Courage Newsletter

Finish 2026 Strong

John Duffy Live Courageously — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 15:31:01 GMT

It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks in my world. I wanted to share a bit of it and a few film-related things I think you might find interesting. I’m working to publish this at least once a month, maybe more, depending on how crazy life gets.

Pentagon Visit

I Got Stories:

I had an extraordinary day at the Pentagon a couple of weeks ago. We had a special presentation and Q&A with Secretary Pete Hegseth. We also received a presentation from two of his top aides.

Later, we toured the Pentagon and the 9/11 Memorial. Our JCOC civilian team of twenty had a great time.

Thank you to all the military team that leads JCOC (Joint Civilian Orientation Conference). https://www.war.gov/jcoc

We also had an evening rooftop reception in the Capitol Hill area at the condo of a Navy Colonel.

The JCOC staff at the Pentagon took lots of videos and pictures, which I will share as soon as they send them to us. What an incredible day.

The next day, I walked all over DC, visiting many monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial. Sitting on a bench and watching the Eclipse, I led a Zoom meeting on my laptop for a future film project. Surreal.

Feeling very Forrest Gump-ish.

I must have walked ten miles.

Gideon Film Festival

Next, I headed to Nashville and then to Franklin for a three-day Gideon Film Festival. Well, after a ten-hour delay at the airport and an hour sleeping on the floor.

I finally got there the next day, and that night I hung out in Nashville enjoying the music.

The next day we went to church and met some new friends.

The Festival kicked off Monday, and Tuesday I moderated a panel with the directors of the film “Just One More.”

“Great times at the Gideon Media Arts Conference last night for a special screening of our film, JUST ONE MORE!

The screening was followed by a great Q&A with the film’s talented directors, Kaleb M. Cook and Kyler Cook, yours truly (Executive Producer) and moderated by John Duffy.

We missed my brother (and fellow EP) Kyle, but apparently he had more pressing matters to attend to in Brazil… which I suppose we’ll excuse this time!

A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support the film and to GIDEON for inviting us to be part of such a wonderful event!” - Kenny Saylors

While I was in Franklin at the Festival, I squeezed in a podcast appearance and a spot on Eric Zuley’s The Authors Channel Network, where I talked about my memoir's upcoming Dec 14th release. The Adventure continues…

Scott Ferrell Podcast

I’m excited to bring you a very special episode of The Scot Ferrell Show next week

I’ll be sitting down with John Duffy, producer, author, filmmaker, motivational speaker, and host of Live Courageously, for a conversation that I think you’re really going to enjoy.

We’re talking about Hollywood, overcoming obstacles, finding purpose, having the courage to keep moving forward, and what it takes to refuse to let your circumstances define your future.

John is also the author of Black Irish: Not Your Average White Boy, which shares his incredible journey from the South Bronx to Hollywood.

I can’t wait for you to hear this conversation. - Scott Ferrell

https://bit.ly/4zxgPqR

Eric Zuley’s Authors Channel

www.theauthorschannel.com

www.eZWay.tv

Now I’m back in LA working on future film projects, attending American Film Market (AFM), and getting everything ready for my Book release. And I’m back in the gym 7 days a week. Life is good.

Black Irish Memoir - John Duffy

Available December 14th in eBook, Hardcover, Paperback, and Audiobook

Pre-Order at links below:

Live- Courageously Website

https://live-courageously.com/

Amazon: Black Irish Memoir

https://bit.ly/4jPSYxz

******************************************************

Upcoming Films in Theaters:

Some really good films coming out that I recommend.

Jimmy

Ghost Soldier

I Play Rocky

Drummer Boy

Hershey

Streaming - Apple TV

******************************************************

Time for a Change

🌟 Inspiration & Takeaway

“If the machine can write our dreams, we must learn to dream louder.” — John Duffy

Stay Tuned

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to make a positive impact in life and for readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like my life. It covers podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, Service, Veteran Support, Free Thinking, AI and more…

Please drop me a note if you enjoy this newsletter and want me to keep it going. Thank you for reading it.

🔗 Join the Movement

🎧 Podcast Episodes - Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@duffsqfilm/streams

📋 Courage Substack Newsletter Archive

🌐 Live Courageously Website & Merchandise

Live-Courageously.com

Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

☕ Support Me - A Request:

If you enjoy this newsletter and my Live Courageously message and Podcasts, please subscribe and share and help me grow this message and movement.

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Courage Newsletter: Subscribe with Button below

Thank you, and please give me feedback about the Newsletter and let me know what you think.

DOW JCOC - My Week with the US Military

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:02:23 GMT

A month ago, I had the honor and privilege of being chosen as one of only 39 civilians, out of hundreds who submitted and were recommended, to participate in the annual U.S. Department of War’s JCOC 96, the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference.

Special thanks to Vietnam War veteran, Naval Aviator, and great friend Dave Kennedy for offering me the opportunity and recommending me.

We started our journey in Seattle and traveled to Tacoma, Nevada, Lompoc, CA, Coronado, and San Diego. We visited all six military bases: US Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, U.S. Navy, and the USMC.

It was a highlight in my life, and I’ve had many highlights. Here are the videos the JCOC team put together of our experiences with all the branches of the U.S. military.

Post 1 - Day 1 - U.S. Coast Guard

Last month, I was honored to join 39 civilian leaders chosen from hundreds who were submitted to participate in the DOW’s Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC) 96. Every day, I will share another video of our journey with the different branches of the U.S. military.
We started with a Sunday reception in Seattle where we met
everyone. On Day One at 5:30 am, we traveled to Tacoma to spend the day with the U.S. Coast Guard.
I share a fellow participant’s observation of the day. - John Duffy
“We observed search-and-rescue capabilities, maritime security operations, a working-dog demonstration, and a water-rescue exercise. What struck me most was the Coast Guard's commitment to service. Their missions range from rescuing people in distress to intercepting illegal drugs, supporting national security, and responding to emergencies. While many Americans may not think about the Coast Guard every day, their impact is felt across our nation and around the world.” - Ashley Armstrong

U.S Coast Guard

Post 2 - Day 1 - DOW's JCOC - U.S. Army

I'm sharing a fellow participant's summary of our experience below.
It was a powerful day of hands-on mock exercises with the U.S. Army and Special Forces. We met some of the best leaders and I came away both grateful and honored to be part of this. - John Duffy
"After leaving Seattle, we boarded Chinooks and flew to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
We rode in Strykers, participated in a simulated casualty evacuation exercise (they even let me start an IV), spent time learning from Army Rangers and Special Forces personnel, and observed firsthand how realistically soldiers train for missions.
Throughout the day, I kept hearing a common theme: train exactly as you fight.
The soldiers we met weren't putting on a demonstration for visitors. They were training the same way they prepare for real-world missions... This experience gave me an even deeper appreciation for the discipline, teamwork, and preparation that happens long before service members are called upon to act." - Ashley Armstrong

U.S. Army

POST 3 - Day 2 - U.S. Air Force

After a long Day 1 in Tacoma, WA, that started at 5;30 am, Day 2 started at 2:30 am as we were transported to Nevada aboard a C-17. We visited two Air Force Bases Nellis and Creech. The C-17 flight was awesome. The talented young members of the Air Force were impressive. - John Duffy
I share my fellow civilian JCOC member's summary:
”Our Air Force day began long before sunrise with a flight aboard a C-17 Globemaster headed to Nevada. At Nellis and Creech Air Force Bases, we learned how technology, intelligence, and airpower come together to support military operations around the globe. We also spent time learning about remotely piloted aircraft and hearing directly from the Airmen responsible for those missions. One conversation stood out to me. The best military outcome is often one the public never hears about. Many of our military's greatest successes don't make headlines because deterrence is working. Threats are prevented, conflicts are avoided, and lives are protected.
As someone nominated by Ellsworth Air Force Base, it was especially meaningful to gain a deeper understanding of the Air Force mission and the extraordinary people who carry it out every day.“- Ashley Armstrong

U.S. Air Force

POST 4 - Day 3 - U.S. Space Force

On Day 3, we were flown from Nevada to Lompoc, CA, to visit Vandenberg Space Force Base. My knowledge of the Space Force before this was extremely limited. We learned a great deal about what the Space Force does in space exploration and launches, satellite activities, and cybersecurity. We watched launch videos and learned about the cooperation between civilian companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, and others and our Space Force operations. What a great educational day and an eye-opener on the importance of space in our national defense.

U.S. Space Force

POST 5 - Day 5 - U.S. Navy SEALs & U.S. Navy

Day four was very special. I was on Team Navy, and we started the day early by visiting the Navy SEALs base at Coronado Island in San Diego. The morning started with an early PT (physical training) session with the SEALs. I started strong with twenty pull-ups, then we lifted dumbbells and did aerobics, push-ups, and burpees. It was a competition between the different teams, so we gave it our all. I work out seven days a week, and this was my hardest day in decades. The SEAL statement that “the only easy day was yesterday” was true for us that morning. :-) It was a great experience.
We then took a tour to watch their underwater training in the pool and later participated in live-firing activities. We also spent time with the Navy on one of their boats.
This day was a highlight for me. The level of leadership, discipline, service mentality, and commitment to the mission was truly impressive. The day left me feeling grateful for the service the U.S. Navy and SEALs provide for our country.

US Navy - Navy SEAL’S

POST 5 - Day 6 - U.S. Marine Corps

On Day 5, our last day, we spent time with the United States Marine Corps at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. We attended a graduation ceremony for young Marines. We got a taste of what a new recruit goes through when a USMC Drill Instructor came on our bus and started shouting orders at us to get off and get on the yellow footprints. He took us through a slightly lighter version of what young Marines encounter on the same yellow footprints.
Decades ago, I line-produced a series of training videos for the USMC at Pendleton, MCRD, and Quantico, so I saw what training was like then.
We later visited Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and were briefed by Marines at different levels.
We also rode in the latest Osprey helicopter, which was a very special experience.
This was a full-circle experience for me. Decades ago, I left impressed by the young Marines, their leaders, and their service, and I began a journey supporting veterans in the film industry where I worked that continues to today. This was truly an amazing week with the best of the best in our country. I left feeling inspired, motivated, and committed to doing more and supporting our best, the US military.

U.S. Marine Corps

Weapons Shooting - B-Roll

Final JCOC Video - Secretary of War Pete Hegseth

SEND ME:

Takeaways: Be an Advocate. Support our military, support our veterans, support their families, and support our Country.

I received the following letter this week from the Secretary of War. It was an honor to be chosen for the JCOC week, to participate, and to receive this letter, and I look forward to supporting the US military and veterans in the future.

9/11 Wave of Flags 25th Anniversary Pepperdine - Always Remember

On 9/11, I attended the Wave of Flags at Pepperdine in Malibu to honor and remember 9/11. I’ve attended it for over a decade. The Malibu Times took a picture from behind my 9/11 T-Shirt. A friend saw it on the cover and sent it to me. I wasn’t aware they took a picture

Black Irish - Memoir

I’m resharing a chapter about 9/11 from my upcoming Memoir and how 9/11 changed my life in many fundamental ways. I went to the World Trade Center in Dec 2001 after the terrorist attack. I will share that story later and how it affected me and changed me. If you didn’t read it or receive the previous newsletter, you can check it out.

Here is a free Chapter from my upcoming Memoir “Black Irish - Not Your Average White Boy,” which is planned to be released Dec 14, 20026

Born Again American

I woke up that morning in my Santa Monica apartment, and my wife told me a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. We turned on the television just in time to see the second plane hit. Like everyone else, we sat there trying to process what we were watching, but it didn’t take long to realize this wasn’t an accident. This was an attack. Islamic terrorists. Al Qaeda. Everything seemed to come to a standstill as we stayed glued to the TV, watching it unfold in real time, watching America under assault.

In the days that followed, I watched a country come together in a way I had never seen before. I saw President Bush standing at Ground Zero in the rubble. I watched the event at Yankee Stadium—Mayor Giuliani, Lee Greenwood singing, Oprah speaking—and for a moment, it felt like the entire country was united. That wasn’t something I was used to seeing, and it stayed with me.

In December, my wife and I went back to New York to be with family for Christmas. While we were there, we made our way down to the World Trade Center site. Smoke was still rising from the wreckage. There were flowers everywhere, pictures, handwritten notes—people standing quietly, reading names, remembering those who had been lost. It wasn’t loud. No shouting, no chaos. Just silence.

We went into St. Paul’s Chapel across from the site and spent over an hour walking through the memorials. Walls covered with photos, messages, pieces of people’s lives left behind. I remembered stopping in front of one picture — a firefighter, smiling, his arm around his kid. Just a regular guy. Could have been someone I grew up with in the Bronx. I stood there longer than I expected to, just looking at it. Didn’t say anything. Didn’t need to.

I felt grief, of course, but what surprised me was the anger. I was angry that my city had been attacked, that New Yorkers had been killed by terrorists. And then I realized something else that caught me off guard—I felt just as strongly that America had been attacked. That was new for me. I hadn’t thought that way before.

Something broke in me at that site, and something died, and something new was born.

Not long after, I started seeing reports about anti-war protests—people in New York demonstrating against America, some even defending the Islamic radicals and saying the problem was Islamophobia. I had friends on the Left who expressed these positions. That set me off. I went out and bought an American flag pin and started wearing it. Something I would never have expected of me.

I remembered calling a friend, someone I had shared those same left-wing views with for years, and telling him what I was doing. He said to me, “Why would you wear a Nazi flag?” I wanted to reach through the phone and smack him for saying something that stupid. But after the call, I sat there and thought about it. The truth was, not long before standing at Ground Zero, I had believed the same thing.

If anyone needed to be slapped in the head, it was me.

I started going back through my beliefs, one by one. Not in the abstract —personally. Things I had defended. Things I thought I understood. Communism — something I had once believed in —didn’t hold up when I looked at it honestly. The same with the sympathy I had for radical Islam. I marched against the Shah in Wash, DC when Carter was President. I marched in Brooklyn for Arafat and the PLO. That didn’t survive contact with reality either. And underneath all of it, if I was being honest, there had been something else too — resentment and jealousy toward the “rich” ruling class and hatred toward America that I had carried for years. I couldn’t justify any of it anymore. I rejected those beliefs.

