Monthly Archives: October 2026

They Fought Back -573



Meet David Chanoff and Paula S. Apsell, co-authors of an important new book entitled, “They Fought Back: Jewish Resistance During the Holocaust.”  The book tells the many untold stories of Jewish resistance during the Holocaust, describing the often unrecognized dignity and courage with which Europe’s Jewish people faced the Nazi regime’s war of extinction.

When few believed fighting back was possible,  many did indeed focus instead on how to face death with purpose, seeking to inflict damage on their oppressors, save what lives that they could and preserve Jewish honor.


Clea Simon -572



Clea Simon is the Boston Globe-bestselling author of three nonfiction books and 30 mysteries, including The Butterfly Trap, Bad Boy Beat, World Enough and Hold Me Down.   A graduate of Harvard University and former journalist, she has contributed to publications ranging from Salon.com and Harvard Magazine to Yankee and The New York Times.  Clea, like so many, is also dealing with cancer and finds herself at a crossroad.  Her cancer can essentially be cured if she gets a liver transplant.  But the prospects for her receiving the organ are challenging.  Still, this engaging, creative lady is tough and resilient as she  advocates for herself and others.  Learn more about the donor program that Clea is involved in at www.bidmc.org/liverdonor.


Wannabe Classical Book Allan Schiller -571



Today meet Allan Schiller, a retired violinist with the New York Philharmonic who performed from 1964 to 1999 under legendary conductors including Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta and Kurt Masur.  In an effort to make classical music more accessible to all he has written, “The Wannabe Classical Music Aficionado: 46 Insights to Make Your Next Concert a More Enjoyable Experience.”  Learn about how centuries of musical tradition have quietly shaped what we hear today.  Allan shares backstage stories, and tips on everything from the role of the conductor to when it is appropriate to clap during a performance.  Whether it is your first or fiftieth concert, the book helps to remove the mystery surrounding classical music.  Your seat is waiting!


Gary Goldstein, author of “Canine Custody” -570



Screenwriter and novelist Gary Goldstein talks about his latest book, “ Canine Custody.”  It is a funny, candid, sexy, at times bittersweet look at what draws lovers to each other, how those same things can send them packing, and the surprising role our pets can play in life’s major decisions.   Told from three points of view—the wife, the husband and the wonderful Betty, their beloved dog, the story is witty,  touching and totally relatable.  For dog lovers and anyone in a relationship (I guess that means  all of us) this novel is well worth the read!


Brinda Charry -569



Today’s guest is novelist Brinda Charry, a winner of the Society of American Historians Prize (formerly the James Fenimore Cooper Prize) for Historical Fiction.  Her latest novel is entitled, “Hocus Pocus,” a well-researched tale about the clash of ambition and obsession in 1816 Boston.  Based on the real-life Indian stage magicians who captivated nineteenth-century society, “Hocus Pocus” is an engaging adventure, set in an era that Brinda magically brings to life!


LINDA KAPLAN THALER – 568



Today enjoy my conversation with Advertising Hall of Famer Linda Kaplan Thaler, author of “My Life in 30 Seconds.”  The book chronicles her iconic ad campaigns that are so much a part of American pop culture – the Aflac “Duck,”  the Toys ‘R’ Us jingle that most anyone can sing by heart, those sexy, edgy  shampoo commercials that sparked nationwide buzz and much more.  Linda shares stories of famous celebrity encounters in this rare memoir that proves life’s biggest lessons don’t take a lifetime.  They often take about thirty seconds!