Elevated Thoughts

In this episode of Elevated Thoughts, we go beyond the headlines to ask: what does “Make America Healthy Again” really mean? We sat down with performance nutrition expert Edin Sehovic (Instagram: @EvidenceNutrition) to slice through the noise.• Why has nutrition become a political identity marker?• How can we focus on actual habit change instead of endless diet trends?• What simple evidence-based routines actually move the needle in a nation overwhelmed by choices?Whether you’re tired of wellness fads or skeptical of big-government solutions, this episode brings clarity, real talk, and practical takeaways for any American who wants to get healthier without the ideology.🔔 Like and subscribe to Elevated Thoughts for more no-fluff conversations bridging left and right.🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!

Europe’s security has depended on the United States for decades. But with Washington distracted and Russia pushing harder, can the EU actually defend itself?Veronica Anghel—coauthor of Europe’s Delayed Reckoning With Russia in Foreign Affairs—joins Elevated Thoughts to explain Europe’s struggle for independence, how Trump and Putin have reshaped transatlantic politics, and what a world without U.S. protection might look like.We break down NATO’s fractures, European defense gaps, and whether the EU’s leaders are ready to act—or just hoping America keeps showing up.📖 Read the article Veronica authored here → https://www.foreignaffairs.com/russia/europes-delayed-reckoning-russia🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!

Life can flip upside down in an instant. In this episode of Elevated Thoughts, Cooper and Mike talk with Danielle Sprouls — former attorney, corporate executive, and author of WTF: Women That Flourish — about how to pivot when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Danielle shares her journey from high-powered careers to executive coaching, revealing how she created the WTF framework to turn breakdowns into breakthroughs.Together, we explore how to navigate career transitions, imposter syndrome, and the emotional toll of big life changes. Danielle explains why awareness, acceptance, and small wins are the foundation for building resilience. She also opens up about parenting pivots, financial independence, sobriety, and the difference between fulfillment and comfort — all while reminding us that discomfort can be the spark for real transformation.If you’ve ever faced burnout, job loss, or the feeling of being stuck, this conversation will give you the tools and inspiration to move forward. Learn how to reframe shame, overcome comparison, and discover alignment in your life and career. Danielle’s story proves that WTF moments aren’t the end — they’re the beginning of something new.-00:00 Introduction to WTF Moments and Flourishing03:04 Danielle's Career Transition and WTF Moments05:50 The Importance of Acceptance and Action08:56 Tools for Navigating Crisis and Change12:13 The Role of Parenthood in Career Choices15:09 Finding Fulfillment and Alignment in Work18:02 Cultural Perspectives on Work and Parenting21:04 The Challenges of Financial Independence23:59 The Balance of Career and Family Life27:03 The Power of Curiosity and Teachability30:14 Overcoming Shame and Comparison33:26 The Power of Gratitude and Self-Reflection35:04 Navigating Shame and Acceptance36:10 Faking It Till You Make It: Confidence in Transition38:17 Understanding Imposter Syndrome39:59 Coaching vs. Therapy: Finding the Right Support41:33 The Importance of Willingness to Change45:33 The Journey to Becoming a Coach51:21 Spirituality and Daily Habits56:48 Embracing Sobriety and Self-Trust-📖 Get our guest's book → https://a.co/d/iZdPwrs𝕏 Follow our guest on X → https://x.com/The_WTF_Lady🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!

Archaeologist Carl Feagans traces the rise of pseudo-archaeology and its role as a “gateway drug” to larger conspiracy theories. He opens by examining the Cerutti Mastodon claims, outlandish assertions of a 130,000-year-old American mastodon, showing how selective evidence and sensational headlines drive false narratives. Listeners will hear Carl dissect the methodology of amateur “myth hunters” and contrast it with rigorous field practices.We also chat about prohibition-era moonshine stills unearthed in the backwoods, where Carl shares stories of discovering hidden distilleries and connecting them to local oral histories. He discusses the process of authenticating improvised copper pot stills, the nuances of dating illicit equipment, and how these finds offer a window into rural ingenuity and cultural resilience. Throughout, Carl emphasizes the value of peer review, structured community forums, and transparent reporting to keep real archaeology, and public trust, intact.#Archaeology #Conspiracies #History📖 Visit Carl's Blog → https://ahotcupofjoe.net𝕏 Find Carl's Facebook Group here → https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16ekfikMyP🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!--00:00 Intro: Pseudo-Archaeology as a “Gateway Drug” 04:31 Cerutti Mastodon Site & 130,000-Year Claim 06:53 Extraordinary Claims Need Extraordinary Evidence 33:29 Provenance & Site Disturbance as Crime Scenes 35:23 Millimeter-Perfect Recording & Handheld LIDAR 36:08 LIDAR “Last-Bounce” Technique Explained38:42 The “Casey Jones” Square Still Innovation41:54 Discovering & Measuring a Hidden Still45:17 Ethnography & Oral Traditions of Hollow Stills 59:58 Dinosaur Misconceptions & Archaeology vs. Paleontology

