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!

Dr. Nicholas Wright, MRCP, PhD is a neuroscientist who researches the brain, technology and security at University College London. Georgetown University and the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, where he also advises the Pentagon Joint Staff. His latest book is entitled “Warhead: How the Brain Shapes War and War Shapes the Brain.” In the book Dr. Wright takes us on a tour of the brain to show us how it shapes human behavior in conflict and war.

Meet celebrated NY Times columnist and author David Margolick whose latest project is a thorough and exceptional biography of one of the living legends of comedy. David Margolick is the author of, “When Caesar Was King: How Sid Caesar Reinvented American Comedy.” By the mid 1950’s Sid Caesar and “Your Show of Shows” captivated millions of American TV watchers. As he rose to super- stardom, Sid fostered the careers of several larger-than-life comedy disciples including Carl Reiner, Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart, and Neil Simon among others. Sid’s tumultuous personal life is examined closely. Caesar was the quintessential sad clown whose climactic highs were often out done by crushing letdowns. It’s a fascinating look at genius, a book that I found impossible to put down!

What do shoes have to do with leadership? Quite a bit, according to Karen Hanks, author of the entertaining and informative new book “In Her Shoes: Walking the Leadership Walk.” From walking with confidence to stepping into the shoes of others, Karen uses shoes as a clever metaphor for the qualities of leadership we can all better develop. Karen Hanks is someone who ‘walks the walk’ when it comes to leadership!

On recent podcasts, I have talked about the fact that I have Parkinson’s Disease. Close to 90,000 Americans are diagnosed very year with this neurological condition with no cure that affects everyone differently. It is referred to therefore as the “snowflake” disease. Right now I am doing well focusing on key elements such as exercise, diet, rest and medication to keep symptoms at bay. Is it tough? Surely. Have I been challenged to adjust to this new unwanted life? Of course. Despite the pain, fatigue and associated symptoms I’ve learned how to better cope physically and emotionally. And how to be grateful for what I do have. So when asked to be the subject of a book offering a bit of inspiration to those with the disease, I agreed after doubting I was the right subject. I’m very happy I said yes. It is an honor to announce the publication of a book, written by a longtime friend and colleague John DiCicco, Ph.D. and the late Robert Cuomo, Ph.D. entitled, “Jordan’s Rich Journey: A Path of Purpose, Strength, and Hope with Parkinson’s.” Proceeds will be donated to various charities funding research and care for PD. The book is available online with an easy link at www.jordanrich.com. For anyone facing an uphill struggle, and that is most of us, you are not alone. We’re in the fight together.

Today’s conversation centers on a vital aspect of our human experience. The enhancing richness and benefits of empathy. Meet Helen Riess, M.D., Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Empathetics.com. Dr. Riess is a clinical professor and research psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School who developed empathy education based on neuroscience research. Her groundbreaking book, which is now in paperback, is entitled, “The Empathy Effect: 7 NEUROSCIENCE BASED KEYS for Transforming the Way We LIVE, LOVE, WORK and CONNECT Across Differences.” In a fractured world, learning more about empathy could be just what we need!

Meet the man who helped revolutionize the coffee industry. For decades George Howell has been fine tuning the art of brewing a better cup of coffee. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Specialty Coffee Association of America in 1996, for having raised specialty coffee quality standards to a new level through his Massachusetts based company The Coffee Connection (1974 – 1994). He had grown The Coffee Connection into 24 company-owned stores in the Northeast, and sold his high-quality popular coffee company to Starbucks in 1994. He returned to coffee-traveling world-wide, and in 1997 worked on models of economic sustainability for coffee farmers under the United Nations and the International Coffee Organization. This led directly to the founding of the precedent-setting Cup Of Excellence program in 1999; it established the world’s first international estate coffee competition and international internet auction that mightily contributed to breaking the commodity/price cycle for craftsman farmers in the specialty coffee industry. And when it comes to the perfect cup, George is one person’s opinion you can value!

Fiona Davis is the New York Times bestselling author of eight historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including her latest The Stolen Queen, The Magnolia Palace, The Address, and The Lions of Fifth Avenue, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her research into history and ability as a master storyteller captivates readers from around the world. Fiona is also opens up about how she deals with Parkinsons Disease, not allowing it to keep her from being incredibly productive and enjoying life!

Meet the creator of a fabulous new coffee-table book, “Rock to Baroque – Four Decades of Music Photography.” The artist is celebrated photographer Eric Antoniou whose work transcends mere imagery. For decades he has captured the essence of musicians in performance and beyond, from rock to jazz, blues to classical. David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Roy Orbison, Etta James, Leonard Bernstein, K.D. Lang, Springsteen, Sinatra and Dizzy Gillespy are just a few of the iconic photos Eric is proud to share!

