Cross Roads Podcast

Hosted by Steven Killfoil

Business Arts

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Episodes

170

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

A platform where you can find out what is happening in the town of Cross Roads with it's citizens and businesses and news from around the world.

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60 recent

October 12, 2026Episode 3025 min

Cross Roads Podcast News - Romania: How a Constitutional Monarchy Became a Communist State Part 1

Send us Fan Mail Romania didn’t “choose dictatorship overnight” and that’s exactly why its story matters. We follow the country’s path from a constitutional monarchy to a communist people’s republic and zoom in on the moments where democratic institutions quietly lose their teeth: weakened checks and balances, normalized political violence, and the slow replacement of real competition with staged legitimacy. If you’ve ever wondered how a society can still have parliaments, elections, and official titles while freedom is slipping away, Romania is the case study that makes it concrete. We walk through the turning points that reshape Romanian political history: the interwar slide toward authoritarian rule, the catastrophe of World War II, the 1944 coup led by King Michael I, and the reality that changes everything, Soviet military occupation. From there, power shifts fast. The communist party grows under Soviet pressure, non-communist leaders are pushed out, and the 1946 parliamentary election becomes a lesson in why “free” is meaningless without “fair” elections, honest counting, and the ability for opposition parties to operate without intimidation. We also get specific about what listeners should ask when evaluating any political system: Are courts independent? Can journalists criticize leaders? Can voters remove officials peacefully? Do rival parties have a real chance to win? And we challenge sloppy rhetoric by clarifying why social democracy, democratic socialism, socialism, Marxism-Leninism, and Soviet-style communism are related terms but not interchangeable labels. Part one ends with King Michael’s forced abdication in 1947 and a preview of part two, where we go deep inside communist Romania, from nationalization and collectivization to censorship and the Securitate. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review, what safeguard of democracy do you think people underestimate most? Support the show Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929 www.stefanmcdermott.com To Book an event with The Santa Steven and Mrs. Claus go to: https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey

October 5, 2026Episode 2936 min

Cross Roads Podcast Presents - Vince Handler Future Justice Of The Peace for Precinct 5

Send us Fan Mail A lawsuit can change your life, but what if you never even knew it was filed? That question sits at the center of our conversation with Vance Handler, a lawyer who practices in Justice of the Peace courts and is running for Justice of the Peace in Denton County Precinct 5. We talk about the unglamorous but critical mechanics of local justice, starting with the moment a process server is supposed to knock on your door and legally notify you that you’re being sued. We break down what a Texas JP court actually handles: evictions, truancy cases, Class C misdemeanors like traffic tickets, and small claims disputes up to $20,000. Vance explains why these high-volume courts are where most Texans are most likely to encounter a judge, and why the court has to be both efficient and respectful, especially for people who walk in without an attorney and feel intimidated by legal language and procedure. Then we get specific about the Denton County service-of-process failures that made headlines: affidavits that don’t match reality, defendants showing up only after the court sends warning letters, and the long shadow of default judgments on credit and stability. We also talk judicial ethics, staying impartial while still serving the community, ideas for civic education with local schools, and what accountability should look like in year one, including reducing backlog and improving public-facing court resources. If you care about fair courts, clean procedures, and voting that actually reaches the bottom of the ballot, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a neighbor, and leave us a review with the biggest question you still have about Justice of the Peace courts. Support the show Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929 www.stefanmcdermott.com To Book an event with The Santa Steven and Mrs. Claus go to: https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey

September 28, 2026Episode 2824 min

Cross Roads Podcast News - What Is Going On With Our Education System?

Send us Fan Mail The numbers are sobering: too many American high school seniors are crossing the graduation stage without strong reading comprehension or solid math skills, and the NAEP report card makes that hard to deny. We take a clear-eyed look at what the data actually says, why exaggerated talking points do not help, and what “prepared for college or the workforce” should mean in real life. From there, we get practical. We talk about reading as the foundation for everything, including how vocabulary, background knowledge, and comprehension grow when parents keep reading with their kids and ask better questions. We also share a personal reminder that learning language is built one word and one conversation at a time, not through wishful thinking or test-prep shortcuts. Then we step into the danger zone: phones, short-form videos, and constant digital stimulation. We are not anti-technology, but we are honest about attention. If a 20-page chapter feels impossible, boundaries matter. Homework before entertainment, phones off the dinner table, daily reading time, and no phone sleeping next to the pillow are simple moves that protect focus, sleep, and learning. We also dig into basic math and number sense, why calculators should support understanding instead of replacing it, and how families can practice practical math through groceries, tips, cooking, fractions, and budgeting. Finally, we talk about responsibility without scapegoating: teachers do not control everything, schools owe parents transparency, and struggling students need early, evidence-based tutoring and intervention. If this conversation hits home, subscribe, share it with a parent or teacher, and leave a review so more families can find it. Support the show Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929 www.stefanmcdermott.com To Book an event with The Santa Steven and Mrs. Claus go to: https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey

