Say What Needs Saying Origins

In this episode, Zack and Brandon discuss the Biden administration's proposal to go door to door and encourage unvaccinated individuals to get the vaccine, as well as Facebook labeling groups and individuals as extremists. This will be the last episode we do before taking a brief break, so if you enjoy it, be sure to leave us a review and follow us on social media so that you know when we come roaring back!

In this episode, Zack and Brandon bring on our listener Himanish to discuss spirituality, mindfulness, balance in one's life, and more. If you enjoy this episode and have something that you want to say,  let us know. If there is an important topic that you feel is not discussed enough, or that you don't feel comfortable discussing  elsewhere, come Say What Needs Saying with us (anonymously if need be).

In this episode, Zack and Brandon bring on Dan, a listener that had previously come on to speak about mask mandates, to talk about the second amendment, gun rights, Biden's recent comments on F-15s and nuclear weapons, potential gun reform measures, and more!

In this episode, Brandon sits down with an up-and-coming artist, Skylar Hoffman. Skylar is releasing a new album on July 2, 2021 called “Imposter”. On it, he dives into who he is, who he wants to be, and being an “imposter”.

Brandon continues his financial series. Zack and Brandon sit down to discuss Bitcoin, other markets like real estate and stocks, wealth and income inequality, even Kanye West.

In this episode, Zack and guest co-host MrMan discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict live with our listeners. They start with some historical context, and then open the floor for all to discuss and share their views on the issues. 

In this episode, Zack interviews Dr. Eric Fretz to discuss virtuous cults/tribes, increasing political polarization, countering cancel culture with civil conversation, "liberal indoctrination" in academia, and more!

Zack and Brandon sit down with Delvon from the “It’s Views From The Arch” podcast to discuss policing, the prison system, critical race theory, and more. They touch on humanizing police and criminals, and Delvon leaves listeners with a closing message to listen to each other when having a conversation.

In this live discussion, Zack and Brandon discuss different laws with listeners, and which should be gotten rid of. They touch on local vs national law, constitutionality, and even systemic racism. Check it out!

In this episode, Zack and Brandon sit down with David and Mohammad from the “Ask an Iranian” Podcast to discuss the good and bad/controversial elements of Islam. David and Mohammad kick it off with what Islam means to them and other positive elements. They then discuss "radical Islamic terrorism" and women's rights/feminism, as well as how Western culture is at times at odds with Islamic teachings.

Zack and Brandon chat live with listeners about the Ma'Khia Bryant  shooting, as well as about police brutality more broadly. The  conversation ends on a positive note, discussing potential solutions for  issues within policing and communities.

In this episode, Brandon continues his finance series and breaks down the basics of cryptocurrency. Why is crypto gaining popularity? What makes it special? Should you invest? Listen to find out!

In this episode, Zack and Brandon sit down with a police office from the Columbus, OH police department to discuss the shooting of Ma'Khia Bryant. They also touch on Derek Chauvin and other recent issues.

In this episode, Zack and Brandon discuss the recent shooting of Daunte Wright, police brutality broadly, and the recent rise in Dogecoin prices. One listener joins the conversation, with others commenting live.

In this live episode, Zack and Brandon talk with listeners and discuss the recent spate of anti-Asian hate and violence. They talk about the shooting in Atlanta, and the shooter's motive. They also discuss gun rights and restrictions. Brandon and a couple Asian listeners share their experiences with animosity between the black and Asian communities, and they discuss that in the context of the recent uptick in violence.

Zack and Brandon bring on a longtime (anonymous) listener of the podcast to discuss something that means a lot to them. They cover lots of topics pertaining to academia, including safe spaces and trigger warnings, and how these got adopted on college campuses. MrMan describes cancel culture and the "mob mentality" associated with it. Zack, Brandon and MrMan discuss instances of discrimination (such as healthcare provided to black women), and how systemic racism is often the only "acceptable" reasoning behind these instances.

In this episode, Brandon continues his money series, and he and Zack discuss IRAs, and why you should absolutely start one if you don't have one already.

Zack and Brandon invite their listeners on to further discuss the topics covered in this week's episodes. They dive further into cancel culture, Gina Carano, and censorship in general, as well as talk stocks more, with Brandon and Zack talking about some different investments they're potentially looking at (even though none of it is financial advice!).

Jenn from Crane's Critter Care steps into the SWNS Spotlight along with Ursula the chinchilla, to discuss her business. Jenn discusses how Crane's Critter Care operates, but also issues such as people buying pets they can no longer take care of after lockdown ends, negative vs positive reinforcement, and more!

