On Mic Podcast

Doug McIntyre is the long-time columnist for the Southern California News Group which includes the Los Angeles Daily News and Orange County Register, as well as the creator of Red Eye Radio heard nationally on hundreds of radio stations. He also hosted a successful show on WABC in New York City and the long-running McIntyre in the Morning on KABC in Los Angeles. A television and film writer/producer, McIntyre has written for all the major networks, including the hit series, Married… With Children, WKRP in Cincinnati, Full House, Mike Hammer and the award-winning PBS series, Liberty’s Kid. His debut novel is entitled “Frank’s Shadow,” a fresh, humorous, riveting story of discovering one’s legacy while challenged by ghosts, including that of ‘old blue eyes.’ A terrific book from a quality storyteller!

Long time Boston Globe reporter and columnist Scot Lehigh has just authored his first novel and it’s a winner.”Just East of Nowhere,” Scot Lehigh’s debut novel, is a gritty coming-of-age story that explores the often hidden pockets of Maine and features a poignant and troubled cast of characters who are caught in the undercurrents of a struggling coastal town. A fine work of exciting fiction from one of the region’s top journalists!

While on a visit to Israel, we meet up with several proud U.S. veterans on a 10-day trip of healing in the Holy Land. Learn about Heroes to Heroes, an organization that prevents veteran suicide by healing souls through forgiveness and peace . Hear from the founder and several of the men about the 12-month peer support, curriculum-based program that includes values exploration, goal-setting, 10 days in Israel, and community reintegration support and planning, giving our combat veterans who suffer from moral injury, the direction they need to choose life.

Meet Sara DiVello, true crime novelist and the founder and host of the popular author interview series, Mystery and Thriller Mavens. She is out with a new book entitled “Broadway Butterfly,” a true crime thriller about the unsolved murder of a Manhattan It Girl in 1923. Real life characters come alive in a case with shocking ramifications that ripple from the gangster underworld all the way to the White House!

Today’s guest has quite the inspiring story. La’Que Duren was heading down a dangerous life threatening path, but a group of adults saw value in her that she didn’t know she had. “How The Mafia Saved My Life” is a story about a young girl encountering tough men from the shadows who reached out to protect her. She ultimately forgave her abusers and rose from the ashes, and hers is a story for anyone looking for a way out.

Meet the man behind the mayhem who is making people very happy. Norm Laviolette heads up the smash hit Boston comedy troupe Improv Asylum. He tells of its origin and growth along with the fun and vibrancy that defines improvisation. We also talk about the group’s extensive training opportunities in performance and stand-up for professionals and non-actors alike!

Joe Lamonica is part of a hard working Italian family. proud of the restaurant named for their grandfather. Vuolo’s in Winthrop Massachusetts has won raves from food critics and diners. Joe plies his trade coming up with creative concoctions behind the bar, when he’ snot collecting and selling iconic custom rock T-Shirts and memorabilia. There is passion in everything he does and Joe is about to share his story!

We welcome a return visit from NY Times bestselling author Lynn Hightower, here to talk up her latest book, “The Beautiful Risk,” a thriller set in France.

Attorney A.X. Foster has prosecuted and defended complex homicide cases for over 30 years. His debut legal thriller “Gavel to Gavel” transports us to a tense trial where the case seems open and shut. But is it? Foster has penned a terrific legal adventure with intriguing characters and situations. Today we take you deep behind the scenes of a murder one trial, where nothing is as it seems.

Meet Gianni Russo, one of the stars of “The Godfather,” a monumental first film role for a guy who never acted before!The author of his best selling memoir “Hollywood Godfather,” shares incredible personal stories about Brando, Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and the biggest names in the actual Mafia, names you will instantly recognize. From the movie (he’s produced and acted in close to fifty) to the JFK assassination, Gianni tells all. He’s appearing locally at the Regent Theatre in Arlington with a popular one-man show at the time of our taping.

