In our first two part episode, Humans Being explores the timely issue of surrogacy from multiple angles. We discuss domestic and international laws as well as the constantly changing political landscapes across the globe. We delve head-first into the personal stories of would-be parents, as well as learn about the significant financial benefits provided to surrogates themselves. We also examine criticisms of the practice, including potential exploitation of labor in developing nations. We learn that while some criticism is warranted, some is also rooted in hypocritical western ideals that ignore exploitation in our own backyard. We also hear the real joy in the voices of happy parents ... and perhaps even a few happy babies cooing in the background.

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS REAL-LIFE DESCRIPTIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

Publication date of this episode (June 2, 2021) marks International Sex Workers' Day. For more information on the human rights issues facing sex workers visit Sex Workers Outreach Project, USA.*

Retired full-service Sex Worker Betty James (pseudonym) shares her story of five years as a successful and highly sought-out escort. Our candid discussion covers James' own motivations for entering the profession, as well as questions many are afraid to publicly ask due to the burden of stigmatization placed on sex work. James articulately breaks down everything from the nuanced issue of consent to her views on decriminalization. In between, there is levity and laughs, and even some salacious bits, as the interview aims to make transparent a service labor that is both ancient and ubiquitous, yet often shrouded in repressive societal moral codes.

This episode uses the song "A1 Rogue" by Podington Bear, under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International license.

*"Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA is a national social justice network dedicated to the fundamental human rights of people involved in the sex trade and their communities, focusing on ending violence and stigma through education and advocacy."

THIS EPISODE CONTAINS REAL-LIFE DESCRIPTIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT. LISTENER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

Retired full-service Sex Worker Betty James (pseudonym) shares her story of five years as a successful and highly sought-out escort. Our candid discussion covers James' own motivations for entering the profession, as well as questions many are afraid to publicly ask due to the burden of stigmatization placed on sex work. James articulately breaks down everything from the nuanced issue of consent to her views on decriminalization. In between, there is levity and laughs, and even some salacious bits, as the interview aims to make transparent a service labor that is both ancient and ubiquitous, yet often shrouded in repressive societal moral codes.

This trailer and episode use the song "A1 Rogue" by Podington Bear, under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International license.

I interview Ken Welton and Carolyn Wyler, husband and wife passengers on the Princess Cruise ship that was quarantined in the San Francisco Bay, after a passenger on the previous trip had tested positive and later passed away. The couple tell how their brother and sister-in-law, also on the cruise, became ill with Covid-19 and were later separated. They describe being confined to a small cabin, and later an air force base room, for weeks on end as America began to reckon with its earliest wave of cases. With a healthy dose of wit and dark humor, they give us an inside look into what became an international story.

Sacramento residents Carolyn Wyler and Ken Welton discuss their anxious and surreal quarantine aboard the Carnival Grand Princess and later at Travis Air Force Base, just east of Northern California's bay area. Ken's brother and sister-in-law both became ill with the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) on the ship. Ken and Carolyn's journey to stay safe, steady, and sane -- on the next episode of Humans Being.

Members of the Ramsay family describe what life with sickle cell is like, as a means of raising awareness for the disease, as well as shining a spotlight on research progress to date. Sickle cell affects millions the world over, predominantly those of African descent, though it does afflict the Hispanic community as well. The history of sickle cell disease is fraught with tears, fatigue, and even racial oppression -- but hope is on the horizon.

CREDIT: Children's Inn at NIH, childrensinn.org.

Siblings Alana and Aaron Ramsay open up about living with sickle cell disease, hoping to shed light on such an important subject.

Credit: John Ramsay's speech hosted by the Children's Inn at NIH.

In episode 3 I take a back seat, while children of all ages articulate their thoughts, frustrations, fears, and hopes regarding this global pandemic. From online schooling to mask wearing to loss of social connections, children ages 6 to 18 speak up, offering both heartbreaking and encouraging stories other parents and children may be able to relate to.