Truth Serum by Scheer Law Group, LLP

Ep16: Special 2 Part Series: ADDICTION, DIVORCE & RECOVERY: IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR. Part 1: Blended Families: Interview with Ron Deal

Truth Serum is happy to present a Special Two Part Series entitled: ADDICTION, DIVORCE & RECOVERY:  IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR.
Legal Templates which offers legal forms, including divorce and separation documents, published a report on July 29, 2020 with ongoing statistics about the impact of the pandemic on the family.
The report found that C-19 lockdowns began to destroy marriages quickly. The sale of divorce and separation agreement sales peaked 3 weeks into the quarantine, increasing 57% over the prior two months.
Newlyweds were hit the hardest.
The rate of divorce rates with couples with children (which usually is much lower) increased by over 5%.
The news on addiction and mental health was also alarming.
A study by Frontiers in Psychiatry Published online on April 16, 2021 found that:
As of May 2020, 39% of Americans lost their jobs or had their work hours curtailed due to the pandemic. The stress of financial uncertainty along with an increase in free time and the absence of employment repercussions  lead to significant increased drug use. The CDC estimated a record number of US drug-related deaths in 2020.
While the medical impact of the pandemic is lessening, addiction mental health problems and suicides continue to skyrocket while divorces continues to disrupt families, with the most traumatic  impact on younger children. A sub species of this problem is the fentanyl and opioid epidemic that is skyrocketing in this county, tearing at the roots of our culture.  
In the first episode of this Two Part Series, we examine the impact of divorce on the individual, the family and the country as a whole, and we explore the concept of blended family relationships.
In the second episode we will explore addiction and why just getting clean or sober may only be part of the solution. I will be interviewing noted podcast host Andrea Ashely whose podcast Adult Child explores why family trauma and dysfunction can impact addicts well after sobriety is obtained, and how dealing with the root family issues is a necessary component of recovery for many addicts.
Socially and physically, the impact of divorce can be equally devastating: A recent study published by Brianna Thomas in 2020 examined the effects of divorce on children. She found that the impact of a divorce on young children is now clinically defined as “toxic stress," or stress on a younger child over a prolonged period of time. This often translates to lower learning skills, increased behavioral problems, and heightened injuries resulting from teen pregnancy and sex trafficking. These results are not eliminated but are vastly mitigated in a two parent household. 
This is likely no surprise to most of my listeners. You have likely had to cope or interact directly with divorce or with children or grandchildren who have been greatly impacted by divorce.
Many people who divorce remarry. To further complicate things, many who remarry also bring children, resulting in what has come to be known as a Blended Family. What particular challenges face Blended Families and what can they do to up the odds that their marriage won’t fail?
Join me in Part one of this two part series, as I interview Ron Deal. Ron is the Director of Family Life Blended and a best-selling author. We discuss how a Blended Family can become a mended family and the challenges in making this happen.
Disclaimer: None of the legal, or financial opinions or information expressed in this podcast may be relied on as legal, or investment advice by Scheer Law Group, LLP. Laws and economic issues affecting the subjects of this podcast change daily. This mandates specific review of legal or economic issues of interest or concern to you with legal counsel or financial advisors who are experienced in the areas of law or finance discussed in this podcast.
For more on Scheer Law Group, LLP, go to www.scheerlawgroup.com

Ep15: Review & Update of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act - An Economist Walks Into a Brothel and Other Unexpected Places to Understand Risk - The Great Reset? Economist Allison Schrager Interview