September 21, 2026Episode 2719 min

Cross Roads Podcast News - Getting Ready for the 2026 Midterm Elections

Send us Fan Mail Political season hits fast, loud, and nonstop, and we’re not here to tell you who to vote for. We’re here to help you vote like a grown-up in a noisy world. Steven and Mady lay out a practical “election homework” system for the 2026 midterm elections so you can make decisions based on evidence, not yard signs, campaign mailers, TikTok clips, or the loudest person in your group chat. We start with the overlooked power of midterms: every U.S. House seat is up every two years, a big chunk of the U.S. Senate rotates each cycle, and your state and local races can affect daily life just as much as the national headlines. Then we get concrete. Find your sample ballot on official state or local election sites, list every race, and research each candidate with a simple standard: what they say, what they’ve done, and what proof supports it. We also talk about why full interviews and debates beat chopped-up viral videos every time, and how “context matters” is more than a slogan. We go one step deeper with campaign finance research, including how to use Federal Election Commission data without jumping to automatic conclusions. And because misinformation is a modern campaigning superpower, we share a verification mindset for social media, AI-generated images, edited videos, and emotionally charged posts that demand instant sharing. Texas listeners also get key planning dates for 2026, plus a reminder to verify rules with the Texas Secretary of State or your local election office. If you want a clear checklist you can use before you vote, this one’s for you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who hates politics but loves facts, and leave a review with the best “rule” you use to verify what you see online. Support the show Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929 www.stefanmcdermott.com To Book an event with The Santa Steven and Mrs. Claus go to: https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey

September 14, 2026Episode 2621 min

Cross Roads Podcast News - Don't Get Scammed! How to Spot Fraud Before It Gets You

Send us Fan Mail Your phone rings and the caller sounds exactly like someone you love. A text says your package cannot be delivered. A “support agent” calmly walks you through steps that seem normal until they ask for a code, a password, or gift cards. We dig into why modern scams work so well, and it has less to do with intelligence and more to do with emotion: fear, urgency, authority, and secrecy. We break down the biggest fraud patterns we’re seeing right now, including AI voice impersonation scams, fake customer service numbers that show up in search results, phishing links disguised as delivery alerts, and job scams that promise remote work but demand money for “equipment.” We also talk about romance and relationship scams that weaponize trust, plus a sneaky online shopping trick where a fake checkout page shows “card declined” to coax you into entering multiple credit cards. You’ll leave with a clear, usable anti-scam checklist: slow down when pressured, do not click unexpected links, do not trust caller ID, verify independently using official apps or numbers you already have, never share verification codes, and treat gift cards, crypto, and wire transfers as major danger signs. We also share one of our favorite family defenses for 2026: setting a safe word, then still hanging up and calling back. If this helped you, subscribe, share it with someone who might need it, and leave a review so more people can learn the Stop Think Verify habit. Support the show Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929 www.stefanmcdermott.com To Book an event with The Santa Steven and Mrs. Claus go to: https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey

September 7, 2026Episode 2522 min

Health News with Steven and Mady - Why Are We Being Sold Fake Foods in America?

Send us Fan Mail “Fake food” is one of those phrases that can spark instant outrage, and we get it. But before you swear off your grocery store forever, we slow the conversation down and separate three very different issues: true food fraud, legal but highly processed foods, and viral clips that look scary without real evidence behind them. If you’ve ever wondered whether your olive oil, honey, seafood, or even “beef” is what the label claims, you’re not being paranoid, you’re asking the right question. We dig into economically motivated adulteration and why expensive, hard-to-verify foods are common targets. We talk through how fraud works, what patterns to look for (including suspiciously cheap “premium” products), and what kinds of details signal better transparency and traceability. Then we tackle the internet’s favorite “rubbery fruit” videos and explain why texture changes can come from ripeness, storage, freezing, or variety, not necessarily a secret replacement program. From there, we get practical: why the exact product name matters (like “ground beef” vs other beef products), how to stop shopping from the front of the package, and how to use ingredient lists to compare brands fast. We also touch on GRAS, why consumers still want better oversight, and how to report legitimate concerns in a way investigators can actually use. If you like useful grocery store tips, food safety clarity, and smarter label reading, hit subscribe, share this with a friend who forwards every viral food video, and leave a review. What’s one food you’ve seen that made you think, “Is this even real?” Support the show Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929 www.stefanmcdermott.com To Book an event with The Santa Steven and Mrs. Claus go to: https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey

August 31, 2026Episode 2424 min

Health News with Steven & Mady - What's Really in Your Paper Towels?