Let me introduce you to someone who is the very definition of Grace. She’s Sister Bridget Haase, the author of many spiritually uplifting books such as Generous Faith and Doors to the Sacred, both of which share stories of family and times in Sudan, Senegal, Mexico and Appalachia. Recipient of several awards, she has led retreats and parish missions nationwide and has ministered to everyone from paraplegics at the Boston Home to 3 and 4 year-olds in her role as “St. Storyteller.“ We are such close friends, her life energy has blessed me along with so many others. Enjoy a conversation with this remarkable new Orleans native!

Today I welcome artist, educator and marine advocate, Cindy Pease Roe, whose inspiration comes from her deep, abiding kinship with the sea to craft her unforgettable paintings and sculptures. Cindy incorporates a variety of media to capture the depth of her subjects. She deftly paints historic, and often endangered working waterfronts. But most importantly, she has garnered the interest of art lovers and environmentalists alike by collecting plastic debris and flotsam she finds along the shoreline and transforming them into thought-provoking, visually stimulating three-dimensional forms.

There is a national crisis of drug abuse and mental illness affecting our adolescent and young adult population. Meet two representatives from a new agency that is meeting the challenges head on. We present Clinical Director Brenna Fichter LISCW and Business Development Manager Caitlin Axelrod-McLeod with the recently opened Kiwi Recovery Center in Concord, Massachusetts. The focus is on the groundbreaking work done by these practitioners in empowering our kids, offering them a healthier pass to success.

Dr. Gary Simonds is a neurosurgeon who has spent decades savings lives in Level 1 trauma centers. He shares stories of what happens when doctors are pressured to make life saving decisions with no time to spare. His terrific new novel, “Death’s Pale Flag,” tells the story of an intrepid doctor, a brain surgeon and unlikely war hero , who in the midst of pushing himself to the extreme to help his patients, encounters what appear to be ghostly figures. Are they real or the result of his intense burnout. Strap in for a scintillating tale of medicine and the supernatural!

As founder and Chief Storyteller at GoZen!, Renee Jain is recognized as a pioneer in marrying technology and child psychology in a unique approach that nurtures the hearts and minds of kids. Through her writing, product invention and development, masterclasses for parents, and children’s advocacy, she works to build the emotional intelligence of kids. Tens of thousands of families and professionals testify to the unparalleled success of GoZen!’s programs. I’m honored to share details with you on this episode!

From “The Finest Hours,” to “A Storm Too Soon” best-selling author Michael J. Tougias has established himself as an expert on deep survival. He chronicles what he has learned from those who have challenged danger and death in his brilliant new book “Extreme Survival: Lessons from Those Who Have Triumphed Against All Odds.” Michael’s reporting and storytelling will motivate and inspire anyone facing a struggle.

Today, we talk with one of the top leadership consultants in the U.S. Jenna Fisher is committed to finding transformational leaders who can guide companies forward in a changing world. She has just authored a book entitled, “To The Top:How Women in Corporate Leadership Are Rewriting the Rules of Success.” Jenna points how the work world is changing and what skillsets people need to move forward!

Newly inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame, Donna Halper is pioneer in the industry. She has done it all from working as a popular on-air disc jockey to programming and consulting with top major market radio groups. She is also a broadcast historian, published author and college professor teaching communications to the next generation of broadcasters. Oh, as if that’s not enough, Donna was the host who spotted talent in a little rock band known as “Rush.” She helped launch thtem to super stardom map and they’ve remained close riends since the 1970’s.

Stona Fitch is a first-rate novelist with the kind of edge and wicked cool sense of humor that readers love. We’ll explore his latest book, “Death Watch,” a gripping satire about materialist culture and more. Dennis Lehane calls Fitch , “A terrific writer who knows how to spin a yarn with grit and confidence.” I have a strong feeling you’ll agree!

Meet a daring creative woman with an incredible story, Natasha Lance Rogoff. She is the author of “Muppets In Moscow: The Unexpected Crazy True Story of Making Sesame Street in Russia. “ Natasha was the American TV producer tasked with launching the public television show in the former Soviet Union. Amidst bombings, assassinations and a military takeover of the production office, she and the talented Moscow team of artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and puppeteers remained determined to bring laughter, learning and a new way of seeing the world to the children of Russia,, Ukraine and across the former Soviet empire.