There are special protections afforded to active duty service members (and in some cases their dependents) under state and federal laws. In the Legal Segment, Spencer updates these protections and highlights recent bulletins from the DOJ and CFPB to lenders, servicers and landlords advising that they better comply.
Then join Spencer as he interviews economist Allison Schrager. Allison wrote a best-selling book called An Economist Walks Into a Brothel and Other Unexpected Places to Understand Risk. In her book Allison highlights the concept of risk, how it can work for or against you in life and what you can do to even the odds and fight self-destructive habits. From the brothel to world championship poker player Phil Hellmuth, to Pentagon general H.R. McMaster, Schrager explores risk in some high stakes arenas and shows how you can use five principals to identify risk patterns in your life and make then work for you.Then Spencer and Allison discuss the Great Reset.
The concept of the Great Reset has been ongoing for years, but it gained much greater visibility and traction in June of 2020, when it was Title of the 50th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum. The concept is supported by politicians, activists and businesses all over the world and has three central concepts:
1. Creating conditions for a "stakeholder economy"
2. Building into all economies "equitable or sustainable" policies based onenvironmental, social, and governance metrics to further environmental, and social agendas i.e. government scorecards to rate the adherence of its citizens to these goals and rewarding or penalizing those who comply or fail to comply
3. Harness the emerging technological innovations (Called the Fourth IndustrialRevolution i.e. AI, new industrial materials etc. for the public good, as opposed to private profit.
In the words of the IMF: green growth, smarter growth, and fairer growth.However, critics see it much differently and view it as: An alliance of unelected and powerful people worldwide who want to limit national sovereignty and impose a global rearrangement of the social and economic system (based on socialist principles) to take away assets and rights from those who don’t conform to the new system, and reward those who do conform.
Listen as Allison and Spencer discuss this subject and see what you think.
Disclaimer: None of the legal, or financial opinions or information expressed in this podcast may be relied on as legal, or investment advice by Scheer Law Group, LLP. Laws and economic issues affecting the subjects of this podcast change daily. This mandates specific review of legal or economic issues of interest or concern to you with legal counsel or financial advisors who are experienced in the areas of law or finance discussed in this podcast.
For more on Scheer Law Group, LLP, go to www.scheerlawgroup.com

Ep14: Depressed After the Holidays? Let the Schwartz Be With You (Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz Interview)

The impact of the pandemic on the mental health of all Americans can’t be overstated. Anxiety depression and suicides are at record levels, with disproportionate impact on the young and elderly, who struggle with isolation, fear and loneliness. A recent N. Y. Times article in December of 2021, cited a survey of 1320 Therapists. 9 out of 10 reported that they are being overwhelmed with clients seeking help, many for the first time over anxiety, financial stress and other issues, and that they fear the problem is getting much worse.
The solution to anxiety or depression is not one dimensional, but many professionals seek a reductionist answer focusing on a “one size fits all” answer or response to the problem. For a wonderful overview of multiple factors that can impact mental health and anxiety, I recommend a podcast by Timothy Keller called the Wounded Spirit.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/timothy-keller-sermons-podcast-by-gospel-in-life/id352660924?i=1000543352798
Of course anyone suffering from anxiety or depression should seek professional help and this podcast is not offering medical advice. Everyone must examine all options available when addressing anxiety or depression.
In 2019 I read a book called You are not Your Brain by Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz. I found the central concept of the book fascinating: In essence much like wearing in a path in the ground by repeatedly walking over the same turf over and over again you can repeatedly wear grooves into your own brain by repeated negative messaging. Your brain, a passive organ, then broadcasts these negative messages back to you whether you want to hear them or not: I call them “Bad Brain messages” that can lead to anxiety and stress.
Listen, as I interview Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz, as he discusses his Book, You are not your Brain, and how you can help turn off Bad Brain messages and use the concept of neuroplasticity as one tool to deal with anxiety and stress.
Disclaimer: None of the legal, or financial opinions or information expressed in this podcast may be relied on as legal, or investment advice by Scheer Law Group, LLP. Laws and economic issues affecting the subjects of this podcast change daily. This mandates specific review of legal or economic issues of interest or concern to you with legal counsel or financial advisors who are experienced in the areas of law or finance discussed in this podcast.
For more on Scheer Law Group, LLP, go to www.scheerlawgroup.com

Ep 13: 2022: New Laws and Trends; and: A Trip to the Casino, a Good Investment? Don’t Bet on it. Interview with Rick Lopez