I didn’t arrive at that all at once. But standing there, and in the weeks that followed, I knew I couldn’t go back to the way I had been living or thinking. Whatever this was, it wasn’t just a change of mind. It was going to require something from me. I didn’t know exactly where that would lead yet… but I knew I was going to find out.

I thought about my father, an Irish immigrant who came to this country with nothing, volunteered, put on a uniform, and fought for it in WWII.

Looking back, I had to admit that to myself. My dad was the one who got it right.

That was the moment I became a Born Again American.

Download Chapter

Born Again American

55.7KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Press Release

LIVE COURAGEOUSLY PRESS

live-courageously.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, Hollywood Producer John Duffy Releases “Born Again American,” a Chapter from His Upcoming Memoir Black Irish: Not Your Average White Boy

The South Bronx-born filmmaker shares the chapter chronicling how September 11 reshaped his political identity, ahead of the memoir’s Dec 14th release

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — September 10, 2026 — On the eve of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Hollywood film producer, educator, and South Bronx native John Duffy is releasing “Born Again American,” a chapter from his forthcoming memoir, Black Irish: Not Your Average White Boy, ahead of the book’s November 15 publication through Live Courageously Press.

The chapter recounts the day that reshaped Duffy’s understanding of his country and himself, marking the beginning of a political and personal transformation that runs through the rest of the book. Told in Duffy’s direct, unsparing voice, “Born Again American” bridges the memoir’s early chapters on his childhood in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx with the man he became in the decades that followed — in Hollywood, in his classrooms, and in his advocacy work.

“I wanted people to read this chapter on this date specifically,” said Duffy. “September 11th didn’t just change the country — it changed me. This chapter is about that turning point, and I think a lot of people who lived through that day will recognize themselves in it.”

“Born Again American” is the second of four chapters Duffy is releasing individually in the weeks leading up to the book’s launch, alongside the memoir’s opening chapter, “Daddy Don’t Die,” and two additional chapters exploring his Bronx childhood and his family’s roots in Ireland. The chapter is available now at live-courageously.com.

About the Book

Black Irish: Not Your Average White Boy is the memoir of John Duffy, tracing his path from a childhood in the Mott Haven section of the South Bronx to a five-decade career as a Hollywood film producer. With a foreword by actor Kevin Sorbo, the book moves through Duffy’s Irish heritage, his transformation after September 11, his family in Ireland finding him online, and the losses and reunions that shaped the man he became. Black Irish will be released on December 14, 2026, in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook editions, with a limited 100-copy signed Founder’s Edition available at launch.

About the Author

John Duffy is a Hollywood film and line producer with more than 55 feature film credits. He’s been an adjunct film professor at UCLA Extension, Art Center College of Design, and John Paul the Great Catholic University, and a motivational speaker and podcaster. He founded Live Courageously Press. Duffy lives in Santa Monica, California.

About Live Courageously Press

Live Courageously Press is the publishing imprint founded by John Duffy to bring stories of resilience, reinvention, and courage to readers.

Media Contact

John Duffy

Live Courageously Press

duffsqfilm@gmail.com

live-courageously.com

Upcoming Films:

Some upcoming films I recommend.

Upcoming Documentaries :

An upcoming Documentary I recommend.

Music Videos:

🌟 Inspiration & Takeaway

“If the machine can write our dreams, we must learn to dream louder.” — John Duffy

Stay Tuned

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to make a positive impact in life and for readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It covers podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, Service, Veteran Support, Free Thinking, AI and more…

Please drop me a note if you enjoy this newsletter and want me to keep it going. Thank you for reading it.

🔗 Join the Movement

🎧 Podcast Episodes - Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@duffsqfilm/streams

📋 Courage Substack Newsletter Archive

🌐 Live Courageously Website & Merchandise

Live-Courageously.com

Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

☕ Support Me - A Request:

If you enjoy this newsletter and my Live Courageously message and Podcasts, please subscribe and share and help me grow this message and movement.

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Courage Newsletter: Subscribe with Button below

Thank you, and please give me feedback about the Newsletter and let me know what you think.

25th Anniversary 9/11

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 18:47:30 GMT

9/11 Reboot

I haven’t written or published my Courage Newsletter in a long time because I was a little overwhelmed with line producing a couple of feature films and trying to complete my “Black Irish” Memoir.

My recent experiences with the US military and the coming 25th Anniversary of 9/11 pushed me to reboot and make a comeback with this issue and future Courage Newsletter.

A few weeks ago, I had the honor and privilege of being chosen as one of only 40 civilians to participate in the annual US Dept. of War’s JCOC 96, the Joint Civilian Orientation Conference. We started in Seattle and traveled to Tacoma, Las Vegas, Lompoc, CA and San Diego, We visted all six military bases: US Coast Guard, Air Force, Space Force, Navy, and the USMC.

It was a highlight of my life, and I’ve had many highlights. I will share more in future issues, but for now, here are a few pictures to capture the experience.

Those pictures are just a few of the amazing adventures.

Last week I attended a screening of a powerful 9/11 documentary, and I'm sharing the trailer below.

This Friday, on 9/11, I will attend the Wave of Flags at Pepperdine in Malibu to honor and remember 9/11. I’ve attended it for over a decade. I will share more about it in the future.

So I also decided I would share a chapter from my upcoming Memoir about how 9/11, 2001 changed my life in many fundamental ways. I went to the World Trade Center in Dec 2001 after the terrorist attack on 9/11. I will share that story later and how it affected me and changed me.

Here is a free Chapter from my upcoming Memoir “Black Irish - Not Your Average White Boy,” which is planned to be released Dec 14, 20026

Born Again American

Something broke in me at that site, and something died, and something new was born.

If anyone needed to be slapped in the head, it was me.

I thought about my father, an Irish immigrant who came to this country with nothing, volunteered, put on a uniform, and fought for it in WWII.

Looking back, I had to admit that to myself. My dad was the one who got it right.

That was the moment I became a Born Again American.

Download Chapter

Born Again American

55.7KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Press Release

LIVE COURAGEOUSLY PRESS

live-courageously.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, Hollywood Producer John Duffy Releases “Born Again American,” a Chapter from His Upcoming Memoir Black Irish: Not Your Average White Boy

The South Bronx-born filmmaker shares the chapter chronicling how September 11 reshaped his political identity, ahead of the memoir’s Dec 14th release

About the Book

About the Author

About Live Courageously Press

Live Courageously Press is the publishing imprint founded by John Duffy to bring stories of resilience, reinvention, and courage to readers.

Media Contact

John Duffy

Live Courageously Press

duffsqfilm@gmail.com

live-courageously.com

9 /11 Documentaries

The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11:

911 Remembered

https://www.911remembered.com/

9 /11 Music Videos:

Twenty-Five Septembers:

The Colors Never Ran

Have Your Forgotten

🌟 Inspiration & Takeaway

“If the machine can write our dreams, we must learn to dream louder.” — John Duffy

Stay Tuned

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It covers podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please drop me a note if you enjoy this newsletter and want me to keep it going. Thank you for reading it.

🔗 Join the Movement

🎧 Podcast Episodes - Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@duffsqfilm/streams

📋 Courage Substack Newsletter Archive

🌐 Live Courageously Website & Merchandise

Live-Courageously.com

Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

☕ Support Me - A Request:

If you enjoy this newsletter and my Live Courageously message and Podcasts, please subscribe and share and help me grow this message and movement.

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Courage Newsletter: Subscribe with Button below

Thank you, and please give me feedback about the Newsletter and let me know what you think.

In Remembrance 9/11 & Charlie Kirk & America

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 23:00:54 GMT

Note: This went out before I had time to edit and finish it. But that’s ok. I wanted to expand on it and explain my take a little deeper but I will do it in the next one. Thanks for understanding. - John Duffy

I wish I had more time to process what happened this week but I’m working on a feature film and don’t have the free time to do this justice but feel compelled to speak up and out and so I’m sharing what some people have posted in lieu of me commenting in depth.

9/11 changed my life and my beliefs like it did so many others 24 year ago. I went from being a left-wing communist to a Born Again American and a Patriot. America and the world changed that day. It was tragic and and for short moment most of America was united. But not everyone was. There was protest in New York and through out the country by far-left groups in support of the Islamic movement aka the terrorist that people have forgotten about in our need to sugar coat those times.

Yet 9/11 changed many people’s political beliefs for the better. Yesterday I believe was and will be a day that changes the political beliefs and orientation of many people and will be a movement that changes America. Charlie Kirk age 31 founder of Turning Point USA was murdered in cold blood by a evil assassin. I met Charlie four different times at events in LA and Phoenix and got to see him up close. I was impressed by his beliefs, his faith and what he accomplished at the age of 31.

There are moments in our lives that have changed America, assassinations have done that many times including the assassinations of President John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Malcom X, Robert F Kennedy and the attempted murders of President Reagan and President Trump and now the murder of Charlie Kirk. All of them effect the psyche of the nation.

Many or most of you may not consume as much media and information as I do and may not see or read all of the following comments. I hope you read them and you may agree, disagree or you may never even seen any idea or belief that doesn’t agree with your political point of view but we are divided and will be even more divided in the future but the left is on a death spiral and if you are on it you may need to look in to the mirror and your heart and if it is filled with anger and hate all your justifications for being hateful won’t help you. It’s time to make a change and embrace freedom of speech, dialogue and really, no really embrace love and not the hate you’ve been living with. Join me it’s great on this side.

To Be Continued…

Truth

Siloh Moses

This Post is bringing me to tears.

This by far, is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write in a very long time.

There was a time when you could stand on the fence and hear the pros and cons of both sides of the story and make up your own mind.

There was a time where this was a skill that people sought after.

When people actually thought deeply first, came to their own concusion by thoughtfully listening to both sides of the story (without bias) and by looking at pros and cons, then reacted second.

This skill has been lost.

This world doesn’t value this way of ‘thinking’…

This skill is not looked on as a virtue anymore.

Today it’s react, react, react, feel, feel, feel, shame, shame, shame (jump to conclusion) “They deserved it.”

I post one post on FB and my DM’s get nuked.

I don’t know why I keep getting these messages?

I am not an avid TV watcher.

I’m barely online.

I watch no news and consume no headlines.

For a reason.

I keep my head down, run my businesses, focus on my goals and making myself happy.

I surround myself with good food and good people who have big aspirations and push each other to do even bigger things.

What happened to Charlie Kirk was truly sad.

And to my point above, I barely knew who he was.

I am not an avid TV watcher.

I’m barely online.

I watch no news and consume no headlines (for this exact reason)

But I do know two things:

1. No one deserves to have their lives taken away prematurely.

And

2. It doesn’t matter how they ‘think’ or what they ‘say.’ Killing is not right, no matter who it is.

Male, female, gay, straight, left, right, blue, green…

Killing another human being is wrong.

Period.

Where did we as human beings go wrong?

50 years ago (ask your grandparents)

When someone was killed for what they believe the nation mourned them.

Today, they are scorned.

And we write it off with, “they deserved it.”

I dont know where we went wrong.

🌟 Inspiration & Takeaway

“If the machine can write our dreams, we must learn to dream louder.” — John Duffy

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

🔗 Join the Movement

🎧 Podcast Episodes - Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@duffsqfilm/streams

📋 Courage Substack Newsletter Archive

🌐 Live Courageously Website & Merchandise

Live-Courageously.com

Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

☕ Support Me - A Request:

If you enjoy this newsletter and my Live Courageously message and Podcasts, please subscribe and share and help me grow this message and movement.

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Courage Newsletter: Subscribe with Button below

Thank you, and please give me feedback about the Newsletter and let me know what you think.

Happy Independence Day

Fri, 04 Jul 2025 02:00:31 GMT

Happy 249th Independence Day. Thank you to all the Founders who created this great nation and all those who fought for it and defended it in our Military.

My parents both immigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1928 arriving at Ellis Island. My father joined the US Army and fought in World War II in the Philippines. They gave my brother and me our American Dream.

I didn’t appreciate it when I was a teenager growing up in poverty in the South Bronx, but I became a Born Again American after having a change of heart and an awakening, especially after 9/11.

So today I celebrate our independence, our freedom and the greatest country in the World. And I say Happy 4th of July and God Bless America.

Live Courageously Podcast Show # 95

This is a very powerful and inspiring show with a dear friend, Ann-Marie Murrell. It’s especially for Caregivers or those who may be Caregivers in the future. Her book “Walking Each Other Home” was just released on Amazon. Check it out, Amazon link below

https://bit.ly/4lDovjR

Upcoming Podcast July 13

I Got Stories # 1 Muscle Beach - July 4th

I’m going to just leave this here and just say you have to come back next week to see what this is about. It’s going to be an unexpected story. Stay tuned

July 4th Movies and Docs Worth Seeing:

Zzaslow Documentary:

July 4th Music Videos - Going Hardcore Patriotic

July 4th Inspirational Quotes:

🌟 Inspiration & Takeaway

“If the machine can write our dreams, we must learn to dream louder.” — John Duffy

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

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Times Square NYC Billboard

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 01:00:29 GMT

Life is a Daring Adventure:

Helen Keller’s famous quote is “Life is a Daring Adventure or Nothing at All.” Well my life has been a daring and great adventure. I was born and grew up in the South Bronx and dropped out of high school when I was fifteen. My dream was to survive but my dreams grew as did my journey. This street kid from the Streets of the Bronx never dreamed of Hollywood and yet I went on many journeys and one took me to acting and then producing and to Hollywood.

It’s a mind blower to see my picture on a giant Billboard on Times Square. As a kid growing up in the South Bronx We used to attend movies down on 42nd St when it was a very sketchy and dangerous area. I never would have dreamed this would someday happen.

Shout out and thanks to Henning Morales who created the script and film project Metal Crush and put the team together to begin the journey to filming this project in 2026 in New Jersey and to creating this promotion that my pic was part of al the Producers who are working on the Project. I see can’t believe it but it’s super cool and I’m grateful for the opportunity and another Magic Moment in my life.

This is my building above and apartment that I lived in for the first 18 years of my life on 400 E 141 St through the worst times in the Bronx and yet to me it was just a neighborhood and I had great friends growing up and still have them to today.

