#001: Welcome to the Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran Newsletter!

Friends,

It's a brave new world for me!

I've decided to start a newsletter to accompany my Podcast, "Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran". If you have listened to me over the past few years, chances are you are also curious about world affairs as well. After all, it can be challenging in our personal and professional lives to be openly curious! It's quite strange for me to write that out, but perhaps we often don't lean into our curiosity for fear of what might be said.

This Newsletter will serve many purposes: I'll let you know about my new podcast episodes, what's inspiring me and ideas for the future. More than that, I'm hoping this Newsletter will continue to build on what I've been doing since 2018: exploring the most divisive and controversial topics with genuine curiosity.

But first, a bit on the new name:

Back in April, I recorded a Podcast with Gordon Bauer on EVs and its impact on low-income communities. Shortly thereafter, I hit a low-of-all-lows with the Podcast. I was sending dozens of emails out weekly to invite new guests on and the door kept getting slammed. I figured to take a few months off. In complete honesty, I was doubting whether I could continue with it.

It wasn't until my good friend Frank, stumbled upon my Podcast and said these words:

"you have something here, but it requires a lot more work. Are you willing to put in the time and effort?"

I had to give this Podcast more time and attention. I went on Upwork and started hiring social media and brand experts. They all echoed what Frank said: 'you have something special. Don't let it go to waste'.

I realized 'Strong and Free' didn't capture what I was doing. For most all of July, I sat inside my condo, outside on park benches, coming up with all types of words to help along what I'm doing. And, on the fifth week of wracking my brain, I was walking home and asked myself: "what are you trying to say to people with your podcast?"

"...if only people kept an open mind about things, we'd have better public discourse!"

And here we are. Open Minds with Christopher Balkaran. I'm working on the YouTube channel and the website still, but in the meantime check out my Instagram for the latest.

In the Fall, I will be releasing new Podcasts! I’ve stepped up my audio and video editing, so I’m really hoping you will enjoy the new content.

So, here's what's inspiring me lately:

Books

The Psychology of Money - Morgan Housel

I feel like this is a book that I will always refer to throughout my life. Money is one of those topics we'd rather not discuss openly. And I think it's because we can always be a bit better with our cashflow.

Housel breaks down what constitutes good money practices by examining behaviour. It's an easy read and one that you may come back to time and again, to help us veer back on track with our finances.

Soil - Matthew Evans

I'm astonished at how little I know about perhaps the most important ingredient in food production: soil! I'm liking Evans' take so far (halfway through), because he breaks down very complicated chemical reactions into easy-to-understand language.

I also like that Evans has a more curious take on soil and food production. The author openly admits there still is a vast amount we don't know about soil. It's refreshing to see and hear researchers discuss the limitations to their knowledge - we don't hear that enough!

The Triumph of Injustice: How the Rich Dodge Taxes and How to Make Them Pay - Emmanual Saez

Saez really goes into detail about the tax system and what loopholes exist for the wealthy today. As Saez writes, taxing income and capital produce different results, but often we hear about these policy decisions in very simplistic terminology on the nightly news. The reality is (wait for it)...

...it's complicated(!).

Taxing the wealthy may spur investment and capital to offshore accounts. Understanding this system and how money moves when government intervenes is absolutely critical. Perhaps this could be a Podcast series on its own?

It's a pretty intense read, but completely worth it.

Podcasts

Lex Fridman Interviews Jordan Peterson

I've followed Jordan Peterson over the years, and lately I have found a greater harshness in his tone. Back in 2018 when I was struggling with finding my own way (and creating this Podcast!), I stumbled upon his conversation with Dr. Oz and it transformed me.

Lately however, I've found Peterson's interviews to have a higher tinge of anger that can be worrisome at times. He seems to have departed from providing advice based on his years as a clinical psychologist, to more of a political commentator that is often times obsessed with taking on major political battles himself. The challenge with this pivot, is that these issues are vastly complex and many are steeped in the nastiness of politics and interest groups.

That said, this interview was a bit refreshing. Peterson opens, with what I believe is one of his strengths: analyzing some of the deeper meanings of the Bible and then moving onto how he contends with the big issues of our time. It's definitely worth checking out. I absolutely enjoyed Fridman’s line of questioning because he asks clarification questions constantly and keeps Peterson focused as well.

Future Plans

I have a stack of ideas for Podcast series, but am not sure if they will resonate. Have a look - what do you think?

Topic:

• Drug Decriminalization (For/Against)

• Electric Vehicles (Benefits/Drawbacks)

• Farmer Protests in the Netherlands

• Germany - Energy Crisis

• Real Estate (Factors driving cost and what can be done)

• Capital Punishment (Find more supporters/detractors and have a serious debate)

• Climate Change

• Freedom Convoy

• COVID-19 Mental Health Issues

• Sex Work (legalization debate)

• Future of Work (Hybrid, Remote)

Finally, I’m publishing this on Substack as my first foray into email newsletters. I’m liking the format so far, but this may change. It would really mean a lot if you clicked that Subscribe button, left a comment, let me know you are liking (or disliking and even hating!) my content.

The need for more curiosity, balance and objectivity has never been greater. My goal is to further as much as I can.

Have a wonderful week!

Christopher Balkaran