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    • Capital One Venture X Card and AutoTrader's Kelly Blue Book My Wallet, an unexpected connectionThe Capital One Venture X Card offers 2X miles on every purchase and premium travel benefits, while Kelly Blue Book My Wallet on AutoTrader helps determine monthly car payments. An unexpected connection is found between the herbicide Agent Orange and the skateboard brand of the same name.

      The Capital One Venture X Card offers unlimited 2X miles on every purchase and comes with premium travel benefits, while Kelly Blue Book My Wallet on AutoTrader helps individuals determine their monthly car payments. Chuck Bryan shared an unexpected connection between the herbicide and skateboard brand Agent Orange. During the Vietnam War, about 11 million gallons (42 million liters) of Agent Orange were used as a defoliant, but Chuck was initially drawn to the brand due to its cool name, only to later learn it was an herbicide and lose interest. Now, years later, his interest is piqued again due to its military significance.

    • US military used herbicides during Vietnam War to defoliate jungle and clear enemy hideoutsThe use of herbicides like Agent Orange during the Vietnam War caused long-term damage to the environment and the health of those exposed to it

      During the Vietnam War, the US military used large quantities of herbicides, with Agent Orange being the most infamous, to defoliate vast areas of Vietnam. This herbicide, while intended as a growth regulator, ended up killing everything it touched, including trees, crops, and the root system, making it impossible for new growth to thrive. The military used this tactic to clear the jungle and make it easier to identify enemies. However, this came at a significant cost to the Vietnamese people, who were exposed to the herbicides and suffered from their harmful effects. The creator of Agent Orange, Dr. Arthur W. Galston, was shocked and dismayed when he learned that his invention was being used in such a destructive way. The use of herbicides during the war caused long-term damage to the environment and the health of those exposed to it.

    • Agent Orange's lasting impact on health and environmentAgent Orange's use during the Vietnam War led to long-term environmental and health consequences due to dioxin contamination, which can cause cancer, birth defects, and miscarriages, and is still present in some areas today.

      The use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War led to significant environmental and health consequences, particularly in relation to dioxin contamination. This contamination, which is still present in some areas today, can bind to hormone receptors and tamper with DNA, leading to health issues such as cancer, birth defects, and miscarriages. The high concentrations of dioxin in Agent Orange have had lasting impacts, even though the vegetation has grown back in many areas. The dioxin is still present in the environment and can be found in small amounts in various consumer products and even in human bodies due to natural occurrences and industrial processes. Despite the passage of time, the health effects of Agent Orange and its dioxin contamination continue to be a concern.

    • Exposure to environmental toxins like dioxin causes birth defects and long-term health issuesExposure to dioxin from agents like Agent Orange and Agent Purple can lead to severe birth defects and long-term health issues, which can be passed down through generations. In contrast, platforms like Zigazoo provide a safe environment for kids, and apps like Betterment help manage finances effectively.

      Environmental toxins like dioxin, present in agents used during wars such as Agent Orange and Agent Purple, can cause severe mutations during the zygote stage leading to birth defects. These toxins can be passed down through generations, causing long-term health issues. Vietnam, in particular, is facing a significant problem with an estimated one million of its population. Agent Purple, which contains three times as much dioxin as Agent Orange, is possibly even more deadly but receives less attention. In contrast, Zigazoo, a social media platform for kids, ensures a safe and fun environment for children to share content, create videos, and interact with friends, without the risks of comments, text messaging, or bots. Lastly, Betterment, an automated investing and savings app, helps your money work for you while you relax, earning high yields, diversifying investments, and optimizing taxes, making it a smart choice for those who want their money to hustle while they don't have to.

    • Agent Orange's Complex Legal LandscapeDespite links to cancer, the US government's sovereign immunity makes it hard for individuals to sue Agent Orange producers for damages. Thousands in Vietnam continue to suffer from Agent Orange poisoning, and remediation remains a challenge.

