Your Lot and Parcel

Hosted by Benjamin Diaz

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Episodes

502

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Experience Your Lot and Parcel Podcast, and learn more ways to preserve your home, family and historical landmarks by actional advice from a wide range of qualified professionals.

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60 recent

June 15, 202638 min

AI is Changing the World of Companionship

What does it mean to be alone, to fall in love, and to make love in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence? In this thought-provoking and deeply personal exploration, acclaimed novelist and nonfiction writer Victoria Hetherington examines the rapidly changing landscape of AI companionship.The Friend Machine begins with a searching look at our era’s pervasive loneliness, then skillfully weaves together interviews with scientists, social critics, and other experts to unravel the complex relationships forming between humans and AI. Each chapter explores the philosophical, psychological, ethical, economic, and biological dimensions of this swiftly evolving technology.Hetherington also offers a compassionate and intimate portrait of individuals from diverse backgrounds who have sought—and found—companionship in AI. As the boundaries between human and machine continue to blur, Hetherington reveals how the very nature of our relationships is poised to change in ways we are only beginning to imagine.She is the author of "The Friend Machine: On the Trail of AI Companionship."https://www.instagram.com/vmhetherington/?hl=enhttp://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show

June 11, 202645 min

Supporting Students Experiencing Academic Challenges

She has devoted over 40 years to helping students of all ages and abilities succeed. She specializes in supporting learners who face challenges in school due to anxiety, ADD/ADHD, and learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia. Together with her husband, Alvin Silbert, Ed.D., she co-authored the award-winning book Why Bad Grades Happen to Good Kids and its forthcoming updated edition, Why Good Kids Get Bad Grades: What Parents Need to Know and Do (available April 12, 2026). The Silberts have also created a variety of learning and study aids, including best-selling books—over a million copies sold—and the popular SuperDeck™ card games. In addition to her writing, Dr. Linda publishes a weekly education column for five local newspapers and is a regular presenter at the annual Everyone Reading conference in New York. https://stronglearning.com/http://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show

June 8, 202633 min

Life’s Truths Revealed in Ancient Greek Plays

He brings to life the surviving fragments of timeless wisdom from the lost plays of ancient Athens. Consider sayings such as, “The truly happy man ought to stay at home,” “Hunger, and lack of coin, put a stop to love,” and “Hades, alone of the gods, does not enjoy bribes.” These and many other memorable lines from Greek dramatists like Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Menander were preserved centuries after their creation, thanks to Stobaeus—a fifth-century AD scholar who collected them to instruct his son.Stobaeus’s anthology offers the only glimpses we have of countless lost Athenian plays: concise, eloquent verses chosen with a father’s wisdom. Some fragments spark “aha” moments, others deliver wit or dark humor, and many offer profound moral insight.With this volume, James Romm becomes the first to translate these fragments into verse for English readers. Vividly rendered and elegantly presented, Since You are Mortal . . . is both an ancient and enduring guide to living a thoughtful, virtuous life.He is the author of Since You're Mortal . . .: Life Lessons from the Lost Greek Plays. https://www.jamesromm.com/http://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show

June 4, 202637 min

Decreasing Repeat Offenses by Assisting with Community Reentry

The purpose of her book is to guide you through a successful transition from incarceration to a fulfilling and productive life after release. Ideally, preparation for this transition should begin six months before your release date. The recommended approach is to collaborate with a mentor, meeting weekly to follow this program both during your final months in prison and for twelve weeks after release.This program aims to reduce recidivism by addressing the challenges of reintegrating into the community and providing a clear structure for your success. In other words, their goal is to help you avoid returning to prison by equipping you with the tools and support needed to overcome common obstacles faced in the outside world.The book includes preparatory activities to help you get ready to connect with a mentor. Once you are prepared, you and your mentor will meet each week to discuss the relevant chapter and work through the material together. The content is designed to help you develop essential life and employability skills. Additionally, you will find checklists and templates to ensure you are fully prepared for life after release.She is the author of "From Prison to Possibilities: Paving Your Path." https://drnugentspeaks.com/http://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show

June 1, 202641 min

Creating Life Using Artificial Biological Intelligence

This book, written by scientist Adrian Woolfson, explores how recent technology could let us "write" or design DNA, which is the code of life. Woolfson believes that by learning to program DNA, we could change biology in amazing ways. For example, in the future, we might be able to grow houses instead of building them, have living smartphones, or wear clothes that can react to us. We could even store all human knowledge in a tiny piece of DNA, cure all diseases, and live much longer lives.To make this possible, Woolfson says we need to understand DNA as a language that we can read and write. Right now, scientists are just starting out—they can write the DNA of simple things like viruses and bacteria. But soon, we might be able to create the DNA of extinct animals or even new life forms that have never existed before. This would mean life could be designed and changed by humans.However, this power comes with big risks. Changing life in such a major way could have unexpected effects on nature and on what it means to be human. Woolfson’s book explains these possibilities and warns that we need to use this technology carefully and ethically.Experts praise the book for being bold, imaginative, and easy to understand. They say it is important reading for anyone interested in the future of life on Earth. https://adrianwoolfson.com/http://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show

May 28, 202641 min

Building Resilience, Releasing Emotional Burdens, and Sustaining Lasting Confidence

