Joan Wallace-Benjamin -319



Joan Wallace-Benjamin is a woman of accomplishment and that is an understatement!   She has served the public sector in a variety of leadership roles with  The  New England Home for Little Wanderers, the ABCD Head start Program, The Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston and as Chief of Staff during the early months of the Governor Duval Patrick administration in Massachusetts.   Through her many years of service she has exemplified good character and leadership traits that many have come to admire.  We commemorate  the publishing of her memoir, Leading a Life in Balance: Principles of Leadership from the Executive Suite to the Family Table with a conversation about what matters most in the board room and at home.


Julian David Stone -318



As a proud “Monster Kid,” ( and don’t worry we will define that term ) your fanboy host is proud to welcome Julian David Stone,  a founding member of the MC club, to the podcast.   Julian is a successful screenwriter and documentarian who spends much of his time these days writing books about the coolest of  pop culture topics.
His latest creation  is called  It’s Alive!, a novel about the making of the classic Universal horror film Frankenstein in 1931.   You’ll enter the world of Junior Laemmle , Boris Karloff, Bela Lugosi and numerous other Hollywood legends and understand just how key “The Monster”  was in forging  the new Hollywood!


Michael Oren -317



The multifaceted Michael Oren joins us today to talk about his thrilling new WWII novel Swann’s War. Michael is a respected historian, novelist, politician and military veteran who recently served as Israel’s ambassador to the United States. He is also one fine storyteller who weaves an exciting tale about a rarely mentioned aspect of the Second World War. We’ll talk a little geopolitics as well with the Ambassador.


Mary Dealy -316



Today, we examine how people choose to look and feel better about themselves as we focus on the essence of beauty.  Our guest is nurse practitioner Mary Dealy, owner /operator of BeautoxEtc, a cosmetic dermatology practice located near Boston.  Mary shares with us the  many safe and proven non-surgical  options for looking younger  as well as the visible  emotional lift one receives.


Larry Ruttman Returns -315



We welcome back one of our favorite Renaissance men,  the inimitable Larry Ruttman. Larry has penned books about baseball, and Jewish American history along with a fascinating memoir covering eight-plus decades of his rich life.  His latest project is a book called Intimate Conversations: Face to Face with Matchless Musicians. We talk about conversations Larry has had with the world’s top classical artists, composers and conductors.  His work offers fresh insights into the hearts and minds of musical geniuses. And together we celebrate the lasting beauty and significance of classical music.


Vincent Paterson -314



Vincent Paterson is one of the  top choreographers and directors in the nation, with a host of show business accomplishments and milestones.  He tells us about working with countless superstars from Michael Jackson to Madonna.  His memoir  entitled Icons and Instincts: Choreographing  and Directing Entertainment’s Biggest Stars chronicles the career highs and occasional setbacks of one of this era’s most innovative artists. Enjoy stories of Broadway, Hollywood and the exciting world of dance with a masterful storyteller.


Ty Burr -313



Joining us today is celebrated film critic Ty Burr whose career has  included long stints with  Entertainment Weekly Magazine, HBO and many years as a top flight film critic for the Boston Globe. Now Ty Burr delivers reviews and movie news direct to you with Ty Burr’s Watchlist, a terrific source of info for movie lovers, all  you need do is subscribe. Talking movies is one of my favorite passions and with someone of Ty Burr’s reputation, it is especially gratifying and fun. Enjoy!


Rhonda Kallman -312



Meet the energetic entrepreneur behind one of the area’s most successful distilleries.  Rhonda Kallman and her colleagues are true artisans, crafting the finest in locally produced whiskey, gin, rum and distilled beer. She is becoming known nationwide for creating a solid brand with deep historic Boston roots. And her story of making it in a male-dominate industry is super impressive.  Three cheers to Rhonda and the Boston Harbor Distillery. Be sure to drive and listen responsibly.


Allison Blei -311



Meet the extraordinary Allison Blei, co-producer and co-writer of  Mr. Swindle’s Traveling Peculiarium arriving in Boston as  part of a national tour. This irreverent traveling tented entertainment experience is in partnership with Harpoon Brewery while in our fair city. It’s a mind-bending variety and vaudeville-style show featuring acrobats, jugglers, contortionists and lots of laughs. Allison knows a thing or two about this kind of entertainment with her background in trapeze and circus performance. Lots of thrills and humor and a look behind the curtains as to how a show like hers has become a success.


Michael Dispezio -310



Meet Michael Dispezio, this generation’s “Mr. Wizard.” Michael is well-respected science educator with writing and editing credits on hundreds of K-12  science texts.  He is also a nationally recognized speaker and entertainer, making science understandable and a great deal of fun for audiences of all ages. He’s been featured on national platforms such as National Geographic and Discovery Channel.Michael’s enthusiasm for life and all of its wonders is inspiring!