Technically Socially Aware

Joel Rion Staves

Are you interested in the intersection of technology, society, and politics? You’ve come to the right place. Join me, Joel Rion Staves—public servant, social scientist, and learning technologist—for a center-left audit of the systems shaping our world. On Technically Socially Aware, one can expect sensible commentary and authentic, often free-flowing conversations about real systems impacting us all. I’m from the South, so the language is raw and the profanity stays in. Scrub the digital noise with this audio shower. Fancy studios are not a part of this podcast. Episodes are typically recorded in a bedroom, living room, or dining room. Listen on Spotify, Apple, iHeart, and Amazon.

  1. 1 day ago

    Episode 85-The Last of the Last Days or Another Cycle of Human History?|Scott Paradis

    Are we living in the final hour, or are we simply witnessing the turning of another massive wheel in human history? In this episode of Technically Socially Aware, we explore the profound tension between prophetic urgency and historical cycles. The conversation opens with a powerful, urgent warning from gospel legend LaShun Pace, setting the stage for a deep dive with author and thinker Scott Paradis. Together, we unpack the "five storms" destabilizing our modern world and debate whether humanity is facing an apocalyptic end or a massive evolutionary shift in consciousness. In this episode, we discuss: The End Times and various Interpretations: Interpreting modern societal anxiety through the lens of spiritual prophecy and urgent warnings. The Five Storms: Scott’s framework for the convergence of economic, political, and cultural crises currently reshaping society. History's Rhythm: Whether our current chaos is entirely unique or a predictable phase in the cyclical nature of human civilization. Finding Agency in the Chaos: Moving past existential dread and focusing on day-to-day collaboration, grace, and human connection. Connect with Our Guest: YouTube: Search for Scott F. Paradis on YouTube to follow his latest video essays, deep dives, and commentary. Listen & Subscribe: If this episode gave you a new perspective on navigating today's chaotic world, please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to the show! WATCH THE FULL PROPHETIC VIDEO OF LASHUN PACE HERE

    Episode 85-The Last of the Last Days or Another Cycle of Human History?|Scott Paradis

  2. 30 July

    Episode 84-Construction's Overlooked Mental Health Crisis w/ Dr. Braxton Shaw

    In this serious conversation, I'm joined by Dr. Braxton Shaw to talk about the alarming suicide rates among construction workers and what we should be doing to proactively advocate for the mental wellness of those in the trades. We discuss: The hidden statistics of addiction and mental health in high-performance blue-collar industries. The surveillance trap: How workplace safety apps and 24-hour connectivity lead to cognitive duress. Shifting the industry standard from reactive compliance to proactive mental wellness systems. Dr. Braxton Shaw is an engineer, academic, and author. We did have some lighthearted moments in this talk, but I hope that people use this conversation as an encouragement to check on family as well as friends.

    Episode 84-Construction's Overlooked Mental Health Crisis w/ Dr. Braxton Shaw

  3. 26 July

    Episode 83-Christian Men Seek Single Sex Gyms to Avoid Lust

    Apparently Christian men can't control themselves when it comes to women in the gym. GYM OWNERS https://baptistnews.com/article/men-only-gyms-seek-to-protect-christian-men-from-lust/https://www.theremnantgym.com/homehttps://www.instagram.com/reels/DWo8akGRO78/ COMMENTS https://www.facebook.com/BaptistNewsGlobal/photos/how-can-men-survive-the-daily-grind-of-being-around-women-and-become-the-warrior/1473780811436308/https://x.com/baptist_news/status/2079999570579177716

  4. 17 July

    Episode 82-The Imposter Phenomenon & Designing Inclusive Work Systems with Dr. AJ Lauer