🎥 Live Courageously Podcast Shows:

The idea for the Live Courageously Podcast Show came to me at 2am in the morning when I was up in Calgary, Canada Producing Kevin Sorbo’s “Left Behind -Rise of the Antichrist” during the Covid Pandemic. I saw the media promoting fear and I wanted to share an alternative message of Courage. I was doing weekly Facebook Lives but wanted to share the stories of all the Courageous people in my life so I started the Live Courageously Podcast Show and here we are today 94 shows on the road to the 100th Show Milestone and beyond.

Here is the most recent Live Courageously Podcast Shows you can watch:

🎧 “Live Courageously with John Duffy and Guest Writer/Director/Filmmaker Ben Ramsey – Episode 94”

🎧 “Live Courageously with John Duffy and Guest Symone Fairchild – Episode 93”

Something is Happening Here and You Don’t Know What it is, Do You? Mr Jones

The world is in Crisis and the US is erupting. Most countries are divided on most issues affecting their countries.

This week I’m going to pass on sharing any information and my comments and just focus on some positive experiences in my life and sharing my latest Podcast shows. I will return to this section and the Great Divide next week.

Movies and Docs Worth Seeing - From and For the Heartland

Zzaslow Documentary:

I would love to like to invite everyone on good 'ol Facebook to a very special screening of my new film Zzaslow K-427 having its WORLD PREMIERE at Dances With Films Los Angeles. We're really proud of this film and would love to share it with you. It will be a fun time!

When: Sunday, June 22 at 7:45 PM

Where: TLC Chinese 6 Theaters in the heart of Hollywood

What: Zzaslow K-427, honors the remarkable service of the longest tenured bomb-sniffing dog to ever serve in the U.S. Army, and how this unassuming black Labrador retriever saved lives, both on and off the battlefield, healing humans in extraordinary ways that are completely unexpected. There will be a Q&A with myself and the other crew following the screening. - Robert Aaron Ham

Tickets: Reserve your seat at Dances With Films website.

Link for Tickets: https://bit.ly/4jELCZG

Inspirational Quote:

In Every Moment, Choose to Step Forward into Growth

🌟 Inspiration & Takeaway

“If the machine can write our dreams, we must learn to dream louder.” — John Duffy

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

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📋 Courage Substack Newsletter Archive

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Live-Courageously.com

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Conversations Across the Political Divide

John Duffy Live Courageously — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 01:00:31 GMT

A Request:

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Conversations Against the Political Divide

I recently started a new Podcast Show, Left to Right - The Great Divide, and I look forward to having conversations on what unites us and what divides us.

This divide isn’t just a US phenomenon but a worldwide divide happening in countries all around the world. Below, I share two videos of two people on the Left, Stephan A. Smith and Bill Maher, and on the Right, Steve Bannon and Charlie Kirk. Hope you check them out.

I Got Stories # 1: Tour of Skid Row

I Got Stories: Just Another Day in my Life.

My day started out teaching my last online pre-production and production class of the semester for UCLA with their sister University in Madrid, Spain.

Next up was my daily gym workout.

Then I headed downtown LA to give my good Brother, G Anthony Joseph, and his acting friend a walking tour of Skid Row. I took them past all the homeless programs and street encampments. When I first moved to LA i was a counselor for a couple of years at Covenant House a runaway program in Hollwood, later a counselor at Homeless food program in LA and overnight counselor at home for mental ill.

Check out this interview on my Live Courageously Podcast Show with Office Deon Joseph to really understand Skid Row.

I Got Stories # 2: Location Scout

I Got Stories: Just Another Day in my Life

Yesterday, I started with location scouting at LA Center Studios for a feature film I am working on as a line producer for later this year for Sunset Entertainment and Dahlia Guigui.

I Got Stories # 3: Holocaust Remembrance

After scouting, I attended a powerful night of speakers and music for "Holocaust Remembrance" and the October 7th Massacre put on by Ashkan Tabibnia's 90210 Entertainment, Henning Morales, Mindatorium Studios, and Karen Olsen Hall.

We finished the night lighting candles in remembrance of the 6 million murdered in the Holocaust.

Thank you, Ashkan Tabibnia, for inviting me and for such a powerful program

Something is Happening Here and You Don’t Know what it is, Do You? Mr Jones

Conversations Across The Great Divide

This is an interview / Podcast Show that one could never imagined happening and yet it did and it reflects that "“Something is Happening Here” in the culture and politics that no one could have predicted but here we are. Two very different individuals with two very different world views, politics, and experiences having a respectful, intelligent conversation and really listening and engaging with each other. It’s starting to happen more than expected, and it’s time, and it’s useful and beneficial.

Now, there are people on opposite sides of the political aisle who haven’t heard or listened to Stephen A Smith or Steve Bannon. And many are too afraid to listen to anyone with a different point of view or stereotype them so as to justify their cowardice to listen and really listen.

I share this because I suggest and recommend you find the courage to listen to this, no matter which side you agree with. I listen to both of them. I’ve also been on the Steve Bannon show for a few minutes, sharing my journey from communism to patriotism, and I’ve also introduced guests to Bannon who are fighting human trafficking that he brought on his show.

I encourage you to listen to the end and hear how Stephen was left with the need and willingness to think about what Bannon raised, and maybe it will change some of his opinions, or maybe none of them, but he was courageous enough to have that respectful conversation.

What’s holding you back or preventing you from having intelligent, respectful conversations with neighbors, friends, and family who are different than you and are Progressives, Democrats, Republicans, or MAGA?

Look in the mirror, look into your heart, or don’t continue to justify that you are smarter and superior and that “they” are whatever stereotype you want to label them with, but none of that is true. You know you are afraid to get to know them because if you know them and like them, how can you hate them when you find out they have different politics than you? And so you make a choice to stay with your “Superiority” and hate. And that’s really sad and harmful to you and life.

So Live Courageously and watch the interview below, and send me your thoughts and opinions after you do. And feel free to engage in a respectful, intelligent conversation with me. I’m not afraid of any point of view - John Duffy.

Ireland: The Great Divide - Rally in Dublin

Something is happening in Ireland that most Americans will never see or hear about in our “Mainstream” Media. Is it news? Yes. Why do they choose not to cover it? Because it doesn’t fit their ideology and narrative.

Below is just a small piece of what is happening. My parents were born in Ireland. I am a first-generation American, and I have dual citizenship. I have visited Ireland three times in 2008, 2009, and 2011, and I love the country, the people, and my Irish family. Yet the EU and the European billionaires and their lackey political officials in Ireland have created harmful economic and housing policies and forced mass migration on Ireland and have hurt the country and its people, and the Irish are fed up, and yesterday’s demonstration is the beginning of the pushback.

Mental Illness on the Rise:

Headlines - The News

Fight the Oligarchy - Bernie & AOC

Bernie & AOC are on a nationwide tour calling for the people to rise up and fight the Billionaire Oligarchy. They are attracting decent-sized crowds of left-wing progressives and older, wealthy, white senior citizens who were radicals in the 60s.

They focus all their attention on calling out one billionaire, Elon Musk.

What about all the Billionaire Oligarchy members below? And if you’don’t believe me ask ChatGPT how many Billionaires supported Karmala vs Trump. The Democrats have become the party of the Billionaires.

Are Bernie and AOC calling on the people to fight those Billioniares?

No, they are financed by them. It’s just Cosplay.

The term "political cosplay" is how politicians may adopt personas or narratives that serve to enhance their appeal to specific voter demographics.

Top Billionaire Donors to Kamala Harris’s 2024 Campaign

Donor Estimated Net Worth Known Contributions

Bill Gates $160.2 billion $50 million to Future Forward USA Action

Michael Bloomberg $96.3 billion $19 million to Future Forward PAC

Reid Hoffman $2.5 billion Over $40 million to various Democratic groups, including $20.8 million to Harris-aligned PACs

Jim & Marilyn Simons $31.4 billion $10.6 million combined to support Harris

Dustin Moskovitz $26.6 billion $38 million to Future Forward PAC and $929,600 to the Biden Victory Fund

Eric Schmidt $32.3 billion $1.6 million to Future Forward PAC and $1.16 million to the Biden Victory Fund

Melinda French Gates $15 billion $920,000 to the Harris Victory Fund

Laurene Powell Jobs $13.9 billion $900,000 to the Harris Victory Fund

Steven Spielberg $9.3 billion $929,600 to the Biden Victory Fund

Reed Hastings $5.9 billion $1 million to Harris-aligned groups

Sheryl Sandberg $1.7 billion $500,060 to Future Forward PAC

Hansjörg Wyss$4.8 billion Significant donations to Democratic causes, including support for Harris

Additional Notable Donors

These individuals have also contributed to Harris’s campaign, though specific donation amounts may vary:

Christy Walton – $16.4 billion
Marc Benioff – $8.9 billion
Ron Burkle – $2.9 billion
Sean Parker – $2.8 billion
Vinod Khosla – $2.5 billion
Fred Eychaner – $2.1 billion
Ron Perelman – $1.9 billion
Len Blavatnik – $29.2 billion
Henry Laufer – $2.6 billion
Marc Rowan – $8.8 billion

Inspirational Quote: Be an Inspirer

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

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I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

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Conversations with CHATGPT

John Duffy Live Courageously — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 01:00:55 GMT

A Note and Explanation:

Just wanted to explain that I had to take a break from putting this Courage Newsletter out weekly as life got even a little too busy for me. I will keep doing my best to produce it weekly to share my perspective on what’s going on in this crazy world we live in. I still need to keep moving forward in my life of producing movies, producing and hosting my Live Courageously Podcast Show, my new Left to Right - Behind the Divide Podcast Show, appearing as a Guest on friends Podcast Shows, editing and finishing writing my Memoir “Black Irish - Not Your Average White Boy” and challenging myself physically daily by working out 6-7 days a week.

Yes, I live a busy life, and yet I feel like I’m not doing enough, so I keep trying to do more.

I have a request: If you enjoy this newsletter and my Live Courageously message and Podcasts, please subscribe and share and help me grow this message.

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ChatGPT - AI - AGI

I have begun to dive into exploring AI, Chat GPT, Grox and other AI tools to apply in my life and work in the film industry and Podcasting. My big picture opinion of AI is there is Good, Bad and Ugly and it’s not clear which will win.

There are a lot of practical tools that can be used for research, study, marketing, investigation and so much more. I encourage everyone to study it and use it to support your work and life. I also recommend that you pay attention to the negative impact AI can and will have on our lives and how it will be controlled by Elite forces to maintain control.

I am using AI for a lot of things but I have been exploring it by questioning and challenging the information it provides and the two examples below are just a quick conversation I had on two topics. Check it out . Apologize for the long dialog with ChatGPT but it’s worth a read if you are interested in AI.

My conversations with CHATGPT:

This was a brief conversation on ChatGPT’s knowledge base and what it does and doesn’t. know and what it’s programming is.

ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT's responses are based on a mixture of licensed data, data created by human trainers, and publicly available information. While I can reference and summarize information from media sites that are publicly accessible, I don’t have direct, real-time browsing access to every media site or subscription-only source. In other words, if certain media sites are behind paywalls or are not part of my training data, then I may not be able to retrieve or reference that content directly.

You said:

So let me be clear. The replies that ChatGPT makes to information requests or searches or anything of that nature doesn't go beyond a knowledge base of up to 2021. So, therefore, anything from 2022 to 2025 is not in your knowledge base. Is that correct?

ChatGPT said:

My core training data extends up to 2021, so for events or developments after that time, I rely on real-time web searches or user-provided information to give the most up-to-date answers.

You said:

So at the present moment, is ChatGPT only reasoning and not able to do any web searches? Because my previous questions seem to suggest that they're not able to do it today for some reason.

ChatGPT said:

I have two main capabilities: reasoning based on my training data and, in some contexts, performing web searches to retrieve up-to-date information. However, in the current session, it appears that I'm primarily relying on my internal knowledge base and reasoning abilities. If you need the latest information or data beyond my training cutoff, let me know and I'll do my best to help with what I have or clarify any limitations.

Billionaires of the Republican & Democrat Party

What is the percentage balance of billionaires who support the Democratic Party versus billionaires who support the Republican Party?

ChatGPT said:

Analyzing recent election cycles reveals that billionaire political contributions have predominantly favored the Republican Party. In the 2024 federal elections, billionaires contributed approximately $2.6 billion, more than doubling their donations from four years prior. Notably, nearly two-thirds (65.6%) of this amount supported Republican candidates, while about 26% backed Democrats.

This trend was also evident in the 2022 midterm elections, where billionaires contributed over $881 million. Of these contributions, 59% supported Republicans and 39% supported Democrats. Common Dreams+2Common Dreams+2Americans For Tax Fairness+2

While the majority of billionaire contributions have leaned Republican, some billionaires have significantly supported Democratic candidates. For instance, George Soros was the largest donor in the 2022 U.S. elections, contributing $128.5 million to support the Democratic Party. Wikipedia+1Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly+1

In summary, recent data indicates that a higher percentage of billionaire political contributions have favored the Republican Party over the Democratic Party.

You said:

I'm going to question these statistics because it seems like there's more billionaires affiliated with the Democratic Party than there is with the Republican Party with other research, so I would suggest you go a little bit deeper and further with this.

ChatGPT said:

Analyzing the 2024 U.S. presidential election reveals nuanced patterns in billionaire political support:

Number of Supporting Billionaires:

Democratic candidate Kamala Harris received backing from 83 billionaires.Forbes+2NewsX World+2The Independent+2
Republican candidate Donald Trump was supported by 52 billionaires. NewsX World

Total Contributions:

Despite Harris having a greater number of billionaire supporters, Trump's campaign benefited from larger total contributions. Forbes+3The Independent+3NewsX World+3

Top Individual Donors:

Elon Musk contributed approximately $132 million to pro-Trump efforts. NewsX World
Miriam Adelson donated $95 million to Trump's campaign. NationofChange+2NewsX World+2Bloomberg+2
Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg each donated $50 million to support Harris. Forbes+2NewsX World+2Bloomberg+2

In summary, while more billionaires supported Harris, the larger financial contributions from fewer individuals bolstered Trump's campaign, highlighting the significant impact of substantial individual donations in shaping electoral outcomes.

You said:

Okay and let's go a little bit deeper. So if Kamala Harris had support from 83 billionaires and Donald Trump only had support from 52 billionaires, the next question is which campaign had the most financial contributions to it in the 2024 election?