Sarah Wragge is the founder of Sarah Wragge Wellness. As you’ll hear she is energetic, healthy and happy. But she wasn’t always that way. Her personal struggle to feel well brought her to a very important place, one in which she offers practical help to those looking to feel their best. Sarah and her team are committed to producing real results with philosophies that are simple and easy to understand: we have the power to transform our bodies through nutrition; it’s not about what we take out, but what we put in; being healthy is empowering!

Peter Cahill functioned as his wife’s devoted partner for forty-five years, and as her caregiver for thirty of those years. Andrea Cahill was a fighter, battling a rare disease known as neurofibromatosis. The couple formed a foundation to help search for a cure and treatments while Andrea was alive. After she passed, Peter set out to write a memoir entitled “Silent Determination: One Woman’s Battle to Survive and Thrive with a Rare brain Disease.” It’s a story told by a valiant caregiver, a tale of pain, challenge, humor and hope.

As paranormal investigator Michael J. Baker says, “Some questions lead you further in. Others show you the way out.” Mike is the author of “Giving Up the Ghost: My 13-Year Journey with Ghosts, Gear and Getting Out.” The book takes a rational, scientific look at the many claims made by TV ghost hunters and the untested nature of much of their ghost sensing gear. It has turned into a cottage industry selling the idea of contacting the spirit world solely for entertainment. Still, there are unexplained phenomena that Mike continues to wonder about. You may end wondering as well!

Today’s episode features a conversation with writer and Israel Defense Forces veteran Yishay Ishi Ron. He has written an impactful novel called, “Dog.” The story is of a combat officer and a lost dog who find each other in the shadows of trauma and addiction. “Dog” is a haunting, unflinching exploration of PTSD, told through the lens of an Israeli officer returning from Gaza. The story is partly biographical, one that offers deep insight into the pain faced by those with PTSD. It also offers hope.

Today, we welcome actress and fellow voice-over artist Erika Mays to the podcast. She is sharing what she has learned about the industry in a great new practical guide entitled, “From Broke to Booked: How to Launch a Voice Acting Career that Pays.” Erika explains how her career in voice over began and shares practical tips on ways to move forward. Tune in to hear two professionals discuss the ins and outs of voice acting and why having a passion for it matters!

In a audience attended fireside chat, we had a the chance to interview celebrated crime novelist Chuck Hogan. He is talking about his latest book and first work of non-fiction “The Carpool Detective: A True Story of Four Moms, Two Bodies, and One Mysterious Cold Case.” For those interested in true crime stories, and that is just about everyone these days, this one will captivate you!

We “geek” things up and your affable host has a ball interviewing JR, owner of JR’s Spooky Shack and his sidekick Scott Toomey. Both of these dudes love horror movies —the good, the bad and the gory. From props to plots, monsters to maniacs, fiends to fan favorites, if you’re into movie monsters and jump scares you’ve come to the right place!

Meet a dynamo show business producer, one of the youngest ever to launch hit productions off-Broadway. Cooper Jordan does it all. He’s an actor, live entertainment creator, producer and trendsetter. Believe it of not, we’re here to promote his production of “Saw: The Musical.” Yep, it’s a musical parody based on the iconic suspense – horror movie franchise “Saw!” Listen to just how off the wall and creative this young theatrical firebrand is . It is a conversation perfect for Halloween or anytime!

Everyone has a favorite dish. The WISHDISH Project is a high-impact, grass roots organization making favorite dishes of the homeless communities in Boston and New Orleans. The goal is to engage in and cultivate authentic conversations about food and culture in our cities. The WISHDISH Project was founded by today’s guest Jeanie Gruber, owner of Miss Jeanies Catering and Events Co., an acclaimed Boston-based company providing full-service catering. Jeanie is also a licensed therapist who has published an accompanying cookbook, “Wishdish Boston: Food Memories from Boston’s Homeless.”

Meet former pro wrestler turned actor who has sent thrills and chills down the spines of many with his performances as psycho killer Michael Myers in Rob Zombie’s “Halloween” films. Tyler has also portrayed Sabretooth in the X-Men film series along with countless other roles in film and television. He’s the creator of “The Last Spartan” graphic novel series and frequently meets his fans at conventions. Tyler is also greatly involved in the campaign to end human trafficking. He’s a well-rounded man, quite a big man, who offers up scares and action, while giving so much back!

Bob Waxler and David Beckman met as freshmen at Brown University in the early 1960’s. They discovered they had a lot in common including a fascination with language, literature, and the life of art. They kept in touch over the years and began sharing emails with Bob on the east coast, David out west. It ultimately led to a touching anthology of correspondence in the book “You Say, I Say: Staying Alive with Literature, Language and Friendship.” It offers a deep dive into life and its meaning through letters, celebrating the power of the written word.