Sharing your home with Airbnb guests and connecting with travelers: Airbnb hosting brings extra income and cultural connections, but awareness of health risks is important
Turning your home into an Airbnb not only brings in extra income but also allows you to share a piece of your world with others. The hosts in this episode, Jen and Jason, have incorporated the Airbnb experience into their own home design, offering guests a comfortable and welcoming stay. This not only benefits the hosts financially but also allows them to connect with travelers from around the world. Additionally, the discussion with Dennis Carroll highlights the importance of being aware of the health risks associated with encroaching on wildlife populations and the potential for common diseases like the flu to become global pandemics. It's crucial for individuals to take steps to protect themselves and their communities, such as getting vaccinated and following public health guidelines. Overall, the episode emphasizes the value of opening up your home to others and being informed about potential health risks.
Understanding the origins and characteristics of emerging viruses: Dennis Carroll travels globally to anticipate new viral diseases by studying their origins and specific features, including the 'H' and 'N' domains in virus names, which refer to attachment and spread proteins, respectively. Fear lies in potential dangerous combinations of highly infectious and deadly viruses.
Dennis Carroll travels around the world to anticipate and understand emerging viral diseases, such as COVID-19, by focusing on hot spots where new diseases are likely to emerge. He also explained that the naming of viruses like COVID-19 is done to reflect their point of origin and specific characteristics. For instance, the "H" and "N" in virus names refer to two different structural domains within the virus. The H domain refers to the hemagglutinin protein, which helps the virus attach to cells, while the N domain refers to the neuraminidase protein, which helps the virus spread from cell to cell. When these viruses infect humans, they can swap genetic material, leading to new and potentially dangerous combinations. The fear is that a highly infectious virus could commingle with a deadly one, resulting in a massive public health crisis. So, in essence, Carroll's work involves staying ahead of potential pandemics by studying the origins and characteristics of emerging viruses.
Monitoring and preventing the spread of deadly viruses: Public health officials aim to keep overall virus circulation low to minimize the risk of a deadly and contagious strain emerging, focusing on preventing the acquisition of deadly and transmissible features by known viruses and monitoring for potential spillover from wildlife to humans and livestock.
The threat of a deadly and highly contagious flu virus is a major concern for public health officials. While some deadly viruses, like H5N1, have a low transmission rate to humans, the fear is that they could acquire the ability to spread easily between people. This would increase the risk of a pandemic. The seasonal flu, on the other hand, is highly contagious but less deadly. The goal is to keep the overall number of viruses in circulation low to minimize the chances of a deadly and contagious strain emerging. Most emerging viral threats are not entirely new but rather mutations of viruses we already know. Therefore, efforts focus on preventing the acquisition of deadly and transmissible features by these viruses. Many viruses circulate in wildlife without causing harm, but there is a risk of them spreading to humans or livestock, leading to potential pandemics. The key is to monitor and prevent the spillover of viruses from wildlife to humans and livestock.
Human population growth and expansion into wildlife habitats increase the risk of viral spillover: The 21st century has seen an unprecedented frequency and intensity of viral spillover events, leading to epidemics and pandemics, due to human population growth and expansion into wildlife domains.
As humans continue to expand our populations and encroach on wildlife habitats, there is an increasing risk of viruses jumping from animals to humans, leading to epidemics and pandemics. This process, known as viral spillover, has become more frequent and intense in recent decades due to human population growth and expansion into wildlife domains. While many of these viruses may not cause illness, some, like the coronavirus, can be highly lethal. The 21st century is unprecedented in terms of the frequency and intensity of these events, and it is impossible to have such population growth without seeing impacts at the epidemic and pandemic level. An epidemic refers to a disease outbreak that is geographically limited, while a pandemic is a global epidemic that spreads across multiple countries and continents. The ongoing coronavirus outbreak in China is a clear example of this trend, and as we move further into the century, we can expect to see more of these events. It is crucial that we continue to monitor and study these viruses to better understand their origins and potential impacts on human health.
Potential for flu and coronaviruses to cause epidemics or pandemics: Flu and coronaviruses are highly contagious and can cause epidemics or pandemics due to constant mutation, making it difficult for our bodies to build immunity and increasing the likelihood of new, potentially deadly strains emerging.