2021 was a wild year. We hope 2022 will be better.  After a world-wide pandemic, lockdowns, vaccinations and turbulent economic, political and social turmoil, we could use a rest.
However, life does not work that way, and as we enter the new year, we want to give a brief recap of some new laws affecting Lenders in 2022, and  trends we have observed in 2021 that we think may continue to take hold in 2022, including:
Friction between government control and regulations, and individual rights.
The likely outcome of the Inflation v Deflation Battle.
Sovereign Transition to Digital Assets. 
AND FINALLY, ON A LIGHTER NOTE:
In the face of all  this uncertainty, and change, you  may be tempted to just fly to Vegas, or go down to your local casino and put all your money on Lucky 7 at the roulette table,  and hope for the best. We don’t recommend it. But if you do, listen to Spencer’s interview with entrepreneur and gaming industry insider Rick Lopez, it could be one of the smartest investments of your time that you have made all year.
We hope you have enjoyed the Truth Serum podcast. It is a labor of love and we are starting to get some national traction.  We just passed 10K downloads in less than 8 months and are interviewing nationally known and interesting guests on everything that matters.  If you like what you hear, please give us Five star rating and leave some feedback wherever you get your podcasts.
 
 
Disclaimer: None of the legal, or financial opinions or information expressed in this podcast may be relied on as legal, or investment advice by Scheer Law Group, LLP. Laws and economic issues  affecting the subjects of this podcast change daily. This mandates specific review of legal or economic issues of interest or concern to you with legal counsel or financial advisors who are experienced in the areas of law or finance discussed in this podcast.
 
For more on Scheer Law Group, LLP, go to www.scheerlawgroup.com

Christmas Special Podcast From Spencer Scheer: Interview with Eric Metaxas

2021 has been a tumultuous year, as we come out of a worldwide pandemic, and the seismic social and economic repercussions that are still reverberating.  Spencerthought it would be appropriate to end this year’s Truth Serum podcast series with a Christmas special and examine this centuries old message of hope.
Whether you believe in the Savior, Santa Claus or no one at all you will find this Episode to be interesting and worthwhile.
Spencer will be interviewing internationally acclaimed and New York Times best-selling author Eric Metaxas. Eric also hosts a nationally syndicated talk show called appropriately: The Eric Metaxas Show.Join Spencer as he interviews Eric about his most recent book: Is Atheism Dead? They discuss whether God was ever really dead as proclaimed by Time Magazinein 1969 and whether recent scientific, archeological and biblical evidence points conclusively to a creator and who that creator might be.
Then join Spencer in our Where is he Love? segment as he hits the streets in Northern CA to ask both believers and non-believers alike if they believe in an afterlife and what they plan on doing if they do in fact get to heaven.
For more information on Eric’s Book Is Atheism Dead? go to:ericmetaxas.com/atheism
 
Disclaimer:  This Christmas Episode is from Spencer Scheer and not Scheer Law Group, LLP
Disclaimer: None of the legal, or financial opinions or information expressed in this podcast may be relied on as legal, or investment advice by Scheer Law Group, LLP. Laws and economic issues  affecting the subjects of this podcast change daily. This mandates specific review of legal or economic issues of interest or concern to you with legal counsel or financial advisors who are experienced in the areas of law or finance discussed in this podcast.
 
For more on Scheer Law Group, LLP, go to www.scheerlawgroup.com

Get Ready for SLG Christmas Special Podcast and YouTube Dec 1 2021 - Interview with Eric Metaxas

Get ready for SLG’s CHRISTMAS PODCAST SPECIAL to be released on December 1, 2021. Whether you believe in the Savior, Santa Claus, or no one at all, you will find this Episode to be interesting and worthwhile. Spencer will be interviewing internationally acclaimed and New York Times best-selling author Eric Metaxas. Eric also hosts a nationally syndicated talk show called, appropriately: The Eric Metaxas Show. Join Spencer as he interviews Eric about his most recent book: Is Atheism Dead? They discuss whether God was ever really dead as proclaimed by Time Magazine in 1969 and whether recent scientific, archeological and biblical evidence points conclusively to a creator and who that creator might be. Then join Spencer in our Where is he Love? segment as he hits the streets in Northern CA to ask both believers and non-believers alike if they believe in an afterlife and what they plan on doing if they do in fact get to heaven. For more information on Eric’s Book Is Atheism Dead? go to: ericmetaxas.com/atheism Disclaimer: None of the legal, or financial opinions or information expressed in this podcast may be relied on as legal, or investment advice by Scheer Law Group, LLP. Laws and economic issues affecting the subjects of this podcast change daily. This mandates specific review of legal or economic issues of interest or concern to you with legal counsel or financial advisors who are experienced in the areas of law or finance discussed in this podcast. For more on Scheer Law Group, LLP, go to www.scheerlawgroup.com

