Category Archives: Episodes

David Margolick -518



Meet celebrated NY Times columnist and author David Margolick whose latest project is a thorough and exceptional biography of one of the living legends of comedy.  David Margolick is the author of, “When Caesar Was King: How Sid Caesar Reinvented American Comedy.”  By the mid 1950’s Sid Caesar and “Your Show of Shows” captivated millions of American TV watchers.  As he rose to super- stardom,  Sid fostered the careers of several larger-than-life comedy disciples including Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart, and Neil Simon among others.  Sid’s tumultuous personal life is examined closely.  Caesar was the quintessential sad clown whose climactic highs were often out done by crushing letdowns.  It’s a fascinating look at genius, a book that I found impossible to put down!


Jordan’s Rich Journey -516



On recent podcasts, I have talked about the fact that I have Parkinson’s Disease. Close to 90,000 Americans are diagnosed very year with this neurological condition with no cure that affects everyone differently. It is referred to therefore as the “snowflake” disease.   Right now I am doing well focusing on key elements such as exercise, diet, rest and medication to keep symptoms at bay.  Is it tough?  Surely.  Have I been challenged  to adjust to this new unwanted life?  Of course.   Despite the pain, fatigue and associated symptoms I’ve learned how to better cope physically and emotionally.  And how to be grateful for what I do have.  So when asked to be the subject of a book offering a bit of  inspiration to those with the disease, I agreed after doubting I was the right subject.  I’m very happy I said yes. It is an honor  to announce the publication of a book, written by a longtime friend and colleague John DiCicco, Ph.D. and the late Robert Cuomo, Ph.D. entitled, “Jordan’s Rich Journey: A Path of Purpose, Strength, and Hope with Parkinson’s.”  Proceeds will be donated to various charities funding research and care for PD.  The book is available online with an easy link at www.jordanrich.com.  For anyone facing an uphill struggle, and that is most of us, you are not alone. We’re in the fight together.


Dr. Helen Riess -515



Today’s conversation centers on a vital aspect  of our human experience. The enhancing richness and benefits of empathy. Meet Helen Riess, M.D., Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Empathetics.com. Dr. Riess is a clinical professor and research psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School who developed empathy education based on neuroscience research. Her groundbreaking  book, which is now in paperback, is entitled, “The Empathy Effect: 7 NEUROSCIENCE BASED KEYS  for Transforming the Way We LIVE, LOVE, WORK and CONNECT Across Differences.” In a fractured world, learning more about empathy could be just what we need!


George Howell -514



Meet the man who helped revolutionize the coffee industry.  For decades George Howell has been fine tuning the art of brewing a better cup of coffee.
He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Specialty Coffee Association of America in 1996, for having raised specialty coffee quality standards to a new level through his Massachusetts based company The Coffee Connection (1974 – 1994). He had grown The Coffee Connection into 24 company-owned stores in the Northeast, and sold his high-quality popular coffee company to Starbucks in 1994. He returned to coffee-traveling world-wide, and in 1997 worked on models of economic sustainability for coffee farmers under the United Nations and the International Coffee Organization. This led directly to the founding of the precedent-setting Cup Of Excellence program in 1999; it established the world’s first international estate coffee competition and international internet auction that mightily contributed to breaking the commodity/price cycle for craftsman farmers in the specialty coffee industry.  And when it comes to the perfect cup, George is one person’s opinion you can value!


Fiona Davis -513



Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of eight historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including her latest  The Stolen Queen, The Magnolia Palace, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her research into history and ability as a master storyteller captivates readers from around the world.   Fiona is also opens up about how she deals with Parkinsons Disease, not allowing it to keep her from being incredibly productive and enjoying life!


Eric Antoniou -512



Meet the creator of a fabulous new coffee-table book, “Rock to Baroque – Four Decades of Music Photography.”  The artist is celebrated photographer Eric Antoniou whose work transcends mere imagery.  For decades he has captured the essence of musicians in performance and beyond,  from rock to jazz, blues to classical.  David Bowie,  The Rolling Stones,  Roy Orbison, Etta James, Leonard Bernstein, K.D. Lang, Springsteen, Sinatra and  Dizzy Gillespy are just a few of the iconic photos Eric is proud to share!


Sarah Wragge -511



Sarah Wragge is the founder of Sarah Wragge Wellness. As you’ll hear she is energetic, healthy and happy. But she wasn’t always that way. Her personal struggle to feel well brought her to a very important place, one in which she offers practical help to those looking to feel their best. Sarah and her team are committed to producing real results with philosophies that are simple and easy to understand: we have the power to transform our bodies through nutrition; it’s not about what we take out, but what we put in; being healthy is empowering!


Peter Cahill -510



Peter Cahill functioned as his wife’s devoted partner for forty-five years, and as her caregiver for thirty of those years. Andrea Cahill was a fighter, battling a rare disease known as neurofibromatosis. The couple formed a foundation to help search for a cure and treatments while Andrea was alive. After she passed, Peter set out to write a memoir entitled “Silent Determination: One Woman’s Battle to Survive and Thrive with a Rare brain Disease.” It’s a story told by a valiant caregiver, a tale of pain, challenge, humor and hope.


Michael J. Baker -509



As paranormal investigator Michael J. Baker says, “Some questions lead you further in.  Others show you the way out.” Mike is the author of “Giving Up the Ghost: My 13-Year Journey with Ghosts, Gear and Getting Out.”  The book takes a rational,  scientific look at the many claims made by TV ghost hunters and the untested nature of much of their ghost sensing  gear.  It has turned into a cottage industry selling the idea of contacting  the spirit world solely  for  entertainment.  Still, there are unexplained phenomena that Mike continues to wonder about.  You may end wondering  as well!


Yishay Ishi Ron -508



Today’s episode features a conversation with writer and  Israel Defense Forces veteran Yishay Ishi Ron.  He has written an impactful novel called, “Dog.”  The story is of a combat officer and a lost dog who find each other in the shadows of trauma and addiction. “Dog” is a haunting, unflinching exploration of PTSD, told through the lens of an Israeli officer returning from Gaza.   The story is partly  biographical, one that offers deep insight into the pain faced by those with PTSD.  It also offers hope.