Influenza and coronaviruses, which are part of the respiratory virus family, have the potential to cause epidemics and even pandemics due to their high transmissibility. An epidemic refers to sustained transmission in a limited geographic area, while a pandemic is when a virus spreads and has sustained transmission in at least two continents. The flu is particularly concerning because it is highly contagious, with each infected person potentially infecting up to 23 others. Additionally, influenza viruses constantly mutate, making it difficult for our bodies to build immunity and increasing the likelihood of new, potentially deadly strains emerging. Pandemic viruses, unlike seasonal flu viruses, are new to the human population and can cause widespread illness and death due to our lack of immunity. It's not a matter of if, but when the next flu epidemic or pandemic will occur.
Pandemics pose greater threat to middle-aged individuals due to immune system overreaction: Historically devastating pandemics can lead to millions of deaths due to immune system overreaction, and our current level of preparedness is inadequate.
Pandemic viruses, unlike seasonal influenza, pose a greater threat to healthy, middle-aged individuals due to their immune systems overreacting and causing damage, a phenomenon known as a cytokine storm. This can lead to devastating societal impacts with potential deaths in the millions. Historically, pandemics, such as the 1918 flu, have resulted in significant mortality, and with increased global population and travel, the speed at which a pandemic can spread is alarmingly fast. Preparedness is crucial, as pandemics are inevitable, and our current level of preparedness is inadequate.
Impact of a deadly virus like the 1918 pandemic today: A 3% mortality rate from a modern deadly virus would result in 60 million deaths, overwhelming healthcare systems and causing significant economic and societal disruption.
If a deadly virus like the one from 1918 were to emerge today, the consequences would be catastrophic. Even without modern medical interventions, bacterial infections were a significant contributor to the high mortality rate during the 1918 pandemic. With a population of 2 billion people, a 3% mortality rate would result in the deaths of 60 million people. The production and distribution of vaccines would not keep pace with the virus's spread, leading to a much higher death toll. Additionally, the economic and societal disruption caused by the pandemic would lead to preventable deaths from various causes. The pandemic would also put immense pressure on healthcare systems, making it difficult for people with chronic illnesses to access necessary medical care. The pandemic would not affect every community at the same time, but rather in waves, each lasting around 2 to 4 weeks. The records from the 1918 pandemic show that during the wave, deaths from other causes disappeared, and by the beginning of November, normal causes of death reappeared.
Protecting essential services and combating fear during a pandemic: Ensure health workers are protected, maintain essential services, and combat fear and misinformation through accurate information to mitigate the impact of a pandemic.
Preparing for a pandemic involves more than just mobilizing the health system to treat infections. It's also crucial to protect the health workers and ensure essential services like power, food, and safety are maintained. Misinformation and fear can spread rapidly during a crisis, making it essential to disseminate accurate information. Fear itself can be a significant consequence of a pandemic. The flu shot, for instance, may cause temporary discomfort but protects against serious illness. Vaccine refusal, such as not getting the measles vaccine, puts children at risk and is criminal behavior. In essence, being informed and taking necessary precautions are key to mitigating the impact of a pandemic.
Challenges in Developing a Universal Vaccine: Maintain good hygiene, practice social distancing, and wear masks to prevent virus spread while researchers work on universal vaccines. Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation hinder progress.
The power of vaccination has significantly reduced the threat of various diseases, but the constant mutation of viruses like influenza makes developing a universal vaccine challenging. Vaccine hesitancy and the spread of misinformation can hinder public health advancements and potentially lead to outbreaks. The best prevention against infection includes good hygiene practices, social distancing, and wearing face masks when necessary. These measures can help protect individuals and prevent the spread of viruses to others. Despite the challenges, continued research and education are crucial in the fight against infectious diseases.
Protect yourself and others by wearing masks and practicing good hygiene: Wearing masks and practicing good hygiene not only protects individuals from getting infected with viruses but also reduces the risk of spreading them to others in the community. Being proactive in identifying and disrupting the spillover of viruses from animals to people is crucial in preventing future epidemics or pandemics.
