George Mehok -459



When a sinister cyber-terrorist plot is poised to plunge the U.S. into devastating digital darkness, one man, an experienced cyber forensic expert takes on the challenge of stopping the evildoers. We welcome novelist and technologist George Mehok who delivers a fast-paced thriller called, “Going Dark: A Liberty Unit Novel.” The tech is real and will make you think about the lengths that terrorists will go. Luckily, there are homegrown heroes protecting us. The novel has an alternate historic timeline dating back to the Revolutionary War that is equally as exciting!


Dr. Quentin Schultze -458



Today we celebrate the holiday season in style with Dr. Quentin Schultze, the author of “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out: Life Lessons from the Movie A Christmas Story.”
For the first time, Quentin Schultze, who taught storytelling with screenwriter Jean Shepherd, reveals the “secret” parables that Shepherd included in his screenplay for A Christmas Story. Now you won’t need a decoder ring to learn why the Old Man’s leg lamp is his “trophy wife,” why the bully is named “Scut,” why there is a “Bumpus” in all of us, why Mom and the kids give a “Bronx cheer” after singing “Jingle Bells” in the Olds, and so much more.


Barrie Atkin -457



‘Tis the season for charitable giving. Of course it is not just during the holidays. Pretty much year round, folks are tasked with asking (on behalf of their non-profit group) for money. Most of us don’t exactly enjoy that or do it well. So let me introduce you to someone with a solution. Meet Barrie Atkin, who with over 25 years of consulting experience, has served hundreds of clients in human services, sports, technology, healthcare and publishing. And she is the author of a handy book with an appropriate title, “Hate Fundraising? : How to Become Comfortable Asking for Money.”  Believe me, with Barrie’s help, the it will get a lot easier! To learn more about Jordan, go to https://chartproductions.com.


Crystal King -456



Meet celebrated author Crystal King as we discuss her new book, “In the Garden of Monsters,” a fresh twist on the ancient love story of Hades and Persephone. It is Italy, 1948. A woman with no past. A man who seems to know her. And a monstrous garden that could be the border between their worlds. If it sounds intriguing it is with added presence of artist Salvador Dali and a bevy of epicurean delights. Crystal has crafted a story for the ages! To learn more about Jordan, go to https://chartproductions.com.

 


Deb Podlogar -455



Meet Deb Podlogar, a.k.a. “The Mocktail Mom.”  Deb is the author of a new book called, “The Happiest Hour,” and she is  all about encouraging people to  have fun drinking without the alcohol.  Hear about her relationship with alcohol that needed to come to an end, culminating in the launch of her as the “Mocktail Mom.”  She has whipped up  dozens of delicious, cocktail recipes so if you’re thinking it’s just the same old  “Shirley Temple,” think again.  This mom is adamant when she proclaims, “Who said you can’t be part of the party if you’re not drinking?”  Find out more at www.mocktailmom.com!


John Penrose: Agile Brain -454



Today, we open up a fascinating conversation with John Penrose, a successful entrepreneur brimming with creative ideas.  He is currently leading the talented team behind Agile Brain. This software introduces us to a fast and fun image-based assessment tool that unlocks the power of human emotion.  John talks about a revolutionary new way to gauge emotional intelligence and understanding. Agile Brain has many applications and the process only takes about three minutes. Check it out at www.agilebrain.com!


John DiLeo Returns -453



It’s a return visit from one of my favorite guests, movie aficionado and author John DiLeo. He’s written several entertaining books about film and his latest is terrific fun for any level movie fan. It’s entitled, “Not Even Nominated: 40 Overlooked Costars of Oscar-Winning Performances.” Join us as we stir up many fond movie memories and shower you with rare Hollywood inside stories!


George Regan -452



George Regan has been a leader in the public relations field for over four decades.   He was one of the youngest Boston Globe reporters in the paper’s history, covering hard news starting  in his late teens. George later became a Boston fixture as a top aide to Mayor Kevin H. White. He is a well-respected figure in the Boston business community and has represented some of the area’s most iconic brands including the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and New England Patriots. He has also worked tirelessly over the years for dozens of charities and philanthropic programs. There’s no better story-teller than our guest, so you’re in for a treat!


Dee Mallon -451



Meet first-time novelist Dee Mallon. Her creative time is split between writing, quilting, and paper and digital collage. She also leads writing workshops. After learning about a historical character named Eliza Lucas Pinckney in a book about eco-dyeing, Dee set out on a writing mission of her own, authoring a book that captures the essence of slavery in South Carolina in the 1740’s.  And it does so in a most innovative way. After more than a dozen years of research she completed her captivating novel, “The Weight of Cloth.” She joins us today to talk about it!


Todd Vogt -450



Welcome to episode 450. My thanks to so many of you for subscribing and supporting the podcast. In celebration of this milestone, I present a champion athlete who never shies away from challenge. Meet Todd Vogt, champion rower, who has dedicated himself to the sport of rowing for decades. Six years ago, when Todd turned 44, he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease. As devastating as the news was, it didn’t take Todd long to get back on the water and focus on winning. He recently participated in the 2024 Para Olympics in Paris and continues to train and mentor young rowers. Todd is a reminder to us all that in life, the most important way to row is forward!