Insights Into Things

Insights Into Teens: Episode 74 ”Family Problems”

This week we're discussing some of the more common problems that teens face at home with their family. First we'll discuss typical friction points between teens and their parents like teen independence, arguing with your parents, a lack of communication between teens and parents and the need for parents to set boundaries and teens to push those boundaries.
We'll also look at how troubles in the home can cause issues for teens. How do parents who are experiencing interpersonal issues and the arguments that inevitably rise from that affect teens. We'll talk about the academic pressures and the frictions failing in those expectations can cause. We'll explore sibling rivalry and how teens competing against each other can be both a benefit and a hindrance.
Finally we'll talk about ways to combat some of this problems and discuss how to help teens get through these troubling but some times unavoidable scenarios. Learning to negotiate, listen and work as a team are key techniques to solving these problems.

Insights Into Tomorrow: Episode 7 ”Deadly Force”

In the wake of the death of George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks and so many other minorities at the hands of police we take a look at the concept of deadly force. We'll explore what deadly force is by looking at the legal standard for deadly force. We will explore the authority invested in police to use force, when that use of force can be escalated and the rules around how and when police can use force.
We'll examine the Use of Force Continuum and explore the lack of a centralized set of standards for police within the United States and how that in combination with varying local laws can lead to abuse of police authority. We'll explore the inconsistent and decentralized training of police throughout the country. We will examine laws that have been on the books for years that were designed to shield rogue elements of the police force from public scrutiny.
We have a broken system of law enforcement in this country today that is resulting in deadly outcomes far more frequently then it should. We'll explore some of these break downs in the system and we'll also look at changes that are happening now thanks to the sacrifices of individuals like Eric Garner, George Floyd, Rayshard Books and many more. A change is need, and a change is happening now with more reforms and consequences to come.

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 73 ”Crowning a new head of Lucasfilm?”

This week's Disney Detective explores the cautious reopening of Downtown Disney in California. We'll also take a look at a rather comedic take on a malfunctioning audio-animatronic in Carousel of Progress. We'll then take a look at an extremely talented 20 year old Tik Tok artist who seems to have captured the attention of a number of notable Disney people.
Star Wars Insights explores the rumored future of the franchise. Will Kathleen Kennedy be stepping away from Lucasfilm to pursue her own female-centric production company. This comes from the same source who suggested a radical move by Disney to explain away the sequel trilogy where many fans thing they took the franchise off course. It's an interested set of rumors, innuendo and convenient timing that are combined into some fascinating if not a bit far fetched theories.
Entertainment News explores how San Diego Comic-Con will be coming to you at home this year. We'll talk about the recently announced 6th season of the Crown. We'll also take a look at the schedule of Great Performances that PBS will be releasing for us to enjoy a little bit of Broadway at home.
We'll finish up with our Insightful Picks of the week were we both give our take on the recently released Hamilton on Disney Plus. Another great show!

Insights Into Teens Episode 73 ”Q&A Series Family and Friends”

This week we conclude our current Question and Answer Series with questions about friends and family. We learn what it is that Madison looks for in her friends. How she gets along with her friends and what benefits there are to have loyal friends who are interested in taking care of each other.
We'll also delve into some family related questions. We'll talk about Madison's brother and some of the trials and tribulations over the years. We'll also discus how Madison gets along with her parents. Does she respect them? Does she argue with them? Has she ever gotten angry at them. We'll look at the traits she admires most about her parents, which traits she'd like to develop in herself and what traits she's change about her parents.

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 72 ”Resetting the Mountain Erasing the Saga”

We're back this week after an unplanned break with a full show. In Disney Detective we talk about the major changes coming the Splash Mountain. Then we'll examine the delays with the previously planned July 17th reopening of Disneyland. We'll finish up with a look at a recent lawsuit victory for Disney regarding accessibility and it's Fast Pass system.
Star Wars Insights takes a look at the many pseudonyms of Mark Hamill and his cameos throughout the later Star Wars projects that Disney has undertaken. We'll examine a new book that suggests there was only one Jedi who could have stopped the rise of the Empire. We'll finish up with some wild speculation and some connecting of the dots that suggest Disney might have a way to erase the much maligned sequel trilogy and start over.
Entertainment News will talk about a much loved Marvel Cinematic Universe star who will not be making an appearance in the final season of Agents of SHIELD despite the current time traveling story line being a perfect opportunity for the crossover. And Disney World Rival and Comcast owned Universal Orlando plans on moving forward with its Halloween celebration despite Disney's cancellation of their own version of the event in the COVID-19 conditions.
Then we'll finish up with a couple of great Insightful Picks of the Week in this Independence Day themed show. Another great podcast coming at you this week!