Zack and Brandon bring on Red from the "Red's Ramblings" podcast to discuss international sentiments towards Americans, and different reactions he's gotten when seeking out people of different cultures to interview. They touch on the Philippines, Trump, cancel culture, and much more.

Brandon covers the basics of what a stock is and Zack and Brandon both discuss a bit about their personal investments. While Zack and Brandon aren't experts, they hope to normalize the conversations around money since they're so important.

The "Ask an Iranian" podcast stops by to discuss self-censorship, Iranian sentiments about Trump, cancel culture broadly, and much more with Zack and Brandon.

In this episode, Zack and Brandon sit down with two former educators, Mary Damer and Dave Ziffer, to discuss the education system and reform. They discuss things such as the importance of phonics, common core, math education, privatization of education or charter schools, and so much more.

In this episode, Zack and Brandon sit down with Derick Van Ness, a Wealth Strategist with Big Life Financial, and discuss financial freedom, wealth and money management, investing (and what to do even if you still have student debt or other barriers), and more. Money is one of the most important aspects of life, but yet we never talk about it. Help us change that and Say What Needs Saying about money.

On January 6th, 2021, Zack and Brandon appeared on the Soulless Society Podcast to discuss the Capitol Hill riots that had happened earlier that day. Enjoy this throwback to this monumental and horrible event, and hear Zack and Brandon offer their perspective on another podcast! If you enjoy this episode, be sure to check out the Soulless Society Podcast for more like it.

In this episode Zack and Brandon talked about "unity", Wall Street Bets and Gamestock, cryptocurrency, presidential pardons and so much more.

In this episode, Nate from "Parker's Pouring Politics" joins Zack and Brandon to Say What Needs Saying about voting, politics, and the black community in Chicago. They touch on education reform, voting Democrat vs voting Republican, and much more.

Zack and Brandon sit down with Red from the “Reds Ramblings” podcast to discuss his experiences growing up without a father, being a dad himself, and what it means to be a man, a father, and strong.

A montage of Brandon and Zack's takes on several topics covered within the first season!

Recorded on 1/7/21, Zack and Brandon sit down with Say What Needs Saying listeners to discuss their thoughts on the protests and riots at Capitol Hill. They have numerous perspectives join the conversation, and touch on things such as: whether Trump is responsible, the perceived double standard between BLM riots and these riots, Capitol police and security, and much more.

In this episode, Zack and Brandon discuss whether “hate speech” is included under free speech, and if it is legally protected. They discuss the ramifications of limiting free speech, including in these instances, the limitations that do exist pertaining to speech, and more.

In this episode, Zack and Brandon discuss the COVID-19 vaccine live with listeners. They talk about whether they should be mandated, whether people feel comfortable getting the vaccine, and they dispel some common misconceptions and concerns about the vaccine, such as the idea that Bill Gates is chipping everyone with RFID trackers through the vaccine.

Listeners join Zack and Brandon to share their faith, religion, and beliefs with us. We're joined by the Christian podcast "Bible Conversations" as well as a Buddhist Dharma teacher and Buddhist graduate student. They discuss their beliefs, Zack and Brandon answer listener questions, and they discuss interesting concepts such as whether Jesus was a Buddha.

Zack and Brandon talked with listeners live about all things Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for in 2020? How was your Thanksgiving? They discussed Covid-19 restrictions put in place for Thanksgiving and whether it's right for the government to set these sort of restrictions during a pandemic. The conversation shifted a bit, with Jack O'Halloran explaining his views on Covid vaccines, socialism, and more. Later they talk about whether Thanksgiving is still celebrated the same, or whether it should be, as well as what everyone thinks about national holidays in general. There was lots of disagreement and lots of constructive discussion, with tons of open-minded listeners.

Zack and Brandon sit down with the "Two Peas on a Pod" Podcast to talk about "Say What Needs Saying" and what the podcast is all about!

In this episode, Brandon and Zack discuss the Trump Accountability Project, a since-shut down organization that sought to blacklist and track those who worked for the Trump administration. They hear from live listeners and chat about cancel culture in general, and how the beginnings of it in academia have since morphed into a much larger and more untenable beast.

In this episode, Zack and Brandon sit down with Red from “Reds Ramblings” to discuss the conversations he's had with people around the world. They talk about how people often misunderstand elements of other people's cultures, whether that be the language they speak, their country of origin, their music or food, and all kinds of other things. They discuss the origins of the "Southern accent", black peoples' hair, Islam, and so much more. In part two, they are joined by Preity Upala, former Miss India, Dharma ambassador, and actress, as well as the hosts of the "Ask An Iranian" podcast. They chat about misconceptions and misunderstandings about India and Hinduism, Iran, and the United States from international perspectives.

