Critical Thinking in the Real World Podcasts

Today we begin with the breaking news of the Discovery Channel headquarters hostage situation. The we discuss President Obama's Oval Office Address, Midterm Elections, Politics Daily's Woman Up and Back to School.

Chicago and the state of IL have been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons this week. First, Lester Holt’s Dateline Special America Now: Faces Against Violence about the senseless violence plaguing the city disturbed all who watched. Then yesterday’s Blagojevich trial news begs the question: Are the politics in IL uniquely corrupt? If so, why? Today on Critical Thinking in the Real World, I’ll address these topics and speak with Israel Vasquez who is hoping to represent IL’s 4th District in the U.S. Congress. Vasquez will share his thoughts on how to improve things and discuss the challenges facing anyone interested in changing the status quo. Rebecca Kleefisch, WI Lt. Gov. hopeful, adds to the conversation sharing her experiences in WI and plans for the future.

We’ll talk about two of my favorite topics--politics and education with Israel Vasquez and Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis. With the midterm elections rapidly approaching, I'll speak to Israel Vasquez who is running for U.S. Congress. He’s hoping to represent the 4th district of IL. Why is he running? What's it like to run a campaign today? Israel will answer those questions and more. Then since it’s almost back to school time, I'll speak to Mariaemma Pelullo-Willis, author of Midlife Crisis Begins in Kindergarten, will tell us how to make this school year the best one for your children and for you.

Janet interviews two great guests. First, she'll speak with Rev. Isaac Hayes, candidate for U.S. Congress from the 2nd District of Illinois. Then, we'll discuss how the recession spurs growth in the private sector. Ted Murphy, Founder and CEO of Sponsored Tweets will talk about how millions are making money sending Tweets.

Our country needs a makeover. From our political system, to the economy to our very selves, we need an overhaul. We'll talk about the upcoming elections, the Gulf Coast and personal physical improvements on Critical Thinking in the Real World. Americans are unhappy with our elected officials and the job government is doing. According to the recent Washington Post-ABC News poll, public confidence in President Obama has hit a new low and approval of Congress is even worse. This has motivated Americans to act and political campaigns across the nation are fueled by a new enthusiasm and desire for considerable change. With the midterm elections less than four months away, now is the time to get involved. President Obama and his family will vacation on the Gulf Coast in August. This trip will hopefully encourage tourism in a region hard hit by the BP Oil Spill and change perceptions that the beaches and resort areas have been devastated by this disaster. The Gulf Coast businesses are the ones facing imminent disaster. On their previous trips to the region, both the president and Mrs. Obama have made a point of encouraging people to visit Gulf Coast beaches that are open and oil-free to help boost an area economy battered by the sharp decline in tourism that followed the spill. If you’d like to help by traveling to the Gulf Coast, we’ll speak to Sandy at Bayside Travel who will tell us about all the deals to be had. Have you ruled out cosmetic surgery because it’s too dangerous, invasive and expensive? Gail Coleman at Estetika Skin & Laser Specialists will tell us all about affordable non-surgical options including the latest in skincare, Thermage, Latisse, cosmetic dermatology, and facial & body rejuvenation.

We talk about the dangers of rushing to judgment without critically thinking. From the BP Gulf Oil Spill to allegations of racism within the Tea Party and USDA, people rush to vilify without getting all the facts. We can't legislate critical thinking, but we can require it of ourselves and those we elect.

Janet Hinz speaks with two career facilitators. Natalie Lambert of Savoir Faire Media will discuss the importance of having a modern website and tell us how not to “leave leads at the door.” Joanne Williams of Cardinal Stritch University will tell us why now is the perfect time for working adults to return to college. Listen live or via podcast.

We discuss the Elena Kagan Supreme Court confirmation hearings, possible lift of the decades-old Cuba travel ban and the red-tape preventing cleanup of the marshes from the Gulf Oil Spill. Then we shift focus. Today the Senate confirmed General Petraeus as new Afghan war commander. Is this a war we should fight and can we win it?

We discuss the politics of war, the fallout from Gen. Stanley McChrystal's Rolling Stone interview, President's decision to accept McChrystal’s resignation and replace him with General David Petraeus. Then we switch gears to discuss businesses thriving in today's economy by providing consumers with great products like Apple's iPhone and iPad.