Welcome to a conversation with novelist Katherine Sherbrooke whose new book “The Hidden Life of Aster Kelly,” rekindles the Golden Age of Hollywood in a stunning way. When a runway model in 1940s Hollywood makes a split-second decision intended to protect those she loves, she triggers a cascade of secrets that threatens to upend her daughter’s life decades later. Kathy based the book on a personal family story that has all the makings of a Hollywood melodrama. Great fun for fans of movies, Broadway and fine writing!

Carolyn Buck Luce is living a life filled with adventure and purpose and she is happy to share her good fortune with others! She is the author of “Epic: The Women’s Power Play Book” and is the creator of The Decade Game, a highly popular exercise puts the focus on what truly matters in our lives and how people can achieve happiness, fulfillment and success. Her most recent endeavor is as the co-designer and co-leader of the Remarkable Women’s Journey, a six-month intensive coaching program for some of the most remarkable women today in business, civic society and philanthropy.

Dr. Erica Muhl recently assumed the presidency of one of the world’s premier music schools, The Berklee College of Music in Boston. Erica is an accomplished conductor, composer, scholar, educator and administrator. In our conversation, hear her insights on music education, the need for music in all of our lives and the challenges facing students and all of us in the art community. Join us for an inside look at a world class institution of higher learning with the person now leading Berklee!

Meryl Frank is a highly respected diplomat and international leader on women’s issues and concerns of the world-wide Jewish community. Her new book is quite personable and impactful. It’s entitled “Unearthed: A Lost Actress, a Forbidden Book, and a Search for Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust.” It is a thrilling mystery woven into a beautifully constructed family memoir: Meryl Frank’s journey to seek the truth about a beloved and revolutionary cousin, a celebrated actress in Vilna before World War II, and to answer the question of how the next generation should honor the memory of the Holocaust.

Conversation is on today with one of America’s most celebrated playwrights and authors. Meet Ernest Thompson, Academy Award winner for his poignant work “On Golden Pond”. We talk with this celebrated actor, director and lyricist about his latest novel “The Book of Maps,” a brilliantly written tale of a father and son rediscovering their relationship on a cross country adventure. The book is sure to become a classic!

Check out today’s guest Steph Palermo, the hot blooded Sicilian with a heart of gold! Steph is the author of “It’s Not Personal, Sonny, It’s Business: How To Run Your Family, Life and Business Like a Sicilian”. Oh sure, delicious food and plenty of it is vital, but Steph shares her wisdom and understanding of life growing up in a Sicilian-American family, lessons on living happier, richer and more successful lives. And smiling all the way. All from the lady who put the “F.U.” back in fun!

Meet a charming woman who mentors many as a multi-faceted life coach. Bernadette Ridge hails from Ireland and now makes her home just outside of Boston. She is the co-author of several books in the Jan Fraser Inspired Life Series “The Book on Gratitude,” The Book on Joy,” and “The Book on Transformation.” She is all about empowering others with new -found energy and on today’s podcast with Bernadette’s help, you might just discover another pathway to happiness!

Meet a guy who has never been busier. Tom Furrier has had a lifelong love affair with the typewriter ( as had your affable host). He owns Cambridge Typewriter and spends his days fixing and restoring old classics while serving as a “typewriter matchmaker” for those who yearn for the clickety clack sound of the good old days. Key in on this one and you’re guaranteed to be entertained while learning a lot!

You’re bound to get a real kick out today’s guest! We’re talking all-things soccer with my pal Giovanni Pacini. He’s a highly skilled and respected soccer coach who knows all the ins and outs of the game. Giovanni hosts his own podcast and radio show on the subject and shares his thoughts on how and why the sports is growing in popularity here in the U.S.

Time to talk shop once again with another talented voice-over artist. Meet Texan Jeff Williams, an affable guy with a magnificent voice who started in the business only a few years back. Since then he has met with tremendous success, now heard on hundreds of commercials. I go “studio to studio” with Jeff for a wonderful conversation about his journey thus far and a bright future behind the microphone!

