On Mic Podcast

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.

Brandon Gilson is the founder and owner of The Best Seats VIP Concierge company. He offers entertainment concierge services to more than 10,000 companies and individuals worldwide. As Brandon puts it, the only limitation is your imagination. He does it all— tickets to the hottest shows, backstage meet-and-greets, celebrity encounters, first class travel amenities and so much more. Meet a young guy who works around the clock making others happy. Dreams can come true!

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.

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.

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!

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.

You’ve got front row seats to life lessons from a musical icon. In Lead Like The Boss: The Bruce Springsteen Framework to Elevating Your Leadership, my guest veteran strategist, marketer, and management consultant, Andy Freed, delivers a compelling and actionable message about leadership and communication for everyone expected to inspire others to perform at their best. Freed ditches the sterile, tired formulaic approach you’ll find in most “leadership guides” and focuses squarely on the crux of leadership: clearly communicating with others in a way that captures their attention and persuades them to buy in. Whether you’re a super fan of Bruce Springsteen or not, he and his fellow musicians exemplify the qualities we look for and in need in our leaders.

Matt Robinson has written a charming children’s book about the love of music and fulfilling one’s dreams. “Pete’s Beat,” is about a young boy with big dreams of becoming an outstanding drummer. He’s teased and punished for tapping on anything he can find, at times driving others a bit crazy, all while searching for his own sound. Life for Pete changes when the leader of a local drum circle notices Pete and takes him on a journey of musical and self-discovery!

Mayflower II – the replica of the ship that brought the Pilgrims to America in 1620 and launched a nation – is seen by some 2.6 million visitors every year in Plymouth. The ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. But there is a lot more to the replica of the Mayflower launched in the middle 1950’s than meets the eye. Researcher Richard A. Stone has written the definitive, fascinating history of it all in a book entitled, “Project Mayflower: Building and Sailing a 17th-Century Replica,” featuring never- before – told stories of a great adventure that captivated the world!

In today’s conversation we meet Alan “Jake” Jacobson, founder of the Flo Creed-Jacobson Initiative, with the mission to help children and adults develop confidence, optimism, resilience and self-awareness through mindfulness. The organization was named in honor of Alan’s late wife Flo who served her community as a decorated Boston police officer, mentoring countless people as a “Big Sister,” and volunteering for many causes. Officer Flo Creed made it her life’s work to give back to others with a sense of joy. The Initiative successfully provides innovative educational programming that cultivates lifelong emotional intelligence and well-being!

Meet the irrepressible Linda Chorney, author of “It Ain’t Over Till the Indie Sings: Dedicated to Independent Musicians – The Unsigned, Unsung Heroes.” Linda recently released the audiobook version, a vibrant, dramatic and often hilarious account of how this independent artist and rebel upset the status quo music world after receiving not one but two Grammy nominations! Along with her unforgettable and inspirational story, the audiobook offers a fine selection of Linda’s original music. This underdog hero has performed on seven continents to hundreds of thousands and has worked with the likes of Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, The Beach Boys, Pat Benatar, Sheryl Crow and more!

I welcome back a talented friend Kerry Brett, author of Shot@Love: A Celebrity Photographer’s Unfiltered Lens on Dating and Finding Love. Kerry is one of the top photographers in her field and host of the highly rated award-winning podcast “Shot At Love.” We talk about the trials and tribulations of on-line dating, what Kerry has observed and learned through her personal experience and advice she has for anyone looking for love in the digital age.

Meet history professor James Hankins, author of the first of two volumes entitled, “The Golden Thread: The Ancient World and Christendom” which explores world history from antiquity to 1500. It is a massive project ( the book is over 1200 pages) and in our discussion we focus on the need to educate our population more effectively, to learn from those who set the stage of civilization politically, religiously and culturally, to be curious about the ancient world where western values and traditions took hold. It is an amazing academic achievement, highly readable and available to all. The point is to never stop learning!

I welcome a returning guest Barrie A. Atkin, the lady that puts the fun back into football with her book, “Hate Football? Fun Facts to Help You be Part of the Crowd.” A diehard New England Patriots fan, Barrie provides tips and useful info to help you enjoy watching America’s most popular sport. And you will certainly sound as though you know a lot more about football than anyone else in your huddle!