Wearing masks and practicing good hygiene not only protects individuals from getting infected with viruses like COVID-19 but also reduces the risk of further spreading the virus to others in the community. The use of masks is particularly important when interacting with infected individuals as it prevents them from spreading the virus. Moreover, being proactive in identifying and disrupting the spillover of viruses from animals to people is crucial in preventing future epidemics or pandemics. The Global Viro Project is an example of a proactive initiative that aims to catalog circulating viruses in wildlife, understand their geography and proximity to livestock and people, and rank their potential risks. By focusing on these areas, we can disrupt the spillover and lower the risk of new viruses spreading to humans.
Documenting and characterizing viral dark matter to prevent future outbreaks: By studying viruses in wildlife before they jump to humans, we can develop broad-spectrum vaccines and drugs, transforming the sciences around emerging viral diseases and preventing future outbreaks.
We cannot continue to react to viral epidemics and pandemics after they have already spread widely. Instead, we must get ahead of the future by documenting and characterizing viral dark matter, the viruses circulating in wildlife before they move into people. This approach, as discussed in the Global Virome Project, can lead to the development of broad-spectrum vaccines and drugs effective against multiple members of a viral family. By utilizing big data and genetic profiles, we have the opportunity to transform the sciences around emerging viral diseases and prevent future outbreaks. It's essential to recognize that the world we live in now is not forever, and societies and architectures we take for granted will be footnotes in history. We must adapt and innovate to address the challenges of the future, including the threat of emerging viral diseases.
Learning from History: The Black Plague and Our Vulnerability: Understand the past to prepare for future epidemics and pandemics, minimize consequences through preparation and anticipation, and recognize the potential impact of special pathogens and poor healthcare systems.
Diseases serve as a reminder of our vulnerability and the potential catastrophic consequences if large populations are affected. The Black Plague in the 14th century provides a stark example of how a pandemic can put a civilization on the brink of extinction. We remain just as vulnerable today, and it's crucial to learn from history to prepare and minimize the impact of future epidemics and pandemics. Fear is a natural response, but it should trigger action rather than paralysis. Preparation and anticipation are key to minimizing the consequences. The world is always running at overcapacity in terms of healthcare, and a catastrophic event could easily overwhelm the system. Special pathogens, which are highly contagious, hard to treat, and cause public panic, pose a significant threat. Wild animals, such as birds, can spread diseases rapidly across the globe. Poor areas and under-resourced hospitals are often the last to receive help, exacerbating the spread of diseases. While it's important not to overreact, it's equally important to be prepared and take action to minimize the impact of future epidemics and pandemics.
Building a strong network before you need it is crucial: During the coronavirus pandemic, building strong relationships and networking is essential for dealing with shared risks. Check out Jordan Harbinger's free course on how to do so at jordanharbinger.com/course.
The coronavirus is highly contagious and can affect billions of people, making it a shared risk for everyone. The solution to this global issue is shared action, not bombing, banning, or explaining. Building a strong network before you need it is crucial, and Jordan Harbinger offers a free course on how to do so at jordanharbinger.com/course. The importance of relationships and networking cannot be overstated, and Jordan can be found on social media as Jordan Harbinger. The episode was produced by Jen Harbinger, Jason DeFilippo, engineered by Jay Sanderson, show notes and worksheets by Robert Fogarty, and music by Evan Viola. Remember, we rise by lifting others, so share the show with those who may find it useful or interesting. For those concerned about infectious diseases, or for those who may be panicking too much or not enough, they would benefit from listening to this episode. So, please share the show with loved ones and even those you don't know. In the meantime, apply what you learn from the show to live what you listen. And, if you're looking for great deals for Mother's Day, head to Nordstrom Rack for amazing deals starting from just $30. So, go ahead and hit the turn signal if you know about this juicy gem of a detour.
320: Dennis Carroll | Planning an End to the Pandemic Era
Recent Episodes from The Jordan Harbinger Show
1051: Tu Lam | From Refugee to Real American Hero
From refugee to elite soldier to Call of Duty character: Green Beret Tu Lam shares his incredible journey of overcoming adversity and finding purpose.
What We Discuss with Tu Lam:
- Tu Lam escaped Vietnam as a child on a dangerous boat journey, enduring extreme hardship before eventually making it to the United States as a refugee.
- He faced significant racism and challenges growing up in America, but was determined to prove himself and joined the military, eventually becoming a Green Beret.
- Tu Lam served in elite special forces units for over 20 years, participating in dangerous missions around the world including hostage rescues and counterterrorism operations.