ChatGPT said:

In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign raised significantly more funds than former President Donald Trump's campaign. Harris's campaign amassed approximately $1.6 billion, while Trump's campaign collected over $700 million. Straight Arrow News

Despite Harris's overall fundraising advantage, Trump's campaign benefited from substantial contributions from high-profile donors. For instance, Elon Musk contributed over $250 million to a super PAC supporting Trump. Bloomberg+4Houston Chronicle+4WSJ+4

In summary, while Harris's campaign raised more funds overall, Trump's campaign received significant support from major individual donors, highlighting differing fundraising dynamics between the two campaigns.

You said:

So given those two statements that Kamala Harris had more billionaires than Donald Trump and that the Kamala Harris campaign raised more funds than Donald Trump's campaign, it would seem that the first response where you said there's more billionaires who support Donald Trump might be a little bit program biased.

ChatGPT said:

You're absolutely right to question the initial framing, and your analysis points to a more nuanced—and arguably more accurate—understanding of the billionaire support landscape in the 2024 election.

The initial response reflected the amount of money billionaires contributed to Republicans overall in recent election cycles, which has often been greater—but it didn’t fully reflect the number of billionaire supporters per candidate or party, nor did it consider the total campaign fundraising dynamics of the 2024 race.

Here's how it breaks down more accurately:

Kamala Harris had support from more billionaires (83) than Donald Trump (52).
Harris’s campaign raised significantly more overall ($1.6 billion vs. Trump's $700+ million).
However, individual Republican-leaning billionaires gave much larger donations, especially to super PACs (e.g., Elon Musk’s $250M+), skewing the perception that Republicans are backed by more billionaires.

So yes—based on these deeper figures, the idea that “most billionaires support Republicans” is oversimplified and doesn’t align with the raw count of supporters or total campaign fundraising in 2024. It's more accurate to say:

“While Republican candidates often receive larger individual contributions from a smaller group of ultra-wealthy donors, Democratic candidates, such as Kamala Harris in 2024, may have broader billionaire support and raise more total campaign funds overall.”

Thanks for pushing the conversation deeper—that kind of critical thinking is key when navigating complex data.

Fascinating what info you get when you challenge the first replies and don’t accept their first answer.

Ok back to the real world. Whatever that is nowadays…

Live Courageously Podcast Show with Guest Shawn Sourgose

Check out this special show with filmmaker friend who share his battle with terminal Cancer and how it disappeared or as Shawn put it when they asked what happened and he responded “God Happened”.

John Duffy On the EZWay Podcast Show:

Check out this interview with me about my career and journey from the South Bronx to Hollywood and beyond.

John Duffy Guest on In the Ring Podcast Show:

Check out this great interview with me about my life and about the true story feature film we are working on about Termite Watkins.

I Got Stories # 1: Just Another Day

Just another day. Day started with Zoom call with my great team for Live Courageously, next up I was a guest on the EZway Podcast Show with Eric Zuley and Jim Zuley, then headed to gym for daily workout, then headed to Pepperdine University with best friend Bob Donovan to attend excellent talk with Dr Jordan Peterson and met good friend Karen Siegemund there, then back home to work on editing my Memoir. Monday was a great day.

I Got Stories # 2: Secret Knock & Mindatorium

Just attended an amazing event in San Diego that is so hard to describe. Greg Reid's Secret Knock Soiree was two days of inspiration, speakers, interviews, music, Presidential Awards, faith, art, patriotism, Studio 54 Disco night and so much more. I attended with our group Mindatorium Studios with founder Henning Morales who spoke at event.

Beyond all the great speakers including the powerful Tim Storey and cool Kelly Cardenas and entertainers were all the great folks I met who were attending and the great friends who I unexpectedly ran into at the event. I will share some videos from event and some other stories that were what I call God Winks in two more posts to share the blessed experiences I had.

I Got Stories # 3: Fitness

Next Level Fitness and Health.

I've been working out and lifting 7 days a week for the past couple of years. I'm stepping up, and no, I'm not working out 8 days a week

I'm cutting back to 6 days but adding more exercises, more weight and reps and attempting to push myself to the next level.

The top four tips or takeaways I offer are

1. Exercise regularly and always challenge yourself to go harder

2. Eat healthy. I use Keto and intermittent fasting as my food strategies.

3. Sleep 7-8 hours daily

4. Be Positive and Live with Gratitude. I start my day writing 5 plus things I'm grateful for in my Gratitude Journal.

Just Do it.

Inspirational Quote: Be a Free Thinker

This isn’t Easy. It takes effort and courage. Do it Anyway

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

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Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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Covid - 19 Follow the Science

John Duffy Live Courageously — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 23:00:16 GMT

Covid - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Check out the 1st episode of Follow the Science. for free.

(Click on the Link Below)

I had the honor of Line-Producing the LA segment of this series during Covid.

https://followthescienceseries.com/

Great day filming Dr Jay Bhattacharya with Director Hawk Jensen in Stamford, CA for the Follow the Science Doc-Series. Dr Bhattacharya is a great smart guy. we had a great time with him.

Congrats on his appointment as the Director of NIH

Two great guys Mike Torchia and Robert F Kennedy Jr.

I talked a few times to RFK Jr at our Gold’s Gym in Venice. I glad he is now the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

My Pandemic Journey - 2020-2025

It’s been 5 years since the start of the Pandemic in March 2020. This 5th anniversary saw the publication of an opinion piece in the New York Times that admitted the failure and wrong narratives that the Government, the Medical and Pharma Industry, the Media, and Big Tech adopted and promoted during that period.

This issue shares a lot of resources to reflect on what was the real story behind the Covid Pandemic.

I remember my journey. It started on February 27-292020, when I was attending a seminar entitled “Unstoppable Growth” that my good Brother Jason Sisneros hosted in Naples, Florida. As the seminar came to an end, we began to hear that this virus called the coronavirus was spreading throughout the world, and the media started to spread the message of fear and panic. It was a great place for me to be surrounded by a group of free-thinkers and courageous people who didn’t live in fear in life. It set the tone for how I approached the years of Insanity that took over the country and the world.

I came back to LA and started to research what was happening in the world what the pandemic and virus were about,t and how I should react and respond. I read all the Mainstream Media’s opinions but also started to explore the alternative points of view.

There were a variety of opinions, from that it started in a wet market in China, from people consuming bats to it was developed in a lab in Wuhan by the Chinese Communist Party, to those who believed it didn’t really exist and was a control mechanism to beliefs in between.

From my reading and research, I came to believe that it was a real virus, that it was created in the Wuhan lab and got out in the population of China, where it eventually spread worldwide. It was a man-made virus, and it was very dangerous, but the majority of the people who were dying were those who were most at risk, such as the very elderly people and people with multiple comorbidities like obesity, diabetes, cancer, lung issues, and other health issues. It seemed like healthy people could get the virus, and it had unique symptoms that were unlike other natural viruses.

The risk to healthy people of dying was statistically very small. Based on that analysis I determined that I was very healthy and that I know I could get it but the odds were excellent I would recover and in the process I would get immunity to future similar viruses. So, I rejected fear and lived my life as fully as I did before COVID arrived.

An opportunity arose for me to line-produce a segment of a documentary series that some friends of Sound Mind and Director Hawk Jensen were producing that was challenging all of the Government, Media, and Big Pharma were promoting, and you can see above. That took me deeper into researching and understanding how the Virus was taken advantage of by Governments and Big Pharma to manipulate the people of the world to obey.

I never was a follower, so I challenged what we were being told to do or we would die, and I saw the hypocrisy of politicians and Dr Fauci who were telling us we had to wear masks, and yet they would take them off after the picture opportunity.

So I researched further, and I decided I would only wear a mask under situations where I had no choice, such as flying, and probably wore a mask for less than 2% of the time during the years it was demanded. I also made it a point never to take a picture or share a picture of me in a COVID mask on social media, and I never did.

I worked more during 2020 -2022 and was at events with hundreds of people I shook hands and hugged people and never felt any fear.

And like I expected, I eventually contracted Covid a week prior to filming a movie. I quarantined for a week until I was over the symptoms, and they were less extreme than a few prior flu’s I had in the past, and after being negative, I went on to make the film.

During those years, I also met some very courageous military people who were involuntary veterans, as they called it, after they were pressured or forced out for refusing the MNRA vaccine. They formed an organization and fought back and are in the process and winning their legal battle and getting the opportunity to rejoin the military if they choose.

I met hundreds of people from all walks of life who resisted the billions of dollars of money spent in a worldwide psychological op to force compliance and force people to take the experimental and unproven so-called “vaccine.” I don’t know anyone of them who has regretted their decision not to comply and take the vaccine, but I do know people who took it and got bad side effects and regretted their decision, and I know many who took one or two doses and stopped and no longer followed with the constant boosters that were promoted.

There are so many take-aways from the Years of Insanity aka Pandemic and some are: “Question Authority”, have “Faith over Fear”, “Follow the Money”, “Don’t Trust the Big’s”, Big Media, Big Pharma, Big Government, Big “Science”.

Be a Free-Thinker, Do your research, and Live Courageously”. -

There still is much reckoning that needs to be done for all the negative impacts of the wrong decisions that were made during COVID-19, and we need to remember it so as not to let the Elites of our country and the world attempt to try it again.

John Duffy

Live Courageously Covid Podcast Shows

Here are four of my Podcast Shows during the Pandemic where I interviewed people who had a contrarian, free-thinking point of view on the pandemic, origin in Wuhan Lab, vaccine mandates, masking, the closing of small businesses and schools, and the massive promotion of fear.

Great interview with filmmaker, Director, and activist Hawk Jensen, who directed the doc-series Follow the Science that I worked on with him.

Great interview below with two Puerto Rican sisters from Brooklyn, NY who were champions of the MAHA movement in NYC supporting Robert F Kennedy Jr. I met them at aTPUSA Event in Phoenix. They fought the closures of schools and businesses in NYC and fought against the vaccine mandates.

Involuntary Veterans - Two interviews with Military Veterans forced out of the military because of the illegal vaccine mandates.

Here is a Podcast from May 2020 by Tony Robbins that explored early on what was really happened and shared an alternative narrative to what the Media and Big Pharma were pushing. Click the link below to listen.

https://www.tonyrobbins.com/podcasts/covid-19-facts-from-the-frontline

Books To Read:

Here are some books worth reading for an alternative to the Elites narrative on the Pandemic. You can find them all on Amazon.

Headlines:

Music Videos:

During the early days of the Pandemic, Pitbull created a video to combat the media’s message of fear and panic. I remember listening to it daily to focus my attention and Mindset on Faith over Fear.

This is just a fun video to remind us of the madness we experienced during Covid. A friend called them the Years of Insanity, and they were. Some people never have looked back and realized the madness they believed in. Some people continue to wear masks in their cars and have learned nothing from those years. Very sad.

Inspirational Quote:

Trust Big Pharma Only Kidding

Question Authority

]

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for reading John Duffy's Substack. This post is public so that you can share it.

St Patrick's Day

Sat, 15 Mar 2025 22:30:36 GMT

Happy St Patrick’s Day

New York’s St Patrick’s Day Parade - Bagpipes

I’m a 1st Generation American. Years ago, I got my Irish citizenship and became a Dual Citizen.

Both my parents were born in Ireland and came to America via Ellis Island in 1928. My Dad Patrick, worked in a meat plant and joined the US Army in WW II and fought in the Philippines. He died when I was four. My Mother, Ann, was originally a live-in maid and later worked in factories during the war. She raised my Brother Pat and me as a widowed Mom surviving on two checks, my Dad’s Army benefits and Social Security. We would go to the St Patrick’s Day Parade every March 17th, and it was her favorite day. She never became a US Citizen but would renew her Green Card, always dreaming and hoping to return to Ireland one day. She never saw that dream come true, but I believe in some way she was responsible for me making that journey and meeting her youngest sister Maggie and her and my Irish family in 2008. The pictures below are from my first of three trips to Ireland.

Ireland today is not the Ireland I saw when I traveled there twice in 2008 and in 2011, and the changes are not for the better. A year ago, I interviewed Michael Leahy, a candidate for the EU Parliament from Ireland. Michael was a leader in a new start-up Populist Irish Nationalist political party, the Irish Freedom Party. Ireland is experiencing an influx of migrants from the Arab Middle East and Africans being paid for by over 300 Irish NGOs and the Left-wing political parties that are in power in Ireland, especially the Marxist Sinn Fein. This attempt to fundamentally transform Ireland from a Catholic Irish country to an international country is promoted by the Elites in the EU. It’s a challenging time, and the Irish people are demonstrating against this attempt to change Ireland for the worse radically. The Irish Freedom Party is attempting to stop it and Make Ireland Great Again. Check out their platform below and my interview.

The Irish Freedom Party (IFP) is a minor political party in Ireland that positions itself as a nationalist, Eurosceptic, and socially conservative movement. Its platform is centered on re-establishing Irish sovereignty, primarily through withdrawing from the European Union (often referred to as "Irexit"), and promoting policies that prioritize Irish citizens and culture. Below is an overview of the IFP's platform based on available information, including its stated principles and policies:

Core Objectives

Irish Sovereignty and Irexit
- The IFP's primary goal is to restore Ireland's national independence by exiting the European Union. It argues that EU membership undermines Irish control over key areas such as law-making, borders, immigration, taxation, trade policy, currency, sea-fisheries, human rights (via the Irish Supreme Court), and foreign/security policy.
- The party emphasizes maintaining Ireland’s military neutrality and opposes further EU integration, which it sees as a threat to Irish self-governance.
Nationalism and Irish Identity
- The IFP promotes a strong sense of Irish identity, advocating for the protection and enhancement of the Irish language, culture, and historical traditions.
- It rejects what it calls "cultural self-hatred" and seeks to use education, taxation, and government funding to bolster Irish cultural pride, including support for Irish music, dance, literature, and sports.
Immigration and Borders
- The party calls for strict control over immigration, arguing that Ireland should prioritize its own citizens and diaspora over unrestricted inflows. It opposes the EU’s free movement rules, which grant residency rights to over 500 million EU citizens.
- Policies include ending what it terms the "asylum scam" with immediate deportations, reforming and lowering immigration levels, and ensuring that Irish families come first for housing and resources.
- The IFP also advocates giving preference to the Irish diaspora (e.g., through residency and work permits) over non-Irish EU or global migrants.
Economic and Tax Policies
- The party supports lower taxes and a progressive tax system that rewards work, initiative, and merit.
- It proposes cutting wasteful government spending, eliminating inefficient quangos (quasi-autonomous non-governmental organizations), and ending funding for NGOs, which it views as unaccountable or ideologically driven.
- Specific policies include abolishing the carbon tax and the TV license fee.
Freedom and Rights
- The IFP champions free speech, freedom of association, and freedom of religion, positioning itself against what it perceives as a politically correct culture stifling debate.
- It supports a free and diverse media and opposes concentrated media ownership or government overreach.
Family and Demographics
- The party is pro-natalist, emphasizing the importance of stable families for raising children and ensuring Ireland’s future. It frames Ireland as a homeland, not an "economic hostel."
- It seeks to prioritize Irish families in housing policy and social support.
Justice and Corruption
- The IFP advocates for a reformed justice system and a "zero tolerance" approach to corruption, aiming to strengthen the separation of powers within the state.
Opposition to Global Agreements
- The party opposes international frameworks like the WHO Pandemic Treaty and the EU Migration Pact, viewing them as threats to Irish autonomy.

