On this episode of The Optimistic American, hosts Dr. Emily Bashah and Paul Johnson are accompanied by Dr. John G Horgan, a preeminent psychologist, professor at Georgia State University, and is renowned for his deep insights into the psychology of terrorism. Join us as we explore the complex world of terrorist psychology, the nuances of radicalization, and the intriguing process of recruitment. Topics Discussed in This Video: - What is Terrorism and The Psychology Behind It: Dr. Horgan defines terrorism and discusses the psychological factors that drive individuals towards such extreme behaviors. Additionally, Dr. Emily Bashah discusses specific examples such as incel and jihadist ideologies. - How People Get Involved With Terrorist Groups: The conversation explores the roles of recruiters in the radicalization process, revealing how individuals are drawn into terrorist activities and the sophisticated tactics used to lure them. - The Contrast of Pessimism and Optimism: Reflecting contrasting viewpoints, Dr. Horgan articulates his pessimism about current counterterrorism strategies, while Paul Johnson discusses his optimism based on the resilience and ideals of American society. - Pathways to Disengagement from Terrorism: This segment delves into the possibilities and processes of disengagement from terrorist groups, discussing strategies for confronting and assisting those who are radicalized. - The Impact of Politics on American Psychology & Campus Chaos: This segment explores how political climates affect the psychology of Americans and the increasing tensions on college campuses driven by political and ideological conflicts. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 02:06 - What is Terrorism & Ideology? 04:11 - The Psychology of A Terrorist 06:36 - Incel & Jihadism 09:37 - How People Get Involved w/ Terrorist Groups 16:31 - Terrorist Recruiters 26:24 - Why Are You Pessimistic About This? 29:19 - Reasons to be Optimistic 34:29 - Are Terrorist Groups a One Way Street? 38:47 - Confronting People Who Have Been Radicalized 46:19 - Politics and Its Effect on The Psychology of America 55:57 - State Sponsored Terrorism 1:00:50 - Chaos On College Campuses 1:14:54 - College Campuses, Terrorism, and Ideologies 1:17:19 - Anyone Can Be Drawn In… 1:18:42 - How To Protect Yourself 1:20:06 - Final Remarks & Conclusion

Join host Paul Johnson on The Optimistic American for a transformative discussion with guest Aaron Bare, who brings his expertise on exponential growth and innovation. This episode dives deep into how businesses achieve rapid growth, the traits of visionary thinkers, and the broader impact of these dynamics on healthcare, politics, and societal norms. Topics Discussed in This Video: - Exponential Growth and Visionary Traits: Discover the secrets behind businesses achieving exponential growth and the traits shared by leaders who drive such dynamic change. This segment explores the foundational elements that enable rapid scalability and the mindset necessary to envision and achieve ambitious goals. - The Power of a Growth Mindset: Learn how adopting a growth mindset allows individuals and organizations to transcend traditional limitations and continuously evolve in response to challenges. - Government Bypass and Media Manipulation: Investigate how innovative companies navigate around traditional governmental barriers to effect change, and explore the concerning ways in which the media manipulates public perception. Gain insights into strategies individuals can employ to counteract these influences. - Change Agents and Societal Impact: Aaron underscores the crucial role of change agents in challenging the status quo and the significant impact individuals can have in shaping a better future. This segment inspires listeners to recognize and harness their potential to drive change. - Political Landscape and the Role of the Individual: Reflect on the current political environment as we approach 2024, understanding how individuals can influence political discourse and the importance of challenging established norms to build a better world. - Control and Empowerment: Aaron emphasizes the importance of recognizing the areas where you have personal control and how you can empower yourself to take actionable steps towards shaping your destiny and positively impacting the world. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:31 - Why Are Businesses Able to Grow Exponentially? 10:08 - Common Traits Amongst Exponential Thinkers 13:11 - The “Seven Steps” 17:44 - Healthcare 21:03 - A Growth Mindset 23:55 - By Passing The Government 25:20 - Manipulating The Average Person 27:42 - How To Solve 80% of The Country's Problem 28:05 - The Media & Manipulation 39:51 - Change Agents 47:58 - The Things You Have Control Over 1:00:26 - Politics in 2024 1:09:41 - F#%k The Status Quo 1:18:38 - The Individual & Trying to Build a Better World 1:25:54 - Final Remarks & Conclusion

