On Mic Podcast

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.

Mental illness is a serious worldwide problem with millions affected. Sadly, so many suffer in silence, fearing vulnerability and stigma. On today’s episode I team up once again with my good friend Larry Ruttman (a past guest here and host of his own podcast “A Life Lived Backwards”). We produced two pods on his platform about our respective encounters with depression. I thought it was worth producing a single ON MIC podcast to again share our individual stories of struggle , and more importantly, our paths to healing. If this motivates you or someone in need to seek help, then we will have accomplished something worthwhile. We are NOT dispensing medical advice, for that you should consult a qualified physician. What we are doing is as old as civilization itself; telling deeply personal stories that remind us we are all very much part of the human family.

On Mic takes to the road! We enjoyed a delightful two-week holiday in France recently and couldn’t help recording interviews with some fascinating people along the way. On today’s episode one of the most innovative restaurants in the world, a visit to the Champagne region, meeting up with a fellow podcaster at Radio France, the mayor of a picturesque French town that labored under the Nazis and a visit from Hitler, and a woman who has created a unique card game, certain to spark romance, so appropriate to play when in Paris!

Nick Gancitano is a best selling author, keynote speaker, private coach, soccer All-American, football National Champion, and Penn State University’s All-Time Most Accurate Place-Kicker. Over the last 25 years, he has mentored thousands globally who have attained personal and spiritual transformation under his guidance, including entrepreneurs, top athletes and coaches in virtually every sport. Enjoy a chat with Nick about his book and winning philosophy!

Daniel Ross has a voice that makes you smile. Correction…he has dozens of voices that elicit joy and laughter. Daniel is one of the nation’s top animation actors, and only the third person to be officially noted as the voice of Donald Duck. We’re very happy for Daniel winning an inaugural Children’s and Family Emmy Award for Outstanding Voice Performance in a Preschool Animated Program for his role as Donald Duck in “Mickey and Minnie Wish Upon a Christmas.” Let’s go behind the animation studio scenes with a talented guy who loves his work!

For an adoptee, developing a satisfying, healthy life often follows self-reflection, therapy, and peer support — processes well understood by author Lisa Coppola of “Voices Unheard: A Reflective Journal for Adult Adoptees.” Lisa is a mental health counselor with Boston Post Adoption Resources. She shares a bit of her own story of adoption and how the techniques offered in her journal are doing a lot to help other adult adoptees.

Today’s guest is one talented and very funny guy. He’s actor, writer, producer and sensational impressionist Jim Meskimen. Jim’s work is highly respected and loved. His ability to mimic politicians and actors will blow your mind. We talk about the art of voice-acting, “capturing” the voice and mannerisms of the famous for fun and profit. Check out Jim’s work on any number of social media platforms to see him in action!

Private investigator Elvis Cole and his enigmatic partner Joe Pike are back on the case in the new mystery/thriller “Racing the Light.” We are honored to have as our guest #1 New York Times bestselling author Robert Crais. Bob’s insights on developing crime fiction are fascinating. We’ll talk with him about his career in film and television and how he has maintained a super successful franchise with characters millions of readers love!

Meet Landon Beach, a top notch writer of mystery-thrillers, who is keeping readers up at night with his latest called, “Narrator.” A talented but struggling actor is kidnapped by obsessed fans who demand he narrate their audiobook or suffer rather dire consequences. It’s a psychological chiller of the first order and a look behind the scenes into the world of voice-over narration.

Meet a Boston character who defines the character of Boston. He’s Mark Duffield, former commercial fisherman, broadcaster and store owner in the world famous neighborhood of Beacon Hill. Mark has written a new, beautifully illustrated book that will kindle wistful thoughts of serendipity. The book is entitled “As I Recall: Wings of Remembrance, “ and it’s penned by a true gentleman, the unofficial Mayor Duffield of Boston!

Valerie June is a talented Grammy nominated musician from Tennessee who can do it all. She’s a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose sound encompasses a mix of blues, soul, country, gospel and more. She has published a delightful children’s book entitled, “Somebody to Love,” and is intent on using her artistry to make the world a better place. Infectious energy and a positive spirit define this talented rising star!

