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In this heartfelt solo episode of Off The Beaten Podcast, host Dion McGill reflects on his military service in Afghanistan in honor of Veterans Day. He shares personal stories about his early reluctance to embrace the veteran identity, the bonds he built with Afghan soldiers, and the lessons he learned about shared humanity. McGill also explores the dangers of xenophobia and the enduring importance of solidarity, invoking the words of Fred Hampton. The episode closes with McGill’s reading of the St. Crispin’s Day speech, a moving tribute to camaraderie, sacrifice, and the unseen journeys of those who serve. 00:00 Introduction and Veterans Day Reflection 01:48 The Decision to Record an Episode 02:43 Revisiting Military Service Stories 07:14 Joining the Army: The Early Days 11:40 Deployment and Training Challenges 18:01 Life in Afghanistan 22:36 Memories of PRT Sharona and Bo Bergdahl 23:25 Dealing with Injury and Taking Responsibility 24:26 Life on the Base with Afghan Soldiers 25:49 Cultural Exchange and Learning 28:16 Reflections on Shared Humanity 34:00 Fred Hampton's Legacy and Modern Reflections 42:36 Veterans Day Reflections and St. Crispin's Day Speech 48:53 Outro and Final Thoughts   Thank you for listening. This was so fast, I didn't worry about all the social media stuff, but I will get back to that soon!

Hello Friends! For this episode I had the opportunity to sit down with Ydalmi Noriega. Ydalmi is a Chicago transplant, as well as the Vice President of Programs and Engagement for the Poetry Foundation. After recently being labeled as a person who is redefining what poetry looks like, I had to sit down and pick her brain about her journey, and about the wide world of poetry. Enjoy!    Resources: Hispanic Executive: Ydalmi Noriega Is Redefining What Poetry Looks Like in America Block Club Chicago: Words of Wonder Literary Festival Bringing ‘The Best’ Creatives To The South Side Saturday Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (708)465-1590 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

Hello Friends! While sitting and reflecting, it dawned on me I hadn't ever done an episode about Pride Month, which is a pretty big deal here in Chicago, so I took some time to reflect on some memories that tightly correlate in my head with the LGBTQIA+ community.  It's story time!!! Resources:  Fatal Violence Against The Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Community in 2022  LGBTQ Community Speaks Out Following Deaths of Two Chicago-Area Black Trans Women State Representative Kelly Cassidy Aurora Pride Parade 2022 Draws Hundreds After Almost Cancelled Over Revoked Permit Controversy History.com: The Stonewall Riots History.com: How The Mob Helped Establish NYC's Gay Bar Scene Full Moon Over The Stonewall: Howard Smith's Account of the Stonewall Riots City Cast Chicago: Remembering Mama Gloria

Every time another school shooting or mass shooting happens, I am approached by people asking, "What can I do? What can we do?"   So I wanted to take a moment to offer some actionable steps you can take in the face of this tragedy.   State:  UPDATE: Governor Pritzker has signed HB 4729, which will fund a statewide public awareness campaign to promote safe firearm storage. It's effective date is January 1, 2023. Feel free to send him a thank you!!! Springfield Office of the Governor 207 State House Springfield, IL 62706 Phone: 217-782-6830 or 217-782-6831 Chicago Office of the Governor James R. Thompson Center 100 W. Randolph, 16-100 Chicago, IL 60601 Phone: 312-814-2121 or 312-814-2122 Contact the Governor Online Federal: Reach out to your congressmen and let them know you want to see action now to prevent tragedies like the one in Uvalde Texas and that failure to do so could greatly impact your support of them in future elections.  Congress: Find your Members Education & Resources Giffords: Courage to Fight Violence Radiolab Presents: More Perfect - The Gun Show, WNYC The Trace: Investigating Gun Violence in America   Supporting Strong Communities Changing the Beat of Mental Health: Amplifying Our Voice, Communities United   Support and Prevention Talking to Your Children about Tragedies in the News, Lurie Children's Blog Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting, American Psychological Association Terrorism and Violence, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Healing Circles Talking to Children about the Shooting, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Helping Youth after Community Trauma, Tips for Educators, The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen, Program for Prevention Science, University of Colorado at Boulder Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 Firearm Safety Toolkit   Research Policies to Reduce Gun Violence in Illinois: Research, Policy Analysis and Recommendations, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Public Health On Call Series: Gun Violence Prevention, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Chicago Firearms Report, UChicago Urban Labs Lurie Children's infographic on firearm data in Illinois