If you have experienced intense stress, trauma, or abuse, you may struggle with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, resentment, or even challenges in achieving your personal goals. You might also find it difficult to protect yourself from toxic people. Dr. Toni Cooper offers practical tips and strategies to help you move forward. Her resources include self-help videos, audiobooks, podcast episodes, books, and “how-to” blog posts designed to provide answers and direction.Dr. Toni Cooper is a psychologist, author, and public speaker dedicated to helping adults find emotional healing and personal growth. With more than three decades of experience, she integrates proven psychological strategies to address anxiety, depression, trauma, and family dysfunction. Through her counseling work, books, podcast, and teaching videos, Dr. Cooper guides people toward practical coping skills and a more fulfilling life. Her mission is to help individuals release emotional burdens, build resilience, and move from daily survival to a life anchored in confidence and well-being. https://www.drtonicooper.com/http://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show

May 21, 202624 min

Discovering Tuscany Italy in California

Do you have a passion for Tuscany or Italian culture? Imagine discovering a slice of Italian paradise not in Europe but nestled among the golden hills of California’s wine country. Healdsburg, a hidden gem in the heart of Sonoma County, offers a Tuscany-inspired experience that brings the charm of Little Italy to California.With Sonoma Wine Rides, exploring the enchanting beauty of Healdsburg becomes effortless. This dedicated transport service invites you to sit back and relax as you journey through picturesque landscapes, visiting top wineries for delightful tastings. Their mission is to make your wine adventure both memorable and hassle-free, ensuring you savor every moment in this charming city.Located just 10 to 15 minutes north of Santa Rosa, Healdsburg has quietly become a haven for wine lovers, food enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an authentic taste of la dolce vita. From the vibrant town plaza to the scenic wineries scattered across the Sonoma County countryside, Healdsburg offers a little pocket of Italy perfect for a weekend getaway or a day trip from the Bay Area—or from anywhere in the country.While many are familiar with the world-class Italian wine varietals grown in the region’s rich soil, only a few know about Healdsburg’s farm-to-table cuisine, bursting with ingredients fresh from the California earth. Add in the rolling countryside. And it is time for you to discover your own slice of Tuscany right here in California! https://www.sonomawinerides.com/healdsburgwinetastingtourshttp://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show

May 21, 202634 min

Enhancing Lives Through the Human-Animal Connection

The Human-Animal Connection is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing people and therapy animals together for mutual benefit. Their program is offered free of charge to Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, First Responders, Health Care Providers, and anyone experiencing stress in the line of duty. Through therapeutic interactions, participants experience reduced stress, renewed resilience, and a greater enthusiasm for life. To date, their work has reached over 4,000 service members.Embark on a transformative journey into the heart and soul of animals. This course invites you to deepen your connection with all animals—whether they are part of your daily life or exist beyond your immediate reach. You will discover practical skills and spiritual practices that foster a soothing and enriching partnership with all creatures.By connecting with your personal Spirit Animals, you will open pathways to greater guidance and a deeper sense of belonging in the natural world. Join them as they explore the profound emotional bond between humans and animals and learn how nurturing this connection can enrich both your life and the lives of your animal companions. https://www.thehumananimalconnection.org/http://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show

May 18, 202625 min

Exploring Einstein’s Impact on Science, Culture, and Humanity

Did you know that Albert Einstein’s only home in the United States was in Princeton, New Jersey, where he lived for 22 years? At the Historical Society’s museum, you can come face-to-face with Einstein’s personal furniture and belongings, including his famous ink-stained desk. Explore the Historical Society’s rare Einstein collections and discover his profound scientific, cultural, and humanitarian impact.Einstein’s house at 112 Mercer Street in Princeton stands as a testament to his legacy. The Historical Society also offers “The Life of Albert Einstein,” an outreach program available to schools, libraries, senior centers, and clubs.Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany. Shortly after, his family moved to Munich, where he began his education at the Luitpold Gymnasium. The family later relocated to Italy, and Einstein continued his studies in Aarau, Switzerland. In 1896, he entered the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich to train as a teacher in physics and mathematics. After earning his diploma in 1901 and acquiring Swiss citizenship, Einstein worked as a technical assistant at the Swiss Patent Office, where he produced much of his groundbreaking work in his spare time.Einstein received his doctorate in 1905 and soon began his academic career, holding positions in Berne, Zurich, and Prague. In 1914, he became Director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Physical Institute and Professor at the University of Berlin. He remained in Berlin until 1933, when he emigrated to America for political reasons and accepted a position as Professor of Theoretical Physics at Princeton. https://princetonhistory.org/discover-albert-einstein/http://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show

May 14, 202637 min

It Was First Unveiled at a World’s Fair

We have experienced Paris through the words of Hemingway and Balzac, the colors of Chagall and Delaunay, the wild adventures of Henry Miller, the recipes of Julia Child, the stars of Michelin, and the curated lists of Fodor’s, Frommer’s, and Lonely Planet. Yet, few have explored Paris through the unique perspective of the “Exposition Universelle”—the World’s Fair, or World Expo.Paris is a living archive of seven Universal Expositions held between 1855 and 1937. These grand events left an indelible mark on the city, creating an urban diary of monumental achievements: the Eiffel Tower, of course, but also the Musée d'Orsay, the Grand Palais, and the Petit Palais.“Nobody Sits Like the French” uncovers these stories and many more. Blending travel guide and history, the book reveals a Paris invisible to most—a city where every glass of Burgundy, every sip from Baccarat crystal, every Monet or Gauguin admired, and even the modern marvel of a working sewer system, can be traced back to the legacy of a World Expo. https://www.charlespappas.world/buy-the-world-expo-bookhttp://www.yourlotandparcel.orgSupport the show