- After leaving the military, he struggled with PTSD and drug addiction, but was able to heal through various methods including psychedelic therapy.
- Tu Lam's journey shows how we can overcome extreme adversity and trauma through perseverance, seeking help when needed, and finding positive ways to channel our experiences. His story inspires us to face our own challenges with courage and to use our struggles as motivation to help others.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1051
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1050: Lisa Kaltenegger | In Search of Alien Life and Livable Worlds
Are we alone in the universe? Alien Earths author Lisa Kaltenegger joins us to discuss new discoveries in humanity's hunt for extraterrestrial life.
What We Discuss with Lisa Kaltenegger:
- The universe contains billions of stars and galaxies, with an estimated one out of five stars having a planet that could be similar to Earth in terms of potential habitability.
- Scientists use various methods to detect exoplanets, including observing changes in starlight and analyzing the light spectrum of planets to detect signs of life-sustaining elements like oxygen and methane.
- The search for extraterrestrial life involves looking for planets in the "habitable zone" or "Goldilocks zone" around stars, where conditions might allow for liquid water on the surface.
- The observable universe is limited by the speed of light and the age of the universe (approximately 13.7 billion years), meaning we can only see as far as light has had time to travel since the Big Bang.
- Anyone can contribute to space exploration and scientific discovery by staying curious, learning about new discoveries, and supporting science education. Even simple actions like looking up at the night sky and wondering about our place in the universe can inspire a lifelong passion for science and exploration.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1050
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1049: Friend Was a Creeper But You're Not His Keeper | Feedback Friday
A friend's arrest for a dark crime has you shaken. Can you protect your career and sanity from association with this monster? Welcome to Feedback Friday!
And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!
On This Week's Feedback Friday:
- How did "The Thing" that Soviets used to spy on Americans during the Cold War (as described in episode 1027: Jonna Mendez | A Woman’s Life in the CIA) actually work? Some of our science-minded listeners have written in with fascinating answers!
- Your close friend was arrested for possessing and distributing child abuse material, leaving you and your friend group in shock. You're grappling with feelings of betrayal, questioning your judgment, and worrying about potential impacts on your career as a preschool teacher. What steps can you take to cope with this crisis and safeguard your professional reputation?
- As the new Director of Nursing Care, you're tasked with improving staff performance after years of lax management. You find yourself constantly disciplining employees and dealing with petty complaints, feeling more like a punitive boss than a supportive leader. How can you maintain positivity while addressing these challenges?
- Your wife's family is fraught with tension due to her sisters' problematic marriages, including allegations of abuse and sexual assault. Fresh to the family, you're not sure where you fit into its overall structure yet. Can you help mend family bonds or should you keep your distance?
- You're a Jewish doctor in a relationship with a Catholic woman, struggling to balance your religious practices with your desire to be with her. After a breakup and reconciliation, you discover she's still in contact with her ex. How do you address this without compromising your values or losing her?
- Recommendation of the Week: Love on the Spectrum
- As the founding CEO of a startup, you sacrificed relationships and recreation to build the company. Just as things were going well, you were replaced by the shareholders and are now owed a significant sum. How can you reclaim your professional path while rediscovering personal fulfillment?
- Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
- Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram...
1048: Shaun Attwood | From Raves to Riches to Ruin Part Two
Raves, riches, and ruin: Former ecstasy kingpin Shaun Attwood exposes the dangerous world of drug trafficking and its violent criminal connections. [Pt 2/2 — find Pt 1 here!]
What We Discuss:
- The extreme brutality and inhumane conditions in the United States prison system, including rampant violence, unsanitary living conditions, and inadequate medical care.
- The complex and dangerous social dynamics within prison, including racial segregation, gang politics, and the constant threat of violence.
- The psychological impact of long-term incarceration, including the difficulty of reintegrating into society and the lasting trauma experienced by both inmates and their families.
- The systemic issues within the American prison system, particularly the profit-driven motives of private prisons that perpetuate a cycle of crime and recidivism rather than focusing on rehabilitation.
- The power of personal transformation and education, as demonstrated by Shaun's journey from drug kingpin to advocate for prison reform. His story shows that even in the darkest circumstances, individuals can find ways to grow, learn, and ultimately use their experiences to make a positive impact on society.
- And much more — be sure to check out part one of this conversation here if you haven't already!
