Perspectives Matter... A McCuistion Program

Is Extreme Weather Here to Stay?

Welcome to Perspectives Matter, the MCCUISTION program, where we continue talking about things that matter with people who care. In this episode, we delve into the pressing question: Is Extreme Weather Here to Stay?
Hosted by Amanda Schnetzer, we explore the undeniable reality of escalating extreme weather events, as highlighted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's observation of record-breaking occurrences in the last decade. From scorching heatwaves to devastating wildfires and torrential rainfall leading to flooding, communities worldwide are grappling with the profound impacts of these events.
To gain deeper insights into the relationship between extreme weather and climate change, Schnetzer engages with three distinguished experts: Joni Carswell, CEO and President of Texan by Nature; Dr. Andrew Dessler, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M; and Peter Girard, Vice President for Communications at Climate Central.
Throughout the discussion, the panel provides clarity on what constitutes extreme weather, its connections to climate change, and the inevitability of its escalation as global temperatures rise. They emphasize the critical need for understanding and acknowledging the scientific facts surrounding these phenomena.
Moreover, the conversation extends to examining the implications of extreme weather at local and regional levels, such as the challenges faced by Texas due to infrastructure strain, economic impacts, and threats to human health.
The experts offer valuable perspectives on the necessity of fostering resilience and implementing proactive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather. They advocate for collaborative efforts between industry, government, and conservation organizations to drive meaningful change.
Furthermore, the discussion delves into the role of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, in combating climate change. Insights are shared regarding the significant strides made in Texas and across the United States, alongside the importance of government intervention and policy initiatives to accelerate the transition towards sustainable energy solutions.
As the conversation concludes, the panelists underscore the urgency of addressing climate change through collective action, emphasizing the crucial role of informed decision-making, innovative solutions, and effective policy implementation.
Join us on Perspectives Matter as we navigate the complexities of extreme weather and climate change, underscoring the imperative of informed dialogue and concerted efforts to safeguard our planet for future generations.
For more information and to engage with our program, visit our website at McCuistionTV.com or connect with us on social media. Thank you for listening, and remember, your perspectives matter.
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Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives.
To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs at https://mccuistiontv.com/donations-support/.
Thank you for engaging with us:Niki McCuistion, Co-founder/ Executive Producernikimccuistion@gmail.com, niki@nikimccuistion.com(214) 394-6794

Perspectives Matter #3016 - Will Federal Government Debt Destroy the Dollar?

Welcome to Perspectives Matter, the McCuistion program, where we continue talking about things that matter with people who care. In this episode, host Dennis McCuistion delves into the pressing issue of the federal debt and its implications for the future. Joined by former head of the Government Accountability Office, David Walker, they explore the staggering increase in the national debt, from less than $1 trillion in 1981 to a projected $50 trillion. They discuss the factors contributing to this alarming trend, including government spending habits and a lack of fiscal responsibility.
Walker emphasizes the importance of addressing the debt burden as a percentage of the economy and the rising interest payments as a percentage of the budget. He highlights the need for bipartisan solutions and proposes a three-pronged approach: stop the bleeding by reducing spending, stabilize the patient with a fiscal stability commission, and cure the disease with constitutional amendments to ensure fiscal responsibility.
The conversation covers various fiscal metrics, including the debt held by the public versus total debt, and the implications of rising deficits and interest costs. They also touch upon the urgent need to address the solvency of Social Security and the possibility of a constitutional convention to propose necessary amendments.
Join McCuistion and Walker as they navigate the complex landscape of fiscal policy and advocate for responsible governance in the face of mounting debt and economic challenges. 
For more information and to engage with our program, visit our website at McCuistionTV.com or connect with us on social media. Thank you for listening, and remember, your perspectives matter.
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Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives.
To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs at https://mccuistiontv.com/donations-support/.
 
