Category Archives: Episodes

Historian/Author Peter Clenott -540



It is 1931.  Adolph Hitler is less than two years away from becoming dictator of Germany.  But he is currently walking a political tightrope with his future still uncertain.  In September of that year Hitler’s  22-year-old niece Geli Raubal is found dead of a gunshot wound in the future Fuhrer’s  Munich apartment. Their odd  relationship raised many questions.   Was her death a suicide as Hitler claims, or was there a more sinister side to the story?   Our guest  Peter Clenott has written a thrilling novel entitled, “The Murder Investigation of Adolph Hitler,” about a tumultuous time in Germany and a case that could have changed history as we know it!


Tom Bourdon -539



If something inside of you keeps whispering the words, “this matters-do something,” then you’ve come to the right podcast!

Today’s guest is Dr. Tom Bourdon who helps individuals and teams create meaningful, values-driven change.  His new book offers practical tools to moving forward.  We’ll be exploring “It Lit a Fire: Let Your Inner Spark Ignite a Change reAction.”  Tom has offered a companion for anyone who feels a call to do more—whether your flame is just beginning to flicker or is already blazing!


JEFF BELL -538



Jeff Bell is an author, speaker, and award-winning broadcast journalist.    He was the news voice of KCBS on the West Coast for three decades and among many other honors was a two-time winner of the coveted Edward R Murrow Award for Best Newscast in America.  His two books, “Rewind, Replay, Repeat,” and “When in Doubt, Make Belief,” have established Jeff as a leading voice for adversity-driven advocacy, mental health awareness, and “Greater Good” (purpose- and service-based) motivation.  Jeff shares with us his challenges with OCD and Parkinson’s Disease and how he has dealt with diversity provides inspiration to listeners across the country!


MATTHEW WOZNY, BEACON HILL BAKERY -537



Today’s episode is guaranteed to make your mouth water!    I welcome  Matthew Wozny , founder of The Beacon Hill Bakery in Boston.   This Harvard MBA grad is also the guy who gets up extra early to craft incredibly delicious baked goods. Matthew creates classic Polish pastries and breads based on the scrumptious treats he grew up loving.   He searches the world over and our conversation is as much about Polish royalty and the history of baked goods as it is about the product.   Read all about him and his delicacies at www.beaconhillbakery.com!


Rory Moran, Security Expert -534



Rory Moran serves as Director of Executive Protection & Threat Analysis at United Security, Inc., bringing more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement, corporate security, and protective cyber intelligence. A former U.S. Secret Service Supervisory Special Agent, Rory has led complex protective operations for Presidential, Vice Presidential, Pope, and foreign dignitary visits, as well as National Special Security Events including the United Nations General Assembly.

His expertise spans proactive risk assessment, protective advance strategies, threat intelligence, and high-level security operations.  We live in a dangerous world and it is people like Rory who allow us to rest easier.  We are grateful for his service.


Robert Pinsky 3 time Poet Laureate of the US -533



Today’s guest is truly a man of words and letters!

Robert Pinsky is a poet, essayist, translator, teacher, and speaker. His first two terms as United States Poet Laureate were marked by such visible dynamism—and such national enthusiasm in response—that the Library of Congress appointed him to an unprecedented third term. Throughout his career, Robert Pinsky has been dedicated to identifying and invigorating poetry’s place in the world.

As Poet Laureate, Robert Pinsky founded the Favorite Poem Project, in which thousands of Americans—of varying backgrounds, all ages, and from every state—shared their favorite poems. The project’s videos, giving voice to the American audience for poetry, demonstrate that poetry has a vigorous presence in the American cultural landscape.


SAM SMITH, AUTHOR OF “THE DOOR WAS NEVER LOCKED” -531



Joining me in conversation today is Sam Smith, a former professional rugby player from England who due to injury was forced to retire in his middle twenties.  Sam soon after became a successful entrepreneur but struggled with identity issues that s0 many former professional athletes do.  Like many,   he hit bottom but eventually found a path forward.    Today Sam serves as a life coach to former athletes across the globe.   His lived experience and kindness has helped many men and women regain their life’s purpose.  We’ll be talking about his book, “The Door Was Never Locked: Remember What You Are,” and the new life he has built for himself and others.


OPTIMISM WITH PARKINSON’S PT 01 -530



In the first of a two-part series, we discuss in more detail our book, “Jordan’s Rich Journey: A Path of Purpose, Strength and Hope with Parkinson’s.”  I welcome the author of the book Dr. John A. DiCicco along with Cathi Thomas, MS, RN, CNRN Program Director at the Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center at the Boston University Medical Campus.   We will be promoting the annual Optimism Walk sponsored by the American Parkinson Disease Association and highlighting the importance of hope and optimism for those dealing with PD  and other chronic diseases.


Deborah Grayson Riegel, Author of Aim High and Bounce Back -529



So many of us are burdened with fear.  The fear of failing is one of the most intense.   But failure is a fact of life none of us should ignore because all of us experience it.  Today’s guest Deborah Grayson Riegel has co-authored a book that addresses the issue in a bold new way.  Her book is entitled :Aim High and Bounce Back: A Successful Woman’s Guide to Rethinking and Rising Up from Failure.”  Deb offers a support system based on personal experience and the latest research that makes us rethink the meaning of failure as well as success!


Michael Soenen, producer of “Nothing to See Here” -528



On today’s episode meet Michael Soenen, creator and lead- producer of a raw, incredibly impactful documentary entitled, “Nothing to See Here: What Happens When Bloods, Crips, Police and Victims of Violence Make a Film.”  It is a fascinating discussion about how this unique project, against many odds,  got launched and took shape and how the film is making a difference in Watts, one of the most danger-filled neighborhoods in Los Angeles.  Art has the power to affect us and can often bring about change.   That is certainly the case with this powerful documentary.