Your Retirement fund might not have a passport, but it still travels the globe. In today’s interconnected world, trade wars don’t just affect importers and exporters; they ripple into long-term investments, too. If you’re a middle-class American with a retirement account, chances are you’re invested in mutual funds, index funds, or stocks tied to global markets. That means your nest egg was likely impacted by trade tensions, even if you never buy or sell individual stocks. While the trade war might seem like a high-level economic chess match, its effects sneak into everyday financial goals—like retiring comfortably, paying off a mortgage, or funding our kid’s and grandchildren’s college Education. Our Experts in this area are exploring the trade war news as it is happening and looking at how it not only affects the Baby Boomer Generation, but its impact on the Echo Boomers, Generation X, Generation Z, Millennials, and Generation Alpha.
The trade war may have started as a battle between nations, but its true effects are felt around dinner tables, factory floors, and small business counters across America. While politicians argue over numbers and strategy, regular Americans are dealing with the consequences in real time—rising prices, job losses, uncertain futures.
A Postscript on Lindsey Graham and His Once Sensible Republican Party
by Mark M. Bello
Lindsey Graham’s sudden death made me stop and think—not just about Graham, but about what has happened to the Republican Party.
I wasn’t always reflexively anti-Republican. Quite the opposite, in fact. I o…
A Postscript on Lindsey Graham and His Once Sensible Republican Party
by Mark M. Bello
Lindsey Graham’s sudden death made me stop and think—not just about Graham, but about what has happened to t…
A Postscript on Lindsey Graham and His Once Sensible Republican Party
by Mark M. Bello
Lindsey Graham’s sudden death made me stop and think—not just about Graham, but about what has happened to the Republican Party.
I wasn’t always reflexively anti-Republican. Quite the opposite, in fact. I once agreed with Republicans on taxes, limiting the size of government, fiscal responsibility, balanced budgets, a strong national defense, and other important issues. I generally believed both parties were trying to move America forward in different ways.
Then came Donald Trump.
Graham’s sudden de…
A working paper for rising leaders — Doug Thorpe, Leadership Powered by Common Sense® You just made a call in the team meeting. You laid out a direction, felt good about it, and then someone pushed back. Not rudely — just a flat “I’m not sure that’s going to work.” And in the hal…
A working paper for rising leaders — Doug Thorpe, Leadership Powered by Common Sense® You just made a call in the team meeting. You laid out a direction, felt good about it, and then someone…
A working paper for rising leaders — Doug Thorpe, Leadership Powered by Common Sense® You just made a call in the team meeting. You laid out a direction, felt good about it, and then someone pushed back. Not rudely — just a flat “I’m not sure that’s going to work.” And in the half-second before you even opened your mouth to respond, a whole story ran through your head. Maybe I don’t belong in this seat. Maybe they can tell I’m making this up as I go. Maybe I’m not enough for this. Here’s what I want you to notice about that moment. The pushback lasted three secon…
Most people think the biggest threats come from the physical world.
Increasingly, they're starting online.
UK counter-terrorism officials are warning that extremist groups and hostile actors are using social media, messaging apps, and online platforms to recruit, spread propaganda, and influence v…
Most people think the biggest threats come from the physical world.
Increasingly, they're starting online.
UK counter-terrorism officials are warning that extremist groups and hostile actors are usi…
Most people think the biggest threats come from the physical world.
Increasingly, they're starting online.
UK counter-terrorism officials are warning that extremist groups and hostile actors are using social media, messaging apps, and online platforms to recruit, spread propaganda, and influence vulnerable people. The battlefield is no longer limited to physical locations. It's wherever people scroll, watch, and interact.
Technology has made information more powerful than ever.
The challenge is making sure it isn't used as a weapon.
Do you think social media companies are doing enough to …
Most people think the biggest threats come from the physical world.
Increasingly, they're starting online.
UK counter-terrorism officials are warning that extremist groups and hostile actors are using social media, messaging apps, and online platforms to recruit, spread propaganda, and influence v…
Most people think the biggest threats come from the physical world.
Increasingly, they're starting online.
UK counter-terrorism officials are warning that extremist groups and hostile actors are usi…
Most people think the biggest threats come from the physical world.
Increasingly, they're starting online.
UK counter-terrorism officials are warning that extremist groups and hostile actors are using social media, messaging apps, and online platforms to recruit, spread propaganda, and influence vulnerable people. The battlefield is no longer limited to physical locations. It's wherever people scroll, watch, and interact.
Technology has made information more powerful than ever.
The challenge is making sure it isn't used as a weapon.