In this episode, Zack and Brandon sit down with Dan Duggan to discuss business practices and adaptations during the COVID pandemic, what makes a worker or business owner successful, and more. Dan is the chairman and CEO of Health-Mor, a company that produces products including the FilterQueen Indoor Air Quality System, which makes them well-equipped for success during an international pandemic driven by respiratory disease. Dan is also the chairman and CEO of the Flint City Bucks soccer team, and so they discuss the crossovers between sports and business, and also get his take on the increasing intertwining of sports and politics.

In this episode, Zack and Brandon sit down with Red from “Reds Ramblings” to discuss the conversations he's had with people around the world. They talk about how people often misunderstand elements of other people's cultures, whether that be the language they speak, their country of origin, their music or food, and all kinds of other things. They discuss the origins of the "Southern accent", black peoples' hair, Islam, and so much more. In part two, they are joined by Preity Upala, former Miss India, Dharma ambassador, and actress, as well as the hosts of the "Ask An Iranian" podcast. They chat about misconceptions and misunderstandings about India and Hinduism, Iran, and the United States from international perspectives.

In this episode, Zack and Brandon interview two black police officers. They discuss a number of important issues that are incredibly pertinent today, including Black Lives Matter, Blue Lives Matter, the thin blue line, defunding/abolishing police, black police officers and chiefs resigning, police brutality (including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Jacob Blake), systemic racism, the black community and policing, and much more.

In this episode, Zack is a guest on TheRabbitHole, where he discusses why he's leaning slightly towards Trump in the 2020 election, the education system, healthcare, the 2 party system, and more.

In this episode, Zack and Brandon discuss the first presidential debate of 2020 with our listeners. They touch on several topics covered in the debate, including the Trump and Biden Records, the Supreme Court, Race and Violence in our Cities, and the Integrity of the Election. They address Trump's comments on right-wing extremists, Biden's comments on court packing, mail-in voting, and so much more. Be sure to listen to both part one and part two to hear the whole discussion!

In this episode, Zack and Brandon discuss the first presidential debate of 2020 with our listeners. They touch on several topics covered in the debate, including the Trump and Biden Records, the Supreme Court, Race and Violence in our Cities, and the Integrity of the Election. They address Trump's comments on right-wing extremists, Biden's comments on court packing, mail-in voting, and so much more. Be sure to listen to both part one and part two to hear the whole discussion!

*Disclaimer: This episode was recorded before the grand jury's recordings were released. Be sure to listen to those for further updates as well* In this episode, Zack and Brandon discuss the case of Breonna Taylor, and the charges brought up against the officers involved. We touch on several aspects of the case, including the legality of the shooting, various elements pointing to mishandling and evidencing flaws in the protocols and processes, and much more.

In this episode, Zack interviews Tom Kuntzleman, professor of chemistry and Dean of Natural Sciences at Spring Arbor University. They discuss the importance of simultaneously being open and skeptical when having conversations, how best to manage biases, and approach discussion thoughtfully and respectfully, and the increasing divide in our country. They touch specifically on scientific discussion and how scientists should approach discussing with non-scientists, as well as how to apply these concepts to conversations revolving around religion, values, beliefs, and more. Tom brings a fantastic perspective to the show, and delivers a take-home message that really resonates with the core mission of this podcast.

Reds Ramblings invites the hosts of Say What Needs Saying to come and talk about social media and its impact on how freely information is spread whether true or not. We discuss how certain laws protect them whether for good or bad and what we as a society can do to combat the spread of false information.

In this episode of 'Say What Needs Saying', our guests continue the conversation, with some focus on the question of whether or not addiction is a disease. More importantly, the emphasis is placed on taking necessary steps to reduce the stigma and smoothen the process of finding help for people who need it. 

In this episode, Zack and Brandon are joined by recovery crisis coach and CNN Hero Award recipient Scott H Silverman, former substance abuse counselor Bryce Morrison, renowned addiction researcher and psychologist Kent Berridge, and an anonymous listener who has suffered with alcoholism in the past. Together, the panel discusses the increases in drug use and abuse that are being seen during the lockdowns put in place during the Coronavirus pandemic. They touch on several important aspects and topics, including whether addiction is a disease, how use and abuse may not translate to addiction, resources for those struggling, and so much more.