Real science is in a slug‑fest against viral conspiracy creators—and Professor Dave Farina is swinging the biggest hammer on YouTube. In this episode of Elevated Thoughts, Dave breaks down how sensational thumbnails, anti‑establishment rhetoric, and the platform’s own algorithm push fringe theories ahead of peer‑reviewed facts. From Graham Hancock’s pseudo‑archaeology to Flat Earth fantasies, he reveals why debunk videos must blend entertainment with airtight evidence if they hope to cut through the noise. Expect candid stories about late‑night research sessions, creator burnout, and the weird satisfaction of delivering a “nuclear bomb” rebuttal.We also dive into the billion‑dollar influence network funding misinformation online. Dave names tech oligarchs, dark‑money think tanks, and click‑bait farms that profit from public confusion about climate change, vaccines, and gender science. He argues that rebuilding trust means highlighting scientific consensus first, then unpacking the uncertainties honestly—no more pretending every opinion is equal. You’ll hear why trolls in the comment section can actually boost visibility if you handle them with strategic replies.Finally, we ask whether grifters really believe their own hype or just chase ad revenue and cult followings. Dave shares the one “hill he’ll die on,” offers practical tips for spotting credible sources, and explains why curiosity beats cynicism when learning astronomy, zoology, or any field you love. If you’re tired of doom‑scrolling fake facts and want tools to sharpen your critical thinking, this conversation is your antidote. Smash play, share with a skeptic friend, and join us in proving that real knowledge can still win the click war.SUBSCRIBE to Professor Dave Explains on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorDaveExplains🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!-00:00 – Intro & Welcome Professor Dave01:00 – How Dave Chooses His Debunk Targets03:50 – Pseudo-Archaeology & Graham Hancock’s Cult Following05:30 – Trolls, Comments, and Boosting the Algorithm08:00 – Flat Earth: The Most Delusional Cult?10:00 – Entertainment vs Truth: Winning the Click War12:00 – Viral Moments & Content Strategy Secrets15:30 – Distrust in Institutions: Where It Comes From18:00 – Rebuilding Public Trust in Science21:00 – Do Grifters Believe Their Own Claims?23:00 – Creator Burnout & Workflow Realities25:00 – Dave’s Favorite Topics: Astronomy, Zoology & More27:00 – The Science Behind Sex & Gender Misinformation29:00 – Where to Find Professor Dave & Episode Wrap-Up