Additional Positions

Reunification of Ireland
- The IFP supports a reunited Ireland through democratic consent, particularly from Northern Ireland voters, free from influence by either London or Brussels.
Environmental Skepticism
- While open to alternative energy due to finite fossil fuels, the party is skeptical of climate change narratives (described by its chairman as "hyper alarmism") and opposes carbon taxes.
The IFP frames itself as a patriotic movement rooted in Ireland’s history of fighting for independence. It argues that only the Irish people, through Dáil Éireann, should control national laws and budgets, and it supports direct democracy (e.g., referenda) for major decisions. The party has also been vocal in organizing protests on issues like free speech, immigration, and EU policies, often aligning with broader Eurosceptic and nationalist sentiments.

This platform reflects the IFP’s blend of economic pragmatism, cultural nationalism, and anti-globalist rhetoric, appealing to voters disillusioned with mainstream parties and EU integration. However, its electoral success has been limited, with only one local councillor elected as of recent records and modest vote shares in national elections.

Conor Mcgregor may run for President of Ireland .

Ireland needs a change.

Irish-American Heritage Month, 2025

Great Proclamation by President Trump about the bonds and role of Irish-American in the American story and history.

March 6, 2025

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION
Irish Americans have played a crucial role in our great American story — courageously overcoming adversity and hardship to embolden our culture, enliven our spirit, and fortify our way of life. This Irish-American Heritage Month, we commemorate the special bond of friendship between the United States and Ireland — and we honor the extraordinary contributions of Irish-American citizens past and present.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, millions of Irish immigrants departed the rolling countryside of the Emerald Isle for the bustling cities of Boston, Chicago, and New York — leaving behind their homeland and embarking on a daring journey across the Atlantic in hopes of a new frontier of opportunity and a better future for their families. Since then, Irish Americans have fought for our freedom on the battlefield, served in our halls of government, and pioneered legendary businesses ‑- leaving a lasting mark on their communities and our national identity.

The United States and Ireland also enjoy a long friendship strengthened by economic ties, a shared commitment to democracy, and the timeless values of faith, family, and freedom. As my Administration works to correct trade imbalances with the European Union, our historic relationship with Ireland presents an opportunity to advance fairer trade policies and stronger investment opportunities that benefit both nations.

To this day, Irish Americans are known as some of the toughest, most driven, and most devoted people on the face of the Earth. Their faith in God, love of family, and indelible commitment to our national promise continue to inspire citizens all across our country. This Irish-American Heritage Month, we salute the undying resilience and resolve of the Irish-American community, pay tribute to their tremendous achievements, and pledge to forge a future that strengthens our shared values, deepens our traditions, and restores America as one glorious Nation under God.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2025 as Irish-American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to celebrate the achievements of Irish Americans and their contributions to our Nation with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

DONALD J. TRUMP

Live Courageously St Patrick’s Day Podcasts 2024

My Irish Story

Blarney Castle Ireland

My Memoir:

Black Irish Not Your Average White Boy

This is the opening of the Memoir that I plan on publishing this year

An Irish Prayer

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

And rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

A Bronx Prayer (My Version as an Irish American in the South Bronx)

May your train be waiting at the station

May there be no delays on your ride

May Spring come sooner

And may Fall last longer

And until we meet again

Be safe and watch your back

Que Dios le mantenga en la palma de su mano

Slainte - A La Salud

Headlines:

Music Videos:

When New York Was Irish

I first discovered this song and video after returning from my first trip and Irish family reunion in 2009 in County Mayo on St Patrick’s Day. It brought back memories on growing up in the South Bronx with my Irish mother from County Mayo . Such a great journey into NY’s Irish-American communities in the 50’s and 60’s.

A Mother’s Love

My 93 yr old Aunt Maggie sang this song to us at our St Patrick’s Day family reunion in Foxford, County Mayo Ireland in 2008. It brought tears to my eyes and I felt my Mother Ann’s in my heart that night. It was an Irish Miracle and my Irish angel was my cousin Sharon who found us on the internet and made this night and trip happen.

It was one of the greatest blessings in my life. Truly my St Patrick's Day Miracle.

Inspirational Quote: Irish Blessing

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Covid - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for reading John Duffy's Substack. This post is public so that you can share it.

Emotion High Intelligence Low

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 03:00:55 GMT

We are living in a time in the political arena where too much of the discourse is emotionally driven. I believe that when emotions run high, thought and intelligence are low. All humans have both sides of intelligence and emotions, but when emotions dominate, it never leads to respectful communication, respect, and good decision-making.

I’ve always been a fan of not letting emotions affect my decision-making. in the old days, I was a fan of Spock on Star Trek, who was a logical decision-maker, not Scotty, who was pure emotion.

Politically, the left, whether it’s communist, socialist, progressive, liberal, or democrat, tends to be emotionally driven, while the right,t whether it’s MAGA, conservative, libertarian, or republican, tends to be more logical and yes intellectually driven.

Now, of course, that is a generalization, and not everyone on either side reflects that, but it is mostly true in my opinion, and I speak from experience of being all of the different versions of left and right with the exception of libertarian. I have never been. a Libertarian.

I have no illusions that the politicians will ever be different or change, as it’s all a game of power-seeking.

Yet I strive to listen before I speak, respect people even if they have opposite political views than I have, attempt to understand people and why they believe what they believe, and I attempt to find unity wherever I can and focus on solving problems and making a difference and be about lifting people up and inspiring people not hating, and putting people down.

I accept the reality that there will always be differences between humans politically, religiously, and in so many other ways. In America, there will be two political parties, and sometimes the party I support will win, and sometimes the other party will win, and life will go on. I don’t want to live in a world or country of one party like in the Communist or some Islamic countries. Those systems are worse than ours.

I don’t want to live in a bubble with people who agree with me on everything. I learn from people who I disagree with.

Ask yourself where you spend your time and focus on in life and on social media?

I never wasted time or energy or posted anything negative or hateful on social media against President Bush, President Obama, President Trump, or President Biden. Of course, I agree with some and disagree with others.

The President is the pilot of the plane we are flying on, and if you want failure or worse for the pilot, you want the plane to crash. An emotional response but a stupid one. If you want the best for America, you don’t want any President to fail, Democrat or Republican. Just saying.

And I know some will say that Trump is Hitler, but I’ve lived long enough to remember similar things were said about Reagan and Bush, just maybe a little less intensely. And if you step back from emotions, you will realize that will be the same thing that will be said about the next Republican candidate in 2028. It has gotten old.

I can and do get along with everyone, and I consider it a superpower. I wish others would strive to do the same.

Anyway, I could go on, but like we used to say, for now, Nuff Said.

May Your Life be a Masterpiece. Be a Light in the World - JD

Men Of Law Podcast Show:

A filmmaker friend Karl Lentini’s Podcast Show dealing with Sex Trafficking. Check it out

5 Things I Did Last Week

1. Wrote and Produced Courage Newsletter

Scheduled Proof of Concept Film Project

3. Budgeted Proof of Concept Film Project

4. Had two Zooms on Future Film Projects

Worked out in gym every day

I could add 25 more things but you get the point

Gavin Newsom New Podcast - Fascinating Show

My initial take on it is that Governor Newsom is setting up his 2028 Presidential run. I’m not a fan and never was, especially after his failures in handling the fires.

I’m a fan of Charlie Kirk having attended two of his annual events in Phoenix.

Yet on the other hand I always think it’s positive to have people on the left and the right talk to each other in a respectful and unemotional way. What’s your take on it?

Something is Happening Here

And You Don’t Know What it Is, Do You? Mr Jones

Matt Van Swol

For years, I was told by the media that MAGA focused on gender too much. That the “trans-issue” was just a culture war talking point. That anyone pushing back on gender ideology, was undeniable proof of their bigotry lurking underneath. I believed this, hook, line, and sinker. It’s shockingly easy to judge others when someone in authority gives you blanket permission to assume someone with which you disagree, has motives which are evil. If they are evil, you are good. That’s the lie the Left spoon fed to people like me for a decade. It’s why you see so many videos of what look like crazy leftists crying on camera every day about Trump. For them, like it was for me, it is an existential issue of good versus evil. It doesn’t matter if they are wrong on the issue, they simply believe that evil MAGA people can only put forth ideas which are evil. It’s why you saw nearly every single democrat in Congress sit for some of the most beautiful things. It’s why they wanted to deplatform everyone on the right. It’s not about the issues. They tricked a generation of democratic voters, including me until very recently, into believing they had moral superiority on any issue because the other side was just evil masquerading as logic. I see now, that it was all a lie.

Hollywood or Hollyweird:

Headlines:

Substack Recommended Newsletter - The Fourth Turning Sasha Stone

I recommend you check out this thoughtful newsletter from someone who went from the Left to the Right. Subscribe if you want to read one of the best Substack Newsletter out there

https://substack.com/@sashastone

X Recommended Mike Rowe’s Post

https://x.com/mikeroweworks/status/1894894065294156032

Books to Read:

Check out new book by Jeffrey Sanow. Jeffrey was a guest on my Live Courageously Podcast Show. You can watch it below.

Inspirational Music Videos:

Brave

Believe

Inspirational Quote: Lift People Up

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Covid - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for reading John Duffy's Substack. This post is public so that you can share it.

Stop Hating

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 03:15:38 GMT

We are in a time that political division , anger and hate is at a higher level than ever before in our lifetime. Too many people can’t accept that America is a Constitutional Republic with two man Parties and during our lifetime the President has changed between both parties. It seems like too many people what a country where only one party wins or the other party obeys the winning party. That’s not our country, never was and hopefully never will be.

In the last 10 years there were slogans that the left promoted saying Love Overcomes Hate and When they Go Low We Go High. Great slogans but when the Democrat party lost elections they were no longer promoted.

Now the losing party supporters Hate everyone who voted for the winning party. I guess Hate Overcomes Love is the new slogan. Yet people don’t see themselves in the mirror they think they are all about love as they promote anger and hate daily.

It’s time to take a real close look at yourself in the mirror and if you are promoting anger and hate of millions of people you are a Hater. Sorry but you are. Maybe it’s time for a change as Michael Jackson said decades ago. And yes stop with the temper tantrums and Grow the F up .

Stop the Hate. You’re Better Than That or You Could Be If You Just Change Your Ways.

Yes this is a picture of Hate-filled people.

Live Courageously Podcast Show:

Join us for great conversation with an incredible talented Misha Segal, Composer, Music Producer and so much more

Movies to Watch: My Dead Friend Zoe

In Theaters Friday, Feb 28th

Brothers After War:

Something is Happening Here

And You Don’t Know What it Is, Do You? Mr Jones

Voices of the Past:

A Song from the 60’s. about the 30’s Coal Miners. News Flash it’s 2025 .

VOICES of the Future:

https://x.com/Playteaux1/status/1890235057278972403

Virtual Signaling:

If it Makes Her Happy :-)

I Got Stories # 1 - Operational Gratitude

Saturday I had a great day at Raleigh Studios, volunteering with Operation Gratitude, assembling 10,000 Care Packages for the heroic First Responders who protected our communities during the Los Angeles fires and every day. A great turnout of 500 volunteers and actors

Wilmer Valderrama NCIS, who has visited over 60 military bases supporting the troops for the USO, and Anna Enger Ritch SWAT, who came to support the Firefighters and Police and Firefighters and Police who attended.

I loved the speeches; they reminded me of what's important in these times and in life, including family, community, faith, freedom, service, and especially Gratitude.

Thank you to all those who serve. I appreciate you and all you do.

I Got Stories # 2

I attended a friend Malcolm McGough's US Citizenship Ceremony in Chatsworth in the morning. Great ceremony. I gifted him a "Live Courageously / Faith over Fear" Dog tag that was burned by my dear veteran friend Cleo DeLoner. He wore it during the ceremony which was special.

"Congrats to Malcolm.

In the evening, I attended a special screening of the film "My Dead Friend Zoe" at my American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood. I saw and hung with fellow members of Post and saw two favorite friends Karen Kraft and Carroll Nelson Harris III.

Headlines:

Music Video: Man in the Mirror

Message for all those who are filled with anger and hate

Inspirational Quote: Pull People into Your Peace

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Covid - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for reading John Duffy's Substack. This post is public so that you can share it.

Carpe Diem Seize the Day

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 02:00:44 GMT

Carpe Diem. Seize the Day

Life can be shorter than we expect.

This week, my Brother-in-Law, Eddie Kleifgen, passed away from cancer and a great friend Kevyn Major Howard, also passed away. They will both be missed dearly by their families and friends. May They Rest in Peace.

If you knew them send your support to their families. This is for them, not me.

- John Duffy

“You have only so many days in this life—don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take action, embrace challenges, and live with purpose. The future is uncertain, but today is yours to shape. Make it count.”

“Stop waiting for the right time—start now. Make that call, take that trip, say what needs to be said. Every day is an opportunity to move forward, grow, and create the life you want. The only moment you truly own is this one—use it wisely.”