Send us Fan Mail Your kitchen counter has a quiet suspect hiding in plain sight: the paper towel roll. We start with a simple question that turns surprisingly complex fast, what happens when everyday paper products are screened for organic fluorine, a lab marker that can indicate PFAS contamination. PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are the “forever chemicals” built to resist water, grease, and stains, and that persistence is exactly why they matter for environmental health and consumer safety. We also slow down and get precise about what the testing means: organic fluorine detection is a screening tool, not a diagnosis of a specific PFAS chemical and not a direct readout of your personal health risk from wiping up one spill. From there, we unpack the recycled paper problem that nobody wants to think about. Recycled can be a win for sustainability, but it also raises a hard question: what was in the source material before it was recycled? We talk through research on thermal receipt paper, including BPA and BPS findings, and why some agencies recommend keeping receipts out of recycling to reduce contamination in the paper stream. If you have ever assumed “recycled” automatically means “cleaner,” this conversation will help you separate environmental goals from chemical exposure questions. We also challenge the idea that bamboo paper towels are automatically safer. Some bamboo products reportedly test non-detect for organic fluorine, while at least one bamboo product shows a detectable result, which is a reminder to evaluate the specific product and the transparency behind it. We wrap with five practical steps you can take right now, plus a bigger takeaway: become a label reader for everything, not just food, because marketing words like eco, green, and natural do not replace independent testing and clear sourcing. If this helped you think more clearly about PFAS, paper towels, and smarter shopping, subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find it. Support the show Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929 www.stefanmcdermott.com To Book an event with The Santa Steven and Mrs. Claus go to: https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey

August 24, 2026Episode 2315 min

Health News with Steven & Mady - Shop Smarter With The Yucca App

Send us Fan Mail Your grocery cart can look healthy and still be working against you. We’re Steven and Mady, and we’re breaking down one of our favorite free tools for cutting through label confusion fast: the Yuka app. If you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of cereal boxes or pasta sauces wondering what’s actually worth buying, this conversation gives you a simple system you can use right away. We explain what Yuka is, how it works as a barcode scanner for food and personal care products, and how to get set up on iPhone or Android in minutes. Then we walk through the 0–100 scoring scale and the color dots so you can interpret results at a glance. We also dig into what the score reflects beyond calories, including nutritional quality, ingredient quality, and the presence of certain food additives, which is why two similar-looking products can land on totally different ratings. You’ll hear a real example of a product that looked like a winner until the scan revealed a red score and a long list of flagged additives plus very high sodium. We also share realistic grocery shopping tips: don’t obsess, compare similar items quickly, use Yucca’s better-alternative suggestions, and focus on small swaps that build momentum. And yes, we remind you that many of the best choices are simple whole foods that don’t need an app to “prove” they’re good. If this helps you shop with more confidence, subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with a friend who always gets stuck reading labels in aisle five. Support the show Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929 www.stefanmcdermott.com To Book an event with The Santa Steven and Mrs. Claus go to: https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey

August 17, 2026Episode 2218 min

Health News with Steven & Mady - Why So Many Additives In American Food?

Send us Fan Mail The next time you’re stuck in the grocery aisle squinting at a long ingredients label, you’re not alone. We’re Steven and Mady, and we’re tackling a question we hear all the time: why are there so many additives in American foods, and what can you actually do about it without turning your life into a full-time label investigation? We walk through the real reasons manufacturers use food additives in packaged foods, from extending shelf life and surviving shipping to improving flavor, color, and texture. Then we dig into why the same brand can use different ingredients in Europe than in the United States, touching on how EU regulations, consumer expectations, and different manufacturing choices can lead to shorter ingredient lists overseas. We also name the additives that come up again and again in public concern and policy debates, including titanium dioxide, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil (BVO), BHA, BHT, and rBST, plus why artificial red and yellow dyes are worth a second look. Most importantly, we keep it practical. You’ll hear simple, doable swaps for common staples like oatmeal packets, store-bought bread, snack foods, and soft drinks, along with a realistic approach to eating healthier that doesn’t require perfection. We also talk about how consumers can push for change through purchasing habits and by engaging with food regulation through the FDA and USDA processes. If you like smart, calm nutrition guidance that helps you make better food choices, subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more people can find Health News with Stephen and Maddie. Support the show Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929 www.stefanmcdermott.com To Book an event with The Santa Steven and Mrs. Claus go to: https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey

August 10, 2026Episode 2113 min

Cross Roads Podcast News with Steven & Mady - International University of Santa Claus aka School4Santas

Send us Fan Mail A university for Santas sounds like a fantasy until you realize what’s at stake: a child’s belief, a family’s trust, and a moment that can land right in the middle of real life. We dig into the International University of Santa Claus, founded by Santa Tim Connaghan, and why “School for Santas is less about a red suit and more about doing the role with professionalism, authenticity, and heart. We walk through what serious Santa training actually looks like, from performance and storytelling to child interaction, safety, photography readiness, and the business side of holiday events. Whether you’re hiring Santa for a school program, church celebration, corporate party, hospital visit, or community festival, the details matter because they shape the experience for everyone in the room. Then we get to the core: responsibility. Professional Santas often meet kids carrying heavy things like illness, grief, disability, financial strain, or a parent’s deployment. We talk about the simple practices that make a difference: listening carefully, showing patience, treating every child with dignity, and honoring family traditions. We also highlight the spirit of service through support for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program and the way many Santas volunteer year-round to keep kindness from becoming “seasonal.” If you enjoy thoughtful community stories with a little humor and a lot of heart, subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find us. Support the show Order your copy today of "Achieve Optimal Brain Health with Nutrition," by Stefan McDermott. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYWMB929 www.stefanmcdermott.com To Book an event with The Santa Steven and Mrs. Claus go to: https://www.gigsalad.com/the_santa_steven_aubrey