Ep 11: Showdown at the Inflation/Deflation Corral - Interview with Kevin Muir

In our legal segment will examine legal and economic issues impacting lenders, landlords and investors, including Fed tapering of QE,  increased federal regulation of crypto currency, including stable coins and the end of mortgage forbearance.
Then join Spencer at the Shootout at the Inflation and Deflation Corral. In late July of this year,  he  interviewed Steven Van Metre  a well-known financial advisor,  and in August he interviewed renown economist A. Gary Shilling,   Both are contrarians calling for near term deflation and  bond and mortgage rates to decline to as low as 1% in the near future.
In this interview, he will give you excerpts from both interviews and then will present his interview with Kevin Muir a well-known market trader and an inflationist, to get the other side of the story.
Stay tuned as Truth Serum presents the Shootout at the Inflation and Deflation Corral.  Anyone following the stock, bond or RE market should listen carefully because backing the wrong gun fighter, may turn out to be the worst decision you made in 2021 and 2022.
 
Disclaimer: None of the legal, or financial opinions or information expressed in this podcast may be relied on as legal, or investment advice by Scheer Law Group, LLP. Laws and economic issues  affecting the subjects of this podcast change daily. This mandates specific review of legal or economic issues of interest or concern to you with legal counsel or financial advisors who are experienced in the areas of law or finance discussed in this podcast.
 
For more on Scheer Law Group, LLP, go to www.scheerlawgroup.com

Ep 10: A-I The Next Step in Liberating or Dominating us All? Interview with Futurist Thomas Frey - Part 3 of Our Series On: The Beginning of the End of Your Privacy Rights, and The Future of Money

Previously, in this series we have examined how “Big Tech”, in allegiance with governments all over the world are using A-I algorithms to mine your personal data and create your “digital twin.” They use your data to predict your buying habits and to rate your political and social interests and behavior, and in some instances to reward, punish or censor you as a result.  The emergent use of digital currency will enable Big Tech and governments a transformative surveillance mechanism that if left unchecked will rob us all of any rights to privacy. China has already started this process and Western nations are not far behind.
In this conclusion to our series, we will examine the role increasing role that A-I will take in our future at work, home and in society.  We will examine whether it will liberate or dominate us, and look at some upcoming uses of A-I that are on the horizon. They present both exciting opportunities and serious ethical challenges that must be considered and resolved.  Join Spencer as he interviews futurist Thomas Frey to discuss:
Will AI ever develop the tools to operate independently of humans?
Will trips to the geneticist be part of the birthing process?
Will developing “super babies” and super humans” become the norm?Is this just another ‘back door” entry for the eugenics movement?  Do we have the ethics and maturity necessary to genetically engineer our future?
The value of a human being:  It was  $200K. In the future it may be as much as Two Billion Dollars.  What skills will you need?
The workplace in the future: Collaborative work and freelancers.
Forget the apple, bring your computer to school:  A-1 Teachers for your kids.
Disclaimer: None of the legal, or financial opinions or information expressed in this podcast may be relied on as legal, or investment advice by Scheer Law Group, LLP. Laws and economic issues  affecting the subjects of this podcast change daily. This mandates specific review of legal or economic issues of interest or concern to you with legal counsel or financial advisors who are experienced in the areas of law or finance discussed in this podcast.
 
For more on Scheer Law Group, LLP, go to www.scheerlawgroup.com