Thank you for engaging with us:Niki McCuistion, Co-founder/ Executive Producernikimccuistion@gmail.com, niki@nikimccuistion.com(214) 394-6794

Perspectives Matter #3014 - Immortality: Is Death Really Necessary? Part Two

Welcome to Perspectives Matter, the McCuistion program, where we delve into discussions that truly matter with individuals who are deeply invested. In this episode, we continue our exploration of whether death is as inevitable as taxes. Part One introduced us to the groundbreaking research on aging as a treatable disease, paving the way for discussions on the ethical, financial, welfare, and religious implications of immortality.
Join us as we welcome back the coauthors of "The Death of Death," Jose Cordeiro, Ph.D., and David Wood, Sc.D. Together, we unravel the possibilities and challenges surrounding the prospect of immortality. From the visionary insights of Ray Kurzweil to the ethical dilemmas of AI surpassing human intelligence, we navigate through the bridges to immortality and the societal transformations they entail.
Listen in as we confront questions about overpopulation, societal structures like marriage, and the profound impact on religious beliefs. Cordeiro and Wood offer compelling arguments backed by scientific advancements, challenging traditional perspectives and inspiring listeners to rethink the very essence of life and its potential.
Discover how these technological breakthroughs are reshaping our understanding of existence and what actions individuals can take to be part of this transformative journey. Perspectives Matter brings you thought-provoking dialogues that invite you to question, engage, and envision a future where mortality may no longer be a certainty.
For more information and to engage with our program, visit our website at McCuistionTV.com or connect with us on social media. Thank you for listening, and remember, your perspectives matter.
______________
Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives.
 
To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs at https://mccuistiontv.com/donations-support/.
 
Thank you for engaging with us:Niki McCuistion, Co-founder/ Executive Producer nikimccuistion@gmail.com, niki@nikimccuistion.com (214) 394-6794
 

Perspectives Matter #3013 Immortality-Is Death Really Necessary_ Part One

In the latest episode of Perspectives Matter, host Dennis McCuistion engages in a thought-provoking conversation with coauthors Jose Cordeiro and David Wood.
The episode centers around the intriguing topic of immortality and the ongoing efforts to treat death as a curable disease. The episode begins with a reflection on the age-old saying, "nothing is certain except death and taxes," leading into a discussion on current research aiming to challenge the certainty of death. Jose Luis Cordeiro, Ph.D., and David Wood, Sc.D., coauthors of "The Death of Death," share insights into their work on reversing aging and achieving biological immortality.
Throughout the conversation, the hosts explore the scientific advancements in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence that contribute to the possibility of extending human life. They discuss longevity escape velocity, the idea of living healthier and longer as technology progresses.
The coauthors emphasize the exponential growth in conferences worldwide dedicated to longevity and rejuvenation technologies. Jose Cordeiro shares his optimism about the progress in biotechnology, citing the potential to cure various diseases, including cancer, in the next five to ten years.
Wood highlights the intersection of different technologies, such as biotech and nanotech, in combating aging. He envisions a future where nanobots can precisely address the damage accumulated in aging, leading to a significant extension of healthy life.
The host addresses common concerns, such as potential side effects and the role of governments in supporting research. Wood emphasizes the need for early-stage government interventions to fund basic aging research before commercial viability becomes apparent. He draws parallels with past government involvement in innovations like the Internet and GPS.
As the conversation unfolds, our guests tackle questions about the optimal age to consider longevity interventions and the importance of personal lifestyle choices. They reference Ray Kurzweil's three bridges to immortality, with the first bridge focusing on current lifestyle practices and the potential for enhancing health.
This episode of Perspectives Matter offers a captivating exploration of scientific possibilities, ethical considerations, and the future landscape of human longevity. Join Dennis McCuistion, Jose Cordeiro, and David Wood on this enlightening journey into the science of immortality. Download the full episode and gain valuable insights into the potential future of human lifespan.
Note: Stay tuned for part two, where the discussion continues, and we delve deeper into practical steps individuals can take today to enhance their chances of benefiting from future breakthroughs in longevity research.
 
Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives. To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs at https://mccuistiontv.com/donations-support/.
 
Thank you for engaging with us:
Niki McCuistion, Co-founder/ Executive Producer 
nikimccuistion@gmail.com, niki@nikimccuistion.com(214) 394-6794

Perspectives Matter #3009 - The Geopolitics of Our Border Drug Trade

The opioid epidemic kills nearly 300 Americans every day.
Joining Host Jim Falk on the controversial topic of how China and Mexico may be enabling the production and importation of illicit drugs into the United States and what options are being proposed to counter this growing problem are two guests who look at this issue very differently.
Both are senior fellows at two well-regarded Washington, DC think tanks:
Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown, a senior fellow at Brookings where she co-directs the think tank’s series, “The Opioid Crisis in America; Domestic and International Dimensions.” She is a recognized expert on organized crime and illicit economies.
Dr. Jeffrey Singer, a physician who is a senior fellow in Health Policy Studies at the Cato Institute. He, like Dr. Brown, has testified before Congress and has written extensively on the fentanyl crisis.
Join us to learn more about the growing issues of our border and other drug issues.
Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives.
To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs at https://mccuistiontv.com/donations-support/.
Thank you for engaging with us:Niki McCuistion, Co-founder/ Executive Producer nikimccuistion@gmail.com, niki@nikimccuistion.com (214) 394-6794
 

Perspectives Matter #3010 - Can We Fix Our Immigration Policies?

There is widespread agreement that change in our immigration laws is long overdue.
1986 was the last time the U.S. passed major immigration reform. In our discussion, we looked at two distinct categories of immigrants, those who enter or wish to enter legally and those who cross illegally - without proper documentation.
Joining Host Jim Falk are experts in the immigration discussion: The CATO Institute’s Associate Director of Immigration Studies, David Bier, Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation’s Border and Immigration Center, and Dany Bahar, a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and an associate professor of international and public affairs at Brown University.
In our discussion, we ask: What percentage of the total U.S. population is made up of immigrants and how much has it fluctuated in recent years? As America’s birth rate drops, should we or should we not increase the number of immigrants allowed into the country? Is the United States becoming less competitive for immigrant workers, particularly high-skilled?
See what our experts have to say on Perspectives Matter - Can We Fix Our Immigration Policies?
 
Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives.
To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs.
Thank you for engaging with us:
Niki McCuistion, Co-founder/ Executive Producer nikimccuistion@gmail.com, niki@nikimccuistion.com (214) 394-6794

Perspectives Matter #3006 - Our Youth’s Mental Health Crisis

Even before the global pandemic, our youth’s mental health was in crisis.
Emergency room visits for anxiety and depression are up nearly 30%. Suicide attempts for girls are up dramatically. More young people are reporting “persistent” feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide.
Joining Host Amanda Schnetzer to talk about these issues and solutions are: Michelle Forbes, MD FAAP, Chief Medical Officer Catalyst Health Network,Kacie Kelly, Chief Innovation Officer, Meadows Mental Health Institute, andJacquelyn Gamino, PhD, Director, Adolescent Reasoning Initiative, UTD Center for Brain Health.
Although suicide is the 11th leading cause of death overall in the United States, it is the third among U.S. high school students between the ages of 14 and 18, accounting for one-fifth of all deaths among this age group, a recent CDC report said.
The cost to families and society is staggering. For Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which affects one in ten young people, the annual cost to society may be as high as $124 billion.
So, what’s going on that is causing this?
And what are potential solutions?
Join us to learn more.
Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives.
To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs.
Thank you for engaging with us:
Niki McCuistion, Co-founder/ Executive Producer nikimccuistion@gmail.com, niki@nikimccuistion.com (214) 394-6794