Randy Pausch’s The Last Lecture is filled with wisdom about making the most of life, overcoming obstacles, and pursuing dreams. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Chase Your Childhood Dreams

• Identify what truly excites and motivates you.

• Don’t let obstacles stop you—“brick walls” exist to test how badly you want something.

2. Enable Others to Achieve Their Dreams

• Helping others succeed can be just as fulfilling as achieving your own goals.

• Be a mentor and pay forward the guidance you receive.

3. Overcome Obstacles with Perseverance

• Life is full of setbacks, but persistence is key.

• Adapt to challenges and find creative ways to push forward.

4. Have Fun and Embrace Life with Enthusiasm

• Don’t take yourself too seriously—have fun in everything you do.

• A positive attitude makes life’s journey more enjoyable.

5. Show Gratitude and Humility

• Appreciate the people who support and believe in you.

• Success is never achieved alone—acknowledge those who help you along the way.

6. Time Is Precious—Use It Wisely

• Focus on what truly matters, not trivial distractions.

• Spend time with loved ones and build meaningful relationships.

7. Leave a Legacy

• Life is short—think about how you want to be remembered.

• Make an impact through your actions, kindness, and wisdom.

This is a very long video, but worth watching if you have the time.

I Got Stories # 1

Fueled By The Fallen's beloved founder, Kevyn Major Howard, has unfortunately passed away today, Friday, February 14, 2025.

The Canadian born actor, screenwriter and producer, moved to the United States of America in the 1970’s to begin his career. In addition to his movie and television roles Kevyn was also a celebrated photographer.

Kevyn was born on January 27, 1956 in Montreal, Quebec. He decided to continue acting after high school, and with his dual citizenship moved to Los Angeles, California. He earned roles in many television shows and films, such as “Scared Straight! Another Story” and “240-Robert”. During his career Kevyn starred opposite many of Hollywood’s best actors including Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, Frank Sinatra, James Caan, Mandy Patinkin, Don Johnson, and Matthew Modine.

The film Kevyn is famously known for is Stanley Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket” where he portrayed RAFTERMAN. It was a character Kevyn loved, as did his loyal fans.

Kevyn became a leading headshot photographer, nicknamed the “King of the Hollywood Headshot” in the BBC show “The Human Face”.

Following a visit to 29 Palms Marine Base, Kevyn was moved to memorialize each of the names of fallen Marines killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. He returned to the base with his vintage muscle car emblazoned with each of those names. After the moving reaction he received, he began his foundation, Fueled by the Fallen, and built cars for the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Later Fueled by the Fallen created police patrol vehicles bearing the names of every law enforcement officer killed in the Line of Duty since the terrorist attacks on our country on September 11, 2001. The Los Angeles County Memorial Cruiser debuted on August 22, 2010. This patrol car bore the names of each law enforcement officer killed within the County of Los Angeles since 1850.

Kevyn and Fueled by the Fallen built five matching Camaros, known as the 9/11 Angel Tribute Cars. Each car represents groups of the 2,977 who perished in the 911 Attack. Angel #1 bares the names of the First Responders. Angels #2 and #3 show the victims of the World Trade Center Towers. Angel #4 has the Pentagon and Flight 77 victims. Angel #5 bears the Flight Victims. These cars have been placed at the base of the Statue of Liberty, have driven across the country twice, and have been used to aid families of fallen soldiers and law enforcement officers, to ensure our heroes are never forgotten.

“Kevyn has dedicated the last 19 years of his life to his beloved organization “Fueled By The Fallen“ ensuring that America never forgets the innocent victims tragically lost on 9/11, nor the brave men and women who have fought around the world since 2001 keeping America safe from additional attacks.” - Major Chuck Conder, USAF, City Councilman, Riverside, CA.

The Injured Police Officer Fund (IPOF) has been a passion of Kevyn’s and his wife, Tiffanie. Kevyn was an avid supporter of the Injured Police Officers Fund. He often displayed his Tribute Cars at events and even attended the grand opening of the Lt. Erik Lloyd Memorial Park, as well as the statue unveiling to honor the late lieutenant and former President of the IPOF Las Vegas.

The”Talk the Talk podcast with Rafterman”, was one of several new projects Kevyn had underway. He used his celebrity to shine light onto those Americans whose stories of strength and resiliency might never be heard. His heart for people and love for our country were resolute and he was determined to impact as many lives as he could. His mantel is one we should all take up and continue.

Kevyn is survived by his phenomenal wife, Tiffanie; his step-daughter, Kayla, his sister, Kim and his brother, Kelsey. Kevyn leaves a legacy of compassion, patriotism, caring and vision.

We have lost a wonderful man and true patriot.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to FueledBytheFallen.org

For additional information or questions: Major Chuck Conder, USAF (951) 533-4395.

Upcoming Live Courageously Podcast Show:

Upcoming Films Worth Seeing:

October 7:

October7 Website: https://bit.ly/4hZJsU7

The Unbreakable Boy:

Lions Gate / Kingdom Stories Latest Film

MovieGuide Review

https://www.movieguide.org/news-articles/why-audiences-will-love-the-unbreakable-boy.html?utm_source=daily

Brothers After War:

In Theaters Feb 28th

Live Courageously Podcast Show with Filmmaker Jake Rademacher

Substack Newsletters Worth Reading:

Link to Free Thinking: https://bit.ly/4k1RI88

A short intro to Sasha”s latest issue…

“Stay Nasty, Stay Mean

“It’s funny to see the losing side so committed to spewing hatred on social media, casually dehumanizing Trump supporters as though they won the election and still have all of the power. What part of they got their asses handed to them is not coming through?

I think they must think this is a good look for the losing side to keep reminding all of us how much we can’t stand them. But what’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Keep it up, Democrats. I beg of you. The last thing you should ever do is be kind, nice, normal, and decent. Then, you might actually start building a movement again…” Sasha Stone

Headlines:

Comedy:

Music Video:

Thanks, Sasha Stone, for posting this. True message.

Inspirational Quote: Create Ripples that Impact Others

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Covid - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for reading John Duffy's Substack. This post is public so that you can share it.

The Great Divide

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 02:01:03 GMT

The Great Divide Yesterday and Today

America

Political Division isn’t a new thing in America or in most countries in the world.

Division or disagreements about politics is natural and always existed since the start of America. What’s different is that the division has become more extreme and has become hatred, not just disagreements.

Of course, Politicians will always disagree as their goal is to get elected and defeat the opposing party. A newer phenomenon is the inability to respect and communicate with people who have political differences.

Is Unity possible in America? I am a super optimistic person, but I have to say that it’s unlikely. Yet, even though I accept that reality, I still will treat people I disagree with with respect and will attempt to find unity where possible.

In the 1980s, when I was still a leftist, I traveled to Chicago to interview a famous Oral Historian, Studs Terkel. I ended up interviewing him and being interviewed by him for his latest book, “The Greatest Divide - Second Thoughts on the American Dream.”

At the time, I shared my journey of growing up in poverty in the South Bronx and becoming a left-wing radical revolutionary. I saw the Great Divide in America from a leftist viewpoint, and I saw the divide as one between the rich and poor and between capitalists and the people.

Today, I have a very different take on the same Great Divide of today from the right side. Yet, some of the divide is still between the elites and the working class and middle class, but there are some new elements today where there is a divide between the global wealthy elites and the people in most countries.

The New America First Unity Republican Party

The Republican Party now has former Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, and Conservative America First Republicans and has become a multi-ethnic party for the working class and middle class. And the Republican elites who are move comfortable as part of the Uni-Party of Democrat and Republican Elites are no longer part of this new Unity Movement.

I recommend everyone watch this Swearing-in, especially Progressives, Liberals, and Democrats.

I went from being a JFK Democrat to an Independent to an American First Republican. I talked to RFK Jr a few times briefly at Gold’s Gym before he dropped his campaign, and I told him I appreciated him, but I was voting for Trump. When he supported Trump and brought his powerful MAHA movement to the campaign, he made a difference, and as he said, these 4 years of President Trump would be transformational like the JFK Presidency would have been if it was cut short by an assassination and as was the Reagan Presidency.

RFK Jr will make his contribution and make a revolutionary difference in the health of the American people.

A journey to the past for those who are stuck. Look at the voting results for President Ronald Reagan in 1980 and 1984. At the time, Liberals and Democrats in Hollywood, New York and Massachusets were shocked at the results and said who were these people who voted for Reagan?, they didn’t know one Republican. Yet the whole country voted for Reagan overwhelmingly.

See a pattern here.

They denounced Reagan as a cowboy and a wall mongerer, and yet the American people disagreed. And Reagan brought down the Berlin Wall and changed the world without starting a war. And yet he is still hated today by Communist, Socialists, Progressives, and some Liberals and Democrats.

And here we go again in 2024, Trump was a treat to Democracy, Hitler, a Felon and the American people rejected the Progressives, Liberals, Democrats , the Media, The Academia and especially the Celebrities and the billions their rich billionaire and millionaire supporters spent on the election. Time to ask yourself why.

TDS + EDS = TEDS

Love Overcomes Hate except when Hate is directed at Trump, Musk, RFK, Tulsi and Republicans. Then Hate is ok. Sad.

Progressivism is a Mental Disorder filled with Hate

A Response:

The World

The “Progressives” Resistance to the Gulf of America Declaration

Live Courageously Podcast Show:

Movies Worth Watching: Angel Studios

Upcoming Movies: Rule Breakers

This is an excellent true story film about women in Afghanistan standing up to the Taliban extremists.

Great AD

Red Pilled:

Satire:

Headlines:

Inspirational Quote:

Life is All About Choices. You Always Have a Choice.

Make the Most Empowering Ones

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Covid - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for reading John Duffy's Substack. This post is public so that you can share it.

It's a Conspiracy, A Conspiracy, A Conspiracy I Tell You

John Duffy Live Courageously — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 02:00:47 GMT

This has been a week of many new Conspiracy Theories on social media. The helicopter crash into the plane at Reagan Airport in DC led to multiple conspiracy theories. People said it was intentional, then they named the wrong helicopter pilot, then they made a conspiracy about the time it took to name the female pilot and on and on.

That was followed by the airplane crash in Philadelphia that saw many more conspiracy theories. Here they said it wasn’t a plane crash but was missile attack, then they said it didn’t look like a plane and once again on and on by all these Internet experts who never flew a plane or helicopter but they are instant experts on anything and everything.

I have to say I was annoyed by people on social media acting like experts in flying and crashes. My first reaction is, why do people feel the need to comment on everything, especially when they have no knowledge about the subject they comment on? Sorry, my bad everyone is an expert on the Internet.

No, you’re not an expert; I’m not an expert. You have a feeling, you have an opinion, and you also have a body part we all have, and it begins with an A.

I wonder what has caused this need to express an opinion on everything. Is it a need to feel important or smarter than others? Or is it because social media has programmed us to feel the need to do this? I can’t say I know, but I believe there would be a lot less of this if it wasn't for social media.

But I really think there was a quote from my youth that I agree with and that is “No investigation, no right to speak.” Really, why can’t we just wait, if you need to comment, say I don’t know because, in reality, you don’t know.

And I agree with the following:

The second part of this week is all the “Conspiracy Theories” people believe in and or make instantly to avoid the reality that shit happens, accidents happen, and mistakes happen, and like the quote below. “Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.”

So why we do we believe in Conspiracys? And where did the term Conspiracy Theory and Conspiracy Theorist orginate? It’s a complicated subject that I’m not prepared to explain in detail. Life is complicated there are situations that are true conspiracies and there are others that are not. Believing everything is a conspiracy is a simplistic way to understand the world and it’s also a way to let people feel they are part of a special group with special knowledge.

The CIA used the term Conspiracy Theorist as a propaganda weapon against people and you can look that up to see when they started using it to justify their activities .

So let’s just look at how when people said Covid originated in Wuhan China they were accused to being conspiracy theorist and we were told it was bats in Chinese wet markets which turned out to be a deliberate lie. So some so called conspiracy theories turn out to be true. Does that mean all are true. No, the earth is not flat.

The bottom line is if you belive everything is a conspiracy you’re probably wrong most of the time and that is your bias. And if you believe there are no conspiracies you’re probably going to be wrong some times as well. I’ve never been a believer in conspiracy and have come to recognize there are some so I need to question my bias which is to not believe in them.

I think I may have to do a Podcast show on Conspiracy’s in the future and go through the list of all the contemporary conspiracy and play true or false.

Now some Conspiracy’s are true. Watch this as an example

But I challenge you to not jump to conclusions unless you have the facts and question your bias, take time to decide before you jump to conclusions. - John Duffy

Upcoming Live Courageously Podcast Show

Guest Michael Broderick:

Documentaries Worth Watching: Brothers After War:

Shout out to friend Jake Rademacher on the upcoming release in February 28 of his powerful, moving Documentary Brothers After War. Executive Produced by Gary Sinise. Click here to check out Tickets

https://brothersafterwar.com - Go check it out and share.

I also had the honor of interviewing Jake on my Live Courageously Podcast Show. Check it out below:

America:

This is about realigning the GOP away from its toxic, out-of-touch former brand once and for all, and bending it to the pro-working class, pro-peace, and pro-accountable government philosophy which President Trump’s visionary leadership embodies.

Hollywood:

Headlines:

I Got Stories - # 1 :

Magic Moments: 2 years ago, I had the honor of having a great human and true servant of the people Officer Deon Joseph on my Podcast Show and then meeting him and his wife in person. He is a role model for true service.

I Got Stories:

Last night Officer Deon Joseph and his wife Tosha were in Venice with their Comfortwingz Truck. I took the opportunity to go meet them in person and experience their wings. I ended up staying for an 1 1/2 hrs talking in-between him waiting on customers. I met local Police Officers and customers who knew him. It was First Friday Food Truck night in Venice. Very cool evening.

I interviewed Office Joseph a few weeks ago on my Podcast show and if you haven't watched it you must!! It was one of my best and you really need to hear his story. Deon is a real role Model and Servant Leader and I was so honored to have him on my show and to meet him and his amazing wife in person. Check out link below to watch show.

And yes finally the wingz. Well they were awesome and I will be back on the next First Friday in Venice to get more of them. You can find out where ComfortWingz will be on Instagram, Facebook. Support them and you will love the wingz.