New parents are Googling “Are baby vaccines safe?” and the answers can feel like a shouting match. Board-certified pediatrician Dr. Mona Amin breaks down the entire childhood schedule, from the vitamin K shot to MMR, using clear risk-vs-benefit data that busy moms and dads can trust.Get her free, research-backed vaccine guide → https://pedsdoctalk.com/vaccine-guideYou’ll also hear why COVID shook public confidence and how to separate peer-reviewed facts from Instagram fear-bait.But shots are only one piece of the puzzle. We dive into late walking, milestone anxiety, and the real-world feeding challenges that every toddler parent faces—puffs, purées, and all. Dr. Mona explains why development is a marathon, not a sprint, and shares the exact red-flag signs that mean it’s time to call your pediatrician. Along the way, Cooper and Mike admit their own parenting fails so you don’t feel alone.Finally, we zoom out to modern fatherhood. Millennial dads are more hands-on than ever, yet work-from-home life piles on new pressures. You’ll pick up quick wins for splitting bedtime duties, using humor to defuse tantrums, and choosing presence over perfection. Whether you came for vaccine facts or sanity-saving hacks, this episode delivers science, empathy, and zero fluff.📖 Find more from Dr. Mona here → https://www.instagram.com/pedsdoctalk/ and https://pedsdoctalk.com/🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!--00:00 Intro – why dads need straight answers 02:50 Dr. Mona’s journey & Peds Doc Talk origin 05:30 Vaccine hesitancy: centuries in the making 09:55 How COVID rewired public trust 14:45 Empathy hacks for hard vaccine talks 18:10 “I’m not anti-anything—I’m just scared” 21:20 Government vs. parents: who sets the schedule? 25:40 Vitamin K myths & brain-bleed ER stories 31:00 How vaccine trials actually work 38:40 Milestones: when to worry, when to chill 46:05 Feeding battles, baby-led weaning, protein myths 52:45 The new role of dads in child health 59:00 Debunking viral parenting myths 1:03:00 Key takeaways & where to follow Dr. Mona

Gen Z spends more than seven hours a day on screens yet reports the highest loneliness ever recorded—fully one-quarter of young American men say they feel isolated every day. Award-winning civics teacher Jeremy S. Adams, author of Lessons of Liberty and the bestseller Hollowed Out, joins Elevated Thoughts to unpack why perpetual connection breeds emptiness and how schools, families, and faith communities can fight back.Jeremy recounts classroom moments that shocked even him: seniors admitting “we cheat on everything,” AI tools ghost-writing homework, and attention spans that vanish after 90 seconds. Hosts Cooper Simmons and Mike Marro grill him on Gallup’s new loneliness data, TikTok’s looming U.S. ban, and whether radical individualism has turned freedom into misery. They also debate real-world fixes—from reviving family dinners to mandatory civic service—and why Jeremy still sees a path to purpose for the “hollowed-out” generation.Parents, teachers, and students: this hour delivers blunt stats, vivid stories, and a hopeful blueprint to refill Gen Z’s civic and emotional tank.🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week & smash the like if you enjoyed this video. 📖 Get our guest's book → https://a.co/d/7vVSrK6🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 Please drop a comment: What’s the ONE habit Gen Z must change first?--00:00 Introduction to Hollowed Out and Its Themes01:34 The Impact of Technology on Gen Z07:30 Liberty vs. Licentiousness in Modern Society10:41 The Unhappiness of Today's Youth12:17 Civic Engagement vs. Political Distraction18:35 The Loss of Meaningful Connections22:19 Awareness of Technology's Impact on Youth29:38 The Role of Teachers in Society34:03 Navigating Political Discourse in Education36:58 The Evolution of Social Gatherings39:26 Generational Shifts in Attention and Engagement40:38 The Political Divide: Gender and Ideology44:05 The Changing Landscape of Political Identity49:52 The Complexity of Trump and Conservatism55:59 The Resilience of American Political Culture

Brad Polumbo joins us to break down today’s political discourse, right-wing media shifts, and cancel culture in the Trump era. We explore how social media accelerates public opinion swings, why checks and balances matter more than ever, and what independent media can do to keep both sides honest.Brad explains how Trump narrowed the “big tent” of conservatism, the internal GOP fights over fiscal responsibility, omnibus bills, and proposed age limit reforms. They also dive into immigration policy, focusing on due process versus national security. Plus, Brad shares audience engagement trends—rising social division and heated gender identity debates reshaping online communities.🔑 Key Topics:• Political discourse & media polarization• Cancel culture’s impact on debate• Evolution of right-wing media in the Trump era• GOP fiscal battles, omnibus bills, age limit reforms• Immigration policy & due process• Social division & gender identity trends👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Elevated Thoughts. #BradPolumbo #ElevatedThoughts #MediaPolarization #CancelCulture #Conservatism00:00 Restoring Productive Discourse03:42 The Evolution of Right-Wing Media07:28 Navigating the New Independent Media Landscape09:37 The Pendulum of Political Discourse12:53 Checks and Balances in a Polarized Era17:14 Legislating for Possibilities vs. Realities22:01 The Role of Due Process in Immigration Policy28:12 Defining Modern Conservatism30:46 The Evolution of Conservatism33:06 Deficits and Spending: A Conservative Dilemma36:29 The Internal Struggle of the Republican Party39:58 The Omnibus Bill Crisis41:51 Age Limits in Politics: A Necessary Reform50:15 Engaging with the Audience: A Two-Way Conversation𝕏 Follow Brad on X → https://x.com/brad_polumbo🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!