Perspectives Matter #3008 - How to Really See and Be Seen

According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, 61% of U.S. adults say having close friends is extremely or very important to live a fulfilling life. Yet, consider this, 30% say they have fewer than three close friends.
The U.S. Surgeon General states that the U.S. has a growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation. High schoolers and young adults are especially prone to feeling alone, lacking social connections and a sense of community.
Joining Host Jim Falk is David Brooks, whose latest book, How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen, explores relationships and how we can build deeper connections. According to Brooks, part of the problem is, we just aren’t very good at seeing and understanding others. He states, "We're living in the middle of some sort of vast emotional relational and spiritual crisis."
Also joining us is Robert Hall, an expert on relationships. He is the author of This Land of Strangers: The Relationship Crisis That Imperils Home, Work, Politics and Faith. Hall "believes we face two relationship challenges, isolation and polarization. Isolation is withdrawing from others in a way that contributes to loneliness and even depression." He advocates having a Relationship Bill of Responsibilities, not just a bill of rights. Our guests believe that part of the issue is the breakdown of social skills and a lack of social connections and a sense of community.
Are there solutions to this growing issue?
Tune in to see what our guests have to say.
Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives.
To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs. 
Thank you for engaging with us:Niki McCuistion,Co-founder/ Executive Producernikimccuistion@gmail.com, niki@nikimccuistion.com214 394-6794

Perspectives Matter #3007 - The Sixth Floor Museum and the JFK 60th Anniversary

President John F. Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963, shocked the world. It is a tragic moment in history that stands out in part because of the mystery and speculation that still surrounds it.
Joining Dennis McCuistion to talk about the President’s legacy and how the Museum honors this history, is Stephen Fagin, the Sixth Floor Museum, Curator and Oral Historian, and author of Assassination Commemoration, JFK, and the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.
Mr. Fagin takes us back in time to when JFK’s cavalcade drove past Dealey Plaza, adjacent to the Museum, and was shot. We look at the Museum when it was the Texas School Book Depository and gain a sense of the tumultuous history during the ’60s.
The Sixth Floor Museum welcomes over 350,000 visitors a year, from 133 countries. This year it hosts a special exhibit commemorating the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and his legacy.
Join us to learn more about the Museum, the richness of the history it shares, and the JFK assassination.
You can also watch Perspectives Matter episodes when they air on KERA at 11:30 a.m. on Sundays, or anytime on our website, https://mccuistiontv.com/, or on our YouTube channel, https://youtube.com/c/mccuistiontv.
 
Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501 (C) (3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives.
 
 
To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs. 
 
Thank you for engaging with us:
Niki McCuistion,
Co-founder/ Executive Producer
nikimccuistion@gmail.com, niki@nikimccuistion.com
214 394-6794

Perspectives Matter #2924 - The Inflation Crisis

Host Dennis McCuistion is joined by John Mauldin, host of Thoughts from the Frontline, a financial podcast.
The focus:
What is inflation? What caused it? Where are we right now in the inflation cycle, and where are we going? We discuss our present and future interest rates and how our interest rates and inflation impact our economy. The key question is how our current issues with inflation will impact the consumer and our buying power.
According to Mauldin, the economy in 2019 was already indicating we could be headed for a recession. COVID-19 turned everything upside down. Congress put a lot of money into the economy to help avert a worse financial disaster.
We were in a crisis. The question addressed is what direction we take now. Are we headed for a financial meltdown?
 
Perspectives Matter is a McCuistion Program and as part of a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization does not receive any pledge dollars, PBS funds, or government grants. The funding that has kept us on the air for 33-plus years comes from our grantors and loyal viewers. Your donation allows us to continue to hold engaging programs that provide different perspectives.
To be a catalyst for change, support our TV programs.
You can also watch Perspectives Matter episodes on our website, https://mccuistiontv.com/, or on our YouTube channel, https://youtube.com/c/mccuistiontv.