In this episode of the EZ Conversations podcast, Furkhan and guest Elsie Gilmore dive into the contentious debate between capitalism and socialism. Elsie shares her unique perspective, shaped by her upbringing on a small dairy farm in Vermont and her deep interest in environmental and social issues. She discusses capitalism’s flaws and merits, focusing on exploiting workers and natural resources. The conversation also covers practical examples, such as the housing crisis and wage disparity in the U.S., and explores potential solutions like a blend of socialist principles. Elsie emphasizes the power of collective consumer action and the need for systemic change to address social and economic inequalities. Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful about the future, driven by her belief in the potential for human cooperation and Innovation.

Elsie Gilmore, author of How to Find Joy in a Capitalist Hellscape, holds a master’s degree in environmental law and policy from Vermont Law School. She is known for her environmental activism, including civil disobedience, and was arrested at the White House in 2011 as part of Tar Sands Action. She also conducts social experiments involving talking to and hugging strangers and advocates for environmental protection and fundamental human rights.

Elsie began her writing journey when the internet was a toddler and hasn’t stopped since. Her work includes various personal and professional blogs, a column for the Rutland Herald, participation in several radio shows, and her current weekly Substack publication, Sunday Mornings in Bed. Described as “that lady who will not stop talking,” Elsie’s voice is persistent and passionate.

With a twenty-year career as a web developer and the founder of Women With Moxie, a women’s networking company, Elsie has worn many hats, from Vermont farm girl to multi-business owner and now a published author.

Sponsors of the Podcast:

• BetterHelp: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://betterhelp.com/ez10⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for 10% off your first month of Therapy
• WeShape: https://weshape.postaffiliatepro.com/scripts/dcfogwyuk?a_aid=FurkhanDandia&a_bid=d7508fa8 for 35% all plans.
• Aura: https://aura.com/ez10 for a free two-week trial
• Plunge: https://plunge.com/ez
• Mint Mobile: ⁠https://trymintmobile.com/ez10⁠ for 15$ for an unlimited cell phone plan
• Mental: ⁠https://getmental.com/ez
• NuCalm: https://nucalm.com/free-trial?/ref=ez for a one-week free trial

If you would like to support EZ Conversations, here are all the ways you can do that:

• Instagram⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://m.facebook.com/eunoiazen⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• YouTube⁠⁠: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrqBp_zdRiIfBRV4wURSZ2A⁠⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/furkhan-dandia-ccc-mba-072a8a1ba/
• Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/EzConversations⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Or find Furkhan’s Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Welcome

01:00 Guest Introduction: Elsie Gilmore

02:47 Understanding Capitalism and Its Impact

04:20 Housing Crisis and Corporate Influence

06:24 Inflation and Corporate Profits

07:56 Consumer Power and Social Division

09:26 Wage Issues and Economic Inequality

12:57 Healthcare Systems: A Comparative Discussion

15:09 Taxation and Wealth Distribution

20:54 Corporate Influence on Politics

22:58 Socialism vs. Capitalism: Finding a Balance

29:48 Environmental Concerns and Sustainability

37:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Furkhan Dandia Therapist and Coach

I am a men's coach, therapist, group facilitator, podcaster and author. My journey began five years ago when I was going through a separation. I found myself alone and in a shame spiral that our culture and society covertly exert on people due to the perceived "failure" of a marriage. Unfortunately, I personalized that message which led me to fall deeper into a hole, causing me to surround myself with people that did not serve me and engage in substance abuse. While seeking therapy, I was not making the wholesale changes I needed.

As part of my experience with therapy, I realized that I am not alone in the challenges men my age experience (I separated at the age of 34/35). I realized I could be a voice for men like myself and offer support in this space. In the middle of the pandemic, I applied for a Master's degree in Psychology to become a therapist. This change was a significant shift for me as I worked in the corporate world as an engineer. Once I leaned into the space of supporting other men, I also started a podcast to normalize these difficult conversations and started a men's group a year later with the support of a friend.

I thought I was giving something back when I started the men's group. However, I quickly realized I was getting substantially more from the connections I built than I initially anticipated. It was also something I needed because I was going through another breakup.

At that point, I also realized that I had not taken the time to heal, and I was outsourcing my healing through romantic relationships, substances, material acquisitions and superficial relationships. I decided to step away from the outgoing lifestyle and started to focus on my healing which was another phase of evolution for me on my journey. Over the last year and a half, I have become mindful of the people I spend my time with. I have cleaned my lifestyle of substances, toxic environments and behaviours. I have focused on my sleep, my health and my knowledge. I have improved my spiritual relationship with myself, which was lacking the most over the past five years. This is the best I have felt.

As part of my solitude journey and to find myself again, I also released a book encapsulating my journey, which I hope to share with others. My book is titled: The Pursuit of Self-Love.