      The Agent Orange herbicide, which was used during the Vietnam War, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer in humans. However, the legal landscape surrounding lawsuits against the companies that produced Agent Orange has been complex. The US government, which contracted these companies to produce Agent Orange, has been protected by sovereign immunity, making it difficult for individuals to sue for damages. Despite some settlements, there are still ongoing lawsuits and a significant number of people in Vietnam who have been affected by Agent Orange poisoning. The town of Bintre alone has 140,000 residents, and an estimated 58,000 of them have been affected. The remediation of Agent Orange poisoning remains a challenge. The discussion also touched on the fact that Agent Orange has the opposite effect on humans compared to plants, with small doses inhibiting cancer cell growth but larger doses promoting uncontrolled growth.

    • Impact of Dioxin Contamination from Agent OrangeDioxin contamination from Agent Orange during the Vietnam War continues to impact health and requires ongoing cleanup efforts, with natural methods used to mitigate effects. Dioxins, causing severe health issues, have a short half-life but persist in soil for decades. U.S. government acknowledges link to health issues in veterans and provides VA care.

      The environmental impact of dioxin contamination, particularly from Agent Orange use during the Vietnam War, is a significant issue that affects a large portion of the population in Vietnam and the United States. The cleanup process is expensive and ongoing, with natural methods like reforestation and soil filtration being used to mitigate the effects. Dioxins, which can cause severe health issues including skin damage and developmental problems, have a relatively short half-life but can persist in the soil for decades. Some individuals, like Ukrainian politician Viktor Yushchenko, have been directly affected by dioxin poisoning and have suffered visible and debilitating health effects. The U.S. government acknowledged the link between Agent Orange exposure and health issues in veterans and provided VA care for affected individuals before any lawsuits were settled. The ongoing impact of dioxin contamination highlights the importance of continued research, intervention, and support for those affected.

    • Agent Orange's Lasting ImpactAgent Orange's use during the Vietnam War had devastating consequences, affecting soldiers, their families, and future generations. One high-ranking military figure, Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, was personally impacted when his son died of cancer after exposure.

      The use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War had far-reaching and devastating consequences, not just for soldiers, but also for their families and future generations. The Koreans were responsible for the spraying of the herbicide, and it's estimated that the effects may be passed down genetically. One notable figure connected to Agent Orange was Admiral Elmo Zumwalt, who ordered its use in the Mekong Delta and inadvertently exposed his own son, Zumwalt III, to the chemicals. Tragically, Zumwalt III died of cancer, and his son, Elmo IV, has a severe learning disability. Despite this, Zumwalt later advocated for compensation for victims. It's important to note that the use of Agent Orange is just one example of the everyday hardships and challenges that servicemembers face, both on and off the battlefield. A servicemember currently stationed in Rome, Italy, wrote in to express gratitude for the podcast and to share a story about his own mundane yet important job as a postal clerk, reminding us of the diverse experiences and roles within the military.

    • Exploring the Power of Podcasts and Social MediaPodcasts and social media platforms offer valuable information, entertainment, and creative outlets for individuals, helping them stay informed, engaged, and connected in various ways.

      Podcasts can provide valuable information and entertainment, even in specialized fields, and can help individuals stay informed and engaged, as illustrated by a listener who keeps up with industry news through the IndieWire Screen Talk podcast and impresses a car enthusiast friend. Another listener enjoys the How Stuff Works podcast while driving and sends in a tongue twister as a contribution. Social media platforms like Zigazoo offer a safe and moderated environment for kids to express themselves creatively. The IndieWire Screen Talk podcast offers insightful discussions on film and TV industry news with special guests every week. These examples highlight the power of media and technology to connect, inform, and engage people in various ways.

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    Related Episodes

    Chemicals, creepy crawlies and crops: how safe is your food? Episode 52

    Chemicals, creepy crawlies and crops: how safe is your food? Episode 52

    Agronomist Kevin Hoyer joins the podcast to talk about his experience helping farmers diagnose and treat their plants and soil as well as traveling the world looking at food production in other countries.  As a "doctor for crops," he says  “you can be thankful and trust that the products you buy are at the highest level of safety possible.  America carries the highest standards found anywhere in the world.”

    Kevin Hoyer and his wife Jody own and operate a family farm nestled in the bluffs of west central Wisconsin, not far off the Mississippi River. They grow soybeans, corn along with small grains to use as cover crops. They both also work off the farm, Jody as a quality control specialist for a local dairy processor, while Kevin works as an agronomist and crop advisor at a local ag retailer.

