Rio De Janeiro has been on the bucket list for a while. I was not disappointed! In today's episode Connor talks about his experience in Brazil jumping into the culture and being welcomed by the locals with open arms. One of those Rio locals, Alcira Bernardo, was willing to join the show in a remote interview after he got back to the States. Alcira for 15+ years owned and operated two hostels in the city hosting travelers from all over the world. A conversation on the famous Copacabana Beach...

In today’s episode Connor sits down with Bridger Pennington to talk about money. They discuss the concept of currency and how the US dollar took the top spot from a global perspective. They then dive into what the future of money might look like. They discuss cryptocurrency, blockchain and how something as simple as free WiFi could be the key to ending poverty.  Bridger Pennington is the founder of 3 funds focused in debt and real estate which have raised and deployed millions of dollars....

“You need to break bread with people who think and look different than you.” Today Michael Banks, CEO and Founder of Body By Banks, joins the show. Michael talks about the lessons he learned from his parents, his experience coming to Utah in the early 80s, and the importance of positive self-talk. As Black History Month comes to a close this timely interview will give you a great perspective on race and how to make the most of the hand life deals you. To connect with Michael go to...

After a long break, we are back with new episodes! Not only new episodes but a new look, new studio, and new direction for the show. In this episode, Connor explains what's on the horizon for Millennial in the Middle as we expand to new topics outside of politics. Connor also tells the story of Christopher Columbus in a way that you probably haven't heard before. This framing of history is so applicable to life and this podcast. It's good to be back!

Today Connor interviews Cayman Cardiff in another episode in the LGBTQ+ series. Cayman grew up in Georgia as an All-American southern kid. He played football, baseball and basketball and on the outside appeared to fit in perfectly. Inside, however, he felt he was different from his teammates. He discusses his acceptance of his sexuality, coming out and the lessons he has learned from being authentic to himself. He is now thriving and about to compete in an international male pageant  as...

Did you know that Malleus Maleficarum was passed in book sales only by the bible in 1692? This book was used as handbook for detecting and punishing witches. 🧙🏼‍♀️ In honor of Halloween, today’s episode focuses on the history of the Salem witch trials. I walk you through three takeaways from this time period and discuss how certain negative human characteristics have a tendency to present themselves when people are afraid. Rather than draw parallels myself to today, this time I invite you to...

Have you ever wondered what the Mayor does? Connor recently visited city hall and sat down with the Mayor of South Jordan, Utah - Dawn Ramsey. While she discusses what roles the mayor plays and what an ordinary day is like you will find quickly she is far from ordinary. In her first term, Mayor Ramsey served on 25+ boards and committees, represented local government on a federal level in Washington DC several times and worked closely with the Governor. Her positivity and desire to serve her...

We have had a lot of interesting guests on the show, but today’s guest may be out most entertaining and colorful yet. Ryan Woods is a gay man and as a drag queen (artist) travels the country as his character Lady Maga USA. Yes… Make America Great Again. If that doesn’t intrigue you, I’m not sure what will. Full Bio: Ryan Woods is a proud Eagle Scout, America-first Republican, Christian, and political activist. He’s an award-winning journalist with a background in mass communication and video...

Today, Connor shares the first of several interviews with members of the LGBTQ+ community. These interviews will be open, honest and real. Connor uses his platform to ask questions we may typically feel uncomfortable to ask, in an honest attempt to increase understanding with the hope of bringing people together. Grant was born a girl and as early as five years old felt felt like a mistake. In the last six months, Grant has come out as transgender and has undergone gender change operations....

Back from the Middle East and back to talking about the Pandemic (insert eye roll here). In today’s episode, Connor reacts to Biden’s aggressive, controversial and divisive speech laying out new mandates. The tone and content seemed off-brand for the President who promised to lower the temperature and bring us together. Connor explains how partisan politics have one again torn us apart and thwarted progress. Connor also tells of his recent real-life Forrest Gump experience of finding himself...

The final installment of Millennial in the Middle East! Ancient Egyptian history happened so long ago it is hard to wrap your head around it.  In this episode, Connor draws parallels to events that occurred 3,000+ years ago and shows how they are still relevant today. Erasing history and manipulating the narrative is nothing new! Along with some stories you'll hear a reaction to seeing the pyramids, being alone in King Tut's tomb and walking through Luxor temple. Shukran Egypt. Shukran...

Millennial in the Middle East Part 4! After 2+ weeks out of the country Connor is home and in this episode reports on his experience on the archaeological dig. He shares the history of Petra and gives some tips for those who may have this spot on their bucket list. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at what archaeology is all about. While digging in the dirt and trying to connect with an ancient people, Connor learned a lot about himself and life today. You'll enjoy this recap!

