I met some women and even went on dates because of running. But there was this one race where I made a fool of myself just in time to avoid being labeled a criminal.