Join host Paul Johnson on The Optimistic American as he explores the profound journey of Rebecca Alexander, who lives with Usher Syndrome—a rare genetic disorder that affects hearing and vision. In this insightful episode, Rebecca, an author and psychotherapist, delves into her diagnosis, the emotional rollercoaster that followed, and her extraordinary endeavors, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and writing her impactful book, "Not Fade Away." Discover how Rebecca turns challenges into opportunities for growth and helps others along the way. Topics Discussed in the Video: - Diagnosis and Emotional Journey: Rebecca shares her initial experiences of being diagnosed with Usher Syndrome and the complex emotions that accompany learning about one's progressive disability. - Resilience Through Highs and Lows: Explore Rebecca's experiences with the ups and downs of living with a degenerative condition, including how she manages personal and professional challenges. - Writing "Not Fade Away": Rebecca discusses the motivation behind her book, aimed at empowering those with similar challenges and broadening public understanding of Usher Syndrome. - Adventure and Achievement: Hear about Rebecca's inspiring climb up Mount Kilimanjaro, using it as a metaphor for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life. - The Dynamics of Help: Delve into Rebecca's perspectives on giving and receiving help, the importance of community support, and the importance of maintaining humility and accountability when interacting with others. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:18 - Being Diagnosed with Usher's Syndrome 08:04 - The Emotions Behind Being Diagnosed 16:17 - The Downward & Upward Trajectory 23:29 - Asking For Help 27:17 - Writing the Book “Not Fade Away: A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found” 33:52 - Climbing Kilimanjaro 38:15 - Inspiration 45:37 - Offering Help, Needing Help, & Accepting Help 51:12 - Accountability & Humility 55:04 - Final Remarks & Conclusion

In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson sits down with Boyd Matheson, a visionary in political strategy and leadership. They embark on a journey through the heart of America's political divisions, uncovering the essence of true leadership, the beauty of diversity, and the individual's role in cultivating a more harmonious society. This conversation is a beacon of hope for those seeking to bridge gaps and inspire positive change in an era of polarization. Topics Discussed in the Video: - America’s Division: Boyd shares insights on the current state of political division in the United States, emphasizing the crucial role of accountability and leadership in navigating these challenges. Paul and Boyd explore how individuals can make a difference by staying informed and engaged, despite the divisive political climate. - Community and Upward Mobility: Learn about the power of community engagement and the significant impact of upward mobility on society. Boyd and Paul discuss innovative approaches to fostering self-reliance and meaningful change within communities, including the remarkable story of the Other Side Academy. - Harnessing Diversity for Collective Strength: Discover the significance of embracing cultural and ideological differences as a source of strength and innovation. This segment highlights how diversity, when approached with openness and humility, can lead to richer discussions and more comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing society. - Meaning and Purpose in American Politics: Reflecting on the search for meaning and purpose within the political sphere, Boyd and Paul examine how leaders can inspire and unite individuals around shared values and goals, creating a more optimistic and collaborative future for America. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 02:55 - American Divide & Optimism 08:03 - Private Life Vs Government 12:06 - Immigration & Border Security 16:45 - The Amygdala Hijack 19:27 - Re-engaging The Disengaged 22:24 - The Other Side Academy 26:34 - Self Agency 29:05 - The Integrity of Compromise 33:01 - Joe Lieberman 38:11 - Focusing on The Extreme 39:31 - A You and Me Issue 45:08 - A Real Paradox 48:51 - Wrong Conversations, Wrong Debates 55:04 - Overcoming Adversities 1:02:32 - Final Remarks & Conclusion