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1048
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1047: Shaun Attwood | From Raves to Riches to Ruin Part One
Raves, riches, and ruin: Former ecstasy kingpin Shaun Attwood exposes the dangerous world of drug trafficking and its violent criminal connections. [Pt 1/2]
What We Discuss:
- Shaun Attwood, a former stockbroker turned drug dealer, recounts his journey from the UK to Arizona, where he became involved in the rave scene and eventually established a large ecstasy distribution network.
- Shaun's story involves interactions with dangerous individuals, including members of the Mexican Mafia and associates of former show guest Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, highlighting the violent and unpredictable nature of the drug trade.
- The narrative illustrates the gradual escalation of criminal activities and the blurring of moral boundaries as Shaun became more deeply entrenched in the drug world.
- Shaun describes the intense paranoia and constant threat of violence that accompanied his lifestyle, demonstrating the high personal cost of his choices.
- Despite the dark nature of the story, Shaun's experiences offer valuable insights into the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of making positive life choices. His journey towards redemption, which will be further explored in part two later this week, serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to change course and seek a better path in life.
- And much more — be sure to tune in to part two of this conversation here later this week!
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1047
If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please peruse and reply to our Membership Survey here?
And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!
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1046: Hydrotherapy | Skeptical Sunday
Ice plunges, hot soaks, and eight glasses a day: Jessica Wynn splashes cold water on hydrotherapy myths and explores potential benefits on Skeptical Sunday!
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:
- Hydrotherapy, which includes various uses of water for health purposes, lacks substantial scientific evidence for many of its claimed benefits, especially for generally healthy individuals.
- The popular belief that we need to drink eight glasses of water a day is a myth perpetuated by beverage companies. Our bodies are well-equipped to signal thirst when we need hydration.
- Extreme temperature changes in hydrotherapy, such as alternating between hot and cold water, can be dangerous and potentially lead to fainting, heart problems, or drowning.
- Many of the alleged benefits of hydrotherapy, such as improved circulation or muscle recovery, can often be achieved through other, potentially safer methods like exercise or breathing techniques.
- Hydrotherapy does show promise in specific medical contexts, such as pain management for fibromyalgia, easing labor during childbirth, and assisting with certain rehabilitation exercises. If you're interested in exploring hydrotherapy for health reasons, consult with a medical professional to determine if it's appropriate for your individual needs and how to practice it safely.
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
- Connect with Jessica Wynn.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1046
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1045: Helping Pal Who Paid Cost for Offing His Boss | Feedback Friday
We all joke about offing the boss. Your friend actually did. He'll soon leave prison, but you're unsure how to receive him. Welcome to Feedback Friday!
And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Gabriel Mizrahi (@GabeMizrahi) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!
On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:
- We've all fantasized about offing the boss, but your friend actually did it. Now he's done his time in prison and is returning home. How do you help him rejoin society without ignoring the gravity of his crime?
- You opened a bakery with your partner, but the building owner across the street turned your parking spaces into a dumpster area, including rotting fish from a sushi restaurant. Your attempts to resolve the issue have been unsuccessful. How can you save your business from this smelly situation?
- Your sister-in-law is neglecting her nine-year-old daughter, keeping her out of school and leaving her alone all day. The child's father is unreliable, and you're unsure about intervening. How can you protect your niece without causing more chaos?
- Your wife suddenly claimed to be a lesbian, cheated on you, and left the family. After two years apart, you've reconciled, but things aren't going well. She's depressed, anxious, and isolating herself. Can this marriage be saved, or is it time to move on?
- Recommendation of the Week: iPhone users should consider changing default camera settings for optimal high-res photos. Here's how — with more tips here!
- As a Jewish public servant, you've faced increasing antisemitism and violence at work, even requiring hospital visits. Your progressive values are being challenged by the harsh realities of your job. How can you reconcile your ideals with your experiences?
- Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
- Connect with Gabriel on Twitter at @GabeMizrahi and Instagram @gabrielmizrahi.
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1045
If you love listening to this show as much as we love making it, would you please <a...
1044: Dan Harris | From Breaking News to Breaking Habits
Is happiness a learnable skill? 10% Happier author Dan Harris is here to share techniques for managing stress and finding contentment in a hectic world.
What We Discuss:
- Dan Harris shares his experience as a war correspondent and his struggle with anxiety and drug use that culminated in a panic attack on live television.