Insights Into Teens: Episode 72 ”Teens and Religion”

This week we take a deeper look into Madison's beliefs and religious upbringing. We'll take a look at the religious background of her parents, talk about the religious holidays we celebrate and how we celebrate them. We'll also talk about what religious services we attend and our overall beliefs from a larger picture standpoint.
Our second segment address statistics on religion and teens. How important is religion to different age groups. What benefits people gain from their faith as well as some of the unexpected consequences of religion on peoples lives.

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 71 ”The Dark Side of Cancellations”

This week Disney Detective investigates attempts by unionized Disneyland employees to delay the planned July 9th opening of the park for safety reasons. Disney World cancels all occurrences of the "Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for 2020 due to social distancing concerns. Disney World begins testing a new hand-off security back check at Disney Springs that could revolutionize mass security scans for public facilities.
Star Wars Insights will delve into the bad news of Star Wars Celebration 2020's cancellation and when we can expect to see the popular fan convention return. We also take a peak behind the scenes to see what the Adam Driver inspired back story for his character Kylo Ren might have been in a special Father's Day related story.
Entertainment News takes a look at a scheduling change and the extension of eligibility window for the 93rd Academy Awards. We'll also explore plans for San Diego Comic-Con to move to a Virtual Convention format free for all to experience the unique event along with exclusive merchandise and much more.
We'll wrap up with our Insightful Picks of the Week. This week we'll highlight The Great Debate from Syfy and World War II: Total War on Amazon Prime. Stick around at the end for some after thoughts on upcoming convention news as well.

Insights Into Teens Episode: 71 ”Q&A Series: Existential and Philosophical Questions”

This weeks set of questions get's deep. We talk about hypothetical, existential, philosophical and religious questions. From conversation starters such as "would you rather live at the beach or mountains" to philosophical questions like "is it ever ok to lie" we've got a load of unanswered questions. We'll talk about surviving the Zombie Apocalypse to what would you like to be famous for. We'll ask the difficult questions like "do adults automatically deserve respect" right down to "what do you think is the meaning of life".
It's a fun filled question and answer session that takes down paths we didn't originally expect to go when preparing for the show. Madison reveals surprisingly complex, mature and well reasoned answers to some of the more subject questions that teens and adults alike are asked and find difficult to answer. It's an enjoyable discussion that gives some real insights into the teenage mind.

Insights Into Entertainment: Episode 70 ”A Splash of Soccer”

Disneyland Resort releases details of it's reopening plan starting on July 17th, the parks 65th anniversary. Disney saves another sport, this time Major League Soccer will be housing it's next active tournament at ESPN's Wide World of Sports. And Disney faces backlash over Splash Mountain and it's "Song of the South" based theme.
In Entertainment News we take a look at the trademark battle brewing between the United States Space Force and Netflix's Space Force for international merchandising. Then we'll close out the show with two great Insightful Picks of the Week. Michelle will talk about the Amazon Prime documentary "Bettie Page Reveals All'. Joe highlights the Netflix documentary "History 101".

Insights Into Teens: Episode 70 ”School Refusal”

Anxiety, stress and fear in a teenager can lead to an unwillingness or inability to attend school. This week we discuss what School Refusal is. We'll look at the symptoms and warning signs to look for. We'll investigate some of the common causes of School Refusal. And we will look at some of the ways that parents and guardians can help their children overcome some of these issues.
Teenage years are stressful in nature. Add to that the social awkwardness associated with school, the expectations of performance in school and the random variables of bullies, peer rejection, family conflict and underlying anxiety disorder and you have a perfect storm. Supporting our children and ensuring they have an outlet to work through these issues is key. We'll talk about this and much more in this week's episode.