On today's show we discuss President Obama's speech from the Oval Office regarding the Gulf Oil Spill. What were you expecting? Did he deliver? There has been great talk about education cuts. We discuss the facts, myths and opinions. Business ethics are fundamental to a company's success or failure. BP provides an example for us to discuss the ethical problems with cutting corners in order to boost profits.

Politics: We discuss the primaries prove women energize politics and get the chance to clean House. Journalism: Journalism has changed as a result of the 24/7 news cycle and what does the recent scandal with Helen Thomas really mean? Business: We discuss the latest information on the Gulf Oil Spill disaster. Then Kirk Strong of Smart Interactive Media tells us what it takes to be a successful small business owner today.

We cover two important topics today: politics and education. I speak with Rebecca Kleefisch, former news anchor, who is running for Lieutenant Governor in WI. You can learn more at her website: www.rebeccaforreal.com. Then we shift our attention to education. I speak with Mariaemma Willis, author of Discover Your Child’s Learning Style about how learning your unique learning style can lead to success in school and in life. To learn more about learning success, visit www.learningsuccesscoach.com.

Hot Topics discussion includes the BP Oil Spill and the efforts to clean it up, National Guard's efforts to secure our border and political correctness. Plus I interview small business owner, Lynn of Just Kidding.

Janet discusses the primaries and the upcoming mid-term elections. National security is another focus of the show--from immigration reform to the alleged Times Square bomber's other targets. The Supreme Court is another hot topic--from the nomination of Elena Kagan to recent rulings on sex offenders and juvenile sentencing.

Janet speaks with Candi Wingate, President of Nannies4Hire about how her business thrives in today's tough economy. Janet will share some great news about former guests Mark Povinelli and Sean Duffy. She'll also address all the hot topics of the week including the Supreme Court nomination and the ethical issues concerning do-it-yourself genetic testing.

We talk about Financial Reform, Immigration Reform, how both impact the upcoming elections and Keven Kennedy of the Alliance for Climate Control explains explain why the Climate Bill deserves bipartisan support.

We discuss a variety of hot topics including Pope Benedict's first public statements on the sex absuse scandal in more than a month, the AZ immigration bill, missing oil rig workers in New Orleansns, negative political campaigns and GM paying off a portion of its debt.

Mark Povinelli has appeared in over 30 film/TV shows, and 25 professional theater productions. Mark toured the world as Torvald Helmer in the OBIE award winning production of Mabou Mines’ DollHouse. Mark’s camera credits include guest starring roles on Cold Case, ‘Til Death, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Pushing Daisies, Charmed, Frasier, Dharma & Greg, and The Parkers. He will also be seen in the upcoming HBO series, Boardwalk Empire, produced by Martin Scorcese. Film credits include Epic Movie, Polar Express, Van Helsing, and Beer For My Horses. Mark is currently filming the title role in The Liliput, a true story about a Polish little person who survived the Holocaust by hiding in trash cans. Mark's short stature adds to the richness of his acting experience. While he prefers to be known simply by his name, the term little person is acceptable and he is a member of Little People of America. You can learn more about the organization at lpaonline.org.

Jeremy Fojut of MilwaukeeDrinks.com tells us about his road to entrepreneurship and the success he's had combining advertising and marketing designed to get people into your business. With more than 3,700 fans on Facebook and 900 followers on Twitter, he's reaching and engaging thousands of people daily. Then we discuss, is Obama's plan to remove certain words from National Security Document an example of political correctness gone too far?

Studies show negative ads help win political campaigns. Reframing from negativity speaks volumes about character, however. Will voters respond? Are negative ads a fixture of political campaigns?

Join Janet Hinz as we try to make sense of the new health care reform by calling out extremists for their lack of critical thinking and ask some important questions about the legislation itself. Then we turn our attention to other important issues--job creation, immigration reform and national security.

Natalie A. Lambert of Savoir Faire Media tells us the top 5 Do's and Don'ts for web and branding. Savoir Faire Media helps turn your ideas and dreams into reality. With a focus on small businesses, Savoir Faire Media has dozens of success stories helping companies starting from scratch, turning a struggling business into a thriving one with as little capital as possible, and creating a brand and image that make a impact!

