The Matt and Monica Podcast -463



What a joy it is to meet and feature fellow podcasters doing important work. That is the case with today’s guests Matt and Monica, who recently launched “The Matt and Monica Podcast” sharing stories of vulnerability and resilience of inspiring guests as well as themselves. This husband and wife team travel far to interview incredible people, many of whom are first responders and veterans who have sacrificed so much for so many. The podcast has been life affirming for Matt and Monica and their growing audience, including your humble host, who fully supports their mission!


David Malan -462



Let’s put on a show! There is nothing more exciting than live theatre. One of the most historic and venerable ones in the Boston area is The Regent Theatre in Arlington. Longtime director Richard Stavros recently retired and a new leader has taken over. He is Harvard computer science professor David Malan. David and I discuss his innovative plans to revitalize the theatre through the introduction of what he calls “educational theatricality.” This will involve streaming community and educational programs adding to the theatrical experience. The show will go on!


Jennifer Jukanovich -461



Meet Jennifer Jukanovich, co-author along with Russell West of “The Culturally Conscious Board: Setting the Boardroom Table for Impact.”   Their goal is to transform the culture of boards across the spectrum–from the local cancer nonprofit to the multinational anti-poverty NGO. Using their tested “Board Culture Placemat,”  the authors provide “Conversation Starters” to make mentionable the often-silent role board culture plays in a board’s decision-making habits.  It explains how board members  can positively shape board culture, especially in crucial decision-making moments.  Respecting the culture, being responsible and adhering to an ethical value system is a sound formula for any organization’s success!


Dr. Robert Kellan -460



On today’s episode, we cover “science and the arts.” Dr. Robert Kellan is a renowned ophthalmologist with over 60 years in medicine. He also has an active creative side. Besides being an accomplished painter, Bob is also a playwright with several well received plays to his credit. We explore the magical essence of live theatre and how this playwright breathes life into his characters and ideas!


George Mehok -459



When a sinister cyber-terrorist plot is poised to plunge the U.S. into devastating digital darkness, one man, an experienced cyber forensic expert takes on the challenge of stopping the evildoers. We welcome novelist and technologist George Mehok who delivers a fast-paced thriller called, “Going Dark: A Liberty Unit Novel.” The tech is real and will make you think about the lengths that terrorists will go. Luckily, there are homegrown heroes protecting us. The novel has an alternate historic timeline dating back to the Revolutionary War that is equally as exciting!


Dr. Quentin Schultze -458



Today we celebrate the holiday season in style with Dr. Quentin Schultze, the author of “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out: Life Lessons from the Movie A Christmas Story.”
For the first time, Quentin Schultze, who taught storytelling with screenwriter Jean Shepherd, reveals the “secret” parables that Shepherd included in his screenplay for A Christmas Story. Now you won’t need a decoder ring to learn why the Old Man’s leg lamp is his “trophy wife,” why the bully is named “Scut,” why there is a “Bumpus” in all of us, why Mom and the kids give a “Bronx cheer” after singing “Jingle Bells” in the Olds, and so much more.


Barrie Atkin -457



‘Tis the season for charitable giving. Of course it is not just during the holidays. Pretty much year round, folks are tasked with asking (on behalf of their non-profit group) for money. Most of us don’t exactly enjoy that or do it well. So let me introduce you to someone with a solution. Meet Barrie Atkin, who with over 25 years of consulting experience, has served hundreds of clients in human services, sports, technology, healthcare and publishing. And she is the author of a handy book with an appropriate title, “Hate Fundraising? : How to Become Comfortable Asking for Money.”  Believe me, with Barrie’s help, the it will get a lot easier! To learn more about Jordan, go to https://chartproductions.com.


Crystal King -456



Meet celebrated author Crystal King as we discuss her new book, “In the Garden of Monsters,” a fresh twist on the ancient love story of Hades and Persephone. It is Italy, 1948. A woman with no past. A man who seems to know her. And a monstrous garden that could be the border between their worlds. If it sounds intriguing it is with added presence of artist Salvador Dali and a bevy of epicurean delights. Crystal has crafted a story for the ages! To learn more about Jordan, go to https://chartproductions.com.

 


Deb Podlogar -455



Meet Deb Podlogar, a.k.a. “The Mocktail Mom.”  Deb is the author of a new book called, “The Happiest Hour,” and she is  all about encouraging people to  have fun drinking without the alcohol.  Hear about her relationship with alcohol that needed to come to an end, culminating in the launch of her as the “Mocktail Mom.”  She has whipped up  dozens of delicious, cocktail recipes so if you’re thinking it’s just the same old  “Shirley Temple,” think again.  This mom is adamant when she proclaims, “Who said you can’t be part of the party if you’re not drinking?”  Find out more at www.mocktailmom.com!


John Penrose: Agile Brain -454



Today, we open up a fascinating conversation with John Penrose, a successful entrepreneur brimming with creative ideas.  He is currently leading the talented team behind Agile Brain. This software introduces us to a fast and fun image-based assessment tool that unlocks the power of human emotion.  John talks about a revolutionary new way to gauge emotional intelligence and understanding. Agile Brain has many applications and the process only takes about three minutes. Check it out at www.agilebrain.com!