    Why do up to 82% of people experience feelings of intellectual fraudulence at some point in their careers? In this episode, host Joel Rion Staves sits down with Dr. AJ Lauer, founder of Thriving Ibis Leadership Solutions, to dismantle the culture-war talking points surrounding DEIA and look directly at the architecture of our workplaces. Turn off the sensationalized news, step away from the social media facades, and join us for an authentic, principle-first conversation about building systems where everyone can thrive. Connect with Dr. AJ:Website: www.thrivingibis.comNewsletter: Join Dr. AJ's monthly Ask Dr. AJ column via her website to stay engaged with leadership, technology, and inclusivity topics. I1qZx8YUiIn5SqIqjSSp

    Episode 82-The Imposter Phenomenon & Designing Inclusive Work Systems with Dr. AJ Lauer

  5. 12 July

    Episode 81-Three Senseless Acts of Fatal Violence-Demarcus Shirley, Brianna Johnson, Kayla Rincon-Miller (Freeflow)

    13-year-old boy killed during sleepover after gunman fired dozens of shots into Georgia homeThe tragic death of singer Brianna Johnson at just 21Judge denies 18-year-old killer’s request to hug his family before life prison sentence for deadly shooting of a girl, 15

  6. 27 June

    Episode 80-Auditing the $1.6 Trillion Black Box of U.S. Healthcare Waste | Jude Odu Joins

    Where the hell is our healthcare money actually going? While total U.S. healthcare spending has soared past $3.6 trillion, industry data reveals a staggering truth: up to $1.6 trillion is consumed entirely by systemic waste, fraud, and administrative abuse every single year. In this episode, Jude Odu, healthcare veteran and author of Model Optimal Care, joins the show to dismantle the complex infrastructure designed to profit off inefficiency. We move past the abstract policy debates to audit the real-world mechanics of the crisis, exposing how PBM "spread pricing" taxes the sick, why hospital "charge master" prices are completely fictional, and how algorithmic AI tools are being deployed at scale to automatically deny valid patient claims. From the rise of "pop-up" behavioral health fraud in Medicaid arrangements to the structural potential of price transparency rules, we look at what happens when fast-moving innovation clashes with a lack of fiduciary oversight—and how self-insured employers and everyday patients can finally start clawing back their data and their dollars. CONNECT W/ JUDE https://judeodu.com/BUY THE BOOK USEFUL RESOURCES The Challenge of Health Care FraudPSL's 12/2025 Statement on Medicare For AllGreen Party Statement on Single Payer SystemTransparency AmendmentPros and Cons of AI in Healthcare I1qZx8YUiIn5SqIqjSSp

    Episode 80-Auditing the $1.6 Trillion Black Box of U.S. Healthcare Waste | Jude Odu Joins

  7. 21 June

    Episode 79-My Karmelo Anthony Verdict Commentary

    Two families' lives are permanently altered. In this episode, I give a free-flow commentary on the verdict and Black America's frustration w/ the criminal justice system. MOST of us know that Karmelo acted recklessly. We are frustrated with the systems (plural) and how the laws aren't applied equally.

  8. 14 June

    Episode 78-A Conversation About Meditation-Mark Blacknell Joins

    Hey y'all! In this episode, I have a virtual discussion with Mark Blacknell, author, veteran, and meditation teacher. He talks some about his journey to Buddhism and meditation and why sometimes we need to "Just Stare at the Damn Wall". I hope that you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed talking to him. https://stareatthewall.org/

    Episode 78-A Conversation About Meditation-Mark Blacknell Joins
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About

Are you interested in the intersection of technology, society, and politics? You’ve come to the right place. Join me, Joel Rion Staves—public servant, social scientist, and learning technologist—for a center-left audit of the systems shaping our world. On Technically Socially Aware, one can expect sensible commentary and authentic, often free-flowing conversations about real systems impacting us all. I’m from the South, so the language is raw and the profanity stays in. Scrub the digital noise with this audio shower. Fancy studios are not a part of this podcast. Episodes are typically recorded in a bedroom, living room, or dining room. Listen on Spotify, Apple, iHeart, and Amazon.

Information

  • Creator
    Joel Rion Staves
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Joel Rion Staves
  • Show Website
    Technically Socially Aware