Millennial in the Middle East Part 3! We have all heard the news of the Taliban’s hostile takeover of Afghanistan this week. We are so quick to make this about politics and what this means for America. As Connor records this episode in the Middle East while staying in a Bedouin village his perspective is much different. This isn’t about politics, this is about people! What is our responsibility as a nation to uphold the promises we made to our allies and protect the lives of innocent people...

Millennial in the Middle East Part 2!! Connor interviewed Aryeh Green a few weeks ago to learn more about the ongoing conflict with Israel and Palestine. Connor also wanted to understand the Jewish faith/culture/nationality more fully. Aryeh was the perfect person to interview. This listen will give you more background and understanding to complex issues that seem to have no solution. As for the futile… you’ll have to listen to the story of his ancestor “The Patriot Rabbi” in the American...

Yes, I know it’s corny! The next few episodes will be like a mini-series with the Millennial in the Middle East theme. As you’re listening Connor is traveling to Petra, Jordan (yep, the place where Harrison Ford and Sean Connery find the holy grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) to be a part of an archaeological dig. As Connor prepares to go he talks about the dichotomous ways of thinking and life between Western and Eastern philosophy. The Middle East has been a center of contention...

In today’s episode, Connor interviews Sam Thiara, about his new book Lost and Found: Seeking the Past and Finding Myself. While discussing his story you’ll notice so many of the themes of this podcast come to the forefront. It didn’t take Connor long to connect with Sam and his desire to share his message with the world. To follow Sam and pick up a copy of the book please visit Sam-Thiara.com. About the book: Sam Thiara documents his seemingly impossible quest to find his grandfather’s...

The Olympics are here! A year later than expected the world will arrive in Tokyo ready to compete. This isn’t the first time a Tokyo Olympics has been delayed or canceled. Tokyo was set to host the 1940 Olympics, which obviously didn’t happen. In today’s episode, Connor tells a story involving the Japanese samurai culture, Hitler, POWs, and an American hero you should know. Connor points out how forgiveness might be key to our current divide.

Today’s guest has personal experience being behind the scenes on the campaign trail and understands the media. She has made headlines herself and has been victim to what she claims is “fake news.” It’s not every day Connor gets to interview a close friend of Roger Stone’s. So who is Karyn Turk? She is the former Mrs. Florida, is an outspoken activist, and political commentator, whose life is both provocative on and off-camera. She is the host of the weekly show “Behind the Headlines,”...

We hear about China all the time in the news, but is the country as big of a threat to the US as we so often hear? Is China our enemy? Is communism as bad as it sounds? Connor brings Jason Szeftel, political and economic writer on the show to shed some light on these questions. Jason's study and journalism is focused on all things China. His podcast, "China Unraveled,"  has charted the history and economic growth of China, the Hong Kong protests, the origin of the pandemic, and more. Find...

At 33 years old, Thomas Jefferson took the lead in drafting the Declaration of Independence. This document gave birth to a new nation comprised of united states. Connor tells the story of how Jefferson found himself in this position as the “millennial” founding father and had a little help from Ben Franklin “the boomer.” Happy 4th of July! 

Connor recently visited Peru and was fascinated with the history of the Incas and the story of Machu Picchu's discovery. In 1911, Hiram Bingham took an expedition to Peru searching the untamed Andes for the "Lost City of the Incas." In today's episode Connor tells his story and and why it matters. Connor also shares the his biggest takeaways from the trip and draws some important parallels from the history of the Spanish colonization of Peru.

What is Juneteenth? Today's episode answers that question and dives a little deeper into Abraham Lincoln's views on slavery. The Great Emancipator's track is messier than you might think. So do we cancel Honest Abe? Can we find the middle?

Today we welcome Jeff Kallay back to the show. Jeff first appeared on Episode 41 and established himself as our show’s Generational Theory expert. In this conversation we dive deeper into major events that affect society (crisis, awakening, etc.). Connor asks Jeff some thought-provoking questions responded to by drawing parallels from history and some informed speculation. How will the pandemic change the world? What can our country’s reaction to 9/11 teach us about our current issues? Who...

On June 6th, we commemorate the 77th anniversary of the Allied troops storming the beaches of Normandy on D-Day. June also happens to be the time we celebrate Gay Pride and Diversity across the world. In today's episode Connor connects these two events by telling the story of Alan Turing.  Turing's remarkable innovations and tragic end to his life should give us motivation to be better and more accepting of all. Connor also tells an urban legend surrounding Turing's death that might change...

Today we celebrate Memorial Day and the graduating class of 2021. In this special episode, Connor speaks directly to Gen Z and tells the story of a group of graduating seniors from the class of 1940. The class of 1940 had no idea what life would throw at them, but how they responded to their circumstances is what earned them the title of the "Greatest Generation." May we always remember and honor those who sacrificed so much to pave the way for the life we all enjoy! Happy Memorial Day!