Saying "Happy Memorial Day" always feels weird to me. However, allow me to offer my sincerest gratitude to all those who have loved ones you are remembering today.  I offer my thoughts on Memorial Day, and some of my favorite poetry that commemorates this day.  Resources: In Flanders Fields by John McCrae The St. Crispin's Day Speech from Henry V Military Times - Honor The Fallen: SGT Joshua Harris Military Times - Honor The Fall: SSG Jason Vasquez SGT Simone Asia Robinson 33rd IBCT Memorial St. Crispin's Day Speech by the Cast of 'Band of Brothers' Poem: The Answer by Lt. J. A. Armstrong  Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (708)465-1590 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast Cover Photo by Alicia Schemel

Hello Friends! Recently, following an evening of violence that left one youth dead, Mayor Lori Lightfoot instituted a ban on youth at Millennium Park after 6pm Thursday - Sunday. She also moved the citywide curfew for youth from 11pm to 10pm. I had to offer my thoughts.  Resources: Lightfoot sets earlier citywide weekend curfew 16-year-old boy shot dead in Millennium Park had big plans for his family and for his music 'if I make it to 21' Lightfoot's curfew rollback clears committee amid opposition from all sides Chicago Institutes 10pm weekend curfew for minors after violence downtown The Marshall Project: The Curfew Myth A Lollapalooza Loophole in Lightfoot's Curfew To Crack Down On Crime Has Youth Asking: Who Is Downtown For?  Chicago History Museum: What is Redlining?  Twitter: Ald. Andre Vasquez, Political Account Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (708)465-1590 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

Hello Friends! This episode I indulge in my sweet tooth while visiting with Leah Tibbs, owner of Cookies and Conversations, a small black female owned business I became a fan of during the pandemic. Cookies and Conversations brings people together in conversations while baking and indulging in super yummy cookies!  This episode was recorded in the kitchen of Cookies and Conversations, which was super exciting. Be sure to check C&C and let Leah know OTBP sent you!  Resources: Cookies and conversations French Pastry School Documentary: Kings of Pastry Beena David Episode Side Practice Coffee Vanille Patisserie Semicolon Bookstore Lemonade Land Crema Shop Lacuna Lofts Garrett’s Popcorn Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (708)465-1590 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

Hello Friends! Finally Off The Beaten Podcast has come back!  It was a long cold winter, but we've come out of hibernation and kicking off Season 4 by bringing you up to speed on one of the more significant adventures I've had since I last posted.  This episode I talk a little bit about my fellowship in the University of Chicago Civic Leadership Academy, and more specifically, our global practicum to Paris France. We've gone international, and I drop a few tips and lessons for you travelers that I picked up on my adventure abroad.  Resources: 2022 UChicago Civic Leadership Academy  Lime Prime Le Paris Noir Le Paris Noir Instagram Le Paris Noir Twitter Le Paris Noir Facebook Kévi Donat Twitter American Library in Paris Conseil D'Etat Le Academic du Climate Ghostly Podcast - 87: Most Haunted - Chicago Water Tower Nerdcage Live The Batman spoiler discussion  Side Practice Coffee Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

Hello Friends! I've been sitting on this episode forever, and I'm so excited to get this episode out, and what more perfect time, when people will be getting flowers and wreaths to decorate their homes for the holidays, as well as honey to sweeten your various holiday teas. This episode I had the pleasure of chatting with Cade Kamaleson, program officer of Chicago Eco House, a local flower farm located on the south and west sides of Chicago. This is a great conversation, and we talk about all of the awesome work the organization is doing.  Listen and Share!  Resources: Chicago Eco House Southside Blooms Chicago Reader Article on Chicago Flower Farms WTTW: On South and West Sides, Business is Blooming for Eco-Friendly Florist  Youtube: Can YOU Fix Climate Change? Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

Hello Friends! So yesterday I had the privilege and pleasure of visiting the USA CBD Expo as a member of the press. It was a day without the general public to dive in and check out everything, and get a chance to talk to the people behind some of the newest, freshest and most innovative CBD companies and brands around.  I had an amazing time, and can't encourage you enough to go check out the expo this weekend (Friday and Saturday October 29 and 30th) and see it all for yourself. There are also panel discussions and classes to get you up to speed on the CBD scene.  Do you indulge in CBD? THC? Delta-8? Delta-10?  Definitely slide into my DM's and let me know.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on all of this.   Special thank you to everyone who took the time out of their busy day to talk with me. Please check out these brands below, and if you should make a purchase, be sure to tell them that OTBP sent you!  Note: In the original posting of this episode, I mentioned glaucoma as one of the ailments that CBD is used for. However, as of 2019, many doctors are recommending NOT to use CBD as a natural treatment for glaucoma. Here is more information on this recommendation: Eye Doctors Caution Against Using CBD as Glaucoma Remedy Resources: USA CBD Expo Leafly The Scientist - Documentary about the discoverer of THC Zaza THC Buddy Luv CBD Wellness Lucy J's Prerolls Plant Puff Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser You can also SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here! I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Perhaps I need to switch it to buy me a preroll!  Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

