Collective Perspective Podcast

In this powerful episode of The Collective Perspective, we sit down with Edwin Ormeo — a devoted school teacher, passionate contributor, and man of God — to talk about what it truly means to educate with purpose. From balancing faith and public education to navigating today’s cultural challenges in the classroom, Edwin shares his grounded approach to mentorship, discipline, and living by...

Are you building something—or just binging everything? In this episode of The Collective Perspective, Jeff Aldrich and Travis Eadens break down the cultural shift from creators to consumers. We challenge the passive mindset, ask what it really means to contribute in today’s world, and explore how small actions can spark big change. Whether it’s work, faith, community, or content—are you ...

In this episode of The Collective Perspective, hosts Jeff Aldrich and Travis Eadens dive into the quiet power of kindness in a world that often rewards noise and division. Why does kindness matter now more than ever? How can small acts of grace ripple into real change? From everyday encounters to tough conversations, we explore the real-life impact of being kind — not soft, but strong. J...

Are we constantly connected… or quietly crashing? In Episode 53 of The Collective Perspective, Jeff and Travis unpack the rising tide of burnout and digital overload in America. From screen addiction to emotional exhaustion, we explore how non-stop notifications, work-from-phone culture, and comparison fatigue are wearing us down—and what we can do about it. If you’ve ever felt drained, ...

Alot of people today are worried about how divided the United States seems. But what if that very division—when balanced and not extreme—is actually part of what makes us successful? After all, diversity implies a range of differences, and in many ways, ‘division’ and ‘diversity’ share the same roots: being distinct, varied, not all the same. The real danger isn’t in being different—it’s...

 

This week, we’re redefining strength—and no, we’re not talking about deadlifts or chest-thumping speeches. We’re talking about the real stuff: the parents who keep going, the teachers who show up, the vets who mentor, and the tradespeople who build the world around us (often before most of us have had coffee).

We’ll even teach you how to make a proper peanut butter and jelly sandwich—be...

Grandmaster Song Ki Pak's journey epitomizes the American Dream. Emigrating from South Korea, he established himself as a prominent martial artist in the United States, founding Pak's Karate Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1975. Through his dedication and passion, he has not only taught martial arts but also instilled values of discipline, respect, and personal growth in his student...

In Resonant Voices, we sit down with audio engineer, educator, and experimental sound artist Steve Barsotti to explore the transformative power of sound and music. With over three decades of experience teaching and creating, Steve shares how mastering audio skills empowers individuals, fosters creativity, and amplifies voices that shape American culture. Reflecting on his journey as an e...

Season 4 of the Collective Perspective kicks off with guest, Jameyel ‘J. Dash’ Johnson.  Hosts Jeff, Travis and Jawad dive into an inspiring conversation with multi-platinum artist and community advocate, J. Dash. The discussion traces his musical journey from humble beginnings to industry success, highlighting pivotal career moments and memorable experiences along the way. They explore ...

In this Season 3 recap, we revisit the thought-provoking episodes that shaped our journey through social issues, civic responsibility, and the pursuit of unity. From reexamining the American Revolution’s modern relevance and discussing faith’s place in politics, to exploring the struggles veterans face post-service and addressing recovery efforts in Jacksonville, this season has been a d...

In this episode, special guests Richard Carey and Paulo Osorio from the Clay County Veterans Service Office (VSO) share valuable insights on the services they offer to veterans and their families. They discuss the key programs available, including pensions, disability compensation, and navigating the often complex claims process. The episode also highlights the challenges veterans face a...

In this episode, we dive into the pressing issues facing American public education with a seasoned educator, John Green who has witnessed the system's struggles firsthand. From the daily challenges of teachers and administrators to the alarming rise in human trafficking and the growing population of homeless and immigrant students, our guests shed light on the critical concerns that affe...

In part two of our special episode, the *Collective Perspective* team shifts gears from dissecting candidates to tackling a bigger question: Can we, as a nation, find common ground in the 2024 election? With political divisions sharper than ever, we explore what unites us as voters, beyond party lines and campaign promises.

Through honest conversations, we challenge the narrative that eve...

In this special two-part episode of *Collective Perspective*, we tackle the 2024 presidential candidates *before* the debate stage chaos unfolds. Are we witnessing a battle of ideas or just a high-stakes popularity contest? With humor, sharp insights, and a mix of diverse viewpoints, we explore the policies, integrity, and leadership (or lack thereof) behind each candidate.

From the voter...

In this podcast, the host had the privilege of interviewing his daughter, Irie Aldrich, as she prepares to vote for the first time. As her father, he couldn’t be prouder of her thoughtfulness and commitment to understanding the importance of this civic duty. Throughout their conversation, they discussed the milestones leading up to her turning 18, the challenges of navigating the voter r...

In our latest episode, we had the privilege of interviewing Melissa Salazar Cason and Nikki Rodriguez, two incredible women leading the charge in Jacksonville's battle against addiction and homelessness. Representing "Undercover Recovery JAX" and "Rebel Recovery," these nonprofits are more than just organizations; they are lifelines for those lost in the depths of addiction. Melissa and ...

In this interview, Mr. James Burse, a 10-year Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient, embodies sacrifice and resilience. As Director of Operations for Operation Barnabas, he’s dedicated his post-military life to supporting fellow veterans. In this episode, James shares his struggles with the VA, highlighting the challenges veterans face in accessing care. His leadership at Operation Bar...

In this episode, we have a conversation with John Green, the CEO of Operation Barnabas, exploring the organization's mission and vision dedicated to supporting veterans. John sheds light on the relentless efforts of Operation Barnabas in providing comprehensive assistance to veterans, emphasizing their grassroots movement that drives impactful change. We discuss the various programs and ...

In this interview with Pastor Ben Wales, we delve into the separation of church and state and its common misconceptions. Many twist the concept to fit their own narratives, but this discussion aims to set the record straight. While some argue religion has no place in politics, it's undeniable that many people's morals are shaped by their faith. Is religion being imposed or being censured...