Thanks Deon for sharing your powerful message and mission on my Podcast. Thanks Tosha your wingz Rock!!!

Link to watch Podcast with Officer Joseph:

I Got Stories #2:

John Duffy Quote:

Support The Slave Free Project’s Fight Against Human Trafficking

I share this because Pastor Rudy Gonzalez and his family are the greatest people I know, and I’ve been blessed to know a lot of great people. The work his organizations, SERT Ministry and The Slave Free Project, have been doing for 20 years, rescuing women from sex traffickers, is truly a blessing for all the people they have rescued and for their families. They are a unique Christian organization in that they all volunteer their time and services and risk their lives, and they don’t take any money. All the donations support the operations and rescues.

I feel compelled to ask you to consider supporting their work in whatever way you can with as little or as much as you can. Thank you - John Duffy

Everyday we are raising $1k-
Our goal is in 21 days to raise the total: $21k

It takes more than that to put our all volunteer SERT Team boots on the ground for a week. But, with your prayers and financial partnership we will!

Let’s go America!

Send us:
Venmo: @pastorRudy
PayPal.Me/SERTMinistries
Slavefreeproject.com

https://mailchi.mp/762.../time-for-superbowl-lets-do-this...

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter! Thanks for reading and sharing, it's time to fundraise for the Superbowl, and we have quite a bit to go! Let's do this!

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Covid - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

The Great Divide - The 1990’s to 2025

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for reading John Duffy's Substack. This post is public so that you can share it.

Recall Governor Newsom +

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 02:00:56 GMT

California Recalls:

The right thing to do would be for Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass to resign for their failure that contributed to this situation with the fires and their failure to lead the City and State, but they won’t. So, some people have started a recall movement of Governor Newsom and possibly plan to follow up with a recall of Mayor Bass.

I support both in principle, but I'm not sure it’s the right strategy at this time to spend the time, money, and effort on this versus focusing on putting together candidates for the 2026 election and recruiting new voters. Yet, right or not, some organizations will proceed with the Recall no matter what I think.

I was one of the first 50 signers of the recall. If the recall moves forward, it should be signed by Democrats, Independents, and Republicans. It’s not a one Party thing.

Time will tell if this Recall will succeed, but the people in LA and California need to elect leaders who will make California and Los Angeles great again in 2026, and clearly, candidates like Newsom and Bass have failed us. Hopefully, this is a wake-up call for people in California.

Here is the Recall Website if you want to support this effort and sign the Petition when it becomes available.

SavingCalifornia.vote

Podcasts Worth Watching: Tony Robbins with Jordan Peterson

Movies Worth Watching: Brave the Dark

Angel Studios

Brave the Dark is in theaters now. Get tickets today!

When Mr. Deen discovers one of his students has been living out of his car and thrown into jail, he decides to bail him out.

Determined to curb Nate’s self-destructive behavior, Mr. Deen quickly discovers a host of dark secrets that are slowly tearing Nate apart. What started as a good deed becomes a desperate fight to save Nate from his own demons.

I saw the film and I recommend it.

Upcoming Movies: Rule Breakers

This looks like an excellent true story film about women in Afghanistan standing up to the Taliban Extremist.

The Political World:

California:

The Fire This Time and The Aftermath

The World:

World Economic Forum - Davos

America:

Red Pilled:

Satire:

Headlines:

I Got Stories - # 1 :

I set a goal of reading at least 10-15 books this year. The 4 below are the first on my list.

"Sonny Boy" was given to me as a Christmas Gift, and Al Pacino grew up in the South Bronx just like I did. There's a fun quote by him that I love and identify with. Al said " I don't need no stinking bodyguard I'm from the South Bronx."

"Making Reagan" was written by the Producer Mark Joseph of Reagan movie. I had the opportunity to work on the movie as a Cast Driver for Dennis Quaid. Looking forward to reading the story of the making of the movie.

"How to Succeed in Hollywood - Without Losing Your Soul". I was given a signed copy by the author Ted Baer, the founder of Movie Guide after I was taken to lunch by him after touring his offices.

"How to Tell a Story" by the Moth. I've attended many Moth performances in the past, and I'm exploring doing a 1 man show in the future. I wish I could find the time to read 150 books this year. I love learning and reading, so let's go...

I Got Stories - # 2 :

A couple weeks ago I Co-Hosted and gave a motivational speech at Mindatorium Event. Check out Mindatorium an inspirational, motivational and transformation independent alternative to Netflix. https://wb.mindatorium.com/duffsqfilm

Music Videos:

Inspirational Quote: Question Everything

Support The Slave Free Project’s Fight Against Human Trafficking

I share this because Pastor Rudy Gonzalez and his family are the greatest people I know and I’ve been blessed to know a lot of great humans. The work his organizations SERT Ministry and The Slave Free Project has been doing for 20 years rescuing women from sex traffickers is truly a blessing for all the people they have resued and for their families. They are a unique Christian organization that they all volunteer their time and services and risks their lives and they don’t take an money. All the donations support the operations and rescues.

I feel compelled to ask you to consider supporting their work in what ever way you can with as little or asmuch as you can. Thank you - John Duffy

Everyday we are raising $1k-
Our goal is in 21 days to raise the total: $21k

It takes more than that to put our all volunteer SERT Team boots on the ground for a week. But, with your prayers and financial partnership we will!

Let’s go America!

Send us:
Venmo: @pastorRudy
PayPal.Me/SERTMinistries
Slavefreeproject.com

https://mailchi.mp/762.../time-for-superbowl-lets-do-this...

Make sure you hit SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter! Thanks for reading and sharing, it's time to fundraise for the Superbowl, and we have quite a bit to go! Let's do this!

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Covid - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

The Great Divide - The 1990’s to 2025

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for reading John Duffy's Substack. This post is public so that you can share it.

Make America Great Again

John Duffy Live Courageously — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 02:00:47 GMT

My apologies for the length and overload of material in this issue, but so much is going on, and I just felt a need to share so much. Take the time to read and watch the videos, and please let me know what you think and comment. I keep up with what’s going on by reading Citizenpress.com a news aggregator, and I read tons of content on X and on many sites on the internet.

I promise the future issues will be shorter. Well I’m going to add a qualifier and say maybe depending how crazy the world is going to get. :-)

MAGA - Make America Great Again

MAHA - Make American Healthy Again

MAUA - Make America United Again

MHGA - Make Hollywood Great Again

MASA - Make America Strong Again

A Change Has Come to America:

Greatest Comeback in America’s Political History

A Real Rocky Story, not a Hollywood Story

My Letter to America:

No matter what your political affiliation is or was, this is the Greatest comeback in American political history. President Trump overcame everything that was thrown at him from prosecution to being labeled a Felon, to being labeled an existential threat to Democracy and being the new Hitler, to being labeled a white supremacist, to having two assassination attempts on him and yet he rose from being shot and from the ashes to say Fight, Fight, Fight.

If you oppose or hate Trump, you can’t deny the reality of all of this happening and yet he won both the Electoral College and the popular Vote.

And he was opposed by all the Elites in his own Party who tried to anoint different candidates and they did everything to stop him and they failed and now these “Republicans” are rejected by the new American First Republican Party.

Team Unity:

The Republican Party is now the America First Party. In reality, the old Republican Party of the Bushes, Rommney’s Mcconnel’s Ryan, Cheney’s, and Pence’s is dead. A new Unity Party is being born. The old Republican Party, which was part of a Uni-Party of Democrat and Republican Oligarchs, has lost its power, and that’s a great thing.

Just like Ronald Reagan changed the Republican Party and won 49 States against Jimmy Carter, Trump changed the Republican Party and won the Electoral College and the Popular vote in a decisive victory reflecting the will of the majority of Americans.

The America First Republican Party has created a unity movement that has expanded to include previous Democrats like RFK Jr, Tulsi Gabbard, Elon Musk, and many more. It has also become a blue-collar working-class and middle-class party and has expanded its base dramatically among Hispanics, Blacks, Asians, Jews, Muslims, and young people. I finally feel really at home in this working-class party. - John Duffy

Make America United Again:

This is a call that I fully support, and why it seems impossible, is possible at levels never seen before. I am committed to helping achieve this goal.

The Red Pilling of America:

The idea of Red Pilling comes from the movie The Matrix. Red pilling refers to the process of awakening to a new, often unsettling truth about reality, inspired by a scene in the movie "The Matrix" where a character chooses between a red pill, which reveals the truth, and a blue pill, which keeps them in ignorance. In modern contexts, it is often associated with shifting political beliefs, particularly towards conservative ideologies.

Please take the time to read this Substack Newsletter Issue by Sasha Stone, who was on the left in 2016 and 2020 and had a change of mind and heart and was red-pilled.

Click the link below:

https://bit.ly/40DaScM

CBS News Poll: Are you generally optimistic or pessimistic about the next 4 years with Donald Trump as president? ]

Optimistic: 60% Pessimistic: 40% --- •

White: 63-37 • Black: 49-51 • Hispanic: 61-39 --- •

Ages 18-29: 67-33 •

Ages 30-44: 62-38 •

Ages 45-64: 60-40 •

Ages 65+: 51-49 --- •

Male: 65-35 • Female: 55-45 --- •

Dem: 30-70 •

GOP: 94-6 •

Indie: 54-46 ---

White no degree: 67-13

White 4-year degree: 56-44 ——

YouGov | n=2,164 A | January 15-17

Letter to My Left-Wing Friends:

This is a letter to my Radical, Progressive, Leftist, Socialist, and Communist friends from my past. I once was all of the above before experiencing many light bulb moments that awakened me and made me question my beliefs and where I got them from, and I came to reject them and recreate myself.

9/11 was the final straw and turning point for me as I realized that the left was on the side of radical Islamic groups and terrorists. Many left groups cheered for the attack on “Imperalist” America. After visiting my home city, New York, and the site of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in December of 2001, I did a review of all my beliefs and ideologies, and I rejected all my leftism and became what I called “A Born Again American.” Since then, I have recreated my life.

To my Leftist friends and any “Progressives” that read this, I challenge you to remember you used to believe in questioning authority, you used to believe in peace, you used to reject Monsanto and Big Pharma, You used to criticize the CIA and FBI, you used to reject both the Republicans and the Democrats, you used to support the blue-collar working class, but you now seem to reject all of that and morphed into the opposite on so many positions. I suggest you reevaluate your positions and you may realize the world has changed since the 60’s, the Democrat party has changed since the 60’s, and not for the better, the left has morped into something even worse that the Communist left of the 60’s. The left is led by the Elites in America and the World.

So, as you scan ee, most of America has voted for a change, so maybe you can find the courage to ask yourself why and begin to dialogue with those who once were on the left and have changed and those who voted MAGA. I know some of you might do this, and most of you won’t.

But I believe America is the greatest country in the world and is on the path to be even greater. You should join in this journey.

The So-Called “Resistance”

‘Occupy Democrats’ Urges Followers to Wear Black on Monday for ‘National Day of Mourning’ Over Trump Inauguration

A Reply:

The Attacks from the Media Begin:

We’re Back to Hitler, Hitler, Hitler… no wait, Hitler, Hitler, Hitler…still not enough Hitler, Hitler, Hitler

Enough, You Lost! Stop the BS and move on….

Perspective:

We’ve had 4 Democrat Presidents and 4 Republican Presidents or 5 if you count Trump twice.

The Change Begins:

Tik Tok - DONE Already

Honoring Martin King Jr. Day:

I Got Stories - # 1: Arlington Cemetery

This was a very powerful Ceremony attended by President Trump and Vice-President Vance. I was honored to attend a similar ceremony when I was in Washington DC at the GI Film Festival years ago with a film I directed, “The Flag.” It was a very special experience. I attended an event at the Capital, visited the Vietnam Wall, and was given a private tour of the Pentagon by two USMC friends. I watched a documentary about the military members of the special Sentinels who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They are truly a special group of the most dedicated soldiers.

Check it out below.

The Unknowns Documentary

https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B01MTKZR39/ref=atv_dp_amz_c_TS5124c5_1_1?jic=16%7CCgNhbGwSA2FsbA%3D%3D

I Got Stories - # 2 : China & Tik Tok & Red Note

I speak with experience of Chinese Communism.

Below are pictures of me in China teaching Chinese film professionals. I was a Maoist communist leader for 10 + years of my life, and I led a trip to China when I was 26 years old.

I’m not on TikTok yet, but I will join soon after America takes 50 percent control and eliminates the Chinese data tracking. Until then, I will not use TikTok.

The pic below is from a few years ago when I spoke to a group of film professors from China in Santa Monica. I gave a presentation on the film industry in Hollywood. I was sharing a PowerPoint, and I put up a slide from IMDB, a film site for resumes from the industry. All the professors quickly took out their phones and took pics of the slide. When I asked my Chinese translator why they were so interested in that slide, he said, “IMDB” is banned in China. I asked him why something as harmless would be banned, and film professionals in China could not access it. He smiled. I knew the answer. Chinese Communism is a society that only allows people what the Communists allow.

So, both TikTok and Red Note are tools of the Communsit Party both internally and worldwide.

And to be clear, the Chinese Communist Party is committed to defeating America and being the main power in the world by any means necessary. And Communism isn’t an Utopia but an oppressed society with no real freedom, no freedom of religion and a dictatorship.

Patriotic USA Music Videos:

And of Course “YMCA”

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

California - The Road to Recovery and Change

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Covid - Vaccine Mandates - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

The Great Divide - The 1990’s to 2025

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Satire / Comedy

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for reading John Duffy's Substack. This post is public so that you can share it.

California is Burning

John Duffy Live Courageously — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 02:00:55 GMT

Personal Update:

It’s been a few weeks since I published this weekly “Courage” Newsletter. Life has become super busy with projects I’m involved in and then the Los Angeles Fires added another challenge.

At the end of the year, I traveled to Phoenix, AZ, to attend TPUSA’s AMFest, returned to the Christmas and New Year Holidays with family, and started off the New Year with the Cast and Crew Screening of the movie I Co-Produced entitled “A Blind Bargain.” at the WGA Theater during the fires. So much is happening in my life and in our city and country that I must admit it gets a little overwhelming to keep up with everything.