Tim Murphy of Open Sky Wilderness tells us about his work with teens, young adults and families struggling with difficult challenges and life circumstances. Open Sky strives to provide a life-changing opportunity to discover and create a healthy life that is an intelligent and authentic "expression of one’s true nature as capable, worthy, honorable people."

This show is all about ethics. We cover the most recent ethical scandals in the news and then examine daily ethical challenges the average person faces.

We speak to Sean Duffy who is running for congress against a man who has been in office longer than we've been alive. You may initially recognize Sean's name from being on MTV's The Real World Boston cast in the 90's or more recently for the national coverage he's received in Time Magazine and many other media outlets. Last week Sarah Plain endorsed his campaign to unseat the author of the stimulus bill.

Do you want to escape and vacation for less? Tune in as we talk to Sandy Balbo of Bayside Travel about the best deals and why travel agents are still necessary even when so many Internet sites make it easy to do-it-yourself. Then we discuss some of the hot topics of the day.

We discuss the Toyota recall and the company's efforts to be proactive, responsible and to restore credibility with American comsumers. Then we talk about the use of the word "retarded" and The Special Olympics' efforts to end to the use of the word. Finally, we end with a tribute to Martin Luther King's eloquent argument style.

What's really going on real estate today? Our expert says there are many opportunities for home buyers. There are also millions of Americans struggling to keep their homes and foreclosures are their highest ever. Catastrophic negative equity forces some to make the difficult choice to just walk away despite the inevitable credit hits. Hear one FL homeowner's reality.

First, I'll spoke to Milwaukee's Acting Fire Chief Michael Jones. As an experienced firefighter, he helped us understand the dangerous conditions rescue workers face in Haiti particularly in light of yesterday's 6.1 aftershocks. He shared some insight into the challenges facing those helping the desperate Haitians. Next, we focused on Republican Senator Elect Scott Brown and discussed how he was able to win a seat held by Democrat Ted Kennedy since 1962. What does this mean for the 2012 elections?

The bad examples pervade the news, but there are great examples out there and that's our focus today. Frank Eliason, Senior Director of Comcast National Customer Service is revolutionizing the way customer service is using social media to reach its customers and the results are amazing. Neroli Salon and Spa shares its philosophy for delivering exceptional customer service as a means to be the best in the business and thrive when so much of its competition fails.

How do you parent children with special needs and what can you do to secure their financial futures? How can you turn a feeling of loss, when you learn about your child's challenges, into one of hope that spurs action?

Today's show focuses on charitable giving and volunteer opportunities. With the holidays upon us, many requests for charitable donations will reach us through email, over the phone, at the mall, outside the grocery store and in church. It's important to investigate before giving, however. Give generously, but be smart about it. Not every charity is worthy of your hard-earned dollars or precious time. Today I'll highlight three that are worthy of your charitable contributions and volunteer efforts. Listen and learn more about CASA, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Goodwill Industries International.

Join Janet Hinz as she discusses the real way to keep healthy this holiday season with three experts. Heather K. Jones, RD is the author of What's Your Diet Type? and she discusses how to enjoy the tempting foods served during the holiday season without sabotaging your diet. Jenny Hein and Brigette Polmer of SqueezeItIn.com will share a whole new way to think about exercise. They’ll tell us how workouts can be fit into even the busiest of schedules. Plus, they reveal some exciting news.

Today's show began with a salute to our military personnel on Veterans Day. Rachel Campos-Duffy was our first guest. She was on MTV's The Real World in the 90s. Rachel was part of the ground-breaking San Francisco cast featuring Pedro (first gay reality star with AIDS), she recently came out with a book on motherhood and was a guest co-host on The View last month. She married Sean Duffy from the Boston season of The Real World and they live in Ashland, WI. Sean is now running for Congress. Later, the mother of a newly enlisted Army soldier discussed today's military and spoke about the death of her Bryant and Stratton College colleague, Captain Russell Seager who was killed last week at Fort Hood.

In our premier show I spoke with two entrepreneurs to discuss first, the changing role of women in the workplace and second, veterans applying their skills and thriving in today's economy.