We sat down with Dr. Hugh Thomas, field director at Zagora and co‑lead of the Pack_Up archaeological project in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, to separate sensational pseudo‑archaeology from rigorous science.From the 7,000‑year‑old mustatil ritual rectangles scattered across the desert to the epic excavations at Zagora in Greece, Dr. Thomas takes us behind the scenes of real fieldwork: the stakes of destructive excavation, the necessity of ethical reburial of human remains, and why each dig is literally a “one‑shot” opportunity to preserve context.We explore how community archaeology empowers local stakeholders to combat conspiracy theories and how groundbreaking lab methods like radiocarbon (C¹⁴) and bioapatite dating, isotope analysis, and even protein fingerprinting of ancient cattle teeth, are transforming our understanding of Neolithic ritual practices.If you’ve ever wondered how honest archaeology stacks up against fast‑and‑loose myths about Atlantis, aliens, or lost super‑civilizations, this is the conversation to stick around for.𝕏 Follow our guest on X → https://x.com/hughs_newsAnd Follow the Pack_Up Project here → https://x.com/PAKEP_KSA🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on YouTube and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!--00:00 Introduction to Archaeology and Its Misconceptions02:54 Real Experiences in Archaeology06:02 Excavation Techniques and Ethical Considerations09:04 Challenges of Field Work in Remote Locations12:00 The Reality of Excavating Human Remains14:55 Understanding Ancient Structures in Saudi Arabia18:03 The Significance of Mustatil Structures20:52 Ethics in Archaeology and Human Remains23:56 Cultural Perspectives on Archaeological Practices33:08 Ancient Cults and Community Structures36:26 Modern Archaeological Techniques and Discoveries39:24 The Role of Local Communities in Archaeology42:37 Challenging Archaeological Orthodoxy46:11 The Importance of Science Communication in Archaeology49:44 Adapting Theories in Light of New Evidence55:44 The Physical Demands of Archaeological Excavation01:04:34 Engaging with the Public and Future of Archaeology

Classical archaeologist Dr. Joseph Wilson (UMass Amherst) takes us inside the world of archaeological echo chambers and alt-history conspiracies.Learn how click-bait communicators block critical voices, why “symmetrical vases” aren’t proof of lost ice-age civilizations in the archaeological record, and how forged artifacts flood the antiquities market. Joe breaks down the real scientific methods—field excavation, provenance analysis, isotope testing—that professional archaeologists use to separate fact from fiction.Whether you’re curious about Atlantis myths, Gobekli Tepe preservation, or the tactics behind echo-chamber thinking, Dr. Wilson arms you with the tools to spot bad archaeology and demand better discourse. Hit subscribe and ring the bell so you never miss another deep dive with Elevated Thoughts.𝕏 Follow our guest on X and BlueSky:https://x.com/JosephAPWilson1https://bsky.app/profile/josephapwilson.bsky.social🛍️ Support Elevated Thoughts by shopping our affiliate link! https://www.amazon.com/shop/broopersimms🧠 Find more from us → http://www.ElevatedThoughtsPod.comWe are also on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!🎧 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ElevatedThoughtsPod🎙️ Apple Pods → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/elevated-thoughts/id1736414535💬 What do you think? Comment below!#archaeology #ancienthistory #debunkingmyths 00:00 – Intro & Podcast Welcome 02:09 – Meet Dr. Joseph Wilson 02:50 – Joe’s Academic Background & Early Research 07:10 – The Rise of Alternative Archaeology Online 13:57 – Science vs. Pseudoscience in the Field 20:00 – Confronting Echo Chambers & Troll Tactics 26:18 – Authentic vs. Forged Artifacts Explained 32:00 – Site Preservation & Infrastructure Myths 40:08 – Archaeology as Humanities & Science 50:45 – Funding Cuts & Policy Challenges 57:44 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Joe