Meet an incredible young woman who is quite the entrepreneur. Collette DiVito was born in 1990 with Down Syndrome. A few years back, she began to bake her amazing cookies that friends and family members loved. Since then she has developed a thriving successful nation-wide cookie business, employing many people with disabilities. Collette also has a non-profit called Collettey’s Leadership, mentoring and inspiring others with disabilities. Meet Collette and her mom Rosemary and you’re guaranteed to get a hankering for those cookies!

The importance of trust is at an all-time high, just as our inclination to trust is at an all-time low. The perfect guest to address issues of trust is Ashley Reichheld, co-author of “The Four Factors of Trust: How Organizations Can Learn Lifelong Loyalty.” There are answers,trust me. Ashley has the answers!

Join us today for a fascinating look at a lesser known historical figure who played a key role in the leadership of the free world. But this person was never elected. Rather, she was the outspoken first lady to Woodrow Wilson who suffered a stroke and was impaired during his president. It was his wife who carefully controlled access to him and in essence helped run the White House. Meet historian/author Rebecca Boggs Roberts as we discuss her new book, “Untold Power: The Fascinating Rise and Complex Legacy of First Lady Edith Wilson.”

Meet the couple behind a vital humanitarian program helping war-torn victims in Ukraine. Natasha and Semyon Dukach created Cash for Refugees, a grassroots organization that has helped thousands of Ukrainians since the start of the war with direct cash payments. A small group of volunteers travels regularly to Ukraine making it clear that the people there are not alone and not forgotten. Unlike so many other well-meaning charities, there is very little red tape or overhead. Just direct assistance to innocent victims of war. It is a story worth sharing!

We welcome back one of our favorite creative dynamos, long time friend and colleague Roberto Mighty. Roberto is a busy TV producer and host with two exciting projects on PBS “World’s Greatest Cemeteries” and “Getting Dot Older.” You’re in for some history, mystery and lore with Roberto Mighty, a Renaissance filmmaker of the first order!

David Lubofsky is a creative technologist and former agency owner who is determined to ignite widespread, drastic change in human treatment across business. David is the epitome of southern kindness and has made it his mission to promote empathy, respect, creativity and fun in the workplace. We will talk about his wonderful book on the subject, “The Search for Work Happiness: Helping Leaders Keep Themselves and Their People Happy and Mentally Healthy,”

It all started in 1983 with a short slasher film for a college TV station that grew into a B slasher horror classic. Meet the two buddies, Mark Veau and Michael Savino, who gave birth to “The Attack of the Killer Refrigerator,” a film that has spawned sequels and rabid fandom among cult movie lovers. Mover over Ed Wood, these guys from Worcester Massachusetts know a little something about going Hollywood!

Meet a hot new acoustic duo, birthed in the vortex of Sedona, Arizona, featuring Kerri Leblang and Andrew Daniel Cates. They perform original music that excites the soul with songs about love, life and unity, celebrating the moments that truly matter right now. Kerri and Andrew perform a magic mix of Americana, Blues, Country, Soul and Pop, with a healthy dose of heart centered music medicine. Enjoy hearing their story and a bit of their music!

Acclaimed true-crime writer Ron Franscell is back, this time with a thrilling novel about a cold case murder, taken on by a retired homicide cop and a gang of his colorful old geezer friends. “Deaf Row” is a first class mystery replete with unforgettable characters and mind blowing twists. I loved “Deaf Row” and invite you to enjoy a return visit with NY Times best-selling author Ron Franscell!

In celebration of our 350th podcast, we welcome a beautiful young healer on a mission to spread great news about self-care and exercise. She’s Ioanna Diamantidou, a former pro-gymnast champion and Olympic athlete from northern Greece, who for the last fifteen years has been a sought after Pilates instructor and athletic trainer. Ioanna stresses the importance of movement and how Pilates helps improve health in many ways. Ioanna’s own story in competitive gymnastics is fascinating as well. One thing is certain, listening to this show will have you feeling better!

