Category Archives: Episodes

Cathi Thomas, RN & Brett Miller -425



About one million Americans are currently living with Parkinson’s disease.  It is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease.
Nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed each year and in 2023, I  joined the ranks with my own PD diagnosis. With April being Parkinson’s Awareness Month, I thought it right  to present an informative and inspiring podcast about Parkinson’s  impact, the research and progress in the search for better treatments, and the attention to lifestyle changes ( nutrition, sleep and most importantly exercise) that can mitigate symptoms and lead to a more full and active life. My guests include Cathi Thomas, RN, Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology and Director of the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center at the Boston University Medical Campus and Brett Miller, founder of 110 Fitness Center in Rockland, Massachusetts. 110 Fitness is the first of its kind inclusive wellness center for individuals afflicted with Parkinson’s and other developmental or physical disability.  Brett leads us in Rock Steady Boxing, a proven athletic therapy for PD, but there is a lot more to learn about what he and his team are doing to help the community. As always I wish you the very best and remember to be well, so you can do good! – JR. 
www.bumc.bu.ed/parkinsonsdisease/center, www.110fitness.org, www.parkinson.org,  www.michaeljfox.org, www.davisphinneyfoundation.org


Mike Christian -424



I’m so happy to welcome Mike Christian, who has brought his radio show What’s @ Risk back to the airwaves in Boston.  Mike has also launched a podcast as well.
He has a successful background in insurance and risk management with deep experience that  allows him to delve into array of current social, economic, environmental, cultural and business topics in this uncertain time in the world.  Mike also believes strongly in giving back.  He and his wife founded the Someone Else’s Child Foundation, which addresses disparities by connecting young people with opportunities to help them live, learn, grow and engage as contributing members of their community.   
www.someoneelseschild.org


Dr. Elizabeth Comen -423



Dr. Elizabeth Comen, MD, is a highly esteemed oncologist and medical historian empowering women to lead healthy and joyful lives.  She presents a fascinating history and examination of women’s health as it’s never been told before in her groundbreaking book, “All in Her Head: The Truth and Lies Medicine Taught Us About Women’s Bodies and Why It Matters Today.” It is an honor to share this important research with my audience!


Raouf Zaki -422



Meet independent film maker Raouf Zaki who writes, produces and directs meaningful, inspiring films that help bridge the gap between cultures. He is an award winning filmmaker whose work makes audiences think as it opens their hearts. His latest is entitled, “Dream,” having its world premiere at the Maynard Fine Arts Theatre in Maynard, Massachusetts on April 14, 2024. https://www.maynardfineartstheatre.com/events/


Melissa Fetter -421



Melissa Fetter had a dream to build a classic stand-alone bookstore in the heart of downtown Boston. The Pandemic didn’t stop her, neither did the naysayers who said bookstores are a thing of the past. Beacon Hill Books is thriving, attracting scores of readers weekly. It’s a success story we are thrilled to share!


Battling Antisemitism -420



Today’s episode deals with the alarming rise of virulent antisemitism across the world and here at home, much of it in the U.S. unfolding in our classrooms and on college campuses. We take a close look at antisemitism as it is currently unfolding, the role social media plays in spreading lies and hate, the moral equivalency argument many in academia and government are making during current Israeli-Hama war, why antisemitism has had a resurgence particularly among younger demographics and positive ways to address the issue. We have two outstanding guests joining us. Scholar-Warrior Dr. Rachel Fish co-founded the nonprofit Boundless organization boundlessisrael.org, a think-action tank partnering with community leaders across North America to revitalize Israel education and take bold collective action to combat Jew-hatred. Robin Friedman is a co-founder of Tribe Talk www.tribetalk.org. Tribe Talk provides resources for high school seniors so they can research and compare Jewish life on multiple college campuses. Tribe Talk also provides critical resources and support for Jewish students encountering discrimination and antisemitism.


Brad Fawley -419



Brad Fawley is a first time novelist whose debut novel “The Frontrunner” is terrific!  It’s the story of Russ Clayton, a distance runner who craves the secret to transcending pain. He teams up with a renegade running coach to take on the hardest challenge, both on and off the running track, in his young life. A human story of endurance and hope, this is novel that is sure to take hold.


Jim Sullivan -418



Join us for a fascinating chat with one of the best music critics and interviewers in the business. Meet Jim Sullivan who has written for the Boston Globe and other prestigious publications. He’s gifted us with some of his best encounters with musical icons in “Backstage and Beyond: 45 Years of Classic Rock Chats and Rants,” Volumes 1 and 2. From Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Pete Townsend, Tina Turner and David Bowie to The Cars, The Ramones, U2, Leonard Cohen and more. Jim is a fabulous writer and one great storyteller as you’re about to discover!


Dave Sullivan -417



Beginners and professionals train with a champion!  When it comes to boxing no one knows “the game”  better than Dave Sullivan. Trained by the legendary Eddie Futch, Dave has a long record of hard fought wins and titles. Now, he gives back as a teacher and mentor to people of all ages and abilities. Join us as we talk pugilism and more with this dynamic gentleman of the ring!


Jimmy Tingle -416



Good friend Jimmy Tingle is a popular standup comic, actor, writer, producer and political satirist.  From his work in comedy clubs to The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson to 60 Minutes 2, Jimmy has been a consistent presence on the national scene, bringing laughter and joy to millions.    He has the rare distinction of winning Boston Magazine’s “Best of Boston” awards in two different categories-as a performer in the “stand-up comedy” category and the venue he founded and served as artistic director- producer Jimmy Tingle’s OFF BROADWAY, was named “best alternative theater” in 2007.  He also founded a successful social enterprise entitled Humor for Humanity.  As he says,  “Our mission is to use comedy, commentary and conversation through social media, radio, television and live events to raise spirits, funds and awareness for non-profits, charities and social causes. Our Mission is Their Mission”