In this sidebar discussion, Brandon and Zack discuss 9/11. It is the 19th anniversary of that tragic day, and like every year before it, social media and the airwaves are cluttered with "never forget" and "always remember" images. These are more than likely rooted in good intentions, but have we as a society gone too far? Has the event been commercialized, or is it being used to milk patriotism out of people? Brandon brings a unique New York perspective to the table, and they discuss everything from "All Buildings Matter" to Auschwitz.

In this episode, Brandon and Zack guest star on the "In Search of Life" podcast to discuss Black Lives Matter with Evert, the host. They touch on several aspects of BLM that they did not discuss in the earlier sidebar conversation. They discuss the Marxist elements of the organization, slavery, the media in America, Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and so much more. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to show Evert's podcast some love and give it a listen as well.

In this episode, Brandon and I guest star on the "In Search of Life" podcast to discuss Black Lives Matter with Evert, the host. We touch on several aspects of BLM that we did not discuss in our sidebar conversation. We discuss the Marxist elements of the organization, slavery, the media in America, Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and so much more. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to show Evert's podcast some love and give it a listen as well.

If you're tired of the ever-growing divide in society today and the complete inability to have a civil and open conversation, tune in to Say What Needs Saying. We discuss heated and touchy topics like politics, religion, money, culture and more. The art of true conversation and discussion is seemingly lost in a wash of fear and timidness. This is why we're here. Real, live discussion. All anonymous for those who really want to just Say What Needs Saying. We host live conversations with listeners and bring different viewpoints together to broaden perspectives and rekindle free thought and discussion. Listen to us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Join us, Zack and Brandon, and always Say What Needs Saying! Follow us on social media at instagram.com/saywhatneedssaying, twitter.com/saywhatneeds, facebook.com/saywhatneedssaying, and tumblr.com/blog/saywhatneedssaying, and be sure to leave us a 5 star review if you enjoy the show! Thanks for listening.

In this continuation from last time, we discuss the riots in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and specifically, Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17 year old who wound up shooting 3 individuals. We discuss several related topics, such as Jacob Blake, policing in general, Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor and no-knock warrants, the media, and so much more. This was our largest live audience yet, and we had a great discussion. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow for more! And follow us on social media as well for updates and to join the live discussions.

In this episode, Zack and Brandon discuss Kyle Rittenhouse, the 17 year old who wound up shooting 3 individuals in Kenosha, Wisconsin. They discuss whether the shootings were self defense, the perceived hypocrisy of the Kenosha police, the riots and protests going on, Jacob Blake, and so much more. Zack and Brandon continue this conversation in Part 2, and touch on other important and related subjects such as Breonna Taylor, the increasing divide in our country, Trayvon Martin, and more.

In this episode, we discuss mask use and mandates with several individuals who can offer very different perspectives on the issues. One individual is from the UK, one is from Nepal, and two are from the United States - one being pro-mask mandate, and one being anti-mask mandate. We touch on several important topics of discussion, including American attitudes, trusting medical and scientific experts, hydroxychloroquine, different approaches to the pandemic including Sweden's strategy, Trump's response to the pandemic, and so much more. These different perspectives all come together in this episode and bring something different to the discussion. COVID-19 seems to have isolated us all, but join us for this conversation that brings people from all over the world closer together.

In this continuation from last time, we discuss the George Floyd body cam footage, policing in general, defunding police, qualified immunity, and even Seinfeld comes up! Listen to part 1 if you haven't yet for more!

In this episode, we discuss the newly released body cam footage in the George Floyd case. We talk about that, policing in general, defunding police, and even Seinfeld comes up!

In this continuation of episode 1, we discuss another SCOTUS decision that relates to religion, as well as numerous other topics led by listener comments.

In this episode we discuss recent SCOTUS decisions and how they impact the freedom of religion and/or free practice of religion. We talk about employment laws, anti-discrimination laws, and more. The conversation shifts following listener feedback, and we discuss things like gun rights, fascism/authoritarianism, and even the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

In this sidebar conversation, Brandon and Zack discuss Black Lives Matter. They talk about the movement, the phrase, the organization, and more. This conversation serves as a template for how to have a conversation about a heated topic that you disagree on, and illustrates how talking about these topics can lead to broadening of perspectives. No matter what your stance on these sidebar topics, you're guaranteed to learn something!

In this introductory episode, we discuss why politics, religion, and money are such taboo topics of discussion. We talk about why it's so important to have these conversations, and later open the floor for discussion with listeners. We have some great conversation about these three topics, and listeners bring valuable input to the table.