Join us in an inspiring conversation with Jany Deng, one of the original Lost Boys of Sudan, as he shares his harrowing journey from the war-torn villages of Sudan to the bustling streets of Phoenix, Arizona. In this episode of The Optimistic American, host Paul Johnson and Jany delve into the realities of civil war, the challenges of life in refugee camps, and the transformative experience of becoming an American citizen. This story is not just about survival; it's about the power of hope and the unyielding human spirit in the face of adversity. Topics Discussed in the Video: - Early Life in Sudan: Jany recounts his early childhood in Sudan, marked by a sudden transition from normal village life to the chaos of civil war. Learn about the cultural and societal structure of Jany's community before the conflict began. - The Journey of the Lost Boys: Discover the incredible story of thousands of young boys, including Jany, who embarked on a perilous journey across Africa to escape the violence, facing hunger, danger, and uncertainty with remarkable courage. - Life in Refugee Camps: Jany shares insights into the daily struggles and realities of living in refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit amid dire conditions. - Resettlement in America: The journey from being a refugee to becoming an American citizen is fraught with challenges and new beginnings. Jany discusses his assimilation into American society, the cultural adjustments, and the opportunities that reshaped his life. - A Message of Hope and Resilience: Reflecting on his journey, Jany offers a message of hope, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community support, and the enduring pursuit of the American dream. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:52 - A Stolen Childhood 11:31 - The First Walk 13:42 - Arriving at Ethiopia 15:11 - The Second Walk 16:40 - A 3 Month Journey 18:51 - Arriving at Kenya 20:07 - Coming to the U.S. 29:34 - Becoming a U.S. Citizen 35:09 - Forming the Lost Boys Center 35:48 - Gratitude to America 36:34 - Everyone Has a Story 37:50 - A Connection to Help Someone 38:48 - Why is the U.S. Special? 40:13 - Going to ASU & Giving Back 41:18 - “If I Can Do It, You Can Do It” 42:54 - Opening the Biggest Education Center in Sudan 43:38 - Micro Loans 47:28 - Looking for Opportunities, Not Handouts 53:39 - What’s Your Life Goal? 55:29 - Final Remarks & Conclusion

Join Paul Johnson in an uplifting conversation with Janine Stange, known affectionately as the "Anthem Girl" for her unprecedented achievement of singing the National Anthem in all 50 states. Beyond her musical journey, Janine shares the personal adversities and losses that propelled her to find purpose, become a sought-after motivational speaker, and devote her time to supporting veterans. This episode delves into the power of setting ambitious goals, the importance of American history, and how individual resilience can inspire collective pride and progress. Topics Discussed in the Video: - Overcoming Personal Adversity: Janine opens up about the challenges and losses that reshaped her outlook on life and led her to set a unique goal that combined her passion for music with a deep sense of patriotism. - The National Anthem Journey: Discover the motivation behind Janine's ambitious goal to sing the National Anthem in every state, the obstacles she overcame, and the profound impact this mission had on her life and others. - Veterans Support: Janine shares her dedication to working with veterans, highlighting the importance of giving back to those who've served and the personal fulfillment derived from this service. - The Historical Significance of the National Anthem: Learn about the inspiring story of Francis Scott Key, the significance of Fort McHenry, and why the National Anthem holds a special place in Janine's heart and American culture - Motivational Speaking and Goal Setting: Janine discusses the transition to motivational speaking, including practical advice on goal setting, finding purpose, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. You can listen to this episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Google Podcasts! Spotify: https://optamlink.com/spotify Apple Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/apple Google Podcasts: https://optamlink.com/google We post new content every week so make sure to subscribe to stay in the loop. Learn more about The Optimistic American by checking out our website! https://www.optamerican.com Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 01:21 - Singing In All 50 States 05:10 - Why The Song Matters 07:32 - Francis Scott Key 17:19 - PART OF THE GREATEST SUPERPOWER! 19:53 - A Motivational Speaker 24:29 - The 5 Step Motivation Mindset 30:18 - Happiness, Suffering, & Purpose 32:21 - Looking Back 34:51 - 100 Missions 40:26 - Lessons Learned & The Future Plans 43:00 - Connecting w/ People Through Personal Stories 45:13 - Optimistic or Losing Faith? 49:39 - Final Remarks & Conclusion 51:17 - National Anthem 50th Performance