Welcome back to a very special episode of Off The Beaten Podcast. I went and sat outside on the curb, enjoyed a beautiful fall day, and recounted the amazing time I had at Riot Fest 2021, which made it's triumphant return after being cancelled in 2020.  Tune in to hear about all of my mosh pit adventures, and all the amazing bands I saw.   If you went to Riot Fest, drop me a line and let me know how your experience was, and what was your favorite band?    Resources: Riot Fest Robust Coffee Lounge Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser You can also SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here! I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

My apologies for not recognizing my amazing supporters this episode either through your amazing feedback or buying me a cup of coffee, but I wanted to get right to the brass tax this episode.  The ongoing withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan, as well as the departure of refugees has had me feeling some kind of way, as I'm sure it has other members of the veteran community. I felt I would be remiss if I didn't offer my thoughts, as well as information for other veterans who may need someone to talk to. You're never alone brothers and sisters.   Resources: Veterans Crisis Line Serial Season Two on Bowe Bergdahl Post Reports Podcast Realist Ethics: Just War Traditions as Power Politics by Valerie Morkevicius Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser You can also SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here! I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

First and foremost, if you're not signed up for the OTBP Newsletter, sign up immediately to get the Official OTBP 2021 Summer To-Do List.  The contents in there is top secret!  However, I decided to talk about a few #summertimechi events that didn't make the list, but that you all should know about.   What is your favorite Summertime Chicago activity?  Slide into my DM's and let me know.  Signup for the newsletter here: Off The Beaten Podcast Newsletter Resources: Bae Coffee The Lemonade Land Cookies & Conversations Spanish Soul Sundays on State Grant Park Music Festival You're Such a Catch Podcast NerdCage Live Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / Website / Podchaser You can also SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here! I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast Cover Photo by Antonio Gabola on Unsplash

On this episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Alicia Zyburt and Devon Owens, co-founders of BAE Coffee.   What do you do when you find yourself furloughed from work during a global pandemic? Well what Alicia & Devon did was put their talents together (marketing & culinary) as well as their mutual experiences as baristas, and gave birth to @baecoffeeco. We talked about that experience, the birth of Bae Coffee Co, and their thoughts and feelings around the power of coffee to bring people together, and how “life is too short for a bad cup of coffee.” You can check out BAE Coffee at the following spots: Website Facebook Instagram TikTok Resources: Brewpoint Coffee (formerly Brewpooint Workshop)  Allies for Community Business Metric Coffee  Ceremony Coffee Roasters Sparrow Coffee Metropolis Coffee Dark Matter Coffee Side Practice Coffee Coffee, Hip Hop & Mental Health Riverforest Kitchen Carnivore Butcher Shop Sugar Beet Food Coop Sugar Beet Schoolhouse Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / / Website / Podchaser You can also SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here! I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast

This is the second of two episodes I recorded in the lovely podcast booth at The Russell Nashville Hotel. While enjoying the lovely sights and people of Tennessee, reality was swirling around me it felt at a mile a minute. Recorded a few days after the Derek Chauvin trial, I felt it would be remiss if I didn't share my thoughts, and the burdens on my heart, following that event, and approaching a year after the murder of George Floyd. I don't feel the word "enjoy" is quite appropriate, but definitely give this one a listen.  Resources: The Russell Nashville Bongo Roasting Co. (Bongo East) Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. Also, please take a moment to rate and review OTBP on your favorite podcast app. Follow OTBP on Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Website / Podchaser You can also SIGN UP for the Off The Beaten Podcast newsletter: Sign Up Here! I would love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Got something to say? Give us a call and leave a voicemail: (312) 488-9068 Email us: [email protected] Also don't be afraid to slide into my DM's on any of the social media platforms.  You can also support the podcast by Buying Me a Cup of Coffee. Every dollar donated goes into helping me make the podcast better. buymeacoffee.com/OffTheBeatenPodcast