I plan on restarting this Newsletter weekly and may explore doing a live video here on Substack if I can figure it out. I would love your feedback on the Newsletter, what you like, what you would like me to cover more, and just any feedback you have as we take this journey of change in America into 2025.

The Fire This Time

The LA Fires that we just experienced were devastating, killing over 28 people, injuring others and destroying peoples homes and communities. It will have long lasting negative effects. Like most crisises it brought out the best as we saw an outpouring of donations and volunteerism. We saw the commitment and sacrifice of our fire fighters and first responders. It’s a call to us to support each other.

And yes it revealed the other side of failure on the part of our elected officials. For now the focus is on helping those in need in any way we can. And in the future there will be a time to sum up the failures and take actions to change our political officials.

Statements on the Fire:

Here are some statements and opinions on the LA Fire and who is or who isn’t responsible.

I captured some of these opinions from X.

You may agree or disagree, but politics and leadership and management matter. We will soon be in the after-fire phase, and part of that will be to analyze the failures and who is responsible and set new policies and possible new leadership to be prepared for similar situations in the future.

I Got Stories - # 1 : America Legion Post 43 Volunteerism

Shout Out and thanks to all the Members of my American Legion Post 43 in Hollywood for all their ongoing work to support those affected by the tragic fires.

I volunteered today and helped direct cars in our parking lot and sign in all the volunteers who dropped off supplies, drove supplies to centers, and helped volunteer. Impressed by the nonstop flow of volunteers.

Great seeing a lot of my friends who are members and were there volunteering.

The efforts continue this week. Check out the Facebook page for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/hollywoodpost43

Ps. I’m really proud of my daughter who on her own with her friends brought food and coffee to the firefighters and first responders in Pacific Palisades and food and supplies for horses at Burbank Equestrian Center.

I Got Stories - # 2 : Feature Film A Blind Bargain

Shout Out to the Director Paul Bunnell, Exec Producer John Edward Falotico and our great Cast and Crew and friends who braved the crazy fire situation in LA last night to attend our Cast & Crew Screening of our film "A Blind Bargain" at the WGA Theater. It was a great night.

Great way to start off the year on a positive note. Thank you everyone for joining us. Stay alert and safe until this fire situation is under control.

I Got Stories - # 3: The RAMS and The Metro

Life is an Adventure

I Got Stories: Life is a Great Adventure, sometimes an Undesired Adventure. Today was both. I attended my first NFL football game. I know it's hard to believe. I went courtesy of my good friend and former production manager Ezra Kemp, who was in LA. Great fun and game; too bad the Rams lost.

Then we returned to the parking lot, and I called an Uber, and Ezra left. Right before the Uber was to arrive, my phone died, and the Uber never arrived, and my Undesired Adventure began.

All I could come up with was to walk to the nearby Hawthorne Metro Train to take a train to Santa Monica. I've only been on the train once, ten years ago. So I asked a Metro employee how to travel and he told me I would need to take three trains. I told him my phone was dead, so he was nice enough to just let me on the train for free.

When I had to switch to 2nd train I had no way to pay so I decided to jump the turnstile. That's a pic below of what I did but not of me. I followed some young guy who jumped the turnstyle in front of me.

After three trains, I had to walk the final way home. in Santa Monica. All because I didn't bring a phone charger with me. Oh well, lesson learned. I will not be taking trains in the future.

I Got Stories # 4: AMFest TPUSA Phoenix, AZ

In December I attended AMFest with some friends and met some new friends. It was a great event with over 20,000 people most of them young high school and college students. In the 60’s young people were rebels against the Establishment and were on the left. Today young people who are rebels are conservatives and on the right and are today’s rebels against the Establishment . Ive always been a rebel and remain one.

The Event had great speakers and the highlight was President Trump speaking in person at the event.

This crazy dude wandered into my home back on the 20th...

Always good to see my good friend, John Duffy aka, The Pale Hulk...

Once a year he comes to Phoenix and always makes it a point to see me...this time he came to my home, where we had a fantastic dinner...and he was able to see the burn room in person...

Great seeing you, Pale Hulk...look forward to our next visit...I'll get ya some more very, very hot roasted jalepenos...

Happy New Year, John Duffy...

Ps...John Duffy is sporting his burnt wooden dog tags that I made for him...always looking sharp... Cleo Army Veteran

Inspirational Quote:

Resilience May Be the Theme We Need for 2025

Countdown to the Inauguration:

A Change is Coming to America

5 days from now, on Jan 20 at 12 pm ES,T America will swear in the 47th President

President Trump will begin his second term.

The majority of America will welcome the change and the minority will not welcome it. America will change dramatically quickly.

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

California - The Road to Recovery and Change

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Covid - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

The Great Divide - The 1990’s to 2025

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for reading John Duffy's Substack. This post is public so that you can share it.

MAHA - Good Energy

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 02:30:48 GMT

MAHA - Good Energy

It’s time America confronts the health crisis we are facing and the astronomical rise of obesity in the country. Three voices of change and disruption in the health, fitness, and medical industry that have failed us are Robert F Kennedy, Jr, Casey, and Calley Means. No matter what your political persuasion, I hope we can agree that we need to Make America Health Again, and we need both new ideas and debate on these issues. It’s said to follow the money, and if we do in both Big Food and Big Pharma and Big Medicine, we will see that too much of what passes for health and medicine is both greed and financially driven.

Looking back in history, we will see America was much healthier in the ‘60s than it is today. We need to ask questions, question authority like we used to do in the 60s, and not be blind followers. We need to question and confront the “science,” the doctors, and the food industry. We need to take control of our lives and our health, be 100% responsible for our lives and our family's lives, and begin to be leaders and inspires for health and fitness.

It’s interesting that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a voice for health, just like President John F. Kennedy was in the 1960s. Is it time to go “back to the Future, or is it back to the past?”

I will cover these issues in more detail in the future, as fitness and health have always been a big part of my life. I was a rebel as a teen, and I’m still a rebel. I will always question authority. I’m somewhat of a contrarian and have always challenged my doctor.

My lifelong commitment to fitness and health has allowed me to never take pharmaceuticals or vaccines and to never spend a day in a hospital. I can attribute my excellent health to daily exercise, seven days a week, a positive attitude, a mostly keto / carnivore diet, and regular eight-hour sleep.

So, I hope you join the Make America Healthy Again journey.

Blast from the Past - Time for a Remake - Make Fitness Great Again

President JFK was ahead of his time promoting fitness in the 1960’s. Jack La Lanne was a role model for health and fitness. 2025 calls for a Back to the Future return to health and fitness to combat the sorry state of health and fitness in America.

Now more than ever, we need to inspire and motivate the American people to change their health and fitness and inspire a new generation.

JFK on the Dangers of Americans Getting Soft

On December 26, 1960, Sports Illustrated published “The Soft American” by John F. Kennedy, in which the then president-elect outlined his concern over the deteriorating physical condition of Americans, argued for the importance of fitness in developing the potential of the “whole man” and the future health of the country, and detailed his plan to make fitness a focus during his administration. JFK lived up to his word, promoting a life of “vigah” in general and encouraging the nation’s schools to adopt a fitness curriculum.

I love Jack La Lanne’s funny quote, but it exemplifies the Mindset of committing to the best health and fitness in our lives. He inspired me in my youth and still inspires me today.

I Got Stories # 1

Another Day in Paradise. When I was a teen in the South Bronx I would buy all the Muscle Magazines and go to the body building store in Manhattan and dream of being a bodybuilder. Life took me in a different direction but years later I became a fitness trainer at Jack LaLanne in Scarsdale and Yonkers for two years and then once again life took me in a different direction.

Now I’m working out daily since COVID hit at Golds the Mecca of bodybuilding and yesterday ran into RFK Jr here and wished him success in getting confirmed and today I’m working out next to Arnold. You never know where life may take you. I guess one could say I’m Forrest Duffy

And if that isn’t wild enough my former Manager Nick Stellate from Jack La Lanne in Scarsdale has challenged me to try out and compete in the Muscle Beach in Venice Competition next September and he will train me and he says he guarantees me I will win my division.

So what do you say? Should I do it?

Two great fellow Gold’s Gym Members

Mike Torchia & Robert F Kennedy Jr.
Mike has a great health and fitness podcast and has been a fitness trainer all of his life. Check out his X link below.

I Got Stories - # 2

Congrats to Dr Jay Bhattacharya on being nominated as the Director of NIH. The President made a great pick. I am honored to have met him while line-producing the filming of the Doc series "Follow the Science" in Cali, Directed by Hawk Jensen.

Books on Health & Fitness:

Good Energy:

I highly recommend you check out this book by Casey Means MD and her brother Calley Means.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=casey+means&crid=14HSE3GLORZQG&sprefix=casey+means%2Caps%2C389&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

Lies I Taught in Medical School:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP7F5H7Q/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=xZ45Y&content-id=amzn1.sym.7d2923e8-7496-46a5-862d-8ef28e908025&pf_rd_p=7d2923e8-7496-46a5-862d-8ef28e908025&pf_rd_r=JWBR484NDTN0XY40JH0G&pd_rd_wg=3JyLn&pd_rd_r=b5772745-9ee5-4579-a7fd-3b619f6b7479

Carnivore Diet:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PLLSM32/ref=mes-dp?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=NxpGo&content-id=amzn1.sym.7d2923e8-7496-46a5-862d-8ef28e908025&pf_rd_p=7d2923e8-7496-46a5-862d-8ef28e908025&pf_rd_r=2TESTHP7HDXERDPWKRWH&pd_rd_wg=9h0lZ&pd_rd_r=de14c915-5a08-4f9f-abdd-f2551d6578f2

The Case For Keto:

https://www.amazon.com/Case-Keto-Rethinking-Practice-Low-Carb-ebook/dp/B07XXFHP9S/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10DRPYBFZH4QN&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.c65qbNJ-TSbEekhRZue4_38CumNpMA-WxTxGPWZvXZnQHsSQkr6xeo3ttUwzVMAaR792Ea_iu4a-oqk18ve_THRSNefw6n93tzH-cyeF7S4.5ywZoVu83dZOH50gqijVhndMKv2vys4l0hwhSksMzCM&dib_tag=se&keywords=case+for+keto&qid=1733009588&s=digital-text&sprefix=case+for+keto%2Cdigital-text%2C197&sr=1-1

Links on X:

Mike Torchia

https://x.com/MichaelTorchia

Calley Means

https://x.com/calleymeans

Casey Means

https://x.com/CaseyMeansMD

Robert F Kennedy Jr

https://x.com/RobertKennedyJr

It’s a Crazy Crazy World - Headlines

Go Keto - Go Carnivore - Get Healthy

Favorite Quote of the Week:

Perspective and Unstoppable Mindset - Needed Now More Than Ever

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 4th quarter of 2024 and 2025 that I hope to produce and share.

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Covid - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

The Great Divide - The 1990’s to 2025

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Support the Live Courageously Newsletter

https://buymeacoffee.com/johnduffy

Website Live-Courageously.com

I’m pivoting now that I’m finished producing the latest film. Check it out for all my Podcasts, Newsletters, Blogs, Merchandise, Community, and more.

Lions not Sheep

See You Next Week…

… as I continue to explore the purpose of this newsletter and how best to use it to contribute to making a positive impact in life and on the readers. It’s a very eclectic work in progress, kind of like life. It deals with Podcasting, Entertainment, Politics, Music, Fitness, Motivation, Inspiration, free Thinking, and more…

Please share your thoughts and opinions on the content, and let’s dialogue. I need your feedback to keep going and to improve this newsletter.

Please Share, Subscribe, and give me feedback on the newsletter so I can keep improving it. ThankYou.

You can reach me here: https://linktr.ee/livecourageously or here

www.Live-Courageously.com

John Duffy's Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Thank you for reading John Duffy's Substack. This post is public so that you can share it.

Thanksgiving

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 01:00:54 GMT

Happy Thanksgiving. The holiday is a great time to remind ourselves of what we are grateful for. Take time to reflect on all your blessings. Gratitude is one of the most powerful beliefs we can adopt to make our lives better. I usually keep a Daily Gratitude Journal, and I suggest you consider adopting that practice. Every day starts better when you write down all the things you are grateful for and all the things you could be grateful for. I’ve slacked on this and need to recommit to it.

This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for my family, my friends, my health, all the opportunities in my life, living in America, my faith, and all the challenges in my life. I am also grateful for you, all the people who watch my Podcasts and read my Newsletter, and everyone who has touched my life.

I say Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.

This Thanksgiving I hope that you don’t lose perspective on what’s truly important in life and family is one of the best gifts we have. I hope you don’t let people who are angry or divisive convince you to reject your family over political differences. We always had differences and will always have differences. I challenge you to strive for true love and respect, and gratefulness for those who have been in your life and it starts with family.

So, this Thanksgiving, I challenge you to be more grateful than you have ever been. As we move into 2025, reflect on how we can find unity and agreement to make a difference, serve harder, love harder, and inspire people. The world needs light in the darkness, and you can be that light.

“This Thanksgiving, be the person your family’s thankful for.”

Live with Gratitude and Live Courageously

Thank You - Live with Gratitude

Thank you to all our Military and their families for their service and sacrifice for us every day.

Music - Live with Gratitude

Favorite Quote of the Week:

Be Grateful

Upcoming Special Issues:

Some future Newsletters in 4th quarter of 2024 and the 1st quarter of 2025.

Motivation - Transformation - Inspiration - Leadership - Living Courageously

Cancel Hollywood - Post Election - HollyXwood - Alternative Film Companies - Flyover Country Films

Marxism - Socialism - Communism - Progressivism -Wokeism - Politics The Religion of Atheist and Secularist - An Insider’s View - My Journey - Awake not Woke

Covid - Big Pharma - Government Control - Don’t Ever Forget the Years of Insanity and Control

Fitness - Big Food - Health - Big Pharma - MAHA - Good Energy Book

Book of the Month - Motivational - Health - Politics - Business - Fitness - History

Migration - NGO’s - Follow the Money - Ireland - Italy - US

The Great Divide - The 1990s to 2025

I Got Stories - My Journey from The South Bronx to Hollywood and Beyond, A Story in Pictures

Human Trafficking - Sex & Labor Trafficking and Slavery

UFO’s - UAP - What’s the truth?

AI - The Good, Bad and Ugly

Why? Ask Why

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