- The intense and often toxic work environment in network news, particularly during Dan's early career at ABC News.
- Dan's journey from cocaine addiction to discovering meditation and mindfulness as tools for managing stress and anxiety.
- The concept of "Papañca" (mental proliferation) and how it contributes to unnecessary suffering through overthinking and projection.
- Happiness is a learnable skill. Through various practices like meditation, therapy, exercise, and mindfulness, we can train our minds to be more resilient, peaceful, and content. As Dan emphasizes, we're not stuck with our current traits as if they're unalterable factory settings — they are trainable skills that we can improve upon throughout our lives.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1044
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1043: Andrew Gold | Unveiling the Psychology of Secrets
Are secrets a burden or social glue? Psychology of Secrets author Andrew Gold delves into the evolutionary roots and modern impacts of hiding information.
What We Discuss with Andrew Gold:
- Keeping secrets can be physically and emotionally painful for humans. This evolved as a mechanism to encourage social cohesion and information sharing within tribal communities.
- There's a difference between secrets and privacy. What is considered a secret versus private information often depends on societal norms and can change over time.
- Technology is making it increasingly difficult to keep secrets, with devices like smartwatches and phones potentially revealing information we'd rather keep hidden.
- Virtue signaling and victim signaling are common behaviors, especially on social media, where people may pretend to hold certain beliefs or experiences for status or attention.
- Sharing appropriate secrets can increase intimacy and strengthen relationships. By thoughtfully opening up to others, we can build deeper connections and foster trust, leading to more meaningful interactions and a stronger support network.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1043
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1042: Sex Trafficking | Skeptical Sunday
Is sex trafficking really a global crisis or just an overblown conspiracy theory? Andrew Gold reveals truths and misconceptions on this Skeptical Sunday.
Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by On the Edge host Andrew Gold!
On This Week's Skeptical Sunday, We Discuss:
- Sex trafficking knows no borders, and the United States stands out as a particularly active region for this crime. It victimizes individuals regardless of age — notably, more than a fourth of those trafficked are minors.
- The scale of sex trafficking is difficult to determine accurately, with estimates varying widely. This uncertainty stems from the underground nature of the crime and challenges in data collection.
- Sex trafficking victims often suffer severe physical and mental health consequences, including STIs, injuries, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance abuse issues. The average lifespan of women in prostitution is tragically short at around 34 years.
- The issue of sex trafficking is frequently politicized and weaponized, sometimes exaggerated for political gain. However, it remains a serious problem that ruins thousands of lives through organized crime networks and individual traffickers.
- Education and awareness are key tools in combating sex trafficking. By learning about the issue, discussing it openly, and spreading accurate information, we can help inform potential victims about the dangers and contribute to prevention efforts. Everyone can play a role in this by staying informed and sharing knowledge with others.
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
- Connect with Andrew Gold on Twitter and Instagram, and check out On the Edge with Andrew Gold here or wherever you enjoy listening to fine podcasts!
Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Consider leaving your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1042
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331: How to Work from Home Effectively | Feedback Friday
Due to the recent COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, many of us are now required to work from home. As a team of people who have been working from home for more than a decade, we have some advice for those wondering how to work from home effectively during a pandemic -- and, of course, lots more on this Feedback Friday!
And in case you didn't already know it, Jordan Harbinger (@JordanHarbinger) and Jason DeFillippo (@jpdef) banter and take your comments and questions for Feedback Friday right here every week! If you want us to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Feedback Friday episodes, drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com. Now let's dive in!
Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://jordanharbinger.com/331.
On This Week's Feedback Friday, We Discuss:
- Since we've been doing it for so long, we've got some pointers for working from home effectively for those of you out there who might be doing it for the first time during this pandemic!
- Your career is extremely specialized and your choices for moving to another company are slim to none. And frankly, you don’t even want to do it anymore, but you can't afford to take a pay cut to start over. What should you do?
- Your boss gets annoyed when you stand up and jog in place for five minutes every hour to stay limber after sitting for so long. Is taking such a short break really a demonstration of a lapsed work ethic, or is there more going on here?
- How should you respond to random people on LinkedIn who reach out to network -- even when you have no friends in common? You don't mind being helpful, but how do you weed out the timewasters?
