It's A Privilege

What if you chose not to speak for 17 years and avoided motorized vehicles for 22 years? Join us in this eye-opening episode as we sit down with Dr. John Francis, the planet walker, to explore the profound journey of a man who defied societal norms with his unique lifestyle choices. We unpack his daily challenges, societal assumptions, and the regional impacts of civil rights issues that shaped his trek across the United States. Discover how his mother's worries for his safety and his origin played pivotal roles in his path, and contemplate the broader implications of embarking on such a dangerous yet enlightening journey.We navigate the complex terrain of personal decisions, spirituality, and societal pressures, discussing how practices like fasting can be spiritually empowering even for the non-religious. Dr. Francis shares insights on the need for validation—external, internal, or spiritual—while making unconventional choices. We delve into the roles of discomfort and fear, the perseverance required to follow through despite societal norms, and the satisfaction that comes from trusting one's path. The conversation brings to light the challenges and rewards of walking alone, both literally and figuratively.The episode also celebrates the beauty of difficult choices and the privilege of having choices at all. Dr. Francis reveals how he transformed criticism into personal growth and how his family's pride evolved with his journey. We discuss the intersection of mental health, motivation, validation, and privilege, emphasizing the importance of recognizing small yet meaningful accomplishments. Through personal anecdotes, Dr. Francis and we reflect on how privilege shapes perceptions of choice and survival. Join us to follow his ongoing adventures and the profound lessons he continues to impart.Connect with Dr. John Francis, the PlanetWalker at https://planetwalk.org/For more information about the host, go to www.thejasonbrowne.comCheck out the TEDx talk here: TEDx Possibilities of PrivilegeThanks you for being a part of the conversation.

8/16/24 • 35:52

What if you chose to remain silent for 17 years? Join us on "It's a Privilege" as we explore the remarkable life of Dr. John Francis, the Planet Walker, who did exactly that. Along with our co-hosts, Dr. Seria Chatters and Brandon Rhodes, we uncover how Dr. Francis's extraordinary decisions to forgo speaking and motorized transportation for decades transformed his understanding of privilege, choice, and the human experience. Dr. Chatters offers her unique insights as someone navigating life with legal blindness, while Brandon discusses the unequal distribution of choices based on resources and circumstances.We'll also discuss the profound influence parents have on the lives of their children, bringing you a heartfelt story of a mother from Trinidad whose relentless efforts aimed to widen the horizons for her kids. We grapple with the disappointment that can arise when opportunities are not seized, weighed down by factors like mental health and addiction. Through an intriguing analogy of a chess game between a husband and wife, we delve into the ways upbringing and urgency shape our decision-making processes, providing a fresh lens to view the decisions we make daily.Lastly, immerse yourself in Dr. Francis's transformative journey as he walks 20 miles to a concert in honor of a friend, a journey that led him to embrace a lifestyle of walking and silence. From spiritual encounters in the Redwoods to silent academic achievements, Dr. Francis's path is a testament to the power of human kindness and environmental stewardship. Thank you for listening and reflecting with us—it truly is a privilege.Connect with Dr. John Francis, the PlanetWalker at https://planetwalk.org/For more information about the host, go to www.thejasonbrowne.comCheck out the TEDx talk here: TEDx Possibilities of PrivilegeThanks you for being a part of the conversation.

8/9/24 • 39:03

How can the privilege of choice or beauty shape our lives in unexpected ways?Join us in our premiere episode of "It's a Privilege" as we uncover profound truths about the privileges we often overlook. Inspired by my TEDx talk, "The Possibilities of Privilege," this season kicks off with a series of enlightening conversations with notable guests. Dr. John Francis, also known as the Planet Walker, shares his extraordinary journey of living without speech and motorized transport for decades, revealing the deep-seated implications of the privilege of choice. Meanwhile, fashion industry veteran Brian Rusch brings to light the hidden dynamics of the privilege of beauty, drawing from his experiences with iconic figures like Mariah Carey and the Dalai Lama.We don't stop there. Our series boasts over 25 diverse and knowledgeable guests who will offer fresh perspectives on various forms of privilege. Dr. Bowtie Jenkins, a leader in global inclusion, will challenge you to rethink the privilege of social agility and its impact on our interactions. Each episode promises to educate and inspire, encouraging you to recognize and responsibly use your own privileges. Mark your calendars for August 9th, 2024, and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or YouTube. Let's embark on this transformative journey together every Friday with "It's a Privilege.For more information about the host, go to www.thejasonbrowne.comCheck out the TEDx talk here: TEDx Possibilities of PrivilegeThanks you for being a part of the conversation.

7/29/24 • 02:50

What would you say if you had to encapsulate the essence of humanity in a single message for space? Join us in this sneak peek episode of IPrivilege Podcast, as we explore fascinating questions like these with our distinguished guests. We’ve got Gordon McInally, the Rotary International President, sharing his profound insights on global peace, and Nick Sierra of the Interstellar Foundation tackling the monumental task of defining humanity for extraterrestrial audiences. Plus, hear the extraordinary tales of Peter Teahen & John Ockenfels, two adventurers who navigated the world’s skies in the smallest plane possible in their mission to end polio.Based on my TEDx talk, "The Possibilities of Privilege," this podcast unravels the complex emotions surrounding privilege, from guilt to anger, and the transformative impact it can have when wielded wisely. Mark your calendars for August 9th, 2024, as we prepare to launch full episodes that promise to challenge your perspectives and inspire meaningful conversations. Head over to privilegedpod.com and follow our social media channels for more updates. Let’s redefine privilege together, one enlightening discussion at a time!For more information about the host, go to www.thejasonbrowne.comCheck out the TEDx talk here: TEDx Possibilities of PrivilegeThanks you for being a part of the conversation.

7/22/24 • 03:00

In this trailer for the 'It's a Privilege' podcast, the host offers a sneak peek of the upcoming series premiering on August 9th, 2024. Inspired by my TEDx talk, "The Possibilities of Privilege," we’ll dive into themes like accessibility, family, and aid.  The podcast, inspired by a TEDx talk on privilege, features insightful conversations with guests like Paralympic medalist Lex Gillette, Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick, and Shelterbox Response Team Leader Brian Glenn. We’re all about sparking important conversations on privilege, so mark your calendars and subscribe to join us on this journey. Don’t forget to check out my TEDx talk for a deeper understanding! Subscribe today so you don't miss a single privileged moment!For more information about the host, go to www.thejasonbrowne.comCheck out the TEDx talk here: TEDx Possibilities of PrivilegeThanks you for being a part of the conversation.

7/16/24 • 02:40