Ordinary Citizens

Everybody is a Natural-Born Leader

On the final episode of Season 1, I speak with a good friend, Norman Coulter. He is a high school educator, a leadership coach, and motivational speaker. (Or at least, everything he says sounds like a motivational speech). We discuss the idea that leadership and a proactive mindset is for everybody. We discuss effective strategies we can use today to combat the problems that plague America's youth today. We explore the power of asking questions, more specifically, utilizing direct questions as a method for empowering young people.

Life's Dissonance

For the fourth episode of O.C., I speak with a good friend of mine, Joseph "Mojo" Lee. Mojo is a high school youth pastor living in Temecula, CA and lives his life with tremendous passion and honesty and is perhaps the most reliable friend anybody could have. We discuss Mojo's journey of self-identity as it relates to his career as a musician and his Korean-American heritage. We discuss the ways in which unforeseen setbacks and tension -- or dissonance -- in our lives can refine our character and strengthen our identity. We discuss the importance of deconstructing everything you've been taught from a young age in order to solidify your beliefs and create your own narrative.

Legal Talk

In the third episode of Ordinary Citizens, I speak with my Uncle Steve. Steve is a retired water law lawyer who resides in the beautiful state of Montana. Steve shares lessons learned from working in politics and practicing law. We discuss the importance of expertise and specialization within the legal world. We discuss the essential role the judicial branch plays in American society. We discuss other valuable lessons learned over the course of Steve's career.

Why History Matters

In the second episode of Ordinary Citizens, I speak with a former professor, Dr. Bradley Hale about why history matters. Dr. Hale offers wisdom regarding the utility of studying history and the ways in which historical study can improve modern life. We discuss the ways in which historical study can "teach" us about ourselves and contemporary society, while also challenging the "arrogance of the present". We discuss the ways in which living in the "age of information" has impacted our understanding of history and the relationship between old and new ways of thinking. We explore the ways in which historical study can better inform modern politics and ultimately improve our governmental system and society.

Civic Activism

In the first episode of Ordinary Citizens, I speak with an old friend, Norris Spagner. Norris, amongst many other things, is a pastor, educator, and a civil rights advocate who travels the U.S. and the globe to promote racial reconciliation. Norris discusses the journey from losing his older brother at age 7 to gang violence to being a first generation college-graduate. We discuss the importance of listening to other opinions, asking questions, and engaging in dialogue in an attempt to bring love, healing, and justice in the midst of political and social tension. We discuss the importance of art and expression as a tool of civic activism and engagement and Norris shares an original poem about his journey.