    Key points:

    An agronomist is like a doctor for crops

    • trained in plant and soil health.
    • focused on safe and abundant food that is as sustainable and environmentally-friendly as possible.
    • works directly with farmers.
      • soil tests
      • plant health analysis
      • advising farmers

    Why do farmers use chemicals?

    • the chemicals are plant-protectants designed to protect or reduce stress on the crop.
      • similar to using sunscreen to protect our skin.
      • like taking an aspirin for a headache.
    • weeds rob water and nutrients from crops
    • many compounds used are found in nature in plants or soil
      • plants have natural pesticidal activity to ward off pests.
      • alfalfa evolved to grow longer hairs on the stem to ward off aphids.

    Why is understanding agriculture in other parts of the world important?

    • get outside your comfort zone
    • understand other consumers and their concerns - there are commonalities.
      • farmers want to grow crops with as little fertilizer or pesticides to maximize production.
      • consumers want to feel comfortable that food was grown and processed with care an safely.
    • other countries do things we don’t do anymore.
    • new practices reduce negative impact.
    • America has the highest standards for food safety and quality. 

    Tips to overcome Food Bullying:

    • Remember all of our food has to go through the same safety standards whether it is labeled sustainable, organic, conventional - they must meet the same levels of quality and safety.
    • Look out for claims that seem outrageous. Trust that your food is safe.
    • If you have questions, ask a farmer - we don’t have anything to hide. 

    Agronomist Kevin HoyerLinks:

    Kevin Hoyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hoyer-Farms-138987533112713/

    Food Bullying Podcast’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/foodbullyingpodcast

    Food Bullying: How to Avoid   Michele Payn: http://foodbullying.com

    Embrace Your Heart with Eliz Greene: http://www.embraceyourheart.com/

    Where food grows, bugs go: Episode 31

    Where food grows, bugs go: Episode 31

    Wine. Tomatoes. Green beans. Tofu. What may sound like a menu is actually what this Maryland farmer grows. Jennie Schmidt shares why her farm transitioned from organic to conventional to be more sustainable, how she produces such a wide variety of crops,  and what food bullying terms like factory farming mean to her family farm.

    Jennie is a dietitian turned farmer, so she’s a great #featuredfarmer during National Nutrition Month & National Agriculture Month. She grows corn for chickens, soybeans for tofu and oleic oil, grapes for wine, tomatoes for a canning company, green beans for the fresh market and other crops on their farm in Maryland. Jennie gives great insight on why she uses chemicals on all of her products, the positive environmental impact she works toward, and how some of the products can be a pain in the butt to grow and even smell really bad. Listen in to go inside a 'grocery store' farm.

    Key points

    • Wine, grapes, and chemicals. The technology and intensive hand labor involved in a vineyard.
    • How weeds are a pest in a farm field and what farmers do about them.
    • The transition away from organic farming to conventional - and why .
    • How weeds take moisture and nutrients from crops.
    • How farmers protect topsoil, the value of tillage, and farming in the unique Chesapeake Bay environment.
    • The trade-off of diesel fuel, man hours and equipment versus the use of herbicides.
    • Why tillage is used in some areas, but not in others. There’s no singular right way to farm.
    • How 3.5 million pounds of tomatoes are harvested and why they can stink
    • Tips to overcome food bullying: don’t be afraid of your food
    • Family farms, factory farms, and misperceptions.

    RDN Farmer Jennie SchmidtFabulous quotes

    “Chemicals naturally occur in all foods. And you and me “

    “Where foods grows, bugs go.”

    “When you plow your field, you’re burying the organic matter you’ve built up from the previous year.”

    “There are different types of farming practices that work for different parts of the country that work for different crops.”

    “There’s no cookie cutter system – no one system works perfectly across all growing regions.”

    Links

    Where food grows, bugs go: Episode 31

    Where food grows, bugs go: Episode 31

    Wine. Tomatoes. Green beans. Tofu. What may sound like a menu is actually what this Maryland farmer grows. Jennie Schmidt shares why her farm transitioned from organic to conventional to be more sustainable, how she produces such a wide variety of crops,  and what food bullying terms like factory farming mean to her family farm.