Poet and novelist Dianne C. Braley joins us to talk about her terrific book, “The Silence in the Sound.” Dianne has written a poignant coming of age story that should greatly impact any reader. Because sometimes escaping the past isn’t as easy as it seems. Meet this scrappy New England author who is also a registered nurse and full-time mom. Dianne’s life experiences make for terrific read in her debut novel.

Jeffrey Deaver is one of the world’s most popular novelists with a line of winning thrillers led by his Lincoln Rhyme Series. The New York Times bestselling master of suspense is back with a riveting thriller entitled “Hunting Time,” with reward seeker Colter Shaw plunging into the woods and racing the clock in a case where nothing is quite what it seems. We will talk about his love of the craft, creating tantalizing villains and Jeffrey’s fascinating turn at writing a James Bond novel. Jeffrey Deaver is a “00” for sure with a license to write!

In another of our live audience podcast tapings from the Millennium Tower in Boston, we welcome T.J. Winick, author of the new book, “Reputation Capital: How to Navigate Crises and Protect Your Greatest Asset.” T.J. is a long time colleague from his days as a TV reporter in Boston and the ABC Network. Currently he leads the crisis practice at Issues management Group, an award-winning strategic communications firm. There is no one better at this critical job than T.J. and you’re about to learn why!

Joining me for a live taping at the Millennium Tower in downtown Boston is the lovely Lisa Lewtan, author of “Busy, Stressed and Food Obsessed.” Lisa is a health and life coach with a common sense approach to recovering life balance and feeling empowered. Listen in for tips on how you can look and perform better, improving your physical, mental and spiritual states of being. Lisa’s delightful sense of humor and nurturing manor is guaranteed to inspire and make you smile!

He’s a real radio guy, a Hall- of- Famer who sailed to the top of the ratings for decades in Southern California, forging a lasting broadcast legacy with his talented partner. We talk shop and more with Mark Thompson, who has penned a terrific memoir about his life and times in and out of radio. It’s entitled, “ Don’t Bump the Record, Kid: My Adventures with Mark and Brian.” Enjoy a ride-along with this radio veteran and yours truly who has a few war stories to share as well!

Meet Cat Burkey, a creative apparel designer who is giving back in a unique and inspiring way. She has been a key catalyst in a project called “Double Take,” a first-of-its-kind fashion show, with start-to-finish SMA ( spinal muscular atrophy) community involvement, that aims to increase disability visibility, break down stereotypes and champion adaptive fashion. You’re about to hear how this incredible event took shape in the hope of launching a better future, where all are valued and no one is ignored.

John Koblin is a journalist who covers media for the New York Times. He is also the co-author of a fascinating new book on the story of HBO entitled, “It’s Not TV: The Spectacular Rise, Revolution, and Future of HBO.” Join us as we do a deep dive into the origins of Home Box Office and the state of television as a result.

She’s rock and roll royalty! Enjoy a conversation with legendary musician and composer Robin Lane. Robin is the subject of a new documentary entitled “When Things Go Wrong” and is famous for multiple hits with her group Robin Lane and the Chart Busters. She just cut a new album and has a non-profit organization that actively helps women and others suffering from trauma.

Rachel Silber Devlin has written the most in-depth biography or her late father, the towering figure John Silber. Her new memoir is entitled “Snapshots of My Father, John Silber,” and it tells the whole story of the man in Texas who overcame a physical handicap to become a leader in higher education. He was a complex public figure who provoked debate. But he was also a dedicated Dad and Husband to his devoted family. Rachel’s story is an eloquent account of an authentic man of principle who never backed down.

Meet Master Chef Giovanna Huyke, currently serving the most delicious Latin and Puerto Rican cuisine at a Boston area restaurant known as La Fabrica Central. Giovanna , dubbed The Julia Child of Puerto Rico, blazed a trail as the first female chef to host and co-produce the first TV cooking show on the island. She is helping us explore the wonders of Latin cuisine as she whest our appetites with endearing tales from the kitchen!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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!