- While you do have general social anxiety, you find yourself especially shy and less talkative around your attractive friends. Why is this, and how might you get past it?
- At a young age, it came out that your two older brothers were sexually abusing your younger sister. They were sent away for years, essentially breaking up your family. Now you're all adults and working on your mental and emotional issues. Where should you start seeking help?
- A quick shout out to Ashley Jensen, who sold her family's medical device company using some of the things she learned on this show!
- Have any questions, comments, or stories you'd like to share with us? Drop us a line at friday@jordanharbinger.com!
- Connect with Jordan on Twitter at @JordanHarbinger and Instagram at @jordanharbinger.
- Connect with Jason on Twitter at @jpdef and Instagram at @JPD, join his podcasting club, and check out his other show: <a href="http://podcastone.com/grumpy-old-geeks"...
473: Scott Galloway | From Crisis to Opportunity Post Corona
Scott Galloway (@profgalloway) cohosts Pivot with Kara Swisher, publishes the No Mercy/No Malice newsletter, is a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, and is the author of Post Corona: From Crisis to Opportunity.
What We Discuss with Scott Galloway:
- How the pandemic has accelerated changes already in the making: it only took 40 weeks to lose the jobs that it took 20 years to create, and only eight weeks for e-commerce to experience a decade's worth of growth.
- The industries most poised to thrive in the post-pandemic world.
- Why it's never been easier to become a billionaire, and it's never been harder to become a millionaire.
- How education will change as a result of pandemic upheaval and the technology created to match its demand -- likely for the better.
- How to make sure these dramatic changes work for you instead of against you.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/473
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958: Alison Young | Lab Leaks, Pandemics, and a World at Risk
Did the COVID-19 pandemic start with a lab leak? Pandora's Gamble author Alison Young is here to crunch the numbers without entertaining conspiracies!
What We Discuss with Alison Young:
- How often disease research lab leaks really occur.
- Why even the world's best-run labs are susceptible to safety breaches.
- The prevalence of disinformation campaigns to cover up, obscure, or misdirect lab leak blame.
- What gain-of-function research is and why it's so controversial.
- What we do and don't know about the possibility of the COVID-19 pandemic being the result of a lab leak in Wuhan, China.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/958
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524: Nicholas Christakis | Pandemic Impacts and Contagious Behavior
Nicholas Christakis (@NAChristakis) is the Sterling Professor of Social and Natural Science at Yale, a physician, and author. His latest book is Apollo's Arrow: The Profound and Enduring Impact of Coronavirus on the Way We Live.
What We Discuss with Nicholas Christakis:
- What social science tells us about our best shot (pun moderately intended) at achieving herd immunity from COVID-19.
- How social networks allowed the virus to spread and reinforced mistrust of well-known science among certain politically oriented segments of the populace.
- What the lessons of past disasters can teach us about the road ahead.
- Why the bad (and good) habits of our friends' friends can have an impact on our own behavior from across vast social networks.
- What we can do to best defend ourselves against the unwanted influence of these unseen members of our network.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/524
Sign up for Six-Minute Networking -- our free networking and relationship development mini course -- at jordanharbinger.com/course!
Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!
510: Rob Reid | Why the Future is a Good Kind of Scary
Rob Reid (@Rob_Reid) is a tech entrepreneur, early-stage tech investor, author of After On: A Novel of Silicon Valley, and host of the After On Podcast.
What We Discuss with Rob Reid:
- While COVID-19 has been devastating on a global scale, it's comparatively benign when we consider how bad it could have been with a deadlier, more transmissible virus and a decimated infrastructure without access to basic necessities.
- What gain of function research is, and why it's so dangerous in a world where even the most secure laboratories can leak pathogens into the general population.
- The death toll inflicted by society's suicidal mass murderers is limited only by the weapons they have available -- whether they're guns, knives, airplanes, or synthetically manufactured superviruses created by soon-to-be commonplace genetic manipulation technology.
- The steps we can take as an international community to fend off the malevolent efforts of a few bad actors by creating an infrastructure that can detect and prevent the spread of any potential future pandemic.
- How DNA printers with the ability to create pandemic-defying vaccines on demand may become as common in the home as smoke alarms.
- And much more...
Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/510
Sign up for Six-Minute Networking -- our free networking and relationship development mini course -- at jordanharbinger.com/course!
Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!