    Jennie is a dietitian turned farmer, so she’s a great #featuredfarmer during National Nutrition Month & National Agriculture Month. She grows corn for chickens, soybeans for tofu and oleic oil, grapes for wine, tomatoes for a canning company, green beans for the fresh market and other crops on their farm in Maryland. Jennie gives great insight on why she uses chemicals on all of her products, the positive environmental impact she works toward, and how some of the products can be a pain in the butt to grow and even smell really bad. Listen in to go inside a 'grocery store' farm.

    Key points

    • Wine, grapes, and chemicals. The technology and intensive hand labor involved in a vineyard.
    • How weeds are a pest in a farm field and what farmers do about them.
    • The transition away from organic farming to conventional - and why .
    • How weeds take moisture and nutrients from crops.
    • How farmers protect topsoil, the value of tillage, and farming in the unique Chesapeake Bay environment.
    • The trade-off of diesel fuel, man hours and equipment versus the use of herbicides.
    • Why tillage is used in some areas, but not in others. There’s no singular right way to farm.
    • How 3.5 million pounds of tomatoes are harvested and why they can stink
    • Tips to overcome food bullying: don’t be afraid of your food
    • Family farms, factory farms, and misperceptions.

    RDN Farmer Jennie SchmidtFabulous quotes

    “Chemicals naturally occur in all foods. And you and me “

    “Where foods grows, bugs go.”

    “When you plow your field, you’re burying the organic matter you’ve built up from the previous year.”

    “There are different types of farming practices that work for different parts of the country that work for different crops.”

    “There’s no cookie cutter system – no one system works perfectly across all growing regions.”

    Links

    Chemicals, creepy crawlies and crops: how safe is your food? Episode 52

    Chemicals, creepy crawlies and crops: how safe is your food? Episode 52

    Agronomist Kevin Hoyer joins the podcast to talk about his experience helping farmers diagnose and treat their plants and soil as well as traveling the world looking at food production in other countries.  As a "doctor for crops," he says  “you can be thankful and trust that the products you buy are at the highest level of safety possible.  America carries the highest standards found anywhere in the world.”

    Kevin Hoyer and his wife Jody own and operate a family farm nestled in the bluffs of west central Wisconsin, not far off the Mississippi River. They grow soybeans, corn along with small grains to use as cover crops. They both also work off the farm, Jody as a quality control specialist for a local dairy processor, while Kevin works as an agronomist and crop advisor at a local ag retailer.

    Key points:

    An agronomist is like a doctor for crops

    • trained in plant and soil health.
    • focused on safe and abundant food that is as sustainable and environmentally-friendly as possible.
    • works directly with farmers.
      • soil tests
      • plant health analysis
      • advising farmers

    Why do farmers use chemicals?

    • the chemicals are plant-protectants designed to protect or reduce stress on the crop.
      • similar to using sunscreen to protect our skin.
      • like taking an aspirin for a headache.
    • weeds rob water and nutrients from crops
    • many compounds used are found in nature in plants or soil
      • plants have natural pesticidal activity to ward off pests.
      • alfalfa evolved to grow longer hairs on the stem to ward off aphids.

    Why is understanding agriculture in other parts of the world important?

    • get outside your comfort zone
    • understand other consumers and their concerns - there are commonalities.
      • farmers want to grow crops with as little fertilizer or pesticides to maximize production.
      • consumers want to feel comfortable that food was grown and processed with care an safely.
    • other countries do things we don’t do anymore.
    • new practices reduce negative impact.
    • America has the highest standards for food safety and quality. 

    Tips to overcome Food Bullying:

    • Remember all of our food has to go through the same safety standards whether it is labeled sustainable, organic, conventional - they must meet the same levels of quality and safety.
    • Look out for claims that seem outrageous. Trust that your food is safe.
    • If you have questions, ask a farmer - we don’t have anything to hide. 

    Agronomist Kevin HoyerLinks:

    Kevin Hoyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hoyer-Farms-138987533112713/

    Food Bullying Podcast’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/foodbullyingpodcast

    Food Bullying: How to Avoid   Michele Payn: http://foodbullying.com

    Embrace Your Heart with Eliz Greene: http://www.embraceyourheart.com/