The OD (Observe Dangerously) Podcast

Are equality and representation related concepts?

As we observe Juneteenth, or Freedom Day, one of the seminal questions of this century inevitably arises: what does it truly mean to be free? Another, perhaps more important question, typically comes up as well: over 150 years after slavery, are Black people treated equally as their White counterparts? Many people tend to conjoin the concept of equality with representation in the board rooms, and even the Supreme Court. JC and B-Mic Roc OD on if representation and equality have any relation to each other.

Is power absolute?

There are power dynamics that exist at all levels of society. Is power a transferrable commodity? Is there a position or positions that have a level of power that transcends the environment? JC and B-Mic Roc OD on if power is absolute.

Conscious Exponential Growth (Blackout Clip # 17)

What good is growth, even if it's exponential, if we are unable to sustain it? Even worse, what if we don't know it's happening? In this week's Blackout Clip, the concept of Conscious Exponential Growth is examined to explain why most people don't need, nor deserve, any massive handouts in life, more specifically reparations in terms of monetary payouts. Recorded 6-25-2021.

Does Philosophy influence Psychology?

How does one start the transformation process? Must you change your perspective or your personal code of conduct? Which one comes first? JC and B-Mic Roc OD on which influences which: philosophy or psychology.

What is the importance of validation?

The act of somebody of stature “co-signing” or validating one’s accomplishments or character has long stood as a rite of passage in Western society. Is it actually important to have your work validated by someone of higher stature? JC and B-Mic Roc OD on the importance of validation.

The Rule of Substitution (Blackout Clip #16)

In math, more specifically algebra, once we figured out what the unknown variable was equal to, we could substitute the known for the unknown to make subsequent equations easier to solve. Can we do the same with words? In this week's Blackout Clip, replacing one of the most common words we use with another word could make all the difference in one's life. Recorded 12-3-2021.

Why do we struggle with acknowledging standards?

If success, or even the “good life” is based on the individual, what is the incentive to acknowledge, or live up to, external standards? Is the primary issue with humanity their inability to acknowledge these external standards? JC and B-Mic Roc OD on the importance of standards.

Do you have to be crazy to do something powerful?

What is the link between sanity and power? In order to do something considered powerful, we know that you can’t be normal, but do you have to be crazy? JC and B-Mic Roc OD on if you have to be crazy to do something powerful.

Work is Worship (Blackout Clip #15)

Is worship solely through song? In this week's Blackout Clip, the concept of one's work being an act of worship is examined. Recorded 10-15-2021.

Pursuing Ignorance vs. Pursuing Happiness

We have all heard the term “ignorance is bliss”, but could this hint that ignorance is an ingredient in happiness? If so, should we pursue ignorance instead of pursuing happiness? JC and B-Mic Roc OD on whether we should pursue happiness or ignorance.