Do you think social media companies are doing enough to …
**What happens when the mission ends?**
For thirteen years, **Reid Cross** led elite U.S. Army Green Berets through some of the world's most dangerous environments across the Middle East and Africa. He understood combat, leadership, sacrifice, and the responsibility of leading soldiers in life-and-…
**What happens when the mission ends?**
For thirteen years, **Reid Cross** led elite U.S. Army Green Berets through some of the world's most dangerous environments across the Middle East and Africa. …
**What happens when the mission ends?**
For thirteen years, **Reid Cross** led elite U.S. Army Green Berets through some of the world's most dangerous environments across the Middle East and Africa. He understood combat, leadership, sacrifice, and the responsibility of leading soldiers in life-and-death situations.
But nothing prepared him for the battle that came after leaving active duty.
In this powerful conversation, Reid opens up about the identity crisis that nearly consumed him after transitioning from active duty, the silent struggle so many veterans face when purpose disappears, an…
Veteran progressive PR strategist David Fenton says Democrats are guilty of “unilateral disarmament in message war with Republicans.
By Bob Gatty
Democrats and progressives are bringing policy papers to an information war—and veteran activist and public relations strategist David Fenton says the…
Veteran progressive PR strategist David Fenton says Democrats are guilty of “unilateral disarmament in message war with Republicans.
By Bob Gatty
Democrats and progressives are bringing policy paper…
Veteran progressive PR strategist David Fenton says Democrats are guilty of “unilateral disarmament in message war with Republicans.
By Bob Gatty
Democrats and progressives are bringing policy papers to an information war—and veteran activist and public relations strategist David Fenton says they are getting clobbered.
After more than 50 years helping progressive causes win public attention and political support, Fenton has a blunt diagnosis: Democrats too often use complicated language, assume good ideas will sell themselves and fail to communicate with the mass audience in a way people c…
Why do Democrats so often lose the message war and allow Republicans to dominate the political conversation—even when Democrats and progressives have popular policies?Legendary progressive strategist and activist David Fenton says Democrats are practicing what amounts to “unilateral disarmament�…
Why do Democrats so often lose the message war and allow Republicans to dominate the political conversation—even when Democrats and progressives have popular policies?Legendary progressive strategis…
Why do Democrats so often lose the message war and allow Republicans to dominate the political conversation—even when Democrats and progressives have popular policies?Legendary progressive strategist and activist David Fenton says Democrats are practicing what amounts to “unilateral disarmament” in today’s information war. After more than 50 years helping movements win public support, he believes progressives must simplify their language, repeat compelling messages, reconnect with working people and build mass movements capable of defeating concentrated wealth and political corruption.…
This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark celebrates the beauty and diversity of America with an unforgettable road trip through scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, cultural treasures, and memorable local experiences.From soaring abov…
This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark celebrates the beauty and diversity of America with an unforgettable road trip through scenic l…
This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark celebrates the beauty and diversity of America with an unforgettable road trip through scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, cultural treasures, and memorable local experiences.From soaring above Upstate New York in a glider and marveling at West Virginia's New River Gorge Bridge, to winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, exploring South Carolina's Lowcountry, discovering Gettysburg's rich Civil War history, and visiting California's Point Reyes National Seashore, this episode highlight…
This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark celebrates the beauty and diversity of America with an unforgettable road trip through scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, cultural treasures, and memorable local experiences.
From soaring abo…
This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark celebrates the beauty and diversity of America with an unforgettable road trip through scenic l…
This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Jo Goes Everywhere!” travel podcast with writer Jo Clark celebrates the beauty and diversity of America with an unforgettable road trip through scenic landscapes, historic landmarks, cultural treasures, and memorable local experiences.
From soaring above Upstate New York in a glider and marveling at West Virginia's New River Gorge Bridge, to winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains, exploring South Carolina's Lowcountry, discovering Gettysburg's rich Civil War history, and visiting California's Point Reyes National Seashore, this episode highligh…
Show Notes — GoNOMAD Travel Podcast Episode: Manipur’s Sangai Festival — A Deer, A Floating National Park, and a Journey Across India’s Jewel StateEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Max shares the story of Manipur’s extraordinary Sangai Festival—a ten‑day celebration dedicated to a deer o…
Show Notes — GoNOMAD Travel Podcast Episode: Manipur’s Sangai Festival — A Deer, A Floating National Park, and a Journey Across India’s Jewel StateEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Max shares th…
Show Notes — GoNOMAD Travel Podcast Episode: Manipur’s Sangai Festival — A Deer, A Floating National Park, and a Journey Across India’s Jewel StateEpisode SummaryIn this episode, Max shares the story of Manipur’s extraordinary Sangai Festival—a ten‑day celebration dedicated to a deer once believed extinct. Based on Sushant Pandey’s travels, we explore Manipur’s floating national park, the revival of the Sangai deer, and the cultural richness of this lesser‑known northeastern Indian state.Key Highlights from the EpisodeManipur: The Jewel StateA small northeastern state borde…
Bob Gatty
July 15, 2026
Doug Thorpe 
John Morley 
Rich LaMonica 
Lisa Smith 
Max Hartshorne