To quote our guest, “Music isn’t ABOUT inclusion. Music IS inclusion.” Meet Patti “Pidgie” Panzarino a true renaissance woman “on wheels.” Despite being born with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) she has overcome steep challenges to enjoy a full and successful life as a composer, singer and music producer. Pidgie has a new album, is about to go on tour and is quite an inspiration!

Dr. David Alfery is a retired cardiothoracic anesthesiologist from Nashville who personifies what it means to be a true healer. Dr. Alfery is a highly skilled clinician who offers insight into what really goes on in the life and death struggles in acute medical care settings. His book “Saving Grace: What Patients Teach Their Doctors about Life, Death, and the Balance in Between,” is by far the finest medical memoir I’ve ever read. I am honored to welcome him to the podcast and invite you to experience something special.

Today, we delve into true crime with the help of Bill Powers, former Commander of the State Police Detective Unit for the Middlesex County DA’s Office in Massachusetts. His riveting new book is an outstanding procedural entitled, “When the Smoke Cleared: A Murder Mystery in Malden,” and it’s a page turner! Follow an actual murder investigation from tracking down the suspect to the ultimate court case. All told from the perspective of an honored policeman, who with his dedicated team, worked tirelessly to bring about justice.

Conversation with creative people is what this podcast series is all about. You won’t find a more creative, fascinating or talented person anywhere than my guest Roger Kabler. He’s an actor, comedian, writer, impressionist as well as star and producer of a new film entitled, “Being Robin,” a love letter to the late Robin Williams. The film focuses on what Robin meant to Roger personally and how the gifts of Robin Williams impacted millions.

Erin Diehl and I are going to “riff” a bit and we invite you to come along for the ride! Erin’s mantra is “get comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Through a series of unrelated dares, founder Erin Diehl created improve it!, a unique professional development company that pushes others to laugh, learn, and grow. She and her team take a creative approach to help companies and individuals improve not only their performance but their daily lives. Ready to experience improv? You came to the right place!

Meet the former Harvard University Admin Assistant who built her empire selling sex toys. You heard right. There is a lot more to Kim Airs’ story and on today’s episode we explore the life and times of this self-described “badass” who has done a lot to change the way consenting adults think about sex. She is a big proponent of adding back fun and joy into relationships. Kim is an educator, reviewer and podcaster who has successfully taken on a male dominated industry with some incredible stories to share!

Meet Mona Dolgov – nutritionist, creative consultant, health advocate, author, publisher, teacher. Wow, does this lady wear many hats and she does so tastefully (and more to the point deliciously). She’s the author of several healthy meal cookbooks including her latest called, “Satisfry,” for air fryer enthusiasts. Join us as we talk about Mona’s passion for preparing scrumptious meals that are truly good for you!

Join me as I welcome my dear friend Brad Meltzer back for his annual On-Mic appearance. This time the NY Times best-selling author unveils his latest project, co- written with Josh Mensch entitled, “The Nazi Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Kill Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill.” Brad uncovers history and tells its story as well as anyone. As fellow historian Douglas Brinkley says about this new project, “Every page is mesmerizing and eye-opening. A must-read!”

“Put It Down on Paper: The Words and Life of Mary Folsom Blair, A Fifty-Year Search,” is the personal passion project of longtime newspaper man Phil Primack. Part coming of age story, part old-fashioned detective work on his part, Phil stumbles upon the journals and letters of a young woman born over a century ago. He then weaves together a fascinating biography of someone who might have been lost to history, a resilient woman named Mary Folsom Blair, who wrote eloquently about life, loss, love and more.

We invite you to meet a marvelous writer Henriette Lazaridis whose newest novel “Terra Nova” will transport you to a fascinating time and place. Her book is an immersive story of the race to the frigid South Pole at the turn on of the last century, while at the same time the struggle for women’s suffrage is underway in England. It’s a tale of adventure, complex relationships and major social change, told by a former Rhodes Scholar and master storyteller.